Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Government/Legal, Green
Tesla files suit against Fisker Automotive
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Apr 15th 2008 at 10:28AM 
As we recently reported, rumors have been swirling regarding Henrik Fisker's involvement with Tesla Motors and its upcoming electric sedan prototype known as the WhiteStar. As is often the case, there's apparently some truth to the scuttlebutt, as Tesla has filed a lawsuit claiming that Fisker Automotive is using stolen design ideas from Tesla sourced when Fisker Coachbuild was employed by the young EV automaker for the styling of its sedan.
According to Tesla chairman Elon Musk, "We could not use the Fisker styling. The styling was substandard compared to what he unveiled for his product. He gave us an inferior work product, and it's obvious why." In the process of working for Tesla, the lawsuit contends that Henrik Fisker and a few of his associates stole design ideas and confidential information related to the design of hybrid and electric cars. Fisker has since announced his upcoming Karma hybrid-electric sedan. Tesla seeks to have Fisker Automotive stop using any design ideas garnered from its relationship with Tesla, and any money paid to Fisker Coachbuild returned along with other unspecified damages.
Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster
Gallery: Fisker Karma
[Source: The New York Times]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
tankd0g 10:35AM (4/15/2008)
Finally, Tesla found a way to turn a profit fromt hsi whole electric car thing...the RIAA business model.
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Calvin Azzola 10:36AM (4/15/2008)
In other news, GM produces the first viable PHEV for the masses as Tesla and Fisker file chapter 11 due to mounting legal fees.
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User 12:44PM (4/15/2008)
I'm going to attack this from a business perspective. (Not from an car maniac perspective.) So those of you who don't like business and those of you who are primarily consumers/brand loyalists shouldn't read... You won't like what you'll hear.
Us economists out there see Tesla as the "new hope" for an American car company. The opposite brand loyalty surrounding GM and Ford is astonishing. Tesla is a fresh start. From an economics point of view, I am hoping that Tesla will expand, employ Americans, and inflate our GDP.
Tesla's business model is exemplary. They are starting with the Roadster and moving their way "down." Many economists see GM and Ford as jokes... They're never thinking toward the future. And us conservative economists see them as deterrents to our economy. (Our government bailing them out is absurd. They have to learn how to make and market products people will buy instead of complaining and looking to the government for help.)
Tesla is an American dream company in the automobile industry. It's strange how so many people are almost wishing that they'll fail in the hopes that GM's products will prevail. The odds are against those people's hopes. GM didn't turn their business model around in the late 60's for the 70's, they didn't change it around in the late 70's for the 80's, and not in the late 80's for the 90's. Now GM is trying hard to make people think that they're prepared for the future but have yet to show that they are authentically ready for the very long-run. Seriously, what makes you think that this struggling company will magically turn themselves around in the EV generation of vehicles?
why not the LS2LS7? 1:31PM (4/15/2008)
User:
That's quite a chip you have on your shoulder.
Toy Yoda 1:58PM (4/15/2008)
Yeah, I don't know that many economists who have an interest in fanboy squabbles. Perhaps its the economists from the diploma mill schools.
tom 10:37AM (4/15/2008)
When is Tesla gonna be Sued by Lotus for Stealing the Elise Design. And when are the Chineese/Geely going to be sued for stealing everyone elses Designs...?
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rar 10:43AM (4/15/2008)
Don't they buy the bodys from Lotus?
Seminole 11:17AM (4/15/2008)
Tesla actually contracted with Lotus to use the Elise body. Lotus even stretches the frame for them a few more inches so it can accommodate the batter packs.
User 12:48PM (4/15/2008)
No, Tesla and Lotus work in an active partnership. (Read: commission and benefits.) Lotus works hard for Tesla in order to gain a strong partnership with the company. Lotus sees the potential in Tesla.
Fisker, on the other hand, was contracted to do work for Tesla. (Read: no commission worth mentioning.) While doing that work they stole Tesla technology, sold Tesla an inferior product, and then attempted to market the product that they "should have" (and previously intended to have) sold to Tesla.
Simplified, Lotus works with Tesla for their own good. Fisker worked with Tesla for its own good. That is NOT how American business practices work. That is how Chinese business practices work.
User 12:51PM (4/15/2008)
So according to your question... Tesla should be sued by Lotus because they are in a partnership with Lotus and Lotus designed Tesla's body and chassis for them under commission and pay?
tom 11:09AM (4/15/2008)
Good question
I have not heard that though
Dave T. 10:45AM (4/15/2008)
Yes they have a deal with Lotus.
It doesn't matter. neither of these companies will get off the ground to make any real dent in the industry. Nor change the energy infrastructure. They're just building niche green vehicles for the wealthy. That won't change how america commutes.
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Toy Yoda 2:04PM (4/15/2008)
Yeah, but as I have read, automobiles were play things of the rich too.
Just as space travel is too, just as plasma screens and lcd screens were, etc, etc,...
Soccer Mom 10:55AM (4/15/2008)
What a joke. With all due respect to Tesla's achievement, it is not the prettiest car on the road. It is rather plain and forgettable.
Fisker cars, on the other hand, are unique, beautiful and easily recognizable vehicles. To claim that Fisker, a guy who's been producing most influential designs for decades, stole ideas from absolutely unoriginal car is just ridiculous.
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sledge 11:08AM (4/15/2008)
I think what they are saying is that Tesla paid Fisker for
sledge 11:13AM (4/15/2008)
I think what they are saying is that Fisker was paid to design the body of the Tesla sedan. During that process Fisker stole the designs of the electrical drivetrain etc and then gave Tesla a sub-standard body design.
Next, Fisker went out and announced that he was making a electric sedan AND showed a design that was better than the one he gave Tesla. So Tesla is contending that Fisker intentionally gave a sub-standard design to make sure his own product looked better in comparison.
FSM 10:56AM (4/15/2008)
I really love the Fisker design over the Tesla, and Tesla may have a case here. How would you feel if you hired someone only to find out they were going to compete with you and had a similar but superior design? Although if the contract between the 2 companies didn't have a no compete clause than Tesla may be in trouble.
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Brandon 3:45PM (4/15/2008)
I like the Fisker design to and you never know that could become the next best thing.
Manly no one really is coming out with anything it's all the same old same old .
Todd 11:00AM (4/15/2008)
Man, those two better snap out of it. They have the opportunity to be first to market with a revolutionary product ( electric cars that people actually want ) and make billions...be petty now will just open the door for someone else.
Flashback: IBM gets into a law suit frenzy with Compaq, while Microsoft quietly intentionally under develops OS2 ( IBM;s operating system ) and releases Windows.
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Blake 11:49AM (4/15/2008)
Fisker Karma. Doesn't really roll off of the tongue, but that's a sexy automobile...er, electromoblie.
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