Hoonigan’s recent bankruptcy filing has sent a few ripples through the automotive industry, and it’s got a few folks wondering how it might play out down here in Australia. If you’re into 4X4s or any automotive shenanigans, you’ll probably recognise the Hoonigan name. Founded by the late rally legend Ken Block, it’s a brand that has been part content powerhouse and part lifestyle brand, known for its big stunts and even bigger personality. But with a whopping $1.2 billion in debt and a massive restructure underway, the future of Hoonigan—and some of its related brands—is up in the air.
Now, for us down under, the big bit of news is that 4 Wheel Parts (4WP) is being sold to ORW, a U.S. affiliate of Aussie off-road legend ARB. That’s right, ARB is stepping in to pick up the 4WP retail stores and e-commerce sites, which could mean a lot more options for us when it comes to getting our hands on aftermarket gear. ARB already has a strong presence here, but this move might just make it easier for Aussies to access a bigger range of parts from 4WP’s massive catalogue.
But, there’s a flip side too. Hoonigan’s selling off other brands as part of the restructure, like Poison Spyder, a big name in off-road armour. With the company focused on cutting down debt, there’s every chance some of the smaller, niche brands could either shut down or shrink, which could mean fewer options for us when it comes to aftermarket upgrades.
Hoonigan isn’t disappearing completely, though. They’re planning to stick around with their core products like wheels, suspension, and lighting, and they’re hoping the bankruptcy will help them come out stronger on the other side. But the Hoonigan that so many fans loved—the one that lived on YouTube with wild stunts and Ken Block’s legendary Gymkhana videos—probably won’t be making a comeback. The company is pivoting to focus more on products and less on the high-octane, personality-driven content that made them so popular.
So, what does this mean for the Aussie 4X4 scene? Well, on one hand, ARB’s involvement could bring more competition into the market and make it easier to find parts that were a bit harder to get before. On the other hand, if more of the smaller Hoonigan brands go under, we could see a bit of a shake-up in the availability of certain products, especially in niche areas.
At the end of the day, it’s too early to know exactly how it’ll all shake out. It could mean more options for us, or we could see some brands disappear entirely. Either way, it’s worth keeping an eye on how things unfold, especially if you’re looking to kit out your rig for your next off-road adventure.
We’ll be watching this one closely to see what it means for the 4X4 community here in Australia—whether it’s a win for aftermarket parts or a bit of a loss, time will tell.
