Russell Datz, confirmed gearhead, to handle Fisker communications

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.


PRESS RELEASE:

Fisker Automotive Names Russell Datz to Lead Communications

IRVINE, Calif.-- Fisker Automotive Chief Executive Officer Henrik Fisker today announced the appointment of Russell Datz to Director of Public Relations, effective immediately.

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Datz will oversee worldwide communications, and will report directly to Fisker. He will also work with Fisker Automotive's marketing department to steer brand image.

"We are very happy to have such an accomplished and experienced automotive communications person with us," said Fisker. "Russell Datz is well known for developing and implementing effective campaigns for specialized automakers. The automotive landscape is changing dramatically, but we see no reason style and performance need to be sacrificed to attain fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility. Russell's leadership will introduce that concept to those who prefer no such compromise."

Datz, 38, most recently was Vice President with Atlanta-based Brandware Public Relations, a boutique agency focusing on the automotive, power sports and lifestyle categories. In 2004 he opened and ran the company's New York office, where he was responsible for directing the U.S. launch of the Lotus Elise. Prior to that Datz was Manager, Public Relations for Panoz Auto Development, also in Atlanta. He graduated from Towson State University in 1992 with a degree in Mass Communication.

A lifelong car enthusiast, Datz says he is excited to be joining Fisker at a time when many people are rethinking the way their driving choices effect the environment and their dependence on oil.

"The idea that you can enjoy the finer things, drive something exciting and still be environmentally responsible is one that really gets me going," said Datz. "Most of the cars I've owned have delivered on two or more of these principles, like the Audi 5000 Turbo Quattro or the Honda CRX I autocrossed." "Henrik Fisker has assembled a team of veteran designers and engineers any manufacturer would kill for, and I'm honored to be a part of it."

Fisker Automotive, Inc.

Fisker Automotive is a privately owned car company with Henrik Fisker as the CEO. Fisker Coachbuild, LLC will be the exclusive design house for Fisker Automotive through the entire range of product development. The company has backing from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Palo Alto Investors and Qatar Investment Authority.