Patak Rodster (source: Marek Cepa)
Patak Motors – the Slovak start-up behind the distinctive Rodster electric car – is under mounting pressure as unpaid rent, legal disputes and production delays cloud its future.
The story, first reported by Slovak daily Sme, comes as the firm’s long-promised manufacturing launch in the town of Fiľakovo remains indefinitely postponed – despite strong media attention and substantial public support.
The Rodster – a compact city car styled after 1930s motoring icons – drew acclaim in 2023 when it won a national design award and featured on a prime-time investor show. Patak claims to have received over 200 pre-orders for the vehicle, which starts at €21,900 and is offered in both electric and petrol versions.
But more than a year after announcing a partnership with local authorities, the company has yet to begin production. The Banská Bystrica regional government and the Fiľakovo municipality invested over €400,000 to prepare a new industrial hall for Patak Motors Production, with the expectation of creating at least 36 jobs in a region with high unemployment.
Missed payments and broken promises
Now, Fiľakovo town council is preparing to cancel its lease agreement with the firm. Officials say Patak Motors has failed to meet contractual obligations, including rent payments of €7,800 per month – with interest penalties and the right of termination after 30 days of non-payment.
“All necessary technologies appear to be installed, but the facility remains idle,” said town spokesperson Klaudia Mikuš Kovácsová. The town has also reported rental arrears and lack of response to multiple formal warnings.
Adding to the company’s troubles, a court in Banská Bystrica authorised a debt collection order in March in favour of a supplier of biometric locks. In June, the firm pledged four pieces of industrial equipment – including laser cutting and robotic welding machines – as collateral for a €500,000 loan backed by the Transport Ministry under an EU-funded project.
Corporate reshuffle and uncertain outlook
Based in Bratislava, the company is led by Rodster designer Andrej Hulala. In March 2025, control was transferred to a newly formed holding company – Patak Motors Holding – managed by lawyer Tomáš Záhradník. Both the production and original entities are now facing enforcement actions and collectively owe more than €20,000 to state insurance providers.
In a post-publication statement, Hulala confirmed talks with Fiľakovo are ongoing and blamed payment delays on disrupted financing. He criticised the lack of domestic investment support, noting that “significant incentives are granted to foreign carmakers, while local projects are left behind”.
Despite these challenges, the company’s website remains live, inviting visitors to “build your Rodster”. The latest update – dated October 2023 – links to a Czech media test drive under the headline: “Joy to the bone – the Slovak toy turns even a commute into an experience.”
For now, that joy remains theoretical.
