Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif 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/<![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/#commentsFiled 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 karmaFri, 17 May 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572609/article-comments.xml 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/#commentsFiled 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 destinoMon, 06 May 2013 09:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558418/article-comments.xml 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[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/#commentsFiled 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 fiskerlayoffsSun, 07 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20532747/article-comments.xml 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/#commentsFiled 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 fiskerFri, 05 Apr 2013 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20531659/article-comments.xml 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[Wrap your car in the loving and tender embrace of velvet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/23/wrap-your-car-in-the-loving-and-tender-embrace-of-velvet/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/23/wrap-your-car-in-the-loving-and-tender-embrace-of-velvet/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/23/wrap-your-car-in-the-loving-and-tender-embrace-of-velvet/#commentsFiled under:



In case you hadn't noticed, car wrapping has gotten more popular and more common in recent years. At this year's SEMA show, in particular, it was difficult to walk ten feet without seeing some custom wrap job or another. With matte palettes, metallic finishes and famous racing liveries so thick on the ground then, it was probably only a matter of time before we got to velvet. Call up Barry and Levon, baby - velvet is here.

The strategically named Velvet Cars is now offering partial and full body wraps, in 15 different shades of velvet, for your own personal dream car. The company will help you find a certified car wrapper in your area, who can follow up with a quote. For the DIY wrapping enthusiast (and velvet-fondling bon vivant), the company will also sell you the wrapping material itself; the 25-yard, full car wrap runs $1,500.

It's hard to say what this stuff looks like in real life, and we can't imagine that it wears particularly well, but the demo Fisker Karma sure does look huggably soft to us. Stay tuned for next year's SEMA show, where we fully expect a Scion xB to serve as a canvas for Velvet Car Dogs Playing Pool, and velvety renditions of Elvis.

Wrap your car in the loving and tender embrace of velvet originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Feb 2013 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car wrappingcar wrapsfisker karmasemavelvet car wrapsvelvet carsSat, 23 Feb 2013 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20470058/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/23/wrap-your-car-in-the-loving-and-tender-embrace-of-velvet/20470058/article-detail.xml 20470058 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/velvet-fisker-karma-628-1361561223_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/velvet-fisker-karma-628-1361561223.jpg <![CDATA[Battery maker A123 systems defaults on loan, files for bankruptcy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/16/battery-maker-a123-systems-defaults-on-loan-files-for-bankruptc/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/16/battery-maker-a123-systems-defaults-on-loan-files-for-bankruptc/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/16/battery-maker-a123-systems-defaults-on-loan-files-for-bankruptc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



After a long and bumpy road, battery-producer A123 Systems has officially filed for bankruptcy. This news comes immediately after word that the Waltham, Massachusetts-based company may not have enough cash to fund operations, or even seek bankruptcy protection. This news has ramifications elsewhere in the industry, as A123 had contracts with Fisker Automotive as well as with BMW.

In a press release issued this morning, A123 announced that it will sell off all automotive assets to Johnson Controls. A123 will file Chapter 11, while Johnson Controls will provide $72.5 million in debtor-in-possession financing. The aim of the financing is to support A123 while it attempts to pursue alternative business operations.

To anyone following the battery maker closely, this news should not come as a shock. It was estimated that A123 lost about $67 million dealing with a battery recall for the Fisker Karma. In May of this year, the company posted a $125 million net loss. Shares for A123 have fallen 85 percent this year as the company has posted 14 straight quarterly losses.

With news of the bankruptcy, it wouldn't be surprising if A123 were be brought up in tonight's presidential debate. A123 received $249 million in federal grant money in 2009. The company also received $100,000 in 2006 under the Bush Administration, and additional tax exemptions and credits during Mitt Romney's time as a Massachusetts governor, so this issue has many sides.

For Fisker, the issue at hand is finding a new battery supplier. Johnson Controls has had previous hybrid ventures and continues to explore lithium-ion batteries. This could be an opportunity for the Milwaukee-based company to expand that part of its business, perhaps replacing A123 as Fisker's battery supplier.

Continue reading Battery maker A123 systems defaults on loan, files for bankruptcy

Battery maker A123 systems defaults on loan, files for bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a123a123 systemsbatterybmwelectric carevfiskerfisker karmahybridlithium-ionTue, 16 Oct 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20351549/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/16/battery-maker-a123-systems-defaults-on-loan-files-for-bankruptc/20351549/article-detail.xml 20351549 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/a123systems-issue-idusl3e8i62zm20120706_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/a123systems-issue-idusl3e8i62zm20120706.jpeg <![CDATA[Fisker Statement: Karma batteries <i>not</i> to blame for fire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/fisker-statement-karma-batteries-not-to-blame-for-fire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/fisker-statement-karma-batteries-not-to-blame-for-fire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/fisker-statement-karma-batteries-not-to-blame-for-fire/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fisker Karma in a parking lot with flames coming from the front driver's side corner

As we suspected yesterday, the first official word from Fisker about the Karma that caught fire in Woodside, CA this weekend is that the lithium ion batteries are apparently not to blame. Fisker has released a statement, which you can find below, which says that independent investigators from Pacific Rim Investigative Group are looking into the cause of the blaze:

Evidence revealed thus far supports the fact that the ignition source was not the Lithium-ion battery pack, new technology components or unique exhaust routing.
The area of origin for the fire was determined to be outside the engine compartment. There was no damage to the passenger compartment and there were no injuries.

More information will be released when Fisker and the investigators have something to report. To see a video of the fire and read our original report, click here.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (PDF), between 2005 and 2009, there have been 1,150 spontaneous vehicle fires, half of those in passenger vehicles. So, just under 600 vehicles burn for no known reason in an average year, out of a national fleet of around 250 million vehicles. Two Karma fires in four months is thus noteworthy, especially given the newness of the technology and general worries about the safety of li-ion batteries. According to Fisker, though, it's not something to panic about.

While we await further details of this investigation, scroll down to read Fisker's official statement.

Continue reading Fisker Statement: Karma batteries not to blame for fire

Fisker Statement: Karma batteries not to blame for fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerfisker automotivefisker firefisker karmaMon, 13 Aug 2012 15:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20299757/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/13/fisker-statement-karma-batteries-not-to-blame-for-fire/20299757/article-detail.xml 20299757 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/fisker-karma-fire_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/fisker-karma-fire.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker Flambé: Second Karma spontaneously combusts [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/12/fisker-flambe-second-karma-spontaneously-combusts-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/12/fisker-flambe-second-karma-spontaneously-combusts-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/12/fisker-flambe-second-karma-spontaneously-combusts-w-video/#commentsFisker Karma on fire

By all accounts, the Fisker Karma is one hot car. For a couple of owners though, perhaps it's too hot.

Similar to a situation in May, when a Karma caught fire for no apparent reason in a Texas garage, another has burst into flames in a Woodside, CA parking lot. Rudy Burger was returning to his car after grocery shopping when he caught in the act of self-immolation. According to Jalopnik, he immediately called Fisker, which, in turn, advised him to call 911.

Firefighters arrived quickly and the flames were subdued before much more than just the front driver's side was consumed. Considering that the A123 Systems' battery runs down the center of the car under the passenger compartment, it is possible that the pack was not responsible for the blaze. Wired got a statement from Fisker, which furthers this line of thought. It reads, in part:

Fisker understands damage was limited to the driver's side front corner of the car, away from the lithium ion battery and electric motors. The car was not being charged at the time.

In an electric vehicle, immediate suspicion is focused on the battery and high voltage components. The location of the damage to the vehicle in this incident appears to rule out that suspicion. Fisker has not had any battery or high voltage fire incidents with any of its vehicles.

Fisker has hired "an independent fire expert to assist the investigation" and says that once the probe is complete and the cause pinpointed, it will issue a statement on the matter. Fisker's current statement - and a video of the Karma conflagration - is posted below.

Continue reading Fisker Flambé: Second Karma spontaneously combusts [w/video]

Fisker Flambé: Second Karma spontaneously combusts [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Aug 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fisker karmaelectric vehicleelectric vehicle firefiskerfisker firefisker karmafisker karma fireplug-in hybridSun, 12 Aug 2012 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20299053/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/12/fisker-flambe-second-karma-spontaneously-combusts-w-video/20299053/article-detail.xml 20299053 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/fisker-karma-fire_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/fisker-karma-fire.jpg <![CDATA[Henrik Fisker, what are you drawing?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/henrik-fisker-what-are-you-drawing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/henrik-fisker-what-are-you-drawing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/henrik-fisker-what-are-you-drawing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Henrik Fisker drawing during his TED Talk

"Cars have become an appliance... And on top of that, you start feeling a bit guilty about driving a car, because it pollutes, you use a lot of gasoline." These are the words of Henrik Fisker, car designer and the man who startes his own automobile company which currently builds and sells the extended-range electric Karma sedan.

"Why do electric cars, or small fuel-efficient cars, always have to look dorky? Why can't we make a beautiful, gorgeous car?" Well, if you're the man who penned the BMW Z8 and a couple of show-stopping Aston Martin coupes, you don't have to design a dorky EV. Which explains the sleek lines of the aforementioned Karma and upcoming Fisker Atlantic.

Will Fisker ultimately succeed in establishing a viable automaker that continues to build cars well into the future? Only time will tell. Either way, we have to admire Henrik's bravado. "The doubters out there, they are rarely the builders. And those who are the skeptics, are never really the inventors... There are a lot of us out there who believe that dreams are possible."

Those parting words are spoken as Henrik Fisker lays out what appears to be a two-door sports car with a low-slung profile that would seemingly mesh quite well with the rest of Fisker's slinky but eco-conscious machinery. Scroll down below to watch the video, which was shot during his TED talk at Chapman University.

Continue reading Henrik Fisker, what are you drawing?

Henrik Fisker, what are you drawing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlanticcar designchapman universityfiskerfisker atlanticfisker automotivefisker karmahenrik fiskerkarmatedted conferenceted talksvideoFri, 06 Jul 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20273007/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/06/henrik-fisker-what-are-you-drawing/20273007/article-detail.xml 20273007 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/fisker-ted-drawing_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/fisker-ted-drawing.jpg <![CDATA[Richard Hammond picks 10 best American cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/05/richard-hammond-picks-10-best-american-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/05/richard-hammond-picks-10-best-american-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/05/richard-hammond-picks-10-best-american-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Richard Hammond

Of the three "Top Gear" hosts, Richard Hammond may be the most sympathetic towards American tastes. He's made no secret of his love for American machinery, including our big-boned muscle cars and pickup trucks. Hammond even spent some time filming in our neck of the woods while working on his new show, "Crash Course." The series puts Hammond behind the wheel of the largest machinery on the planet, and not surprisingly, the first episode focuses solely on the monstrosities of America.

Hammond sat down with GQ to discuss the project as well as some of his favorite vehicles from the States. While cars like the 1969 Dodge Charger and 1968 Ford Mustang GT are obvious picks, Hammond also seems to favor creations like the modern Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and the Jeep Wrangler. Head over to Wired to take a look at the full list for yourself. "Crash Course" airs Mondays at 10 on BBC America.

Richard Hammond picks 10 best American cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 May 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevrolet corvettecrash coursedodge chargerfisker karmaford mustangjeepw ranglerrichard hammondrichard hammond crash courserichard hammond top 10 american vehiclesSat, 05 May 2012 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20228977/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/05/richard-hammond-picks-10-best-american-cars/20228977/article-detail.xml 20228977 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/richard-hammond_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/richard-hammond.jpg <![CDATA[More layoffs at Fisker; Delaware plant is 'absolutely empty']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/more-layoffs-at-fisker-delware-plant-is-absolutely-empty/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/more-layoffs-at-fisker-delware-plant-is-absolutely-empty/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/more-layoffs-at-fisker-delware-plant-is-absolutely-empty/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Fisker Atlantic

Last we heard, Fisker Automotive was still "committed" to building the recently revealed Atlantic sedan at the former General Motors plant in Delaware. A few years ago, Fisker announced that site would be the company's new domestic production home (the Fisker Karma extended-range plug-in hybrid is made by Valmet in Finland). Still, Fisker did say that any definitive statement on the Atlantic's production location would not come until the end of the summer.

So we were interested to read new reports from local media that show more signs that the Atlantic might not ever be built in Delaware. On Friday, Delaware Online reports, 12 more workers - including engineers and maintenance technicians - were laid off at the plant, leaving "only a small maintenance team" left there. One of those let go was Jeff Garland, who had been working on community affairs and business development efforts in Delaware. He said the plant is currently "absolutely empty." This is because Fisker has taken out the old GM equipment but has not yet installed the machines it would need to build the Atlantic. As Garland told Delaware Online, "I think what happened was the budget numbers are so tight right now and they're working so hard to preserve as much cash as they can that something had to give. We're not making a car in Wilmington right now, so given that situation it was an obvious place to make a cut."

Fisker spokesman Russell Datz said that the company has flexible plans and will hire people when "we ramp up the project again." Production of the Atlantic is being delayed, at least in part, because of issues with Fisker's Department of Energy loan. You can read more about that here.

In related news, some of the components that Fisker and Ford will use in hybrid and all-electric cars are now being made by Magna E-Car Systems in Michigan. The inverters Magna makes are used in the Karma and this new production does not in any way predict a shift of Atlantic production to Michigan.

More layoffs at Fisker; Delaware plant is 'absolutely empty' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fisker karmaatlanticdelawareelectric vehiclefiskerfisker atlanticfisker delawarefisker karmakarmaplug-in hybridTue, 17 Apr 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20217812/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/17/more-layoffs-at-fisker-delware-plant-is-absolutely-empty/20217812/article-detail.xml 20217812 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/fisker-atlantic-reveal-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/fisker-atlantic-reveal-opt.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> finally posts Fisker review, finds litany of owners suffering from bad Karma]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/consumer-reports-finally-posts-fisker-review-finds-litan/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/consumer-reports-finally-posts-fisker-review-finds-litan/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/consumer-reports-finally-posts-fisker-review-finds-litan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Consumer Reports' Fisker Karma - front three-quarter view

You can buy a bunch of information for $107,000.

Consumer Reports is learning all sorts of things about the Fisker Karma now that it has purchased one for testing, only to have it die with less than 200 miles on the odometer. After 48 hours in the dealer's repair shop - under warranty - the car is back in the CR fleet and is starting to get put through its paces.

With that public breakdown making waves, CR discovered that lots of Karma owners have been reporting their own issues with their new and expensive plug-in hybrids. Things like needing a new differential after less than 1,000 miles, a car shutting itself off at 35 mph and lots of trouble with the shifter. Most of these reports were put up by owners on FiskerBuzz. Of course, before CR got its Karma, the company issued two recalls, one for a software glitch and another for battery issues.

So, with all the problems, how does CR like the Karma on the track? The design is "simply stunning," it says, but the range-extending gasoline engine is loud when the 22-kWh battery is depleted. And the Fisker's SUV-like 5,395-pound weight doesn't help with handling. On the inside, CR says the touchscreen is also less than ideal, with a grayscale look and plenty of menu flipping that "makes MyFord Touch look like a brilliant design." Ouch.

Then there's this:

Just this weekend, for example, the speedometer and energy meter display disappeared when driving, on top of having several other rogue warning indicators appear last week. It is expected we'll be revisiting the dealership soon. We've had cars in the past that have been troublesome, but never anything like this.

You can see what CR wrote about the car here and check out their new video review after the jump.

Continue reading Consumer Reports finally posts Fisker review, finds litany of owners suffering from bad Karma

Consumer Reports finally posts Fisker review, finds litany of owners suffering from bad Karma originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fisker karmaconsumer reportsconsumer reports fiskerfiskerfisker karmafisker reviewkarmakarma reviewvideoMon, 19 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20196328/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/19/consumer-reports-finally-posts-fisker-review-finds-litan/20196328/article-detail.xml 20196328 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/karma-cr-review_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/karma-cr-review.png <![CDATA[The Saga Continues: <i>Consumer Reports'</i> Fisker Karma gets new battery pack]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/the-saga-continues-consumer-reports-fisker-karma-gets-new-batt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/the-saga-continues-consumer-reports-fisker-karma-gets-new-batt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/the-saga-continues-consumer-reports-fisker-karma-gets-new-batt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Fisker Karma from Consumer Reports on flatbed trailer

Send a $107,000 Fisker Karma to the dealer - after an incredibly public breakdown - and get a new battery pack in return. That's the lesson that Consumer Reports learned over the weekend and the repaired vehicle is now "operating fine at our test track" after 48 hours offline.

All that CR is saying about the problem is that the Fisker dealer said that a "fault was found in the battery and inverter cable. Both were replaced as a unit." Also, while lots of dealers wash your car after you take it in for servicing, CR's dealer also charged the brand-new pack. How kind. With everything back on track - for now - CR will get to what it intended to do days ago: put the Karma through its paces.

CR's Karma is not the only one with issues. All Karmas were affected by two recalls (due to a software glitch and then battery issues) and, as we discovered last week, owners are posting about their own problems over on FiskerBuzz.

The Saga Continues: Consumer Reports' Fisker Karma gets new battery pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer reportsfiskerfisker batteryfisker karmafisker li-ion batterykarma batteryli-ionli-ion batteryplug-in hybridWed, 14 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20193232/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/14/the-saga-continues-consumer-reports-fisker-karma-gets-new-batt/20193232/article-detail.xml 20193232 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/consumer-reports-fisker-karma_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/consumer-reports-fisker-karma.png <![CDATA[Ex-dealer alleges Fisker Karma pushed to market prematurely to meet DOE loan conditions *UPDATE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/whistleblower-alleges-fisker-karma-pushed-to-market-prematurely/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/whistleblower-alleges-fisker-karma-pushed-to-market-prematurely/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/whistleblower-alleges-fisker-karma-pushed-to-market-prematurely/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Fisker Karma in motion

Fisker has found itself struggling with a range of technical issues shortly after the launch of the company's Karma extended-range EV, from faulty battery packs to pesky software updates. According to one former employee, that's no surprise. According to GigaOM, the worker in question reportedly left the company because of a push to get the production model out the door to satisfy Department of Energy loan requirements even though the early cars had a range of technical issues that still required sorting. The report lacks much in the way of specifics, and the unnamed defector now works for another EV startup sells the Coda, leading some to question the individual's motives.

Fisker, meanwhile, says quality and customer satisfaction are top priorities for the company, and that the automaker has been quick to solve any issues that have surfaces thus far. Owners have access to a 24-hour VIP help line in the case of a technical problem.

While the DOE awarded the company a $529 million loan in 2009, Fisker has only been able to draw on a portion of the funds due to delays in the Karma development.

*UPDATE: It looks like the "former employee" designation is incorrect, as both Fisker and Coda have confirmed to AutoblogGreen that this man never worked for them. In fact, the San Francisco Chronicle identifies him as "John Hoffman, store manager for Coda of Silicon Valley" and someone who used to sell Fiskers. So, it seems Hoffman developed his opinions on the sales floor and does not appear to have inside information. Fisker has also released a statement on the matter, which you can find here.

Continue reading Ex-dealer alleges Fisker Karma pushed to market prematurely to meet DOE loan conditions *UPDATE

Ex-dealer alleges Fisker Karma pushed to market prematurely to meet DOE loan conditions *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fisker karmafiskerfisker karmafisker karma problemshenrik fiskerkarmakarma problemsproblemswhistleblowerTue, 13 Mar 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20192089/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/13/whistleblower-alleges-fisker-karma-pushed-to-market-prematurely/20192089/article-detail.xml 20192089 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/fisker-karma-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/fisker-karma-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker to launch production Karma Surf wagon at Paris salon in September]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/fisker-to-launch-production-karma-surf-wagon-at-paris-salon-in-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/fisker-to-launch-production-karma-surf-wagon-at-paris-salon-in-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/fisker-to-launch-production-karma-surf-wagon-at-paris-salon-in-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Although the split front grille may not be to everyone's liking, by and large the overall shape of the Fisker Karma is what defines it as much as its hybrid propulsion system. The trouble is, packaging two powertrains into one lithe shape penned by the same designer behind the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and the BMW Z8 has left the Karma with little in the way of useable trunk space. That's what prompted Fisker to showcase the Surf concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year.

The Surf takes the four-door Karma's shape and extends its roofline with a hatchback/wagon/shooting brake body style aimed to make the luxury hybrid more versatile. The result isn't what we'd call cavernous, but as any good fundraiser worth his tax receipt book will tell you, every little bit helps.

And so Fisker is reportedly set to put the Surf into production, with the final version slated to debut not at the Geneva Motor Show next week, but at the Paris Auto Salon in September. We'd think Fisker might want to expand the cargo bay a little more before it hits showrooms, but we'll have to wait until the fall to find out.

The shooting brake isn't the only model variant Fisker reportedly has in the pipeline, as reports further indicate plans are afoot to put the Sunset convertible - complete with retractable hard-top also known as the Karma S - into production for debut in Geneva next year.

Fisker to launch production Karma Surf wagon at Paris salon in September originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 geneva motor showfiskerfisker karmafisker karma sfisker karma s sunsetfisker karma sunsetfisker karma surfkarmakarma sparis auto salonparis auto showparis motor showTue, 28 Feb 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20180983/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/28/fisker-to-launch-production-karma-surf-wagon-at-paris-salon-in-s/20180983/article-detail.xml 20180983 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/fisker-surf_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/fisker-surf.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker Karma showcased at Harrods in London]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/15/fisker-karma-showcased-at-harrods-in-london/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/15/fisker-karma-showcased-at-harrods-in-london/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/15/fisker-karma-showcased-at-harrods-in-london/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Fisker Karma at Harrods

Want to advertise a new plaything for the wealthy? The front windows at Harrods are the place to be. That's where Aston Martin once displayed the Cygnet city car, and where Lexus showcased its hybrids a short while after. Little wonder, then, that Fisker has opted to park the Karma at the swanky London department store.

The Karma display gives prospective British buyers the chance to see the car and register their interest with a local dealership. It's the first time the Karma is being displayed in a retail location in the UK, but something tells us the purveyor of luxury hybrids may have gotten a break on the price for this prime advertising space: Qatar Holding, which owns Harrods, also happens to own part of Fisker. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Fisker Karma showcased at Harrods in London originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department storefiskerfisker karmaharrodskarmalondonSun, 15 Jan 2012 13:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20147890/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/15/fisker-karma-showcased-at-harrods-in-london/20147890/article-detail.xml 20147890 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fisker-harrods_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fisker-harrods.jpg <![CDATA[BMW 1M, Fisker Karma and BAC Mono are <i>Top Gear</i> stars' Car of the Year winners]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/bmw-m1-fisker-karma-and-bac-mono-are-top-gear-stars-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/bmw-m1-fisker-karma-and-bac-mono-are-top-gear-stars-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/bmw-m1-fisker-karma-and-bac-mono-are-top-gear-stars-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Top Gear magazine and Jeremy Clarkson have already let us in on their 2011 care of the year, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque taking the cake from both of them (although Clarkson made the distinction that the best car of 2011 was the BMW 535d M-Sport Touring). A few more TG stars have clocked in to make their assessments, with Hammond choosing the BMW 1 Series M, May selecting the Fisker Karma, The Stig pointing to the BAC Mono, and mag writer Tom Ford laying money on the Morgan 3Wheeler.

Hammond found the 1 Series M perfectly "boisterous," May was smitten with the Karma's future-forward-vegan ethose, namely the fact that it has no animal products, and The Stig's stenographer wrote that the F3-racer-cum-street-legal-maniac BAC Mono is, well, just that. As for the Morgan 3Wheeler, after recounting all the ways it misses the mark as a car, Ford gives those very reasons for it being an awesome experience. You can have a look at each in our high-res gallery of photos and click the links to read all the details.

BMW 1M, Fisker Karma and BAC Mono are Top Gear stars' Car of the Year winners originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series m coupebac monoevoquefisker karmajames maymorgan 3 wheelerrichard hammondthe stigtom fordtop gearThu, 05 Jan 2012 08:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20138929/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/05/bmw-m1-fisker-karma-and-bac-mono-are-top-gear-stars-car/20138929/article-detail.xml 20138929 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/topgearmagcotys_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/topgearmagcotys.jpg <![CDATA[A123 confirms Fisker Karma batteries could have cooling problem]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/24/a123-confirms-fisker-karma-batteries-could-have-cooling-problem/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/24/a123-confirms-fisker-karma-batteries-could-have-cooling-problem/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/24/a123-confirms-fisker-karma-batteries-could-have-cooling-problem/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Fisker Karma

Battery maker A123 has announced that batteries it supplied to Fisker Automotive for its Karma range-extended luxury sedan might have "misaligned" hose clamps for the cooling system, which could cause coolant to leak. Unabated, A123 admits the leak could cause an electrical short-circuit.

According to Bloomberg-BusinessWeek, the company has a fix for the issue, and luckily the issue was discovered when there are no more than 50 Karmas needing the repair. A123 provides batteries to several other OEMs, but only Fisker's batch appears to suffer from the cooling issue.

A123 confirms Fisker Karma batteries could have cooling problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fisker karmaa123a123 systemsbatteriesfiskerfisker karmakarmaSat, 24 Dec 2011 10:48:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20134875/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/24/a123-confirms-fisker-karma-batteries-could-have-cooling-problem/20134875/article-detail.xml 20134875 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/karmaa123batteryfix_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/karmaa123batteryfix.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker names former Chrysler chief Tom LaSorda its vice chairman]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/fisker-names-former-chrysler-chief-tom-lasorda-its-vice-chairman/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/fisker-names-former-chrysler-chief-tom-lasorda-its-vice-chairman/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/fisker-names-former-chrysler-chief-tom-lasorda-its-vice-chairman/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tom LaSorda headshotStarting a new automaker from scratch is no easy feat. Henrik Fisker is a visionary designer, but to get his Karma luxury hybrid on the road, he knew he'd need a good management team behind him. So he brought in BMW and Ford native Bernhard Koehler as Chief Operating Officer, General Motors number cruncher Joe DaMour as Chief Financial Officer and former Jaguar marketing chief Richard Beattie as the company's new Chief Commercial Officer. And now Fisker Automotive has added another name to the roster: Tom LaSorda.

No, we're not talking about the Los Angeles Dodgers coach here. We're talking about the former Chrysler chief who managed Detroit's No. 3 automaker starting in the Daimler days, through the Cerberus period and helped broker the sale to Fiat. Prior to that, the Canadian-born auto exec spent years working for GM, but in his new role at Fisker, he'll be acting primarily in an advisor capacity as Vice-Chairman of the Board and Chairman of its Strategic Council.

LaSorda will undoubtedly have some experience to impart on the upstart automaker, and since his role will be principally to provide advice, hopefully the Karma's build quality and panel gaps will be a bit better than a Sebring's. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Fisker names former Chrysler chief Tom LaSorda its vice chairman

Fisker names former Chrysler chief Tom LaSorda its vice chairman originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerfisker automotivefisker karmakarmalasordathomas lasordatom lasordaThu, 15 Dec 2011 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20128704/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/15/fisker-names-former-chrysler-chief-tom-lasorda-its-vice-chairman/20128704/article-detail.xml 20128704 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/tom-lasorda_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/tom-lasorda.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker hikes Karma price... again... now above $100k]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/fisker-hikes-karma-price-again-now-above-100k/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/fisker-hikes-karma-price-again-now-above-100k/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/fisker-hikes-karma-price-again-now-above-100k/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Fisker Karma

When you're starting up a new luxury automaker - especially a high-end one - it's easy for prices to quickly escalate beyond their anticipated targets. And that's just what's happened with the Fisker Karma.

Way back when (in 2008), the upstart automaker was talking about selling the Karma for $80,000. Then, the initial base MSRP was set at $87,900 until Fisker raised prices again - and began taking orders - for its hybrid luxury at $95,900. As of this Thursday, even this price will jump by some six percent to $102,000.

That's for the base Eco Standard model, while the top Eco Chic trim level will now sell for $116,000. Those who put down deposits at the previous prices, however, will have another month to firm up their orders to get theirs at the original rate.

Fisker hikes Karma price... again... now above $100k originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fisker karmafiskerfisker karmakarmaTue, 13 Dec 2011 16:22:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20127130/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/13/fisker-hikes-karma-price-again-now-above-100k/20127130/article-detail.xml 20127130 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/08-2012-fisker-karma-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/08-2012-fisker-karma-fd.jpg -1 2