Autoblog Fisker http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Fisker http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Fisker Karma prices tanking on used market]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/fisker-karma-prices-tanking-on-used-market/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/fisker-karma-prices-tanking-on-used-market/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/fisker-karma-prices-tanking-on-used-market/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Fisker Karma listings on eBay Motors

Buying into a new, fledgling automaker is always a big risk - the early-adopter upside has the potential to be great, but the downside can look like the mother of all hangovers. Unsurprisingly, that's the unpleasant financial reality facing Fisker Karma owners as they look to unload their extended-range electric sedans while the company's future bleakens.

We've been keeping tabs on used Karma prices on eBay Motors and other websites for some time now, and there's been a steady stream of the voluptuous sedans on offer since not long after they first became available. Early on, we initially chalked that up to speculators, but moved on to imagining disgruntled owners as more and more mechanical and electrical problems were brought to light. Now, however, there's a bumper crop of Fisker models on the used market, with NBC News and Business Insider reporting that pre-owned examples are trading for under half their six-digit MSRPs just one year ago. Around 2,500 Karmas were made, and eBay Motors is playing host to 26 of them alone as this piece is being written. Scan over to AOL Autos' listings, and there are 126 entries.

For its part, the embattled startup has yet to declare bankruptcy, but it has laid off most of its employees and hired experts in the field suggesting they will soon. What's more, officials are looking to to recover as much of the $192 million in federal loans the company received, and despite some potential suitors sniffing around, no buyer for the company has emerged. No surprise, then, that Karma owners are looking to unload their models, likely fearing not only for their vehicles' resale values, but also the continued availability of parts and service.

Question: If Karma prices continue to crater apace, how soon until shadetree mechanics follow the lead of Bob Lutz's VL Automotive Destino, which bins the Fisker's complex plug-in hybrid powertrain in favor of the supercharged LS9 V8 from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1?

Fisker Karma prices tanking on used market originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 fisker karmaebay motorsfiskerfisker karma Fri, 17 May 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572609/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572609/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/fisker-karma-prices-tanking-on-used-market/20572609/article-detail.xml 20572609 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fisker-karmas-on-ebay_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fisker-karmas-on-ebay.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker-based Destino still in the works, hundreds of Karma owners seek conversion]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

VL Productions Destino

Wards Auto reports the VL Productions Destino is still moving forward. As you may recall, that machine takes a Fisker Karma hybrid, guts the drivetrain and replaces it with a honking 556 horsepower V8 from General Motors. Bob Lutz, while speaking with Wards, confirmed that VL Productions had obtained 20 Karma "gliders" without a battery, engine or electric motor, and that VL may purchase Karma hybrids from dealers currently looking to dump their inventory. Lutz also says that hundreds of current Karma owners have approached VL Productions about the possibility of converting their hybrids to V8 power.

That conversion could cost between $85,000 and $95,000. Right now, VL has around 100 orders for standard Destino models, each with a price tag of $185,000. Not surprisingly, much of that demand has come from the Middle East. Wards reports that the first wave of deliveries are set to begin in the third quarter of this year. Buyers can expect to find a 6.2-liter, supercharged V8 engine lifted from the Cadillac CTS-V under the hood, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Fisker-based Destino still in the works, hundreds of Karma owners seek conversion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bob lutzdestinofiskerfisker karmavl productions destino Mon, 06 May 2013 09:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558418/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558418/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/20558418/article-detail.xml 20558418 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vl-destino-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vl-destino-628.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #328]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/autoblog-podcast-328/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/autoblog-podcast-328/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/autoblog-podcast-328/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Autoblog long-term garage update, Fisker, Mini possibly dropping models, Detroit Electric, BMW X4

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Episode #328 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Steven Ewing talk about the Autoblog Long-Term Garage, Fisker's troubles, Mini possibly shrinking its future product line, the reveal of the Detroit Electric SP:01, and the reveal of the BMW X4. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Our Q&A module went AWOL for the podcast, so we threw in some juicy tidbits about Dan buying a car and teased Zach's progress on Project Ugly Horse. Thanks for listening!


Autoblog Podcast #328:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Kia Optima SXL
2013 Acura ILX Hybrid
2013 Subaru WRX
2014 Mazda6


Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Steven Ewing

Runtime: 01:29:30

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #328

Autoblog Podcast #328 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> acura ilx hybridautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 328bmw x4detroit electricfeaturedfiskerhyundai velosterkia optimalong term garagemazda6nissan pathfinderpodcastpodcast 328subaru wrx Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:45:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #328Autoblog01:29:30 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20535374/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20535374/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/09/autoblog-podcast-328/20535374/article-detail.xml 20535374 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker could file Chapter 11 as soon as this week]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/fisker-could-file-chapter-11-as-soon-as-this-week/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/fisker-could-file-chapter-11-as-soon-as-this-week/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/fisker-could-file-chapter-11-as-soon-as-this-week/#comments Filed under: , ,

Fisker emblem

Fisker Automotive looks to be headed towards bankruptcy protection. Automotive News reports the automaker could file Chapter 11 as soon as this week as the US Department of Energy attempts to get the company to give back around $200 million in federal loans. The manufacturer's lawyers have already drawn up the necessary paperwork and are ready to file within the next few days, according to an unnamed source. The DoE is pushing Fisker toward bankruptcy after months of bickering between the two parties. Fisker had been courting buyers in both China and Europe in an attempt to stay solvent, but failed to bring in the necessary funds.

As a result, Fisker hasn't built a single vehicle since last summer, and no one has stepped up to buy any more of the $100,000 hybrid vehicles. Last Friday, the company laid off some 75 percent of its workforce in the US, leaving only around 50 executives behind to avoid breaching its contract with the DoE. Right now, the company has around $30 million in cash on hand and is staring down the barrel of a $10 million DoE loan payment in a few weeks.

Fisker could file Chapter 11 as soon as this week originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> department of energydoefiskerfisker automotivefisker bankruptfisker bankruptcy Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20535001/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20535001/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/09/fisker-could-file-chapter-11-as-soon-as-this-week/20535001/article-detail.xml 20535001 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fisker-karma-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fisker-karma-628.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #328 LIVE!]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-328-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-328-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-328-live/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Autoblog Podcast graphic

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #328 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #328

[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #328 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog podcastautoblog podcast 328autoblog podcast topicsbmwbmw x4detroit electricdetroit electric sp01detroit electric sp:01long term garageminipodcast 328podcast topicssp01sp:01x4 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:51:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20533164/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20533164/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/08/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-328-live/20533164/article-detail.xml 20533164 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker mass layoffs triggers federal lawsuit]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/07/fisker-mass-layoffs-triggers-federal-lawsuit/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/07/fisker-mass-layoffs-triggers-federal-lawsuit/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/07/fisker-mass-layoffs-triggers-federal-lawsuit/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Turns out it's illegal to surprise three-quarters of your workforce with pink slips on a random Friday morning. Just before the weekend, Fisker Automotive furloughed 160 employees as "a necessary strategic step to... maximize the value of Fisker's core assets," which is lingo for trying to conserve as much cash and value as possible while the financially troubled company searches for a buyer. But Fisker Automotive laid off that group of employees without giving them 60 days notice and that detail has instigated proceedings in federal court against it.

The US Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification (WARN) Act mandates the 60-day notification period before mass layoffs, and according to a suit filed in US District Court in California by Outten & Golden LLP there are additional violations of California laws in the company's actions. Ex-Fisker employee Sven Etzelsberger is the named plaintiff in the case that seeks 60 days of "wages, salary, bonuses and other benefits" for Etzelsberger and other such affected employees. It isn't unusual for bankrupt companies to pay severance in order to keep this kind of thing from happening, but it seems Fisker employees were given nothing to take home but unused vacation pay, boxes of cubicle tchotchkes and white envelopes full of bumf.

The case will pit the letter of the law against the exceptions allowed for a "faltering company" and "unforseeable business circumstances." Fisker's new communications firm had no comment on the litigation.

Fisker mass layoffs triggers federal lawsuit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fiskerfisker automotivefisker karmafisker layoffshenrik fiskerlayoffs Sun, 07 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20532747/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20532747/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/07/fisker-mass-layoffs-triggers-federal-lawsuit/20532747/article-detail.xml 20532747 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fiskerfederalsuit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fiskerfederalsuit.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker PR team and many other employees face layoff this morning [UPDATE]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/fisker-pr-team-and-many-other-employees-face-layoff-this-morning/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/fisker-pr-team-and-many-other-employees-face-layoff-this-morning/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/fisker-pr-team-and-many-other-employees-face-layoff-this-morning/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Fisker logo

The entirety of the public relations team at Fisker is about to be laid off. That's according to an email Autoblog received this morning from a credible source stating that the entire PR team, along with a large number of other Fisker employees will be furloughed at 8:00AM PST this morning.

The luxury plug-in-hybrid car startup launched with a splash with the sexy Karma sedan just a few years ago, but since then it has struggled to collect government financing, it has been battered by natural disasters, supplier solvency issues and the recent departure of its namesake, designer and founder Henrik Fisker. The company has been in talks with possible investors, but thus far that has amounted to nothing, and officials are said to be in discussions with bankruptcy experts.

UPDATE: Calling it a "necessary strategic step to... maximize the value of Fisker's core assets," Fisker has confirmed it has laid off 75 percent of its employees. Read more in the official statement by scrolling down and in the Automotive News story linked below.

Continue reading Fisker PR team and many other employees face layoff this morning [UPDATE]

Fisker PR team and many other employees face layoff this morning [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> breakingfiskerfisker karmafisker layoffshenrik fisker Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20531659/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20531659/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/fisker-pr-team-and-many-other-employees-face-layoff-this-morning/20531659/article-detail.xml 20531659 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/17-2012-fisker-karma-sd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/17-2012-fisker-karma-sd.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #325]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/autoblog-podcast-325/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/autoblog-podcast-325/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/autoblog-podcast-325/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Twin-turbo Cadillac CTS, 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Henrik Fisker resigns, Judge calls speed cameras a scam, the cars of Fast & Furious 6 autoblog podcast logo

Episode #325 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about Cadillac's new twin-turbo V6, our first look at the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the resignation of Henrik Fisker, an Ohio judge ruling speed cameras a scam and our look at the cars of Fast & Furious 6. We wrap with your questions and emails, and Zach seeks the advice of our listenership to help sort out a conundrum with his pickup. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!


Autoblog Podcast #325:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Cadillac XTS4 Platinum
2013 Buick Enclave
2013 Dodge Dart


Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross

Runtime: 01:42:26

Get the podcast
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

Review the show in iTunes

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #325

Autoblog Podcast #325 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog podcastbuick enclavecadillaccadillac twin turbocadillac xtsdodge dartfeaturedfiskermercedes-benz s-classpodcastpodcast 325speed camera Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:50:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #325Autoblog01:42:26 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20510300/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20510300/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/19/autoblog-podcast-325/20510300/article-detail.xml 20510300 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #325 LIVE!]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-325-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-325-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-325-live/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Autoblog Podcast graphic

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #325 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #325

[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #325 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 cadillac cts2014 mercedes-benz s-classautoblog podcastautoblog podcast topicsbenzcadillacctsfast and furious 6fiskerhenrik fiskermercedesmercedes-benzpodcasts classs-classs-klassespeed cameratopics Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20507441/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20507441/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/18/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-325-live/20507441/article-detail.xml 20507441 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker's Farewell]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/fisker-s-farewell/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/fisker-s-farewell/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/fisker-s-farewell/#comments Filed under:

Not The First, Nor The Last Dreamer To Fail



Like DeLorean and Preston Tucker before him, Fisker underestimated the amount of capital it takes.

The departure of Henrik Fisker from his self-named car company adds yet another name to the list of dreamers who thought they could be successful automakers.

Whether or not he goes down in history a Gaston Chevrolet or John DeLorean depends on the current managers at Fisker, with whom Henrik cited as having irreconcilable differences over the future of the hybrid luxury car company.

This is not to say that Fisker's dream is doomed, but the company he founded faces a number of severe challenges to its survival as an independent make.

Like DeLorean and Preston Tucker before him, Fisker underestimated the amount of capital it takes to be in the business. While the business model of having a supplier, in this case, Finland-based Valmet, building a high-priced limited-edition car had merit, in execution Fisker fell short of the mark of meeting expectations. It took far longer than anticipated to bring the Karma to market. Quality problems, issues with battery supplier A123 and the port disaster during Hurricane Sandy that destroyed 300 cars dogged the company.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.

Continue reading Fisker's Farewell

Fisker's Farewell originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> featuredfiskerhenrik fisker Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20506139/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20506139/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/15/fisker-s-farewell/20506139/article-detail.xml 20506139 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/henrik-fisker_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/henrik-fisker.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker reportedly drops $33MM lawsuit over Sandy damaged cars]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/fisker-reportedly-drops-33mm-lawsuit-over-sandy-damaged-cars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/fisker-reportedly-drops-33mm-lawsuit-over-sandy-damaged-cars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/fisker-reportedly-drops-33mm-lawsuit-over-sandy-damaged-cars/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

damaged fisker automobiles sitting in new jersey

In the wake of Superstorm Sandy hitting the east coast, Fisker Automotive and insurer XL Insurance wound up in a legal battle over 338 Karma models destroyed in the storm. The cars were sitting in Port Newark, New Jersey when the enormous storm struck, washing away $33 million worth of viable automobiles. Fisker sued XL Insurance in New York State Supreme Court after the company denied coverage for the loss.

Both sides reportedly reached an agreement to drop the legal action on Thursday without publicly stating a reason for the truce. In lieu of an actual reason, here's some conjecture: the cars may be worth more to Fisker as an uncompensated loss, as pending legal battles make the beleaguered niche automaker much less attractive to potential investors or suitors.

Fisker reportedly drops $33MM lawsuit over Sandy damaged cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fiskerfisker lawsuithurricane sandykarmasandysuperstorm sandyxl insurance Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20473032/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20473032/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/22/fisker-reportedly-drops-33mm-lawsuit-over-sandy-damaged-cars/20473032/article-detail.xml 20473032 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/fisker-karma-port_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/fisker-karma-port.jpg <![CDATA[Can the Chinese rescue Fisker?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/can-the-chinese-rescue-fisker/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/can-the-chinese-rescue-fisker/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/can-the-chinese-rescue-fisker/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2012 Fisker Karma front three-quarter view

Fisker Automotive is aggressively courting Chinese automakers to bail it out of its financial problems.

Executives with knowledge of the discussions told Autoblog that Fisker representatives have made recent trips to China to discuss deals that include capital investment and outright acquisition scenarios. Those discussions are continuing this week at the Detroit Auto Show. Reuters first reported discussions between Fisker and Chinese companies.

While Fisker was once favored by many auto industry analysts and executives to get the better of rival Tesla Motors in the premium/luxury EV market, Fisker has had several setbacks to its operations. The launch of the Fisker Karma, the company's first model, has been beset with problems, as is often the case with a new car company. Its lithium-ion battery supplier, A123 Systems, went bankrupt. And the company lost hundreds of cars at its Newark port when Hurricane Sandy devastated the New Jersey-New York coastline last fall.

In addition to needing investors, Fisker is also seeking strategic partners. Tesla, which had a successful initial public offering, for example, has both Toyota and Mercedes-Benz as investors and strategic partners.

Continue reading Can the Chinese rescue Fisker?

Can the Chinese rescue Fisker? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There's nothing wrong with the Fisker Karma that a honkin' American V8 engine won't fix. At least according to Bob Lutz, it seems. Called the VL Automotive Destino, this machine is the brainchild of industrialist Gilbert Villereal and the aforementioned Lutz, and is intended to compete with such well-regarded performance sedans as the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide.

As you can see, there are some significant styling changes made in the conversion from Karma to Destino, notably in the front and rear fascias, including exhaust tips out back and a new hood that's raised to accommodate what lies underneath. The interior is also reskinned and can be further customized by the buyer.

But it's the engineering work under that shapely skin that's truly noteworthy. Replacing the electric motor, battery pack and turbocharged range extender is one 638-horsepower supercharged LS9 V8 borrowed from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 driving the rear wheels through either a manual or automatic transmission. Power numbers are identical to the ZR1 and while fuel economy is not yet known, we can expect is to be a bit lower than the Corvette's 15 city / 24 highway.

The Destino will be built at VL Automotive's headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and it will be delivered through still-in-development distribution network starting this summer. Pricing is expected to be around $180,000, which is significantly more than the Karma's $102,000 base price. Check out our high-res image gallery live from the Detroit Auto Show above and the press release below.

Continue reading Bob Lutz brings Destino, a ZR1-powered Karma, to Detroit

Bob Lutz brings Destino, a ZR1-powered Karma, to Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 detroit auto showbob lutzchevroletcorvettedestinodetroitdetroit 2013fiskergilbert villerealkarmavl automotivezr1zr1 fiskerzr1fisker Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:24:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20428050/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20428050/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/14/vl-automotive-destino-detroit-2013/20428050/article-detail.xml 20428050 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/000-vl-automotive-destino-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/000-vl-automotive-destino-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker seeks financial partner after "tough year"]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/fisker-seeks-financial-partner-after-tough-year/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/fisker-seeks-financial-partner-after-tough-year/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/fisker-seeks-financial-partner-after-tough-year/#comments Filed under: ,



After facing what could be charitably described as a terrible year, Fisker founder and Chairman Henrik Fisker admitted in a recent interview that his company is "actively engaged in conversations with potential strategic partners." Speaking with TheDetroitBureau.com, Fisker went on to say that he'd, "like to see if we can get something done next year."

As of this writing, Fisker has declined invitations to divulge which companies those partnership conversations are happening with. If one cared to hazard a guess though, BMW and General Motors - both loosely associated with Fisker in past dealings - might be good front-runners.

The urge to seek a tie-up with a larger, more stable entity does not come out of the blue for the independent Fisker. The reputation of the company's Karma model has been rocked by battery fires and a scathing review from Consumer Reports earlier this year, and now its production schedule is being held hostage by a battery shortage because its supplier, A123 Systems, has gone bankrupt. More significantly still, the company's plans to launch a second, more affordable Atlantic model have been stymied due to the US Department of Energy putting the brakes on a promised low-interest loan to the automaker.

This isn't the first time that the Fisker founder has admitted that all is not completely rosy, certainly, but there does seem to be a more pragmatic tone this time around than in interviews past. Which large company would make for a "dream" mashup with Fisker? Give us your two cents, in Comments.

Fisker seeks financial partner after "tough year" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 fisker karmaa123 systemsevfiskerhenrik fiskerkarmapartnerpartnershipplug-in hybrid Fri, 30 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20391682/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20391682/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/30/fisker-seeks-financial-partner-after-tough-year/20391682/article-detail.xml 20391682 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/henrik-fisker-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/henrik-fisker-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ex-GM marketing chief Ewanick winds up at Fisker]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/ex-gm-marketing-chief-ewanick-winds-up-at-fisker/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/ex-gm-marketing-chief-ewanick-winds-up-at-fisker/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/ex-gm-marketing-chief-ewanick-winds-up-at-fisker/#comments Filed under: , ,

Big fish, meet small pond. Automotive News reports that former head of global marketing for General Motors, Joel Ewanick, has just joined Fisker Automotive as its head of global sales and marketing on an interim basis. Ewanick held GM's top marketing post for 18 months and left this summer in a fog of intrigue and budgetary musical chairs said to be related to a sponsorship deal with the English soccer club Manchester United.

Gossip is that he's been consulting with companies ever since, Fisker included. When the Karma company's head of sales and marketing, Richard Beattie, announced his retirement, it was easy for Fisker to ask Ewanick to fill in because Fisker Automotive's CEO is Tony Posawatz, former chief engineer of the Chevy Volt.

Although the move is being billed as "interim" at the moment, a Fisker spokesman wouldn't say whether Ewanick could take the position full-time. No doubt everyone will be looking to see how he does, and we wouldn't be surprised to see him stick around if he can make some big moves quickly, which is his forte - even so, his task at the small plug-in in hybrid maker will be different, but probably just as challenging, as that as GM.

Ex-GM marketing chief Ewanick winds up at Fisker originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fiskergeneral motorsgmjoel ewanick Tue, 27 Nov 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20389343/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20389343/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/27/ex-gm-marketing-chief-ewanick-winds-up-at-fisker/20389343/article-detail.xml 20389343 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/ewanickfisker_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/ewanickfisker.jpg <![CDATA[How Sandy (may have) set 17 plug-in hybrids on fire]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/how-sandy-may-have-set-17-plug-in-hybrids-on-fire/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/how-sandy-may-have-set-17-plug-in-hybrids-on-fire/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/how-sandy-may-have-set-17-plug-in-hybrids-on-fire/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Fisker Karma sedans burned at port

Can Hurricane Sandy's flood waters be blamed for the fiery destruction of 16 Fisker Karmas and a Toyota Prius? On Halloween we guessed saltwater had somehow led to a short circuit that overheated the cars' batteries and fire, which may be exactly what happened.

"We can't be certain exactly what happened at the port," Russell Datz, a Fisker spokesman, tells the New York Times Wheels blog. "But we think being submerged in 13 feet of saltwater had something to do with it."

Toyota spokeswoman Cindy Knight tells Wheels that the Prius likely went pyro because "saltwater got into the electrical system." Saltwater, as you probably know, is highly conductive and when it comes into contact with something like an electric car's battery, could cause a short circuit and a fire.

Daniel Abraham, chemical scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, gave the blog a more technical explanation. Salts in the water break into positive and negative ions that act as conductors and could have connected the batteries' positive and negative terminals. Next came a short circuit and then, possibly, a fire.

No one so far thinks the Karma batteries' lithium cores were to blame. Even though lithium will burn on contact with water, the metal used in hybrid batteries is pretty well protected and isn't likely the source of the fires.

So still no official cause of the fires, but an investigation is ongoing.

How Sandy (may have) set 17 plug-in hybrids on fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fiskerfisker karma firehurricane sandyhybrid firekarmakarma firepriusprius firetoyotatoyota prius fire Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20370873/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20370873/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/05/how-sandy-may-have-set-17-plug-in-hybrids-on-fire/20370873/article-detail.xml 20370873 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/fisker-karma-port_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/fisker-karma-port.jpg <![CDATA[How the automakers are helping with Hurricane Sandy relief [UPDATE]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/how-the-automakers-are-helping-with-hurricane-sandy-relief/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/how-the-automakers-are-helping-with-hurricane-sandy-relief/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/how-the-automakers-are-helping-with-hurricane-sandy-relief/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



To help those effected by Hurricane Sandy cope with the natural disaster, automakers are stepping up in various ways. Known to us right now are contributions of aid or assistance by Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Fisker and Nissan. Toyota and Ford have opted to give in the most straightforward fashion: donations of money. Ford has announced that its own employees have collected $50,000 to donate, and Toyota has stated that it will contribute $1 million in support of relief efforts. Both companies have made these contributions to the American Red Cross.

Other automakers have opted to offer tangible, on-the-ground resources to the relief effort. GM has pledged 50 utility vehicles, including Express cargo vans, Traverse crossovers and Tahoe SUVs, to the Red Cross. The vehicles will be fitted with 200 OnStar Hands-Free calling minutes and a month of turn-by-turn navigation. GM has also donated $250,000 to the Red Cross.

Fisker Automotive has offered up its 3.2-million-square-foot Wilmington, DE facility as a staging area for rescue crews and power trucks.

For many, part the rebuilding process will be replacing their flooded vehicle(s). To that end, Nissan North America has announced that it will offer discounted pricing and financing on new cars through January 2 to help victims replace the transportation they may have lost from flood or storm damage. For current customers, Nissan is also offering payment extensions for the next three payments without fees. Ford has also just announced a similar program, offering a $500 discount on new vehicles and allowing current owners to skip a payment or two.

We are certain more automakers have/will come forward with aid similar to those efforts mentioned here. If you know of more automakers or companies in general who are helping with the relief effort, let us know in the comments.

UPDATE: BMW of North America has pledged $1 million to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief.

UPDATE 2: Mazda North America Operations has made a pledge of $100,000 to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief.

UPDATE 3: Chrysler's Ram brand of trucks is donating 20 Ram 1500 Tradesman trucks and $100,000 to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief.

How the automakers are helping with Hurricane Sandy relief [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> american red crossdonationsfiskerfordgeneral motorsgmhurricane sandynissanred crossreliefsandytoyota Fri, 02 Nov 2012 09:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20367626/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20367626/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/02/how-the-automakers-are-helping-with-hurricane-sandy-relief/20367626/article-detail.xml 20367626 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/1550534241351716327369-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/1550534241351716327369-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker Karma and 3M at SEMA, that's a wrap]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/fisker-karma-3m-wrap-sema-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/fisker-karma-3m-wrap-sema-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/fisker-karma-3m-wrap-sema-2012/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Electric carmaker Fisker has partnered with car-wrapping specialists 3M for an interesting demonstration of what could be at this year's SEMA festivities. As we reported in greater detail earlier, the folks from 3M are wrapping up the Karma in a few fairly wild shades and stripe packages, to have a little fun with the already drop-dead gorgeous Fisker.

We caught the team mid-wrap when we shot the gallery of live images that you see here; transitioning from a white and blue livery to a sassy yellow and black number.

Considering the explosion of custom wrap jobs that we've seen and heard about lately, we'd expect to see the trend continue for both SEMA and the wider world of customization. In fact, wrapping at a high level makes a lot of sense for owners of expensive cars, who may be less willing to alter the original paint job, while still hungering for a little variety now and again.

We also happened across another rather interestingly modded Karma - this one with a distinct lack of associated press information. The car in the gallery below has wood accenting both the wheels and grille, as well as another distinctive colorway. Enjoy.

Fisker Karma and 3M at SEMA, that's a wrap originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 fisker karma3mcar wrapsfiskerkarmasemasema 2012 Thu, 01 Nov 2012 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20367904/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20367904/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/fisker-karma-3m-wrap-sema-2012/20367904/article-detail.xml 20367904 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/fisker-3m-wrap-sema-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/fisker-3m-wrap-sema-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hurricane Sandy destroys 16 Fisker Karmas at port with water and fire]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/hurricane-sandy-destroys-16-fisker-karmas-at-port-with-water-and/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/hurricane-sandy-destroys-16-fisker-karmas-at-port-with-water-and/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/hurricane-sandy-destroys-16-fisker-karmas-at-port-with-water-and/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Even before Hurricane Sandy made landfall in the US, there was no doubt the storm would wreak havoc for automakers (especially luxury brands) in the Northeast, but it looks like Fisker may have taken the biggest, most spectacular hit.

According to Jalopnik, 16 Fisker Karma models waiting to be shipped off to dealers at Port Newark were flooded during the storm surge, and while it isn't clear how it happened, some of the cars ended up catching on fire.

This isn't the first (or second) time a Fisker Karma has caught fire, but it is a different scenario that led to the fires. While the first two instances may have been related to a hot engine compartment, the storm-damaged Karmas were sitting in a lot full of other cars when they were flooded with sea water. Since none of the vehicles were being charged and it's unlikely that any had recently been driven, the best guess of a cause for these fires is some sort of short caused by the batteries coming in contact with salt water.

Fisker has released an official statement about the fires (read it below) saying the company will investigate the situation, but as of yet, there is no additional information.

Continue reading Hurricane Sandy destroys 16 Fisker Karmas at port with water and fire

Hurricane Sandy destroys 16 Fisker Karmas at port with water and fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 fisker karmafirefiskerfisker karma firefrankenstormhurricane sandykarmasuperstorm sandy Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366700/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366700/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/31/hurricane-sandy-destroys-16-fisker-karmas-at-port-with-water-and/20366700/article-detail.xml 20366700 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-2012-fisker-karma-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-2012-fisker-karma-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Even Fisker is attending SEMA with some custom Karmas]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/even-fisker-is-attending-sema-with-some-custom-karmas/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/even-fisker-is-attending-sema-with-some-custom-karmas/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/even-fisker-is-attending-sema-with-some-custom-karmas/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Fisker Karma SEMA car

The Fisker Karma is again going where no pricey, Finnish-built, extended-range electric hybrid sedan has gone before: SEMA. Since the Karma just about touches the ground as is, and already wears enormous wheels, the aftermarket mods - for this year at least - stick to exterior treatments.

The two Karmas that will greet the Vegas audience have been developed to commemorate Fisker's partnerships aftermarket companies, those partnerships giving owners more ways to customize their vehicles. One Karma will get wrapped in a new color scheme each day with 3M Scotchprint wrap featuring the co-developed Fisker Diamond Protection Film.

The protection film does exactly what it says on the label, keeping the Karma's finish from getting bruised by road detritus. Show-goers can watch each of the wraps being applied: the Fall-themed Gloss Burnt Orange and Brushed Black Metallic "October Sun," the Riverside in Matte White and Gloss Blue Metallic throwing a shout-out to American racing heritage, hot-rodders get "Classic" Hot Rod Red red and a Gloss Black stripe with brushed aluminum trim, and "Onward" wears Satin Black and Gloss Burnt Orange to celebrate Fisker itself.

The second Karma will be the Mobil 1 "American Icon" at the DUB stand, draped in Gloss Sterling Silver and Matte Blue Metallic. In lieu of a new wheel design, a new wheel finish will be shown on both Karmas, that being Goodrich's chrome-like PermaStar coating. You'll find the press release below and an advance screening of the color schemes in the high-res gallery above.

Continue reading Even Fisker is attending SEMA with some custom Karmas

Even Fisker is attending SEMA with some custom Karmas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 3mfiskergoodrichkarmamobil 1semasema 2012sema show Wed, 24 Oct 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20357631/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20357631/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/24/even-fisker-is-attending-sema-with-some-custom-karmas/20357631/article-detail.xml 20357631 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01fiskersemacars-1351096653_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01fiskersemacars-1351096653.jpg -1 2