LAcarGUY's Blog

Fisker Automotive raises $115M for Plug-In Hybrids

Today's press release is more great news for Fisker Santa Monica

IRVINE, CA – January 15, 2010:  New American carmaker Fisker Automotive has secured access to an additional $115.3 million in private equity funding to develop plug-in hybrid cars.   

 

This funding is necessary for Fisker Automotive (www.fiskerautomotive.com) to access a $528.7 million U.S. Department of Energy conditional loan that will, in part, help speed completion of the Fisker Karma, the company’s first plug-in hybrid. 

 

The raise comes at a time when capital is scarce, the auto industry is struggling and the global economy is just beginning to rebound.

 

Starting at $87,900 the Karma paves the way for development of lower-cost plug-in hybrid technology for a second, family-oriented car code named Project NINA.  Project NINA is expected to be built in Wilmington, Delaware at a former General Motors assembly plant starting in 2012. 

 

 “Raising $115 million in these times speaks volumes about the value of our business model and the vast potential of plug-in hybrids,” said Henrik Fisker, CEO.

 

Investors include A123 Systems, Ace Investments and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.

 

Fisker Automotive earlier this week signed a multi-year supply agreement with A123 Systems for the lithium-ion batteries that will power the Karma. 

 

“Fisker Automotive selected A123 because of the company’s ability to meet our performance needs and rapidly scale to our production volume,” said Fisker.  “We are committed to developing environmentally friendly cars that don’t sacrifice style or performance.  A123’s technology will ensure the Karma delivers.”

 

Designed and engineered in the U.S., the four-door Karma proves eco-friendly cars can still have style and power.  The Karma can reach 60mph in six seconds and top 125mph, yet runs cleaner and more efficiently than today’s most popular hybrids.

 

ABOUT FISKER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Fisker Automotive is a privately owned, premium American car company with a vision to lead the automotive industry into the next-generation of automobiles with high-end design expertise and eco-friendly powertrain technology.  Global headquarters are in Irvine, California, USA.

 

The company was created in 2007 to leverage the design capabilities of Fisker Coachbuild, LLC, founded by auto design veterans Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler, and the PHEV powertrain capabilities of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ-QTWW), a major Tier 1 supplier of clean vehicle technologies to the automotive OEMs.  Previously, Fisker, CEO, was design director for Aston Martin and president and CEO of BMW’s DesignworksUSA.  Koehler, COO, led operations for Ford’s Global Advanced Design Studio and created concept cars for Aston Martin, MINI and BMW.  #

DANISH CROWN PRINCE TO TAKE EMISSION-FREE FISKER PLUG-IN HYBRID TO COP15 UN CLIMATE CONFERENCE COPENHAGEN (DENMARK)

More exciting news about Fisker.  Be sure to stay updated at www.fiskersantamonica.com

WHAT: Denmark’s Crown Prince HRH Frederik is the first individual outside theFisker development team driving the new eco-friendly Fisker Karma. The Crown Prince will tomorrow travel to the COP15 UN Climate Conference events in Copenhagen with the plug-in hybrid car. HRH Frederik will visit at 4 pm Hopenhagen event at Raadhuspladsen after which he will leave in the Fisker Karma at 5 pm to the

Bella Center.

The prototype saloon, developed by American automaker Fisker Automotive, can travel 80km (50mi) emission-free on a single charge of its Lithium-ion battery, and an additional 400km (250mi) on a range extending generator turned by an efficient fourcylinder gas engine. Economy is 2.4L/100km and emissions of just 83g/km CO2 – better than today’s best hybrids. Still, the Karma can reach 100km/h (62mph) in about 6 seconds and exceed 200km/h (125mph).

Fisker Automotive from California is led by Danish auto designer Henrik Fisker, who
also designed the BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9 and Aston Martin V8 Vantage.  The company was recently approved for a USD 528.7-million conditional loan fromthe U.S. Government and announced its intent to purchase an assembly plant from General Motors.

Audi A3 TDI Named 2010 Green Car of the Year

We couldn't be more proud.  Be sure to contact us for info on this amazing car at www.pacificaudi.com.

As fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness have become more important to car buyers over the past few years, so has the annual Green Car of the Year award become more important to auto makers. December 3rd, at the L.A. Auto Show, before a packed room of automotive journalists, analysts, executives, and television cameras, Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal, announced the winner of the 2010 Green Car of the Year award – the Audi A3 TDI. Click here for a photo. There were five finalist contenders for the prestigious Green COTY Award: the Audi A3 TDI, Toyota Prius, VW Golf TDI, Mercury Milan Hybrid, and Honda Insight. After teasing the audience with a description of the 2010 Green Car of The Year Award, Cogan named the Audi A3 TDI as the winner. Accepting the award was Johan de Nysschen, president of Audi of America. “Now I know how actors feel when they win an Academy Award,” de Nysschen told the crowd, adding, “We consider the Green Car of the Year title one of the most important industry accolades.” Jurors for this year’s event included Dr. Alan Lloyd, president of the International Council of Clean Transportation; Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club; Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; Matt Petersen, president Global Green USA; Jay Leno, automotive expert and TV host; and auto icon Carrol Shelby.

LAcarGUY sponsors "Green Lounge" (An Eco-Luxury Experience) this Sunday, Nov 15th

PLEASE RSVP TO ENSURE YOU ARE ON THE GUEST LIST   BY EXCLUSIVE INVITATION ONLY   Celebrities, CEOs and Tastemakers Join Forces For Pioneering GREEN LOUNGE Project   We cordially request your company at  the inaugural launch Please join our celebrated keynote speakers Alicia Silverstone Debbie Levin (Environmental Media Association) Christine Devine (FOX 11 News) Jason Nelson (Empowerment Coach) Darren Moore (Alter Eco) SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2009 LOEWS SANTA MONICA BEACH HOTEL 1700 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica 6PM GREEN CARPET ARRIVALS/ GREEN LOUNGE 7.00PM WELLNESS SYMPOSIUM GREEN LOUNGE is a forward-thinking, thought leadership platform for industry pioneers in wellness, sustainability and philanthropy to connect in a stylish lounge atmosphere designed to showcase exclusive eco-luxury products in an 'eco-luxury' environment. Our Launch evening includes VIP green suites and a wellness symposium with keynote environmental speakers. The GREEN LOUNGE Platform will allow influential tastemakers and services  to share new ideas, technologies and initiatives.  Chefs and mixologists will be on hand, preparing organic hors d'oeuvres, eco cocktails as well as showcase the latest trends in freshly blended organic juices. All refreshments furnished by Whole Foods Market Santa Monica. Charities highlighted: Care / EMA /Wednesday's Child / Habitat for Humanity Our Partners: Wellness2Day.com, Episencial, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, Whole Foods Market Santa Monica,   Mike Sullivan's  Family of Dealers at LAcarGUY.com, Linda Loudermilk, B Green Apparel, Vodka 360, Frey Vineyards, Terra Plana , Hastens on Beverly, Zvezda, Kalia Modern Eco-Living, Ecoskin, Celebrity Society Magazine, Coco Eco Magazine, Indulge Magazine, Big Red Sun, Viesso, Ecovations, Green Earth Print & Design, Ecopep By exclusive invite only.  Please RSVP to ensure you're on our guest list by November 10, 2009 jenna@nicolesherwinevents.com Produced by Nicole Sherwin Green Events http://www.nicolesherwinevents.com/greenlounge.html http://www.celebritysoul.com

LAcarGUY & Fisker Santa Monica preview the new Fisker Karma

On Wednesday, November 4th, Mike Sullivan's LAcarGUY.com and Fisker Santa Monica provided future Fisker owners, green enthusiasts and fans of great design with a rare opportunity to see the Fisker Karma in person.

Fisker VP of Global Sales & Marketing, Marti Eulberg and members of the vehicle's design team were on hand to answer questions from the audience. Over 200 people enjoyed music, drinks and food while waiting for their chance to sit in the Fisker Karma. The evening ended with a LAcarGUY.com raffle, giving away a Flip video recorder and iPod Nano.

All info can be found at www.FiskerSantaMonica.com