Report

Fisker chief touts company's future, seeks 'alternative' funding



Fisker Automotive
chief Henrik Fisker touted the advanced powertrain automaker's future without federal funding and is in daily talks for potential private financing sources, Automotive News (subs req.) reported, citing an interview with Mr. Fisker.

The maker of the Karma extended-range plug-in luxury sedan, which has raised more than $860 million in private financing during the past five years, also said the Nina is "95 percent sourced," including the use of a BMW engine, and is "ready to build," according to the publication. Fisker added that the Karma is self-financing in terms of providing enough cash flow through advance orders to build the car.

Automotive analysts and alt-fuel proponents have questioned the California-based company's future since Fisker laid off around 65 people in Delaware and California. Fisker, which was slated to get a $529 million loan from the U.S. Department of Energy, has received less than $200 million of that and may lose the remaining amount because of production delays. The company said in a statement earlier this month that it is in discussions with the DOE.

Fisker has taken about 2,500 Karma orders, though isn't estimating sales figures. Last week, Wall Street Journal automotive writer Dan Neil called the Karma "the world's most interesting car."

Fisker Karma Information

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