Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Fisker: Leonardo DiCaprio's Prius inspired the Karma]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/fisker-leonardo-dicaprios-prius-inspired-the-karma/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/fisker-leonardo-dicaprios-prius-inspired-the-karma/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/fisker-leonardo-dicaprios-prius-inspired-the-karma/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Ever wonder what it is that sparks the mind of an entrepreneur? After all, lots of people have big imaginations and great ideas, but only a relatively small number of them actually follow through, create a company and design a product. Of course, we can add Henrik Fisker to that list of entrepreneurs, and we're definitely looking forward to seeing what else springs from his fertile mind.

So, back to the original question. In the case of Henrik Fisker, the inspiration for the Karma extended-range electric car came from none other than Leonardo DiCaprio. Actually, the actor's Prius hybrid, to be specific. Says Fisker:
A couple of years ago it started, by people who were maybe a little ahead of their time. You saw some movie starts like Leonardo DiCaprio buying a Prius... He could have bought any car in the world, and I remember seeing that on television and thinking to myself, you know, when you've got a guy who could buy any Ferrari or Rolls Royce and he's buying a Prius, you know something is changing dramatically.
Interesting little tidbit, no?

[Source: Reuters | Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images]

Fisker: Leonardo DiCaprio's Prius inspired the Karma originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerfisker karmaFiskerKarmahenrik fiskerHenrikFiskerkarmaleonardo dicaprioleonardo dicaprio priusLeonardoDicaprioLeonardoDicaprioPriuspriustoyota priusToyotaPriusSun, 08 Nov 2009 14:53:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Elon Musk says Fisker is "very far" from overcoming EV hurdles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/report-elon-musk-says-fisker-is-very-far-from-overcoming-ev-h/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/report-elon-musk-says-fisker-is-very-far-from-overcoming-ev-h/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/report-elon-musk-says-fisker-is-very-far-from-overcoming-ev-h/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



In some ways, the all-electric Tesla Roadster and the plug-in hybrid Fisker Karma don't compete. The difference in powertrains, which will filter down to the two compaies' lower-cost models, the Tesla Model S and Fisker's Project Nina vehicle, means that slightly different consumers are going to be interested in these cars. In other ways, though, Fisker and Tesla go head-to-head for the luxury green car market, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk isn't afraid to fan the competition flames a bit.

According to Delaware Online, Musk recently told a Delaware audience (really, Delaware?) that, while he hopes Fisker succeeds, he has "some reservations about the feasibility of Fisker's approach." Why? Because "Fisker is very far from overcoming those [engineering obstacles to build an electric car]." Subtle.

This isnt' the first time there's been contention between the two. In courtrooms last year, Fisker and Tesla fought a battle over insider information that ended with "complete vindication" for Fisker. We'll see if this latest dis causes any further comment from Fisker - a company not known for taking it lying down.

[Source: Delaware Online via earth2tech]

REPORT: Elon Musk says Fisker is "very far" from overcoming EV hurdles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elon muskElonMuskfiskerFisker AutomotiveFiskerAutomotivehenrik fiskerHenrikFiskerteslatesla motorsTeslaMotorsSat, 07 Nov 2009 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[First Fisker dealership opens in LA, 120 pre-orders already taken]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/first-fisker-dealership-opens-in-la-120-pre-orders-already-take/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/first-fisker-dealership-opens-in-la-120-pre-orders-already-take/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/first-fisker-dealership-opens-in-la-120-pre-orders-already-take/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Take an old Lexus dealership in Santa Monica, repurpose the showroom to display a Fisker Karma, invite a bunch of plug-in hybrid-loving locals over a grand opening and - boom - you've got yourself a fun night. This is what happened recently in Los Angeles, with about 200 people attending the invite-only grand opening of the Santa Monica Fisker dealership, the first. The car was popular with attendees, some of whom put down deposits once they saw the PHEV in person for the first time.

Dealer Mike Sullivan told Automotive News he already has 120 reservations, including many from impatient celebrities, for the Karma. "There's not a guy here who wants to be second in line. Two-thirds of the people waiting, you would recognize on the cover of a magazine. Yet, we all know it has to be a slow roll-out. It's a startup. There are always issues," he told AN.

Still, Sulllivan said he's confident he can sell up to 15 Karma and Karma S models a month once production starts next year. At least 32 Fisker dealerships are scheduled to open. If each is able to garner the same number of pre-orders as Sullivan's Santa Monica store and sells 15 cars a month - a huge if - that would account for 9,600 Karmas sold in the first year, well over the 7,500 that Fisker plans to sell in the U.S. (global sales are a hoped-for 15,000). Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Gallery: Fisker Karma

fisker_karma006bfisker_karma016image003-fkfisker_karma_1747refisker_karma_1798re-3

[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]

First Fisker dealership opens in LA, 120 pre-orders already taken originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerFisker Automotivefisker hybridFisker Karmafisker santa monicaFiskerAutomotiveFiskerHybridFiskerKarmaFiskerSantaMonicakarma phevKarmaPhevmike sullivanMikeSullivanSat, 07 Nov 2009 11:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially, Official: Fisker chooses Emil Frey Group for European distribution]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/officially-official-fisker-chooses-emil-frey-group-for-europea/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/officially-official-fisker-chooses-emil-frey-group-for-europea/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/officially-official-fisker-chooses-emil-frey-group-for-europea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Speculation that Fisker's new big dealership partner in Europe would be the Emil Frey Group has turned out to be correct. The start-up automaker announced today that Emil Frey will be its largest partner to import, market and service the company's plug-in hybrid cars in Europe, starting with the Karma. Emil Frey's operations span six countries - Switzerland, Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland - and over 100 stores offering a variety of brands. Fisker already has distribution deals in place with the Nellemann Group in Copenhagen, Denmark and GP Supercars in Merano, Italy.


Gallery: Fisker Karma

fisker_karma006bfisker_karma016image003-fkfisker_karma_1747refisker_karma_1798re-3

[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading Officially, Official: Fisker chooses Emil Frey Group for European distribution

Officially, Official: Fisker chooses Emil Frey Group for European distribution originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingfiskerFisker Automotivefisker europeFisker Karmafisker karma hybridFiskerAutomotiveFiskerEuropeFiskerKarmaFiskerKarmaHybridWed, 04 Nov 2009 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker picks large distributor for European Karma sales, nearing UAW deal]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/fisker-picks-large-distributor-for-european-karma-sales/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/fisker-picks-large-distributor-for-european-karma-sales/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/fisker-picks-large-distributor-for-european-karma-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Further cementing its worldwide distribution plans, Fisker Automotive CEO Henrik Fisker said today that his company has selected "a large distributor" for European sales of its Karma plug-in hybrid and is also investigating a similar deal with "several importers" in China. The unnamed dealer has over 100 dealerships in Europe, Fisker told Reuters, adding that the distributor would be named soon, possibly tomorrow at the Zurich Auto Show. For more on Fisker's dealership strategy, especially in comparison to Tesla's, read this.

Fisker's future plans include making the $87,000 Karma in Finland and selling about 15,000 a year, half in the U.S. and half in other markets. The first Karmas should be delivered by mid-2010. The company recently purchased an unused GM plant in Delaware to build their next model, a $39,000 PHEV. The company also announced that a deal with the UAW regarding that plant should be in place before the end of the year. Thanks to Roy B. for the tip!

Gallery: Fisker Karma

fisker_karma006bfisker_karma016image003-fkfisker_karma_1747refisker_karma_1798re-3

[Source: Reuters]

Fisker picks large distributor for European Karma sales, nearing UAW deal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europefiskerFisker Automotivefisker europeFisker Karmafisker karma hybridFiskerAutomotiveFiskerEuropeFiskerKarmaFiskerKarmaHybridTue, 03 Nov 2009 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Joe Biden reveals Fisker's future plans: sedan, coupe and crossover in the works]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/joe-biden-reveals-fiskers-future-plans-sedan-coupe-and-crosso/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/joe-biden-reveals-fiskers-future-plans-sedan-coupe-and-crosso/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/joe-biden-reveals-fiskers-future-plans-sedan-coupe-and-crosso/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Henrik Fisker talks about the future with Fox News - Click above to watch the video after the break

Earlier this month, Fox news was ripping Fisker Automotive apart and Fisker fought back. Yesterday, as the start-up automaker announced it will buy an old GM plant in Delaware, everyone was all smiles when Fox reporter Gary Gastelu interviewed CEO Henrik Fisker about the plant and confirming something that Vice President Joe Biden said during his remarks at the factory.

Fisker confirmed that at least three derivatives using the Project Nina powertrain platform - Biden mentioned sedans, coupes and crossovers - will be built at the plant. "He definitely told what our product plans are, so I guess we need to live up to it," Fisker said. Fisker also confirmed that the first Project Nina car will be a sexy sports sedan, somewhat like the Karma but smaller and less expensive. Biden, who has seen the project plans for the Nina sedan, said "it looks like a four-door Ferrari, I can't believe it's only going to be $40,000." Watch the video after the jump.

[Source: Fox News]

Continue reading Joe Biden reveals Fisker's future plans: sedan, coupe and crossover in the works

Joe Biden reveals Fisker's future plans: sedan, coupe and crossover in the works originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerFisker AutomotiveFisker hybridFisker Karmafisker karma hybridFiskerAutomotiveFiskerHybridFiskerKarmaFiskerKarmaHybridhenrik fiskerHenrikFiskerJoe BidenJoeBidenproject ninaProjectNinaWed, 28 Oct 2009 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: Fisker buys GM's Wilmington Delaware plant]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/officially-official-fisker-buys-gms-wilmington-delaware-plant/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/officially-official-fisker-buys-gms-wilmington-delaware-plant/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/officially-official-fisker-buys-gms-wilmington-delaware-plant/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

In Wilmington, Delaware this morning, Governor Jack Markell was joined by Vice President Joe Biden and Henrik Fisker for the official announcement about the purchase of General Motors' closed plant there. Fisker will re-tool the plant to build a new, more affordable plug-in hybrid sedan to slot in below its more luxurious Karma. The goal is to have the model sell for under $40,000 after federal tax credits.

The current schedule is to have the car in production by the end of 2012 with volumes getting up to 75,000-100,000 units annually by 2014. Fisker has moved up its development schedule for what they are calling Project Nina thanks to the $528 million low cost loan it recently received courtesy of the Department of Energy. During the announcement, Fisker stated that he wants to export half of the production from the plant while creating 5,000 jobs in the U.S. (2,000 at the plant and 3,000 at suppliers). The local UAW president was also on hand, so it looks like the plant will remain unionized, which is very unusual for a startup auto plant.

Fisker is paying $18 million for the factory from Motors Liquidation which is the remainder of "Old GM" which is selling off assets from bankruptcy court. The plant most recently produced the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky, both of which ended production last spring.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

fisker_karma006bfisker_karma016image003-fkfisker_karma_1747refisker_karma_1798re-3

[Source: Fisker Automotive]

Continue reading Officially Official: Fisker buys GM's Wilmington Delaware plant

Officially Official: Fisker buys GM's Wilmington Delaware plant originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingfiskerFisker AutomotiveFisker hybridFiskerAutomotiveFiskerHybridWilmingtonwilmington delaware plantWilmingtonDelawarePlantTue, 27 Oct 2009 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[PEV 2009: Henrik Fisker explains how his company will be profitable, plans for 2010]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/pev-2009-henrik-fisker-explains-how-his-company-will-be-profita/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/pev-2009-henrik-fisker-explains-how-his-company-will-be-profita/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/pev-2009-henrik-fisker-explains-how-his-company-will-be-profita/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



With his company about to announce its first U.S. plant in Delaware, CEO Henrik Fisker was in high spirits and high demand at last week's Business of Plugging In conference in Detroit. We were able to pull the busy man aside for a few minutes to ask for more information on how his company plans to make money - will they really find 5,000+ people willing to pay $89,000 for the Karma plug-in hybrid? - and how the unusual development path that the Karma has been on has been good for the small automaker. Get the details after the jump.

Continue reading PEV 2009: Henrik Fisker explains how his company will be profitable, plans for 2010

PEV 2009: Henrik Fisker explains how his company will be profitable, plans for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business of plugging inBusinessOfPluggingInfiskerFisker AutomotiveFisker hybridFisker Karmafisker karma hybridFiskerAutomotiveFiskerHybridFiskerKarmaFiskerKarmaHybridhenrik fiskerHenrikFiskerpev 2009Pev2009Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Fisker going to Delaware for Project Nina plant; Quantum readies diesel-hybrid powertrain]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/report-fisker-going-to-delaware-for-project-nina-plant-quantum/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/report-fisker-going-to-delaware-for-project-nina-plant-quantum/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/report-fisker-going-to-delaware-for-project-nina-plant-quantum/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

We heard earlier this week that Fisker Automotive has selected a location to build its U.S. production facility for its upcoming, lower-cost plug-in hybrid. Now there are all sorts of rumors swirling that Delaware is the place where Fisker wants to be, even if Fisker won't officially announce it quite yet. The AP is reporting that Fisker and Delaware representatives have been talking about turning an old GM plant in Wilmington into a place to build PHEVs. The $528.7 million loan that Fisker got from the DOE last month will be used, in part, to upgrade this plant for the upcoming Project Nina and on engineering integration costs for the Karma PHEV. Apparently, the deal is "99 percent" complete, according to unnamed sources with knowledge of the deal. Thanks to Roy B. for the tip!

In other potential good news for Fisker, the company's powertrain partner, Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, announced yesterday that it is ready with a "fuel efficient, high performance diesel hybrid electric powertrain, "Q-Force," after six (6) years of development."

UPDATE: We're now hearing that the Governor of Delaware has confirmed this on a local radio station.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

fisker_karma006bfisker_karma016image003-fkfisker_karma_1747refisker_karma_1798re-3

[Source: AP, Quantum]

Continue reading REPORT: Fisker going to Delaware for Project Nina plant; Quantum readies diesel-hybrid powertrain

REPORT: Fisker going to Delaware for Project Nina plant; Quantum readies diesel-hybrid powertrain originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingdelawarefisker delawareFisker Karmafisker karma hybridFisker Karma SFiskerDelawareFiskerKarmaFiskerKarmaHybridFiskerKarmaSkarmaproject ninaProjectNinaFri, 23 Oct 2009 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker reportedly chooses U.S. location to build lower-cost plug-in hybrid, will announce soon]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/fisker-reportedly-chooses-u-s-location-to-build-lower-cost-plug/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/fisker-reportedly-chooses-u-s-location-to-build-lower-cost-plug/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/fisker-reportedly-chooses-u-s-location-to-build-lower-cost-plug/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Henrik Fisker, co-founder and chief executive of the automaker that bears his name, has said that the company has chosen a location for the U.S. plant to build its next eco-friendly automobile, but he's not yet ready to announce the location. According to the LA Times, Fisker seemed to rule out the recently-idled NUMMI plant in Fremont, California, saying:
[NUMMI] is obviously way too big for us when you're talking about 100,000 to 150,000 cars. So there are some plants out there that are simply too big... We found one that was very modern and has produced cars until recently and all that, so there is definitely a good choice of factories and all the Big Three are selling factories at this point in time. We're probably somewhat lucky... that there are so many empty factories available.
Some analysts suggest the former General Motors' facility in Wilmington, Delaware, is an obvious choice as it was previously used to assemble the low-volume Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky roadsters. Whatever the location, this new plant will be used to build Project Nina, a plug-in vehicle that's expected to cost $48,000 before a federal rebate of $7,500. That car is expected by 2012, two years after the firm's Karma PHEV sedan goes on sale.


Gallery: Fisker Karma

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[Source: LA Times]

Fisker reportedly chooses U.S. location to build lower-cost plug-in hybrid, will announce soon originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerFisker AutomotiveFisker hybridFisker Karmafisker karma hybridfisker ninaFisker PHEVfisker plantfisker plug-in hybridfisker project ninaFiskerAutomotiveFiskerHybridFiskerKarmaFiskerKarmaHybridFiskerNinaFiskerPhevFiskerPlantFiskerPlug-inHybridFiskerProjectNinalow-cost hybridLow-costHybridproject ninaProjectNinaWed, 21 Oct 2009 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker responds to Fox New's report that "ignored or marginalized the truth"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/fisker-responds-to-fox-news-report-that-ignored-or-marginalize/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/fisker-responds-to-fox-news-report-that-ignored-or-marginalize/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/fisker-responds-to-fox-news-report-that-ignored-or-marginalize/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fisker Automotive has decided to not sit down and take the whole "scary Fisker foreign company" meme that Fox News is trying to spread. The California-based automaker's CEO, Henrik Fisker, issued a release today saying that some news reports "ignored or marginalized the truth, or sensationalized irrelevant aspects of the loan and our company." Guess which reports he's talking about?

Fisker's statement goes on to clarify the important points, none of which will be surprising to AutoblogGreen readers, like the fact that "No DOE funding will be used for overseas operations." Fisker also repeats that the $528.7 million in DOE loans "will be repaid, with interest, to the American taxpayer." Fisker doesn't call out Fox News by name, but he does seem saddened by what Fox did. He ends his statement by saying, "It is unfortunate how false information can be disseminated and it is our intention to correct as much of it as possible." Might be an uphill battle. Read Fisker's entire statement after the jump.

Gallery: Fisker Karma


[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading Fisker responds to Fox New's report that "ignored or marginalized the truth"

Fisker responds to Fox New's report that "ignored or marginalized the truth" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerFisker Automotivefisker foxFisker Karmafisker u.s.FiskerAutomotiveFiskerFoxFiskerKarmaFiskerU.s.fox newsfox news channelFoxNewsFoxNewsChannelFri, 02 Oct 2009 19:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Fox News criticizes - and misleads viewers on - Tesla, Fisker DOE loans]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/fox-news-criticizes-and-misleads-viewers-on-tesla-fisker-do/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/fox-news-criticizes-and-misleads-viewers-on-tesla-fisker-do/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/fox-news-criticizes-and-misleads-viewers-on-tesla-fisker-do/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fox News on Fisker, Teska DOE loans - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

Pop quiz: what country is Tesla Motors based in? England? Wrong. What about Fisker Automotive? Finland? Wrong again, but if you gave those two answers, you might be qualified to be on Fox News and criticize the Department of Energy for giving loans to these two companies, both of which are based in California. Fisker got $528.7 million and Tesla Motors was awarded $465 million.

Of course, the DOE loans are intended to be used to bring manufacturing and engineering jobs to the U.S., a bit of information that Fox just barely mentions. Fisker will conduct engineering work in Pontiac, MI and its Irvine, California headquarters for Project Nina, the company's lower-cost plug-in hybrid. Tesla will use the money to bring the Model S to market through a manufacturing facility, most likely to be built somewhere in California.

Fox news anchor Martha MacCallum also seems to enjoy harping on the "Karma" name, as if it's just a hippie car or something, She also made sure to highlight the connection between Fisker and Al Gore, but didn't mention Colin Powell's connection to the company. Watch the video after the jump and read the transcript of the exchange over on Media Matters.

UPDATE: Fisker responds.

[Source: Fox News, Media Matters via Hybrid Cars]

Continue reading Fox News criticizes - and misleads viewers on - Tesla, Fisker DOE loans

Fox News criticizes - and misleads viewers on - Tesla, Fisker DOE loans originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avtmlpavtmpdepartment of energyDepartmentOfEnergydoedoe loandoe loansDoeLoanDoeLoansfiskerfisker automotiveFiskerAutomotivefoxfox newsFoxNewsteslatesla motorsTeslaMotorsFri, 02 Oct 2009 11:54:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Fisker gets $528.7 million loan from U.S. DOE for Karma, Project Nina]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/breaking-fisker-gets-528-7-million-loan-from-u-s-doe-for-karm/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/breaking-fisker-gets-528-7-million-loan-from-u-s-doe-for-karm/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/breaking-fisker-gets-528-7-million-loan-from-u-s-doe-for-karm/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fisker's goal of becoming profitable by 2011 received a shot in the arm today thanks to the U.S. Energy Department's announcement that the upstart automaker will receive a $528.7 million conditional loan. The DOE says the loan, "will create or save about 5,000 jobs for domestic parts suppliers." Highlights of the DOE's announcement include confirmation that the money will go towards "two lines of plug-in hybrids" ($39,000 PHEV, here we come?) and that at least some of those jobs will be "to manufacture a plug-in hybrid in the U.S." Fisker will perform final assembly of its first car, the high-cost Karma, in Finland with partner Valmet.

When we spoke with company head Henrik Fisker about a low-cost model back in January, he told us once DOE funding came through, it wouldn't take long to get the lower-cost plug-in hybrid on the road. The DOE loan specifies that $169.3 million is to be used for engineering integration costs, working primarily with U.S. suppliers to get the Fisker Karma finished, with the remaining funding to be used on Fisker's Project Nina. Project Nina? There's a name we haven't heard before, but the DOE says it will involve "the manufacture of a plug-in hybrid in the U.S." Fisker says the name was chosen as a reference to Christopher Columbus, and "is symbolic of the automobile industry's transition from old world to new."

Earlier this year, the DOE gave conditional loan commitments to Ford ($5.9 billion), Nissan ($1.6 billion) and Tesla Motors ($465 million). The money comes from the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan program. All the details are available in the press releases below the fold.


Gallery: Fisker Karma

fisker_karma006bfisker_karma016image003-fkfisker_karma_1747refisker_karma_1798re-3

[Source: Fisker, DOE]

Continue reading BREAKING: Fisker gets $528.7 million loan from U.S. DOE for Karma, Project Nina

BREAKING: Fisker gets $528.7 million loan from U.S. DOE for Karma, Project Nina originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing ATVM Loan programAdvancedTechnologyVehiclesManufacturingAtvmLoanProgramatvmatvmlpatvmpbreakingfiskerfisker automotivefisker automotive doefisker karmaFiskerAutomotiveFiskerAutomotiveDoeFiskerKarmaTue, 22 Sep 2009 15:18:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Fisker looks to 2011 for profits; color us skeptical]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/19/report-fisker-looks-to-2011-for-profits-color-us-skeptical/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/19/report-fisker-looks-to-2011-for-profits-color-us-skeptical/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/19/report-fisker-looks-to-2011-for-profits-color-us-skeptical/#commentsFiled under:


Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Anyone that has watched either the auto industry or technology startups knows how hard it is to achieve profitability. Blend the two together and you more often than not have a recipe for financial disaster. We've seen far more aspiring EV makers go belly up than actually deliver product. Even well-financed companies like Tesla have been on the brink. Aside from Tesla, the other startup with the deepest pockets is Fisker Automotive with money from venture capital firms like Kleiner Perkins and others.

Fisker hopes to reach profitability by 2011 with a sales target of 15,000 cars a year. The company claims to have a break even point of 5,000 sales a year, so if they get anywhere close to the target, profits should be rolling in. However, as much as we like the Karma - and it certainly is a much more practical alternative than the Tesla Roadster - we remain skeptical. First, we have to wonder if there is a market for anything close to 15,000 Karmas a year at a price point close to $100,000. We also remain dubious of the profit potential given that engines will be shipped from the U.S. to Finland, where the car is to be built, with the completed cars then coming back to North America. Finally, Fisker apparently still has only about 1,400 orders for the car - barely more than the 1,300 reported last January. If the economy continues to languish, Fisker could have a hard time moving 5,000 Karmas, much less three times that. Best of luck to Fisker - they are going to need it.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

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[Source: VentureBeat]

REPORT: Fisker looks to 2011 for profits; color us skeptical originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerfisker automotivefisker karmafisker profitabilityfisker profitsfisker-karmafiskerautomotiveFiskerKarmaFiskerProfitabilityFiskerProfitsprofitabilityprofitableprofitabliltySat, 19 Sep 2009 15:41:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Fisker developing $39,000 plug-in hybrid]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/report-fisker-developing-39-000-plug-in-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/report-fisker-developing-39-000-plug-in-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/report-fisker-developing-39-000-plug-in-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from earth2tech, Ray Lane, an investor with Kleiner Perkins, has let slip news that Fisker is developing a new plug-in hybrid automobile to slot below its planned Karma sedan with a base price of just $39,000. No indication is made whether that price would be before or after the $7,500 federal tax rebate it would likely qualify for.

Kleiner Perkins is one of the major investors in Fisker Automotive, so there's reason to believe Lane has knowledge of the inner workings of the young automaker. Earlier, company CEO Henrik Fisker said that the automaker was looking to the Department of Energy for a loan of an undetermined amount in order to build a lower-cost plug-in automobile. We spoke with Fisker about a low-cost model back in January.

We haven't received word that Fisker's DOE loan was approved, so we're not really sure where the funds to develop the new machine will come from. In any case, the Fisker Karma isn't slated to go on sale until late 2010, so the lower-cost PHEV very likely has quite a ways to go before it hits the pavement to do battle with the likes of the Chevy Volt. Thanks for the tip, Jon!


Gallery: Fisker Karma


[Source: earth2tech]

REPORT: Fisker developing $39,000 plug-in hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerfisker karmafisker phevFiskerKarmaFiskerPhevkarmakleiner perkinsKleinerPerkinslow cost fiskerlow cost phevlow-cost fiskerlow-cost phevLow-costFiskerLow-costPhevLowCostFiskerLowCostPhevphevray laneRayLaneTue, 15 Sep 2009 18:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker announces fuel economy estimate for Karma - 67.2 mpg and CO<sub>2</sub> emissions of just 83 g/km]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/fisker-announces-fuel-economy-estimate-of-67-2-mpg-co-sub-2-su/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/fisker-announces-fuel-economy-estimate-of-67-2-mpg-co-sub-2-su/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/fisker-announces-fuel-economy-estimate-of-67-2-mpg-co-sub-2-su/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

The miles per gallon rating of a vehicle that can get energy from an electrical outlet is a difficult thing to accurately calculate and get the public to accept. Just ask AFS Trinity, with their "150 mpg" SUVs, or GM with its 230 mpg number for the Chevy Volt. Still, it's valuable to have some sort of number to compare vehicles against one another, and Fisker Automotive has released the first such numbers for its Karma plug-in luxury hybrid: 3.5 liters per 100 kilometers (equivalent to 67.2 mpg U.S.) and CO2 emissions of just 83 grams per kilometer.

Fisker is basing these numbers on SAE methodology for measuring emissions for PHEVs. We're trying to confirm this with Fisker, but we think this means the J1711 methodology, about which you can read more here or in this PDF. (UPDATE: It's actually J2841) In any case, Fisker says that the Karma's CO2 emissions will be, on average, "less than that of today's cleanest production cars and 75 percent less than that of competing vehicles." If the company meets its ambitious goal of selling 15,000 Karmas a year starting when it goes on sale next year and then through 2016, they estimate that 248 million gallons of gasoline will be saved.


Gallery: Fisker Karma

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[Source: Fisker]

Fisker announces fuel economy estimate for Karma - 67.2 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 83 g/km originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 fisker karma2010FiskerKarma2011 fisker karma2011FiskerKarmabreakingfiskerfisker karmafisker mpgFiskerKarmaFiskerMpgkarmakarma mpgKarmaMpgTue, 08 Sep 2009 12:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Karma at Laguna Seca update: even at 100 mph, PHEV used no gas]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/fisker-karma-at-laguna-seca-update-even-at-100-mph-phev-used-n/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/fisker-karma-at-laguna-seca-update-even-at-100-mph-phev-used-n/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/fisker-karma-at-laguna-seca-update-even-at-100-mph-phev-used-n/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Fisker Karma takes to the track at Laguna Seca - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Fisker Automotive has released a bit more information about that one lap that the Karma ran at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on Saturday. According to the start-up, during the silent (for proof, see the video) lap around the track, the luxury plug-in hybrid managed to hit 100 mph and didn't use any gasoline. Average folks with money who buy a Karma won't get to hit that speed very often (to say nothing of the 125 mph top speed), but the Karma's 0-60mph time of six seconds won't go unnoticed. At Laguna Seca over the weekend, the driver was Fisker Automotive co-founder and COO Bernhard Koehler.

Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker believes the single lap shows a lot of promise: ""This demonstration represents a significant milestone for Fisker Automotive and PHEV technology. The future of clean cars is bright."

Gallery: Fisker Karma at Laguna Seca

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Photos (except the large image above) copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Fisker ]

Continue reading Fisker Karma at Laguna Seca update: even at 100 mph, PHEV used no gas

Fisker Karma at Laguna Seca update: even at 100 mph, PHEV used no gas originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100 mph100Mphfalsefiskerfisker karmafisker karma hybridfisker karma laguna secafisker karma phevFiskerKarmaFiskerKarmaHybridFiskerKarmaLagunaSecaFiskerKarmaPhevlaguna secaLagunaSecaphevplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridTue, 18 Aug 2009 08:03:00 EST<![CDATA[One lap only: Fisker Karma takes on Laguna Seca in public driving debut [w/VIDEO]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/one-lap-only-fisker-karma-takes-on-laguna-seca-in-public-drivin/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/one-lap-only-fisker-karma-takes-on-laguna-seca-in-public-drivin/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/one-lap-only-fisker-karma-takes-on-laguna-seca-in-public-drivin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fisker Karma takes to the track at Laguna Seca - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The world driving debut of the Fisker Karma happened at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on Saturday. Our compadres at Autoblog were snapping photos of the glut of luxury cars all weekend long, but almost missed the Karma. How could you miss a car like this? Well, it drove around the corner so silent they didn't hear it coming and then is only made one lap. The original plan was to sent the Karma around twice. Still, quick shutter release fingers mean we have a few images of the drive to share with you. Check out the Karma on the track in the gallery below along with a shot of the car at Concorso Italiano over the weekend then hit the jump for the sights and sounds of a luxurious Laguna Seca lap from behind the wheel.

UPDATE: The Karma hit 100 mph and used no gas during the lap.

Gallery: Fisker Karma at Laguna Seca

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Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading One lap only: Fisker Karma takes on Laguna Seca in public driving debut [w/VIDEO]

One lap only: Fisker Karma takes on Laguna Seca in public driving debut [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falsefiskerfisker karmafisker karma drivefisker karma hybridFiskerKarmaFiskerKarmaDriveFiskerKarmaHybridkarma driveKarmaDrivelaguna secaLagunaSecaMon, 17 Aug 2009 13:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker nabs ex-Maserati North America chief for sales and marketing duties]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/fisker-nabs-ex-maserati-na-chief-for-marketing-duties/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/fisker-nabs-ex-maserati-na-chief-for-marketing-duties/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/fisker-nabs-ex-maserati-na-chief-for-marketing-duties/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If there was any doubt that Fisker Automotive is keenly interested in attracting buyers from the luxury car sector - and, no, there really wasn't any doubt - today's announcement that the company has hired the former president and CEO of Maserati North America should put any lingering wonder to rest.

Fisker has appointed Marti Eulberg to the position of vice president of global sales and marketing after being head of Maserati North America for less than one year. Eulberg's position means she will "develop global sales and marketing strategies and manage Fisker's worldwide retail network." Eulberg, a true auto industry veteran, has also worked for Jaguar, Volvo and BMW as well as managing Ford dealerships and interning at General Motors.

As we've seen, Fisker is not following fellow green luxury car maker Tesla down the independent store path. Instead, Fisker will license independent dealerships, hopefully to benefit from their expertise with selling expensive vehicles in local markets. Complete press release available after the jump.

Gallery: Fisker Karma


[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading Fisker nabs ex-Maserati North America chief for sales and marketing duties

Fisker nabs ex-Maserati North America chief for sales and marketing duties originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerfisker automotivefisker hybridfisker karmafisker karma hybridfisker karma sfisker Marti EulbergFiskerAutomotiveFiskerHybridFiskerKarmaFiskerKarmaHybridFiskerKarmaSFiskerMartiEulbergMarti EulbergMartiEulbergThu, 06 Aug 2009 18:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Karma's public driving debut coming to Monterey's Classic Car Week ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/fiskers-public-driving-debut-to-come-in-mid-august-at-monterey/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/fiskers-public-driving-debut-to-come-in-mid-august-at-monterey/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/fiskers-public-driving-debut-to-come-in-mid-august-at-monterey/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

While we've seen the Fisker Karma plenty of times surrounded by velvet rope and models, to see one out on the roads spinning its wheels is a sight we've yet to experience. The good news is that this luxury plug-in hybrid will make its public driving debut during the Monterey Peninsula's Classic Car Week in the middle of August. Not only will Aug. 15 mark the first time that outsiders get to see the Karma in action, but it'll be first time any plug-in hybrid joins the track cars at the event. The plan right now is to send the Karma on two laps of the Laguna Seca course, starting at 11:10 a.m.

The Karma concept will also be on display at Concorso Italiano on Aug. 14, along with the Karma Sunset convertible. The Karma S will also be on display at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Aug. 16.

Gallery: Fisker Karma


[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading Fisker Karma's public driving debut coming to Monterey's Classic Car Week

Fisker Karma's public driving debut coming to Monterey's Classic Car Week originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fisker karmafisker karma conceptfisker karma drivingfisker karma hybridfisker karma sfisker montereyFiskerKarmaFiskerKarmaConceptFiskerKarmaDrivingFiskerKarmaHybridFiskerKarmaSFiskerMontereymontereyrolex monterey historic automobile racesRolexMontereyHistoricAutomobileRacesThu, 23 Jul 2009 13:57:00 EST