This iconic German brand has graced everything from high-performance sports cars of the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s to the most competitive racing circuits. But, BBS has just declared insolvency for the second time in a year. Yes, you read that right.

This marks the fifth bankruptcy for BBS in 17 years, with previous filings in 2007, 2011, 2020, and 2023. Clearly, bad luck alone isn’t to blame. Patterns and pitfalls have trapped this storied brand in a cycle of financial instability.

One glaring issue has been BBS’s struggle to keep up with market trends. They’ve got a treasure trove of iconic wheel designs like the RSII and RK, which have seen a resurgence in demand.

Yet, instead of capitalising on this nostalgia, BBS ventured into niche projects like BBS Unlimited, a customisable wheel design with an unusual 5×117.5 mm bolt pattern requiring special adapters. While innovative, it didn’t quite solve an existing problem.

Ownership changes have further complicated matters. Since 2007, BBS has been passed around like a hot potato among various private equity firms, each trying to turn a quick profit. Punch International took over in 2007, but BBS declared insolvency again by 2011.

In 2012, the motorsports division went to Japan’s Ono-Group, while the road wheel operations went to Austrian firm Tyrol Equity AG. Fast forward to 2015, and Korean investment group NICE Corp. took the reins, only for BBS to file for insolvency again in 2020.

KW Automotive, a powerhouse in aftermarket suspension, acquired BBS in 2021 with high hopes. Klaus Wohlfarth, KW’s managing director, expressed optimism about revitalising the brand with strategic expansions and investments.

However, by November 2023, BBS Autotechnik GmbH was back in financial trouble. Rising energy costs and inflation-driven price increases took their toll, leading to another insolvency filing. This time, Turkish ISH Holding stepped in, but a trademark dispute with KW Automotive complicated matters, leaving employees unpaid and operations in limbo.

Despite these setbacks, there’s still hope for BBS. The brand’s strength lies in its legacy and iconic designs. With the right funding, strategic product development, and a dedicated team, BBS could still make a remarkable comeback.

For now, BBS enthusiasts can still find wheels on shelves, and operations continue in some capacity. Automakers, however, might face disruptions if just-in-time delivery practices are affected.

Operations at BBS USA and Japan remain unaffected too. The USA side assures customers that their supply of forged products from Japan is steady and even ramping up to meet demand. So, if you’re eyeing a set of E88s, RS-GTs, or LMs, rest easy, your forged wheels are on their way.

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Dubbed ‘Heart on Wheels’, this is Food from the Heart’s 20th-anniversary food donation drive, which will see food being donated to less-privileged individuals and families. These are demographics with an average per capita income of below $690 per month.

In 2019, Food from the Heart helped 44,600 beneficiaries. This assistance has since ballooned to more than 60,00 beneficiaries with food support throughout Singapore, an impressive 34% increase since pre-COVID. 

Here is the list of food items requested for Heart on Wheels 2023: 

• Rice (2 & 5kg bags)
• Cooking oil (1-litre bottles)
• Instant noodles
• Canned food (Items such as sardines, tuna, curry chicken, soups)
• Coffee, tea and Milo sachets
• Oat, cereal, biscuit and bread spreads

*Do note that items should be at least three months away from their expiry dates

Join The Community

If you would like to make a difference, here are three ways you can help:

1. Drive-Thru to Donate

Head on down to Wearnes, located at 45 Leng Kee Rd Singapore 159103, on Saturday and Sunday, 4th and 5th March 2023 with your food donations. Drivers can enjoy a complimentary tyre shine throughout the event.

Plus, the first 100 cars each day will receive a complimentary treat sponsored by McDonald’s Singapore!

2. Order Food From Your Preferred Online Grocer to Donate

Alternatively, you may also order food items on our wish list from your preferred online grocer and arrange delivery directly to the event venue on 4th and 5th March 2023, 9am – 6pm.

Volunteers and team members will be on hand to receive, sort and record the food items donated.

3. Cash Donations Are Welcomed Too

Cash donations are accepted too for this donation drive, and this Giving.sg campaign will be matched dollar-to-dollar by Tote Board.

Do not worry, this will be a safe and seamless way to help needy families with food support. Plus, cash donations to an IPC charity approved by the Commissioner of Charities, such as Food from the Heart, are eligible for a 250% tax deduction.

For more information and for the full requested food list, you can check out Food from the Heart’s website here.

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