Fisker Faces Troubles as Roadside Assistance Service Is Discontinued
Fisker, the electric vehicle manufacturer, is currently in talks with several companies regarding a potential takeover. However, no official deal has been announced yet, leaving the company’s future uncertain. Adding to their woes, Fisker recently informed owners of its only production model, the Ocean, that it would no longer provide roadside assistance services.
In May 2024, Fisker sent an email to its customers, stating, “We have an important update regarding our Roadside Assistance services that we want to share with you. Despite our best efforts, we regret to announce that Fisker Roadside Assistance is no longer available.” Concerned owners promptly shared screenshots of the email on Reddit, corroborating the news. A spokesperson from Fisker later confirmed this information in a statement to CarScoops, revealing that roadside assistance had also been discontinued in European markets.
Interestingly, despite the discontinuation of the service, Fisker’s website still provides details about roadside assistance. Previously, the plan offered coverage in all 50 states, 24 hours a day, and 365 days a year. The assistance was valid for six years or up to 60,000 miles after the sale date, with coverage extending to mechanical issues, power loss, flat tires, and lockouts. However, it must be noted that Fisker reserved the right to modify or discontinue specific roadside assistance benefits without any advance notice or refund to the vehicle owners.
These recent developments come amidst Fisker’s widely reported financial problems. However, the company remains optimistic about its future. In fact, in May 2024, they expanded their American dealer network by adding three new stores: Newport Fisker in Orange County, Fisker of San Jose, and Belford Fisker in New Jersey. The primary goal of these additional outlets is to facilitate the liquidation of Fisker’s remaining 2023 inventory, which had undergone significant price reductions earlier in 2024.
Despite the brand’s efforts to recover, reports have emerged suggesting that Fisker may implement company-wide layoffs, commencing as early as June 28, 2024. This potential downsizing raises concerns about the stability of the company and its ability to navigate through its current financial challenges successfully.
In conclusion, Fisker finds itself in a complex situation. While exploring potential takeovers, the discontinuation of its roadside assistance services adds to the issues the company faces. Moreover, their plans to boost sales by expanding their dealer network and offering price reductions on older models are overshadowed by the impending possibility of employee layoffs. The road ahead remains uncertain for Fisker as it attempts to find stable ground in an evolving and competitive electric vehicle market.
