Writing on Wired's Autopia blog Daryl Siry is reporting (on Nov 15) that over the weekend a management shakeup occurred at Aptera resulting in the ouster of two company founders and the firing of many people. The move is apparently aimed at preserving capital, slow down the burn rate while waiting for approval for an expected DoE loan. Clearly when a company ousts senior management there is likely another story about strategic or tactical disagreements, as Siry's article describes. Daryl Siry is the former marketing chief at Tesla with years of experience in the entrepreneurial startup company climate. His reporting appears to be based on discussion with sources inside Aptera and tracking chatter on a discussion forum. His report at this time cannot be independently verified and Aptera has not made an announcement of their own.
That's the opening paragraph of the current draft of article I'm about to post on examiner.com ... sources:
Aptera Founders Ousted in Boardroom Showdown
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/11/aptera-founders-ousted-in-boardroom-showdown/
More on the trouble at Aptera, cash may be running out
http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/more-on-the-trouble-at-aptera-cash-may-be-running-out/
Aptera Founders Ousted in Showdown With Auto Vets: Report
http://earth2tech.com/2009/11/16/aptera-founders-ousted-in-showdown-with-auto-vets-report/
I've published my report: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-14333-Green-Transportation-Examiner~y2009m11d16-Apparent-management-shakeup-at-Aptera-founder...
Aptera did not reply to my request for verification. There is a Popular Mechanics report claiming that the Aptera founders were not ousted but in any case that several people have been "let go". Either way it's clear Aptera is having some financial problems.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4337060.html?nav=RSS20&src=syn&dom=yah_buzz&mag=pop
- David Herron, The Long Tail Pipe, davidherron.com, 7gen.com, What is Reiki