In 2020, Henrik Fisker benefited from the Covid-19 pandemic-induced stock market amnesia, as investors forgot the challenges of starting a car company. This allowed Fisker to secure a $1 billion cash injection through a merger with a SPAC sponsored by private equity giant Apollo, and a partnership with Canadian auto-parts manufacturer Magna.
Fisker faced production issues with Magna in Austria, including faulty software, quality control problems, and delays in production. These issues led to a halt in Ocean SUV production and a revenue loss of $400 million for Magna1. Fisker's asset-light business model, which relied on outsourcing manufacturing to Magna, contributed to these problems and made it difficult for the company to address them effectively.
Fisker's initial financial strategy with SPACs involved merging with a SPAC sponsored by private equity giant Apollo, in a deal that would leave the car company with roughly $1 billion in cash. This strategy allowed Fisker to bypass the traditional IPO process and gain access to capital more quickly.