French autonomous vehicle manufacturer EasyMile was declared bankrupt at the end of July, according to a document from the Toulouse commercial court seen by AFP, confirming information from Les Echos on Thursday.
Founded in 2014, the company makes self-driving shuttles used for public transportation, as well as for towing luggage at airports or handling in factories.
EasyMile had reported losses of €27 million in 2022, the last year for which results were published. Its turnover then amounted to almost €11 million, almost €4 million less than in 2019.
Continuation plan
According to Les Echos, management has indicated that it is developing a continuation plan with the support of existing shareholders.
The company had raised funds several times, notably from public bank Bpifrance in 2017 and 2018.
In 2022, operator Transdev decided to end a trial of EasyMile’s autonomous shuttles for public transport in Eure, arguing that “the conditions for allowing the public to be received in complete safety” were not met.
This did not prevent EasyMile from signing a contract worth 4 million euros in October of the same year to operate autonomous shuttles for ten years at the Center Parcs holiday park in Terhills, Belgium.
Contacted by AFP, EasyMile did not immediately respond.
Source: BFM TV
