Breaking: Tesla sues Fisker over electric car design
You know how it goes, when there's smoke... Tesla Motors is reportedly suing Fisker Automotive for stealing inside design ideas. As rumors indicated earlier this week, Henrik Fisker apparently was hired by Tesla to style their upcoming Whitestar sedan. The styling was not to Tesla's liking, either by accident or on purpose - likely depending on who you ask -- so Fisker's designs were rejected. At that time, Tesla claims that Fisker and some associates took what they learned from Tesla and started their own project, which was unveiled recently, ironically enough, as the Karma sedan.
We should point out that it's too early to know where the truth lies when it comes to this story. Tesla is suing for the money it paid Fisker for design work along with unknown damages. There's been no response as of yet from Fisker. We'll surely be keeping you up-to-date when we find out more.
[Source: The New York Times]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
kert 7:55AM (4/15/2008)
Just what the EV world needs, another stupid controversy, without any promise of actual shipping products. How useful.
Meanwhile
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/04/mitsubishi-to-s.html
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Phil L. 8:05AM (4/15/2008)
Personally, I believe EVs have a bright future - but I'm found it frustrating that the EV marketplace have somehow invites needless infighting, and has been a haven for scam artists. What is it about batteries and wheels that brings out these destructive tendencies?
Tesla doesn't need something else to divert their efforts, just when they have the opportunity to become more than an automotive curiosity.
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Dave 8:14AM (4/15/2008)
As a trial attorney that handles infighting between ex-partners in these matters, it isn't hard to see the writing on the wall. Nobody is going to win this battle, especially in the PR realm.
Fisker obviously needs the technology and has much to gain from Tesla. Fisker could also develop the E-Rev technology and then help Tesla out with Whitestar. This thing needs to die, and quickly.
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BlackbirdHighway 8:31AM (4/15/2008)
The NYT article reports $875,000 being paid by Tesla to Fisker for the development. That's not a lot of money to someone like GM, but to Tesla and Fisker it is a sizable sum. Then again, it could easily take 10 times that much to see this through the courts to a completion.
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OhmExcited 9:41AM (4/15/2008)
Tesla has lost their soul.
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steven 10:21AM (4/15/2008)
With ref to Tesla production vehicles, the phrase should be "If there is no smoke, there is no fire"
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Throwback 11:14AM (4/15/2008)
"At that time, Tesla claims that Fisker and some associates took what they learned from Tesla and started their own project". What does this mean? The only thing Fisker has shown is a styling buck. Is Tesla saying he used the design they paid for and rejected, or he decided to build an electric car?
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KarenRei 3:20PM (4/15/2008)
They're claiming that Fisker took their money, gave them a lemon, and used what they learned about the Tesla's construction to start their own company.
Personally, Fisker has grated on me for a while, so I'm kind of glad to see Tesla throwing a punch. It's not going to change the rate of production of roadsters any.
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craigcolvin 4:53PM (4/15/2008)
And now another lawsuit....what is going on over there?
http://www.news.com/8301-11128_3-9919536-54.html
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stevefazek 5:31PM (4/15/2008)
I hope for both companies sake they settle this quickly, I am sure fiskers contract stated that Tesla owns the rights to the work they paid him for as well as a general nondisclosure. If fisker ripped off of teslas technology or IP then they are owed a part of each sale fisker does. Isnt Tesla just using AC P controllers on their cars anyways? I think they have a nice system but 23 grand for a motor/controller sans batteries no thanks.
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Kevin Nugent 7:39PM (4/15/2008)
OKay so now tesla has balls to go and sue somebody . Just because they are making some $$$$$ . they need to go and sit somewhere! . i don't know why they would even reject this design . That car looks phenomenal . any high stakes roller would buy one in a heart beat in his luxury sedan and now he could brag to his friends that it is all electric and green
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