SoylentNews is people
SoylentNews
Submission Preview
Nikola founder bought truck designs from third party
https://arstechnica.com/cars/2020/09/nikola-founder-bought-truck-designs-from-third-party/ [arstechnica.com]
The original design for Nikola’s flagship truck was purchased by founder Trevor Milton from a designer in Croatia, according to two people with knowledge of the matter, despite company claims in a 2018 lawsuit that the vehicle was initially designed by Mr. Milton “in his basement..”
The truck, the Nikola One, is at the centre of a $2 billion lawsuit with Tesla, in which Nikola alleges its rival infringed on its patents. Nikola claims in that lawsuit that Mr. Milton began designing the model in 2013, with other company staff later working on it.
In a rebuttal to the lawsuit filed last week, Tesla alleged that Nikola could not protect the designs because they did not originate from the company itself, but from Adriano Mudri, a designer based in Croatia.
The arstechnica article didn't include any links.
And Nikola's sub-contracture allegedly doesn't end with technology, as a Financial Times [ft.com] report alleges even Nikola's design for the hydrogen-powered One semi-truck was outsourced from Croatia.
Pay walled Financial Times report from the MSN article.
Previously:
Nikola Stock Plunges 26% after Fraud Claims Complicate Hydrogen Plans [soylentnews.org]
New Report Claims Widespread Deception by Nikola Motor and Founder Trevor Milton [soylentnews.org]
Nikola Motors Opening Reservations for Badger Electric Pickup Truck on June 27 [soylentnews.org]
Nikola Semi Startup Shines on Wall Street With $34BN Valuation [soylentnews.org]
At this point, Nikola's business plan seems to be resembling the movie "The Producers" business plan, more than anything.
