Here's a case study on that Coda store: AIGA | Case Study: CODA Experience Center It's pretty much the same concept as the GeorgeB Tesla stores. Of course, it helps to have a compelling product.
Just stumbled across this at http://dailybreeze.kaango.com/ad-db-2-11-notice-of-warehouse-lien-sale-please-take-notice-that-in-accordance-with-california-commercial/21594506:
Odd that it looks like they just stopped paying all their bills. I figure you should be able to tell that you're not going to be able to pay ahead of time, and then take action... plan for bankruptcy or whatever else can be done. Not just wait to get sued, the utilities to be shut off, and your stuff repossessed.
That's how a responsible company would work. But if you do file for bankruptcy and you're a startup, don't expect any more people to buy your cars. They probably just figured if they just stopped paying their bills they might be able to sell a few (one or two) more cars.
So I'm assuming these are the GE WattStations that Coda was giving as an incentive. They're available at Amazon for $900. GE WattStation Wall Mount - Level 2 EV Charger - 7.2kW, 30A : Amazon.com : Automotive So Coda has to pay $57K to recover $160K of value. They'd better get their act together.
Interesting article how Coda plays into local LA politics. Eric Garcetti's Solyndra: Mayoral Candidate Pushed $1 Million Deal to Lure Troubled Electric-Car Company - Los Angeles - News - The Informer
Coda's toast. They were two years too late to market. At least they made some cars but they can't compete against the LEAF and the other compliance cars.
http://www.codasiliconvalley.com/ is down but it's still listed at Locations | CODA Automotive. CODA Silicon Valley - CLOSED - Santa Clara, CA says the location's closed.
Saw one in the wild this week. Would not have known but it says CODA in large letters on the side. More obnoxious than the BMW E graphics.
Coda will be the next to bite the dust. In the whole EV startup race they came in third, Fisker 2nd, but after a few more months only Tesla will be left.
I test drove it at AltCar Expo last year (yes, I drove down to So Cal, mainly for the show). I was underwhelmed. Out of the BEVs, EREVs and FCVs I drove, it was the 2nd to worst and a far cry in refinement to the Leaf, Focus Electric and Rav4 EV. I haven't been in the area of that Silicon Valley dealership in ages, so I don't know if it's really closed. But, I don't see Coda listed at Del Grande Dealer Group | New Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Volkswagen, Fiat, Buick, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram dealership in San Jose, CA 95136 now.
I posted about a suit that was being filed against Coda at CA spends $3M on 6 EV Taxis - Page 2 awhile ago. I stumbled across one last night and another today... RLE International, Inc. et al v. CODA Automotive, Inc. :: Justia Dockets Filings CDH Detroit, Inc. v. CODA Automotive, Inc. :: Justia Dockets Filings I then realized you could search for ones that involve Coda at Cases filed matching "CODA Automotive, Inc" :: Justia Dockets Filings.
Coda files for Chapter 11: http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2013/05/01/business/01reuters-coda-chapter11.html?src=busln&_r=1&
Thought that would have happened a long time ago. Amazing they raised $300 million with a car that looked like that though. Still too bad.