Quantum Technologies is no stranger to our pages, having seen coverage as diverse as hydrogen systems for the Toyota Prius all the way through large hydrogen vans and up to hybrid vehicles for the military. Now, it seems that they have partnered with Fisker Automotive, maker of fine coach-built vehicles based on the underpinnings of luxury sports cars. The vehicles is to feature styling by Henrik Fisker, whose earlier work included various Aston Martin cars and the BMW Z8. This means that the vehicle will, at the very least, be attractive. Fisker hopes to build 15,000 plug-in hybrid "ECO-CHIC" vehicles annually at a cost of less than $100,000 each.
We are looking towards January 13, 2008, for The Detroit International Auto Show, where the vehicle is expected to be unveiled. A countdown has already started at the official Fisker website. Quantum has designed the chassis specifically for Fisker. The vehicle should be capable of charging from a standard outlet. No mention is made of specifications, so we will be sure to stay on top of this one and let you know details like expected range and speed. Is it possible that Fisker beats both Toyota or GM to market with a production plug-in electric car available for sale? If the press release is correct and the production car debuts in January of next year, it seems that they might. No matter, this is great news for those who can afford to spend six-digit sums on an automobile.
[Source: Fisker (.pdf) via Autoblog]
PRESS RELEASE:
DRIVE THE FUTURE WITH FISKER AUTOMOTIVE,
A NEW GREEN AMERICAN PREMIUM CAR COMPANY
IRVINE, Calif. Sept.5, 2007: Quantum Technologies and Fisker Coachbuild, LLC
announce the launch of a joint venture in Fisker Automotive, Inc. - a green American
premium car company. Fisker Automotive will offer a range of environmentally
friendly premium cars – with the first production car to make its Worldwide North
American debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January. Initial production is
anticipated to be 15,000 vehicles annually with pricing to start under $100,000.
Design and technology development are already underway for the first production car.
All models will feature cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology penned as Quantum
Drive, developed by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive. This
all-new plug–in Quantum Drive chassis layout will allow Fisker to design innovative
luxury cars with uncompromised proportions.
The Fisker name has attracted and attained worldwide brand recognition, thanks to
years of first-class automotive designs. Over his 18 years in the car design business,
Henrik Fisker has left his thumbprint on some of the most highly regarded automobiles.
His creations range from the BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9 & V8 Vantage to his most
recent creations – the Tramonto and Latigo CS, designed under the Fisker Coachbuild
nameplate. Fisker Automotive will retain the orange and blue logo originated at Fisker
Coachbuild.
"The troubled environment is captivating the attention of the world. Developing a
premium luxury green car which also delivers attractive design can make a difference.
We are extremely excited to join our automotive design expertise with the plug-in
hybrid technology of Quantum in Quantum Drive. This breakthrough chassis
development will allow us to deliver a design with dramatic proportions – one which
will carry the Fisker badge," expressed Henrik Fisker, CEO of Fisker Automotive, Inc.
"We want people to drive beautiful fast cars that make environmental sense – cars that
are eco-chic and will have less of an impact on global warming."
Quantum Technologies has a long history of advancing technology. Benefits in
developing an entirely new, from-the-ground-up design for a plug-in hybrid vehicle
include optimized fuel efficiency and performance, unchanged gas station
infrastructure, home based battery recharging with any 110-volt outlet at a fraction of
the cost. A cleaner and a quieter car for local travel...all with the most advanced
comforts that are anticipated with a luxury car.
"Our goal here is to deliver the advancement that Quantum Technologies has made in
the area of plug-in hybrid technology. By combining our efforts with the renowned
design talent of Henrik Fisker, we can produce a car that makes a difference to the
environment – without sacrificing the luxury that accompanies the finest automobiles,"
stated Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO Quantum Technologies.
Fisker Automotive is a privately owned car company, operated by executive
management teams of Fisker Coachbuild, LLC and Quantum Technologies with
Henrik Fisker as the CEO of Fisker Automotive. Fisker Coachbuild, LLC will be the
exclusive design house for Fisker Automotive through the entire range of product
development.
About Quantum Technologies:
Quantum is a publicly traded, world leader and OEM supplier of state-of-the-art clean
propulsion technologies, fuel and energy storage technologies and services including
propulsion systems for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, hydrogen internal combustion engine
vehicles, compressed natural gas vehicles, liquid petroleum vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids based on advanced electronic control systems and Lithium Ion batteries developed by Quantum's strategic alliance partner Advanced Lithium Power Ltd. Quantum also provides engineering services including vehicle development and homologation and second stage vehicle manufacturing through its subsidiary Tecstar.
About Fisker Coachbuild, LLC:
Fisker Coachbuild, LLC is a privately owned company that has brought a new vision to the world of exotic, high-end performance sports cars. Their distinctively designed and expertly engineered automobiles are hand crafted using only the best quality materials and infused with cutting-edge safety technology. Fisker Coachbuild offers elegant and timeless sports cars of limited production providing the ultimate in exclusivity. The Fisker line is currently comprised of the Tramonto and Latigo CS. Creative design services are also carried out for further brand recognition within Fisker Coachbuild through merchandising. Designed by Fisker Coachbuild has also made its mark with the Artega GT design recently launched at the Geneva Auto Show in 2007. Now the future strategy will be to focus solely on the design of the environmental friendly premium cars for Fisker Automotive, Inc.
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