Autoblog

Officially Official: Fisker buys GM's Wilmington Delaware plant

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Fisker

In Wilmington, Delaware this morning, Governor Jack Markell was joined by Vice President Joe Biden and Henrik Fisker (seen at right) for the official announcement about the purchase of General Motors' closed plant there. Fisker will re-tool the plant to build a new, more affordable plug-in hybrid sedan to slot in below its more luxurious Karma. The goal is to have the model sell for under $40,000 after federal tax credits.

The current schedule is to have the car in production by the end of 2012 with volumes getting up to 75,000-100,000 units annually by 2014. Fisker has moved up its development schedule for what they are calling Project Nina thanks to the $528 million low cost loan it recently received courtesy of the Department of Energy. During the announcement, Fisker stated that he wants to export half of the production from the plant while creating 5,000 jobs in the U.S. (2,000 at the plant and 3,000 at suppliers). The local UAW president was also on hand, so it looks like the plant will remain unionized, which is very unusual for a startup auto plant.

Fisker is paying $18 million for the factory from Motors Liquidation which is the remainder of "Old GM" which is selling off assets from bankruptcy court. The plant most recently produced the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky, both of which ended production last spring.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Fisker Automotive | Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty]

Continue reading Officially Official: Fisker buys GM's Wilmington Delaware plant

Officially Official: Fisker buys GM's Wilmington Delaware plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BREAKING: Fisker gets $528.7 million loan from U.S. DOE for Karma, Project Nina

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Fisker, Electric

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fisker's goal of becoming profitable by 2011 received a shot in the arm today thanks to the U.S. Energy Department's announcement that the upstart automaker will receive a $528.7 million conditional loan. The DOE says the loan, "will create or save about 5,000 jobs for domestic parts suppliers." Highlights of the DOE's announcement include confirmation that the money will go towards "two lines of plug-in hybrids" ($39,000 PHEV, here we come?) and that at least some of those jobs will be "to manufacture a plug-in hybrid in the U.S." Fisker will perform final assembly of its first car, the high-cost Karma, in Finland with partner Valmet.

When we spoke with company head Henrik Fisker about a low-cost model back in January, he told us once DOE funding came through, it wouldn't take long to get the lower-cost plug-in hybrid on the road. The DOE loan specifies that $169.3 million is to be used for engineering integration costs, working primarily with U.S. suppliers to get the Fisker Karma finished, with the remaining funding to be used on Fisker's Project Nina. Project Nina? There's a name we haven't heard before, but the DOE says it will involve "the manufacture of a plug-in hybrid in the U.S." Fisker says the name was chosen as a reference to Christopher Columbus, and "is symbolic of the automobile industry's transition from old world to new."

Earlier this year, the DOE gave conditional loan commitments to Ford ($5.9 billion), Nissan ($1.6 billion) and Tesla Motors ($465 million). The money comes from the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan program. All the details are available in the press releases below the fold.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Fisker, DOE]

Continue reading BREAKING: Fisker gets $528.7 million loan from U.S. DOE for Karma, Project Nina

BREAKING: Fisker gets $528.7 million loan from U.S. DOE for Karma, Project Nina originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Fisker nabs ex-Maserati North America chief for sales and marketing duties

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:34:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising, Fisker, Electric

If there was any doubt that Fisker Automotive is keenly interested in attracting buyers from the luxury car sector - and, no, there really wasn't any doubt - today's announcement that the company has hired the former president and CEO of Maserati North America should put any lingering questions to rest.

Fisker has appointed Marti Eulberg to the position of vice president of global sales and marketing after being head of Maserati North America for less than one year. Eulberg's position means she will "develop global sales and marketing strategies and manage Fisker's worldwide retail network." Eulberg, a true auto industry veteran, has also worked for Jaguar, Volvo and BMW as well as managing Ford dealerships and interning at General Motors.

As we've seen, Fisker is not following fellow green luxury car maker Tesla down the independent store path. Instead, Fisker will license independent dealerships, hopefully to benefit from their expertise with selling expensive vehicles in local markets. Complete press release available after the jump.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading Fisker nabs ex-Maserati North America chief for sales and marketing duties

Fisker nabs ex-Maserati North America chief for sales and marketing duties originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Fisker plans lower-cost model, may compete with Chevy Volt and Tesla Model S

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Fisker Karma

It's probably a bit premature to be talking about future models from Fisker, considering the automaker's plug-in Karma and Karma S have yet to hit the market, but that's never stopped us before, right? According to Russell Datz, head PR man at Fisker Automotive, "One of the future products we have is something that is significantly less than what will be on the market first," though it may still "be a step above" the Chevy Volt and Tesla Model S.

That's not a ton of information to go by, unfortunately. The Chevy Volt is expected to come in around $40K or so in late 2010 when it's finally released (hopefully), and the Tesla Model S will cost at least $10K more than that. For comparison, the Fisker Karma will carry a starting sticker of $87,900. In other words, there's plenty of room between the base price of a Volt and the base price of a Karma. Where the lower-cost model from Fisker would fall in that range is anybody's guess.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Inside Line]

Fisker plans lower-cost model, may compete with Chevy Volt and Tesla Model S originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Fisker Automotive signs up 32 dealers in 17 states

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Green

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Running television ads. Taking orders. And now, setting up a network of dealerships. Fisker Automotive is starting to act like a real car company.

The company announced today that it has signed up its first group of 32 retailers. These outlets will be located in 17 states - Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and Wisconsin - and one Canadian Province, British Columbia (see the full list after the jump). But Fisker isn't stopping there - the company hopes to have at least 40 dealers in the U.S. signed up by June. Deliveries of the $87,900 plug-in hybrid Karma should begin at the end of this year, and Fisker hopes to sell 15,000 units a year once they get up to full production.

Like the luxury PHEVs themselves, Fisker vows that their showrooms will make efforts to be eco-friendly, with natural and sustainable materials used throughout, and a solar-powered carport available.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading Fisker Automotive signs up 32 dealers in 17 states

Fisker Automotive signs up 32 dealers in 17 states originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Fisker runs commercials in L.A. before Oscars

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Marketing/Advertising, Lifestyle

Click above to watch the video after the jump

The Fisker Karma is on its way, and Henrik Fisker wants the world to know about it. The company bought two one-minute spots during the Oscars telecast, and they happened to play just before two of the evening's most hyped celebs did their turns on the crimson shag. You don't learn much about the car during the spot, and frankly it looks a little like something that should be Spike TV late at night, but hey, the word is out. Follow the jump to see it for yourself.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Fisker Karma

[Source: Wired]

Continue reading VIDEO: Fisker runs commercials in L.A. before Oscars

VIDEO: Fisker runs commercials in L.A. before Oscars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Detroit Preview: Fisker Sunset concept coming to Motown

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show

In addition to the debut of the production version of the Karma luxury plug-in hybrid, Fisker Automotive will also be unveiling a new concept at the Detroit Auto Show next month: the Fisker Sunset. We don't have much beyond the teaser shot above, but we do know that Fisker Automotive CEO and namesake Henrik Fisker will announce details about the Sunset at the company's press conference in Cobo Hall on January 12. Besides the green Karma, Fisker is perhaps best known for their coachbuilt SLs and BMWs, but Henrik Fisker is also one of the most influential designers in the last decade, with most of the current Aston Martin lineup and the late, great BMW Z8 attributed to his pen. We can't wait to see what this wunderkind is up to now.

UPDATE: AutoblogGreen has more on what's officially called the Fisker Karma S.

[Source: Fisker]

Detroit Preview: Fisker Sunset concept coming to Motown originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Russell Datz, confirmed gearhead, to handle Fisker communications

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

Click above for more high-res images of the production Fisker Karma

Henrik Fisker has a dream, and an honorable one at that. "We see no reason style and performance need to be sacrificed to attain fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility," says Fisker, designer of the Aston Martin DB9, V8 Vantage, BMW Z8 and the upcoming plug-in hybrid Karma sedan. That's a tough message to get out there, though, since many people can't seem to reconcile the thought of driving excitement with environmentally friendly design. To help break down those obvious barriers, Fisker Automotive has brought aboard Russell Datz, a man who has previously worked with Lotus for the U.S. launch of the Elise and Panoz, makers of Ford-powered boutique sportscars. Datz is also familiar with going as fast as possible, having owned an Audi 5000 Turbo Quattro and autocrossed a Honda CRX. Welcome aboard, Russell! We're happy to see a longtime gearhead filling another desk at Fisker Automotive and wish you the best of luck in your new position.

Gallery: Production Fisker Karma

Continue reading Russell Datz, confirmed gearhead, to handle Fisker communications

Russell Datz, confirmed gearhead, to handle Fisker communications originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Fisker offers up front view of production Karma PHEV

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:56:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Green

Click above for high-res image gallery of the production Fisker Karma

Fisker has just sent us a few more shots of the production-ready Karma plug-in so that we can get a better look at the car's newly revised face. The front intake has been mildly revised in order to let the GM-sourced 260-horsepower Ecotec engine breath a bit more fresh air. It's a subtle change, but we like the results and think that it makes a big difference to the overall look of the car. We also get a good look at those unique exhaust ports that emit the turbocharged mill's spent gases just aft of the front wheels.

Lastly, we have an interesting view beneath the slinky bodywork, which shows off the aluminum space frame chassis that holds the car together. We presume that the pronounced center tunnel will house the lithium-ion battery pack. The chassis also shows the new flush B-pillars that were absent on the concept and are necessary to meet future safety requirements. Fisker plans to show the Karma, including its never-before-seen interior, at the Detroit Auto Show in January. We'll be there to deliver the goods in person.

Gallery: Production Fisker Karma

[Source: Fisker Automotive]

Fisker offers up front view of production Karma PHEV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Fisker Karma to use GM's 2.0-liter turbo'd four

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, I.C.E., GM

Click above for high-res gallery of the Fisker Karma

Fisker Automotive has apparently decided that 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque should be plenty of power to recharge some batteries. Those 260 galloping ponies will come courtesy of the General in the form of its 2.0L direct injected and turbocharged Ecotec four banger, an engine that we've sampled ourselves plenty of times. We feel well qualified, therefore, to suggest that this is an excellent motor, but it really sounds like a major case of overkill for this particular application. Perhaps that's better than "underkill" (if such a word actually existed) as that powerful engine ought to be able to recharge the Fisker Karma's on-board lithium ion batteries at an extremely brisk pace. The faster the internal combustion engine can charge up the battery pack, the quicker the car can revert back to its native electric-only operation. Plus, that engine is a relatively light chunk of alloy, so the Karma's motor shouldn't be burdened by the gasoline-fed boat anchor too horribly under electric power.

We also find it a bit interesting that Fisker chose GM as its powertrain supplier, which means that the Karma and GM's own Chevy Volt are now even closer cousins than before. Both vehicles will sport four doors, lithium ion batteries and an extended-range electric vehicle drivetrain; and with this announcement, both are now slated to share four cylinder engines from GM. This kinda makes 'em second-cousins through marriage, no?

Gallery: Fisker Karma

Continue reading Fisker Karma to use GM's 2.0-liter turbo'd four

Fisker Karma to use GM's 2.0-liter turbo'd four originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Fisker planning four hybrid models

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Green, Rumormill

Click above for high-res gallery of the Fisker Karma

Fisker Automotive is going to have its work cut out for it when it comes to meeting its self-imposed deadline of bring the Karma sedan to market by the fourth-quarter of 2009. To complicate matters even further, the automaker is now rumored to be working on three more plug-in hybrids. That would represent a truly serious undertaking for such a small automaker. To ease matters slightly, all four models would use the same basic underpinnings -- including the most important piece of all, the lithium ion battery and its assorted bits. Fisker has recruited Quantum Technologies, a company which has seen success building vehicles for the military, for help in creating the drivetrain for its electric vehicles. Reportedly on the drawing board are a coupe, a convertible and an SUV, all of which should go a long way towards meeting Fisker's goal of selling 15,000 vehicles a year by 2011.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Channel 4]

Rumormill: Fisker planning four hybrid models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Fisker's request for arbitration granted in Tesla lawsuit

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Green

Click above for high-res gallery of the Fisker Karma

A few months back, Tesla Motors sued Fisker Automotive for allegedly stealing information related to the production of its upcoming plug-in electric sedan named Whitestar and using it to develop its series-hybird, the Karma. Yesterday, a judge ruled in favor of Fisker Automotive by allowing the case to go into arbitration outside the courtroom, which was apparently part of the original agreement between Tesla and Henrik Fisker in the first place. It appears that Tesla went outside that original agreement by bringing forth its lawsuit in the first place, though Tesla may have considered that contract void as the original lawsuit alleged that it was signed merely to gain access to confidential information.

Although the arbitration is to be handled outside of court, the judge has scheduled a management conference this August, perhaps to be sure that negotiations are moving along. This is good news for Fisker, which is currently working to get its Karma PHEV sedan to market by the fourth-quarter of 2009.

[Source: CNET]

Fisker's request for arbitration granted in Tesla lawsuit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sparks fly: Fisker sues Tesla back

John Neff — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Government/Legal, Green

Click above for more Fisker-supplied spy shots of the Karma

Isn't it fitting that Fisker Automotive's upcoming series-hybrid sports sedan is named Karma?. After having commissioned Fisker to help design its second product, the Whitestar sedan, Tesla Motors sued Fisker claiming it stole trade secrets that were then used on the Karma. ~~Following that lawsuit, Tesla was then sued by Magna, one of its former transmission suppliers,~~ Tesla's suit against Fisker came several weeks after Tesla themselves were sued by Magna Powetrain who had been contracted to develop a new transmission for the Roadster and now Fisker is slapping the upstart electric car company with its own arbitration suit. That's karma for you, right there.

Fisker will attempt to first derail Tesla's original lawsuit by seeking to have it moved from San Mateo, CA to Orange County, after which it will then try to prove that Tesla is attempting to divert attention away from its delayed all-electric Roadster by suing Fisker. To that end, Henrik Fisker himself called the whole mess "ridiculous" and referred to Tesla's behaviour as "sour grapes". An arbitrator will likely determine whether he's right or not, but until then we lowly consumers must await ramped up production of the Tesla Roadster and the eventual arrival of the Fisker Karma. Thanks for the tip, Doug!

Gallery: Fisker Karma - spy shots

[Source: CNET News]

Sparks fly: Fisker sues Tesla back originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 May 2008 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Fisker still on track to deliver Karma by end of 2009

Chris Shunk — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Green

Click above for high-res gallery of the Fisker Karma

Fisker Automotive may be knee-deep in a legal battle with electric car pioneer Tesla Motors, but the fledgling automaker is still committed to producing its stunning Karma plug-in electric vehicle by Q4 2009. Henrik Fisker and crew have received so much negative press regarding the pending lawsuit that it issued a press release to ensure prospective buyers that that the Karma was on its way, but also to explain where its PHEV technology originates.

Fisker calls the lawsuit "nonsense," and points out that his design company, Fisker Coachbuild, has non-exlusive design contracts with many automakers. The press release, which is available after the jump, shows that Fisker is getting its PHEV tech from a company called Quantum Technologies, which has also created electric vehicles for the U.S. Armed Forces. The release doesn't specifically address Tesla's contention that Fisker stole electric vehicle design secrets, but then again it's probably not a good idea to discuss pending litigation in any real detail.

It seems as though Tesla Motors is just a little peeved that the Karma's design is superior to the one Fisker Coachbuild designed for its upcoming WhiteStar sedan, which we're hoping to see soon so we can know what all the fuss is about.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Fisker Automotive]

Continue reading Fisker still on track to deliver Karma by end of 2009

Fisker still on track to deliver Karma by end of 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2008 Fisker Premium Hybrid Sedan

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Green

Click the image above for a high-res pic of the Fisker Hybrid Sedan concept.

Henrik Fisker is a car designer. It's not his fault that his designs -- some of the finest -- have clothed some of the thirstiest (and beautiful) cars. But design is a portable endeavor, and Fisker has transferred his métier over to the frugal side of things. The car you see above is undeniably Fisker, with some Maserati Gran Turismo thrown into the mix up front and a healthy dose of Artega out back, gracefully sculpted sides in between. We like.

The sedan doesn't have a name yet, it's simply referred to as a premium sports sedan, and it's a plug-in hybrid. Engineered by ex-BMW man Thomas Fritz, the car's battery pack is in the middle of the car for better dynamics. Supposedly, it will have a 50-mile range running on electricity alone, and with a gas or diesel engine in place, the car can go 620 miles (though Fisker doesn't yet say how that system would work). Additionally, it will get 100 MPG, so the word goes. The car is being developed by Quantum Technologies.

Irony of ironies that a man associated with premium guzzlers could lead the way in premium green designs. Fisker's new baby will debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. According to the company, it will go on sale in late 2009 with a price tag of $80,000. Follow the jump to read the full press release.

[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading 2008 Fisker Premium Hybrid Sedan

2008 Fisker Premium Hybrid Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Fisker set to unveil premium plug-in hybrid

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 09:17:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Green

With a little help from hybrid and green tech specialist Quantum Technologies, Fisker is set to enter the premium green marketplace. Would that be... jade? All kidding aside, the press release also mentions that we will also be seeing the birth of a new company, Fisker Automotive, which is a joint effort between Fisker Coachbuild and Quantum Technologies. The first fruit of this project is set to debut in Detroit next January. Fisker is hoping to offer a sub-$100,000 plug-in hybrid that will feature styling by Henrik Fisker himself. And that should make mouths water. Fisker is the man responsible for the BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage, as well as the Fisker Latigo CS and Tramonto. While those super premium coachbuilt cars are extremely limited production vehicles, Fisker Automotive hopes to move as many as 15,000 of these new hybrids annually.

The new plug-in's hybrid technology will be known as Quantum Drive, and it was developed by Quantum Technologies "exclusively" for Fisker Automotive. The release says that the Quantum Drive chassis will allow Fisker to design "innovative luxury cars with uncompromised proportions." They are referring to the new vehicles as ECO-CHIC, which is kind of catchy. What the release doesn't make clear is whether this new vehicle will be a sports car, GT, sedan, or pickup truck. While we doubt that last one, we really don't know what shape the final product will take until we can get some pics, sketches or clarification from Fisker. There is a rather slinky looking sports car on the company's website (seen above), but we're not sure if that's the vehicle in question or not. Maybe we'll have to wait until January like the rest of you.

Full press release after the jump.

[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading Fisker set to unveil premium plug-in hybrid

Fisker set to unveil premium plug-in hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments