Electric car brand ‘on brink of collapse’ with ‘all assets frozen’ – months after suing British EV firm
AN ELECTRIC car brand is on the “brink of collapse” with “all assets frozen” after suing another EV firm.
The start-up is recognisable for its big blocky motors, but they may be on their way out.
Michigan-based manufacturer, Bollinger Motors, was founded in 2014 and quickly gained traction.
Its chunky B1 SUV and B2 pickup truck showcased minimalist designs and robust features – and both were completely electric.
The company’s founder and former CEO Robert Bollinger filed a lawsuit in March, in which he claimed he was owed an eyewatering $10 million.
Robert had taken a step back from the company in June 2024, handing over the reins to California-based company Mullen Automotive Inc.
According to Robert’s lawsuit, he issued a $10 million loan to the company which required periodic interest payments.
He is now claiming that those payment terms haven’t been met.
According to Automotive News, the former CEO had requested that the company would be placed into receivership to secure all of its assets – which were used as collateral for the loan.
On May 7, that request was granted.
However, this means that Bollinger Motor’s assets – including an unknown number of B4 trucks – are frozen.
The legal storm didn’t just stop with Robert Bollinger’s lawsuit and at least two other suppliers have also taken Bollinger Motors to court, alleging unpaid bills and broken contracts.
Now Bollinger Motors is now under the control of a court-appointed receiver.
This receiver has a tight 30-day window to come up with a plan to pay off the company’s debts.
If the money isn’t transferred over, then according to Motor1.com, it could seal the fate of the startup.
Bollinger Motors President and CEO Bryan Chambers told Motor1: “We can’t comment on the outcome of the court case at this time.
“During this period, we are focused on moving forward and remain committed to bringing our customers a world-class vehicle, and we remain optimistic about our future and the impact we will have on the commercial vehicle market.
“We continue to work with our dealers to sell and service the Bollinger B4.
“We have temporarily paused production as we adjust to current market conditions and plan for Model Year 2026 production.”
This isn’t the only battle Bollinger Motors has been in.
Previously, the EV company battled Scottish electric car maker Munro Vehicles after it launched its off-roader in December 2023.
Bollinger alleged that the Munro MK-1 is too similar to designs for vehicles they intended to launch and accused Munro of trademark and patent infringement.
They also claimed that Munro’s designer Ross Compton – who formerly worked with Bollinger – violated a nondisclosure agreement by referring to confidential Bollinger files, with Munro’s awareness, while designing Munro products.
Munro said they will “robustly defend” their position and insist their electric vehicle has an “unique design.”
Bollinger Motors sought a preliminary and permanent injunction to prevent Munro from, as it sees it, infringing on Bollinger’s trademark designs, and for Munro to immediately cease using direct and indirect knowledge of Bollinger’s designs for professional gain.
The company also sought reimbursement of all fees related to the lawsuit, profits relating to the vehicle in question and a judgment of damages.
As of now, the legal proceedings are ongoing, with both parties preparing to present their cases in court.
Bryan Chambers, President and CEO of Bollinger Motors, said: “We can’t comment on the outcome of the court case at this time.
“During this period, we are focused on moving forward and remain committed to bringing our customers a world-class vehicle, and we remain optimistic about our future and the impact we will have on the commercial vehicle market.
“During receivership we are still selling and delivering trucks to customers.”