123-Transporter filed for insolvency
Creditors are being offered a quota of 20 percent within two years, the company announced. Thousands of complaints regarding debits have been received by the Chamber of Labor (AK), and the judiciary is investigating following reports.
123-Transporter provided IT infrastructure and platform technology for the handling of car sharing and rental, the 419 transporters used in Austria were provided by a partner, it was stated. The insolvency was justified as follows: "The exclusive fleet partner has withdrawn almost all vehicles from the system in breach of contract, both systemically and physically, without warning. This abruptly made the business basis of the company in Austria impossible, as vehicle rental was no longer possible." Furthermore, the management of 123 Shared Mobility GmbH explained: "We are working intensively on a solution for the future, as the business operation in Austria cannot currently be continued in its previous form due to recent events."
Deposit Refund Claims in the Millions
According to Creditreform, about 70 creditors and "a multitude of customers," who also have claims from deposit refund claims, are affected by the insolvency. Currently, five employees are employed in the company. The liabilities amount to around 4.7 million euros. "The majority of this results from deposit refund claims from customers," the creditor protection association reported. According to Wirtschaftscompass, the company already had negative equity of around 640,000 euros at the end of 2023.
Numerous affected individuals have reported to the AK in recent years. The AK Upper Austria, for example, recorded more than 3,300 complaints about 123-Transporter this year, more than 850 of which were in September alone. Customers had amounts such as deposits and contractual penalties, for example, due to speeding or smoking in the vehicle, debited. The AK Upper Austria recommended on Monday to request the reversal of the amounts from the payment service provider, i.e., the provider of the credit or debit card. A sample letter is available for download online. Affected individuals can register their claims in the insolvency proceedings, said Christiane Denkmaier from the consumer protection of the AK Upper Austria upon request. A court fee of 31 euros will be charged for this. Consumers should therefore consider whether it is worthwhile to register a claim, also depending on the quota.
Business Activities in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary Not Affected
The business activities in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary are legally autonomous, the company announced: "These foreign markets are independent licensees and therefore continue to operate without restrictions. The countries are not affected by the developments in Austria."
The public prosecutor's office in Wiener Neustadt is investigating the managing director of 123 Shared Mobility GmbH for serious commercial fraud and embezzlement. Recently, according to media reports, the DIY chains Obi and Hornbach have declared that they will end their cooperation with 123-Transporter.
(APA/Red)
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