Will there be a "white knight"?

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

A thought occurred to me this evening: what are the possibilities for a "white knight" or a group of 'em, coming in and making Aptera an offer they can't refuse? Could someone who cares about an uber-efficient vehicle, and has enough money to buy the entire company, then hand it back to the founders?

[SEGsby]

I'm sure Paul's had many previous offers from investors-- and turned them down, not wanting to part with the power or percentage of control over the company.

[aptera1213]

buffet comes to mind...

al gore or his group...

gates or jobs...but gates is busy with his charity work...and jobs has his health issues

you could try a group buy...speilburg, lucas, clooney, pitt, leno kinda thing...

[Sapphire Dragon]

As I've said before, I'm hoping that Subaru can come in and get this company. If not now, then they can get the company before it crashes and burns like Saleen... Once Wilbur bails, if he ever does, Aptera is up for free grabs. And I'm hoping that Subaru can understand this situation and help out... they would benefit from it (free grabs on an EV, something that they don't have yet) and of course we would benefit from it because the Aptera wouldn't be gone for good.

[KarenRei]

If Aptera goes bankrupt, I wouldn't be surprised to see someone come in and sweep up the wreckage. Lots of companies are playing catch-up and would like to purchase an "EV Program in a Box" at bargain-basement prices.

[rayfellow]

Originally Posted by KarenRei

If Aptera goes bankrupt, I wouldn't be surprised to see someone come in and sweep up the wreckage. Lots of companies are playing catch-up and would like to purchase an "EV Program in a Box" at bargain-basement prices.

I've spent considerable time in China. My anecdotal view of many Chinese products - auto and otherwise - is they start with a good existing product and copy it. China's got gobs of money, a bright and aggressive work force (factory workers make 1000 yuan - $170usd a month)... who knows, maybe one of the Chinese auto makers will jump on it.

Hmmm. This story is sooo far from over. I imagine many twists and turns along the way.

[JustWilliam]

Originally Posted by Sapphire Dragon

As I've said before, I'm hoping that Subaru can come in and get this company. If not now, then they can get the company before it crashes and burns like Saleen... Once Wilbur bails, if he ever does, Aptera is up for free grabs. And I'm hoping that Subaru can understand this situation and help out... they would benefit from it (free grabs on an EV, something that they don't have yet) and of course we would benefit from it because the Aptera wouldn't be gone for good.

You have suggested it before, and I must say I'm curious. Do you have a theory on why Subaru and Aptera would be a good match? Have you had a great experience with Subaru vehicles? I'm not trying to be critical, but the hypothetical tie-up of these companies doesn't "pencil out" due to a few major facts.

First is the fact that Subaru has had an EV program of their own for some time, and the Subaru Stella EV is now in production for the JDM. If you were not aware of this, simply google "subaru ev" and you'll see my point.

Second is that the Aptera design is the opposite of what "makes a Subaru a Subaru", and would be completely counter to their roots and design philosophy.

Third, Aptera has thus far been an entirely American enterprise, a testament to US innovation and design excellence. The idea that it would take a large Japanese Corporation's money or production facilities to make it a viable product runs counter to that very spirit of pride.

Finally there is the fact that Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru's parent company) is 16.5% owned by the automotive giant Toyota. They are jointly developing cars as we speak. And despite the fact that Toyota is capable of providing top of the line research and development, they are remarkably conservative when it comes to their products. Neither Subaru or Toyota would gain ANYTHING by assuming control of Aptera.

Please do not be offended- I am just a fellow Aptera fan curious about your posts. Can you elaborate on your hypothetical Subaru purchase and it's benefits to either company? I'm here to learn as well as comment, and I'd value your opinion and insight.

[Sapphire Dragon]

Originally Posted by JustWilliam

You have suggested it before, and I must say I'm curious. Do you have a theory on why Subaru and Aptera would be a good match? Have you had a great experience with Subaru vehicles? I'm not trying to be critical, but the hypothetical tie-up of these companies doesn't "pencil out" due to a few major facts.

First is the fact that Subaru has had an EV program of their own for some time, and the Subaru Stella EV is now in production for the JDM. If you were not aware of this, simply google "subaru ev" and you'll see my point.

Second is that the Aptera design is the opposite of what "makes a Subaru a Subaru", and would be completely counter to their roots and design philosophy.

Third, Aptera has thus far been an entirely American enterprise, a testament to US innovation and design excellence. The idea that it would take a large Japanese Corporation's money or production facilities to make it a viable product runs counter to that very spirit of pride.

Finally there is the fact that Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru's parent company) is 16.5% owned by the automotive giant Toyota. They are jointly developing cars as we speak. And despite the fact that Toyota is capable of providing top of the line research and development, they are remarkably conservative when it comes to their products. Neither Subaru or Toyota would gain ANYTHING by assuming control of Aptera.

Please do not be offended- I am just a fellow Aptera fan curious about your posts. Can you elaborate on your hypothetical Subaru purchase and it's benefits to either company? I'm here to learn as well as comment, and I'd value your opinion and insight.

My theory is that Subaru, being who they are and supporting eco-friendliness, would be the best people to buy Aptera other than Google because they would understand Aptera's purpose better than other auto companies. As we see, Wilbur is destroying the original design for the Aptera in favor of "mainstream" production. I felt that since Subaru has already made an effort towards eco-friendliness that wasn't just to coin in on the eco rush and make more money, they would see what Aptera's purpose is and be able to feel for Aptera, and see a good partnership in the making. And because of that, even be able to rehire the original top people (Fambro, Anthony, & etc) to continue the Aptera legacy the right way.

And I was not aware of a Subaru EV program up until now- that's why I had said they would get something they don't have right now. I apologize for that. I had searched in the past to see if Subaru was going to make EV's but I didn't find anything, so after a while of searching, I stopped.

True, it may run counter to that spirit and pride, however, I see it this way- What is the pride worth when the company is dead? This product deserves to shine, and if it means collaborating with a company of a foreign origin, I think it would be preferable to seeing Aptera disappear. However, if Google buys Aptera, this wouldn't be a problem. I do see that.

I think they would gain at least something by buying Aptera. They would gain a large number of people that would have otherwise bought the Aptera when it was its own company, bringing in much more money and an immediate EV instead of having to try to develop one as fast as possible. If nothing else, they could buy it and have it as a branch of their own company (Just as Subaru is a branch of Toyota, Aptera could be a branch of Subaru). I guess what I'm saying is that I think they could understand Aptera better than other auto companies because they seem to be in it for the environment, and not for their wallets only.

And I value your insight and opinion as well. I didn't know a few things before you stated them. That's what forum communities are for, to collaborate, talk, and learn.

[drivin98]

I think Google ought to swoop down and snatch this whole thing up and use it as a software development platform. Google has already tossed a few coins in the Aptera fountain so it's definitely on their radar and honestly, what vehicle out there says "Google" louder than the Aptera? None. None more louder.

[JimmyDreams]

Originally Posted by drivin98

I think Google ought to swoop down and snatch this whole thing up and use it as a software development platform. Google has already tossed a few coins in the Aptera fountain so it's definitely on their radar and honestly, what vehicle out there says "Google" louder than the Aptera? None. None more louder.

As long as they don't experiment with new packaging materials, I agree.

Seriously, that's a really interesting idea. At a San Diego showing, I overheard someone say "Look at everyone here with their iPhones taking pics, texting, etc. Ya know, if Apple made a car, THIS would be it."

A software development platform for mobile use....I like it!