Fisker Automotive

Henrik Fisker co-founded Fisker Automotive in 2007 with Fisker Coachbuild partner Bernhard Koehler and Quantum Technologies after securing U$5.2 million investment from Gianfranco Pizzuto, an Italian businessman, and Palo Alto Investors. Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, a venture capital firm, was one of the early investors. Fisker was involved in the design of many premium cars such as the Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage, Artega GT, and BMW Z8. He also served as design director and sat on the board at Aston Martin.{{Cite magazine|last=Squatriglia|first=Chuck|date=July 2, 2018|access-date=September 9, 2023|title=Henrik Fisker's 'Timeless' Automotive Designs |url=https://www.wired.com/2010/07/henrik-fisker-design-gallery/|magazine=Wired}}

File:The Stola Fisker Tramonto at the 2006 Paris Auto Show.jpg]]

Before Fisker Automotive, Fisker and Koehler left Aston Martin in 2005 to establish Fisker Coachbuild, in an attempt to revive the art of coach-building automobiles to customer specifications.{{cite journal|last=Callaway|first=Sue Zesiger|title=When a perfect Porsche isn't good enough|journal=Fortune|date=September 19, 2007|access-date=November 23, 2011|url=https://money.cnn.com/2007/09/18/magazines/fortune/bodydoubles.fortune/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711121651/http://money.cnn.com/2007/09/18/magazines/fortune/bodydoubles.fortune/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 11, 2012}} The Fisker Tramonto and Latigo used chassis and power trains from Mercedes-Benz SL and BMW 6 Series automobiles. Several were purchased, but the business soon gave way to Fisker Automotive, a true automobile manufacturer.

In 2009, Fisker mentioned plans for another plug-in hybrid, a "high-volume vehicle for a lower price", subject to getting a U.S. Department of Energy loan{{cite web |url=http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/05/13/business/doc4a0a997c322ab093787149.txt |title=Fisker CEO has plans for smaller electric car in 2010 Published: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 JOSEPH SZCZESNY |author=Joseph Szczesny |date=May 13, 2009 |publisher=The Oakland Press |access-date=January 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520083751/http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/05/13/business/doc4a0a997c322ab093787149.txt |archive-date=May 20, 2009 |url-status=dead }} to build about 100,000 vehicles annually in the United States.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/retire-us-autoshow-fisker-interview-idUSTRE58F5VP20090916 |title=Fisker Automotive targets 2011 profit |author=Soyoung Kim |date=September 16, 2009 |publisher=Reuters |access-date=January 19, 2012}}

On April 14, 2008, Tesla Motors filed a lawsuit against Fisker Automotive, alleging they stole Tesla's technology and were using it to develop their own hybrid car, the Fisker Karma, which was announced at the North American International Auto Show in January 2008. Tesla's suit claimed that the design work done for the Model S by Fisker Coachbuild was substandard, and that Fisker diverted its best ideas to the Karma.{{cite web | last = Migliore | first = Greg | title = Tesla sues Fisker, alleges theft of trade secrets | work = AutoWeek: News & Views | date = April 16, 2008 | url = http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200804161045/FREE/512789873 | access-date = April 16, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080521032323/http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F200804161045%2FFREE%2F512789873 | archive-date = May 21, 2008 | url-status = dead }} In early 2009, the suit was settled in Fisker's favor and Tesla was ordered to pay Fisker more than US$1.1 million in legal fees.{{cite web | last = LaMonica | first = Martin | title = Tesla Motors loses trade secrets case against Fisker | work = CNET News | date = 2008-11-04 | url = http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10082062-54.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026130805/http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10082062-54.html | archive-date=2013-10-26 | access-date = 2022-02-16 | url-status=dead | language=en }}

{{cite web |title=ARBITRATOR FIRM EARLIER FINDING IN FAVOR OF FISKER AND AWARDS FISKER $1,144,385 |publisher=Fisker Automotive |url=http://karma.fiskerautomotive.com/news_items/download/5/2008-12-11.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902080635/http://karma.fiskerautomotive.com/news_items/download/5/2008-12-11.pdf | archive-date=2009-09-02 | url-status=dead | language=en | access-date=2022-02-16 |date=2008-12-11}}

Fisker's problems started with a recall of its battery by supplier A123 systems in December 2011, followed by a second recall in March 2012, and eventually A123 Systems' bankruptcy in August 2012. In addition to production stopping for over five months, with no date announced to recommence, the planned production of the second model, the Fisker Atlantic, was postponed, together with the cessation of development of the new model.

In February 2012, Tom LaSorda was named the new CEO,{{cite news|title=Fisker CEO revamps business plan amid Karma woes|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/feedarticle/10178574 |work=The Guardian|access-date=April 10, 2012|date=April 4, 2012|location=London}} and Henrik Fisker became executive chairman,{{cite web|title=Fisker Automotive Appoints Tom LaSorda As CEO|url=http://media.fiskerautomotive.com/global/en-us/Media/PressRelease.aspx?mediaid=802&title=fisker-automotive-appoints-tom-lasorda-as-ceo|work=Fisker Automotive|access-date=April 10, 2012|date=February 28, 2012|archive-date=April 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120409021351/http://media.fiskerautomotive.com/global/en-us/Media/PressRelease.aspx?mediaid=802&title=fisker-automotive-appoints-tom-lasorda-as-ceo|url-status=dead}} but six months later on August 14, La Sorda was replaced by Tony Posawatz, previously General Motors Vehicle Line Director for the Chevrolet Volt.{{cite news|last=Lavrinc |first=Damon |url=https://www.wired.com/autopia/tag/tony-posawatz/ |title=Head of Chevy Volt Program Named CEO of Fisker |publisher=Wired.com |date=August 14, 2012 |access-date=February 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819165854/https://www.wired.com/autopia/tag/tony-posawatz/ |archive-date=August 19, 2012}}

The company suffered a setback on October 29, 2012, when Hurricane Sandy flooded and destroyed its entire European shipment of 338 Karmas at Port Newark, New Jersey.{{cite news |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/11/06/sandy-swamped-shipment-of-more-than-300-fisker-cars/ |title=Sandy Swamped Shipment of More Than 300 Fisker Hybrid Cars |last1=Chernova |first1=Yuliya |date=November 6, 2012 |publisher=Wall Street Journal |access-date=January 10, 2013}} Sixteen of the cars burned, because six to eight feet of seawater caused a short circuit in a vehicle control unit in one Karma, and high winds spread the resulting fire to 15 others.{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/why-fisker-karmas-burned-during-sandy-2012-11 |title=Here's Why 16 Fisker Karmas Burned During Hurricane Sandy|last1=Davies |first1=Alex |date=November 5, 2012 |publisher=Business Insider |access-date=January 10, 2013}} The company said that its lithium-ion battery was not at fault. Insurer XL Insurance America initially denied the roughly US$30 million loss claim and was subsequently sued by Fisker in New York State Supreme Court. The case was settled with an undisclosed out-of-court agreement.{{cite news|last=Dolmetsch|first=Chris|title=Fisker Automotive Agrees to End XL Insurance America Suit|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-21/fisker-automotive-agrees-to-end-xl-insurance-america-suit.html|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|access-date=November 14, 2013}}

Henrik Fisker resigned in March 2013,{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-henrik-fisker-resigns-20130313,0,5030297.story |title=Management fight pushes Henrik Fisker from car company he founded |last=Hirsch |first=Jerry |date=March 13, 2013 |access-date=March 13, 2013 |work=Los Angeles Times}} after "disagreements with management", in particular "disagreements over business strategy".{{cite news |author=Berman, Bradley |title=Henrik Fisker Resigns From Fisker Automotive |url=http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/13/henrik-fisker-resigns-from-fisker-automotive/ |work=The New York Times |date=March 13, 2013 |access-date=March 14, 2013}} Shortly after the departure of Henrik Fisker from Fisker Automotive, on April 5, 2013, Fisker laid off 75% of its workforce, retaining only a core group of 40 workers as it continued to negotiate with prospective investors.{{cite news|last=King|first=Danny|title=Fisker hires bankruptcy team after worker furlough |url=http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/fisker-hires-bankruptcy-team-after-worker-furlough/ |access-date=April 2, 2013 |newspaper=AutoblogGreen |date=March 31, 2013}}{{cite news |title=Fisker Automotive lays off most workers, struggles to find investor|url=http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-fisker-layoff-staff-20130405,0,6931960.story |work=Los Angeles Times |date=April 5, 2013 |access-date=April 5, 2013 |first=Jerry |last=Hirsch}}

On October 11, 2013, Hybrid Technology LLC agreed to buy Fisker's defaulted government loan at a heavy discount. On November 22, 2013, Fisker filed its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case. Concurrently, on November 23, 2013, Fisker agreed, subject to bankruptcy court approval, to be acquired by Hybrid, owned by Hong Kong billionaire, Richard Li.{{cite news |last=Keane |first=Angela Greiling |title=Fisker to Sell Assets in Bankruptcy at $139 Million Lossn |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-11-22/fisker-to-sell-assets-in-bankruptcy-at-139-million-loss.html |work=Bloomberg |date=November 23, 2013 |access-date=November 23, 2013}}{{cite web |last=Chase |first=Randall |title=Fisker bankruptcy: Feds to lose $139 million on Fisker Automotive |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Latest-News-Wires/2013/1126/Fisker-bankruptcy-Feds-to-lose-139-million-on-Fisker-Automotive |publisher=Christian Science Monitor |date=November 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228180839/https://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Latest-News-Wires/2013/1126/Fisker-bankruptcy-Feds-to-lose-139-million-on-Fisker-Automotive |archive-date=2021-02-28 |access-date=2022-02-16 |url-status=live | language=en }} At the last moment, though, Chinese parts supplier Wanxiang Group submitted a competing bid of {{USD}}24.75 million, supported by the Official Creditors' Committee in the case. Wanxiang had earlier lost out to Hybrid in bidding for purchase of the government's loan to Fisker. Wanxiang owns A123 Systems LLC, Fisker's former battery supplier, and Fisker argued that Wanxiang's conduct was partly responsible for Fisker's business failure. As part of its bid, Wanxiang proposed restarting production of the Karma.{{cite news |last=Hals |first=Tom |title=Fisker seeks rejection of Chinese suitor it blames for its bankruptcy |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/autos-fisker-bankruptcy-idUSL2N0KC12U20140102 |publisher=Reuters |date=January 2, 2014 |access-date=January 6, 2014}}

Wanxiang received court approval on February 18, 2014, to buy the assets of Fisker after a three-day auction against Hybrid with a bid of $149.2 million, with bidding starting at $55 million, significantly more than the previous $24.75 million bid, and significantly higher than the $25 million Hybrid Technology LLC paid the Department of Energy for a $164 million loan note.{{cite news |last=Hals |first=Tom |title=Court clears sale of hybrid car maker Fisker to China's Wanxiang |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-fisker-wanxiang-sale-idUSBREA1H1LM20140218 |work=Reuters |access-date=February 19, 2014 |date=February 18, 2014}} On top of the $25 million, the DOE also recouped $28 million from Fisker for a total of $53 million recovered of its $192 million loan.Bill Canis, Brent D. Yacobucci. "[https://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42064.pdf The Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan Program: Status and Issues]" page 11-13. 7-5700 www.crs.gov R42064. Congressional Research Service, January 15, 2015.

Following Fisker Automotive's structured bankruptcy auction in February 2014, Henrik Fisker retained the Fisker logo and trademarks. Wanxiang Group then transformed the assets of Fisker Automotive into a new company named Karma Automotive, thus launching the Karma Revero plug-in hybrid car based on the Fisker Karma. Henrik Fisker would later start another electric vehicle company named Fisker Inc. in 2016 with the Fisker logo and trademarks.Paul Leinert, [https://web.archive.org/web/20161005160449/http://time.com/money/4518061/tesla-henrik-fisker/ "This Startup Founder Plans to Take on Tesla – Again,"] Time, October 4, 2016.

{{Main|Fisker Karma}}

File:Fisker Karma 2.jpg outside the Fisker headquarters in Anaheim, California]]

The Karma was a plug-in hybrid luxury sports sedan produced by Fisker Automotive and manufactured at Valmet Automotive in Finland. After missing its initial late 2009 launch, and after the launch was rescheduled several times, the first deliveries took place in the U.S. in late July 2011 and deliveries to retail customers began in November 2011.

The 20.1 kWh (72.36 MJ) lithium ion rechargeable battery in each car came from A123 Systems in Watertown, Massachusetts. The aluminum frame was engineered by Fisker and was supplied by Norsk Hydro from Norway. The cabin interior was designed by Fisker Automotive, but was made in the United States by Magna International of Canada. The EVer powertrain system, technically a series hybrid, delivered over 400 horsepower, and was inspired by Quantum Technologies, a cofounder of and early investor in Fisker. A version of the Karma was relaunched as the Karma Revero in 2016 by Karma Automotive.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2016/08/fisker-karma-automotive-revero/ |title=Inside the Fisker Karma's Impossible Return From Automotive Hell |date=August 19, 2016 |magazine=WIRED |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820165715/https://www.wired.com/2016/08/fisker-karma-automotive-revero/ |archive-date=August 20, 2016 |access-date=September 24, 2016 |url-status=dead }}

File:Fisker Sunset--DC.jpg

At the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, Fisker showed a short wheelbase hardtop convertible version of the Karma called the Sunset, with the intent of series production.{{cite web |last=Voelcker |first=John |date=2012-08-21 |title=Fisker Surf, Sunset On Back Burner; Atlantic Is Top Priority |url=https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1078619_fisker-surf-sunset-on-back-burner-atlantic-is-top-priority |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214234546/http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1078619_fisker-surf-sunset-on-back-burner-atlantic-is-top-priority |archive-date=2013-12-14 |work=Green Car Reports}}

File:Silver Fisker Surf fl IAA 2011.jpg

At the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, Fisker showed the Surf, a concept model based on the Karma with a station wagon bodystyle. According to Fisker this bodystyle had been planned from the beginning of design work on the Karma.{{cite web |last=Martinez |first=Nate |date=2011-09-13 |title=2012 Fisker Surf |url=https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2012-fisker-surf-look/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023055558/https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2012-fisker-surf-look/ |archive-date=2021-10-23 |work=Motor Trend}} Fisker described the Surf as a "merger of a sports car with a station wagon" and said he was inspired by cars such as the Jensen Interceptor and Lamborghini Espada.{{Cite news |last=Martinez |first=Nate |date=2011-09-13 |title=2012 Fisker Surf |url=https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2012-fisker-surf-look/ |work=Motor Trend}} In August 2012 Fisker announced that the Sunset and the Surf were both on hold, as the company had decided to focus on the planned mid-sized Atlantic sedan.{{cite web |last=Voelcker |first=John |date=2012-08-21 |title=Fisker Surf, Sunset On Back Burner; Atlantic Is Top Priority |url=https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1078619_fisker-surf-sunset-on-back-burner-atlantic-is-top-priority |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214234546/http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1078619_fisker-surf-sunset-on-back-burner-atlantic-is-top-priority |archive-date=2013-12-14 |work=Green Car Reports}}

The Atlantic was intended to be Fisker's entry into the midsize sedan segment, similar in size to cars such as the Audi A5. Originally under development as "Project Nina", Fisker had reached a deal with BMW for them to supply turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder engines for the Atlantic, with the car using a similar plug in hybrid system as the Karma.{{Cite news |last=Berkowitz |first=Justin |date=2012-04-03 |title=Fisker Atlantic Concept |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15120645/fisker-atlantic-concept-official-photos-and-info-auto-shows/ |work=Car and Driver}}

By February 2012, Fisker had established 45 dealerships in the US and three in Canada.{{cite web |title=Fisker Expands Reach Into Canada |url=http://media.fiskerautomotive.com/global/en-us/Media/PressRelease.aspx?mediaid=622&title=fisker-expands-reach-into-canada |work=Fisker Automotive |access-date=April 10, 2012 |date=February 2, 2012 |archive-date=March 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306065358/http://media.fiskerautomotive.com/global/en-us/Media/PressRelease.aspx?mediaid=622&title=fisker-expands-reach-into-canada |url-status=dead }} By March 2012, the company had built over 2,450 vehicles, with over 2000 cars delivered to customers by the end of 2012.{{cite news|title=Consumer Reports' $100K Fisker Karma dies on arrival |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/03/consumer-reports-fisker-karma-breaks/1#.T4RZDhwxcnQ |work=USA Today |access-date=April 10, 2012 |date=March 8, 2012}}{{cite news |title=A Year of Few Dull Moments|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/23/automobiles/a-year-of-few-dull-moments.html?_r=0 |work=The New York Times |access-date=December 28, 2012 |date=December 21, 2012}} Fisker Automotive distributed vehicles through a traditional dealer network and partnered with five importers: GP Supercars (Merano, Italy), Nellemann (Copenhagen, Denmark); the Emil Frey Group (Zurich, Switzerland); BD Otomotive (Istanbul, Turkey){{cite web|title=Fisker Automotive Fact Sheet|url=http://media.fiskerautomotive.com/global/en-us/Company/FactSheet/Overview.aspx|work=Fisker Automotive|access-date=April 10, 2012|archive-date=April 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423103759/http://media.fiskerautomotive.com/global/en-us/Company/FactSheet/Overview.aspx|url-status=dead}} and Al-Futtaim Group (Middle East and North Africa).{{cite press release |url=http://media.fiskerautomotive.com/global/en-us/Media/PressRelease.aspx?mediaid=857&title=fisker-automotive-expands-reach-in-middle-east-north-africa |title=Fisker Automotive Expands Reach in Middle East & North Africa |publisher=Fisker Automotive |date=April 23, 2012 |access-date=April 28, 2012 |archive-date=April 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404113230/http://media.fiskerautomotive.com/global/en-us/Media/PressRelease.aspx?mediaid=857&title=fisker-automotive-expands-reach-in-middle-east-north-africa |url-status=dead }}

Fisker Automotive used to retain core competencies, such as design, engineering and marketing, in house, but outsourced manufacturing of its first vehicle Fisker Karma.{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2009/0608/070-automakers-fisker-karmas-the-next-detroit.html |title=The Next Detroit |work=Forbes.com |first=Joann |last=Muller |date=June 8, 2009 |access-date=September 14, 2009}} Fisker's outsourcing methods allowed the company a 2–3 year period of development instead of the typical 5 years and at a cost of US$333 million instead of $1 billion, and claimed that it could make a profit from selling just 15,000 cars.{{cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/magazine/2010/06/ff_qa_fisker_karma/ |title=Driven: How Henrik Fisker Aims to Floor the Auto Industry | Magazine |publisher=Wired.com |date=June 22, 2010 |access-date=June 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626105924/https://www.wired.com/magazine/2010/06/ff_qa_fisker_karma/ |archive-date=June 26, 2010}} Fisker used to save significant development costs by using pre-engineered components developed by other car companies whenever possible, such as the door handle mechanism which was a General Motors part; Fisker Automotive just paid a royalty to GM for each door handle in the Karma, which was much cheaper than designing its own door handles.{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2009/0608/070-automakers-fisker-karmas-the-next-detroit_2.html |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20130420004714/http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2009/0608/070-automakers-fisker-karmas-the-next-detroit_2.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 20, 2013 |title=The Next Detroit (page 2) |first=Joann |last=Muller |work=Forbes.com |date=June 8, 2009 |access-date=September 14, 2009}} However, the A123 battery failure and its resulting recall, and the eventual bankruptcy of the battery supplier,{{cite news|title=A123 Shows Risks as Battery Science Meets Government Cash|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-17/a123-shows-risks-as-battery-science-meets-government-cash.html|work=Bloomberg L.P.|access-date=December 28, 2012|date=October 18, 2012}} led to significant problems and added cost to the manufacture of the Karma model, finally resulting in Fisker's bankruptcy.

In 2008, Fisker estimated 15,000 cars per year would be assembled by Valmet Automotive in Uusikaupunki, Finland.{{cite press release |title=Valmet Automotive announces a Letter of Intent for an Assembly Contract with Fisker Automotive |url=http://www.valmet-automotive.com/automotive/bulletin.nsf/PEBD/5979AF477BFC7C95C2257487001AE95E?opendocument |publisher=Valmet Automotive |date=July 15, 2008 |access-date=July 21, 2008 |archive-date=November 13, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081113162526/http://www.valmet-automotive.com/automotive/bulletin.nsf/PEBD/5979AF477BFC7C95C2257487001AE95E?opendocument |url-status=dead }} Manufacturing eventually commenced in 2011 but by the third quarter of 2012 production ceased.{{cite web |title=Fisker Karma production at standstill |url=http://yle.fi/uutiset/fisker_karma_production_at_standstill/6398902 |work=YLE |access-date=December 28, 2012 |date=November 30, 2012}}

Then-Vice President of the United States Joe Biden (later President) attended the October 27, 2009, announcement that Fisker Automotive would take control of the Boxwood Road Plant (previously owned and operated by General Motors as Wilmington Assembly) in Wilmington, Delaware, with production scheduled to begin in late 2012.{{cite press release |title=Fisker Automotive to Buy U.S. Assembly Plant to Build Affordable Plug-in Hybrid Cars |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fisker-automotive-to-buy-us-assembly-plant-to-build-affordable-plug-in-hybrid-cars-66396357.html |publisher=Fisker Automotive |date=October 27, 2009 |access-date=January 19, 2012}}{{cite press release |title=Fisker Automotive Poised to Take Over GM Plant in Newport Federal Judge OKs Sale |url=http://governor.delaware.gov/news/2010/1006june/20100629-fisker.shtml |publisher=State of Delaware |date=June 29, 2010 |access-date=January 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117214541/http://governor.delaware.gov/news/2010/1006june/20100629-fisker.shtml |archive-date=November 17, 2011 |url-status=dead }} This never happened and the plant was ultimately torn down.{{Cite web|title=Amazon to open new fulfillment center on site of former Delaware GM plant|url=https://whyy.org/articles/amazon-to-open-new-fulfillment-center-on-site-of-former-gm-plant-near-wilmington/|access-date=2021-11-19|website=WHYY|language=en-US}}

Fisker Automotive's investors have included Leonardo DiCaprio,{{cite web|last=Devereux|first=Pat|title=Top Gear meets Leonardo DiCaprio|url=http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/Top-Gear-meets-Leonardo-DiCaprio-2012-09-20|publisher=© BBC Worldwide Ltd.|access-date=September 20, 2012|archive-date=September 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922223419/http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/Top-Gear-meets-Leonardo-DiCaprio-2012-09-20|url-status=dead}} Palo Alto Investors, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Qatar Holdings, LLC, A123 Systems, and Ace Investments.

In April 2012, Fisker announced it had received $392 million in a round of financing,{{cite news |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2012/04/02/amid-setbacks-fisker-automotive-closes-on-392m-in-new-financing/ |title=Amid Setbacks, Fisker Automotive Closes On $392M In New Financing |date=April 2, 2012 |work=Venture Capital Dispatch |publisher=Wall Street Journal Blogs}} which was in addition to $850 million in private investment it had received in previous rounds.{{cite news |url=http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/Fisker-Raises_392M_Ups_Goal_to_500M/ |title=Fisker Raises $392M, Ups Goal to $500M |first=Jeff |last=St. John |date=April 2, 2012 |work=greentechmedia}} In Fisker's bankruptcy case, Hybrid Technology LLC ranked ahead of all the equity investors as a senior creditor since they purchased the Department of Energy loan note to Fisker Automotive in November 2013.{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/fisker-bankruptcy-judge-idUSL1N0JP25T20131210 |title= Judge raises concerns about Fisker's race through bankruptcy |first=Tom |last=Hals |date=December 10, 2013 | publisher=Reuters | access-date= December 10, 2013}} In total, the company raised well over $1 billion from private investors.

Fisker had received a US$528.7 million conditional loan in September 2009 from the Department of Energy's US$25 billion Advanced Technologies Vehicle Manufacturing Loan Program (ATVM).{{cite web |url=https://lpo.energy.gov/?projects=fisker-automotive |title=Department of Energy - ATVM Loan Program |publisher=U.S. Department of Energy |access-date=October 25, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812083019/https://lpo.energy.gov/?projects=fisker-automotive |archive-date=August 12, 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB125383160812639013 |title=Gore-Backed Car Firm Gets Large U.S. Loan |last1=Mitchell |first1=Josh |last2=Power |first2=Stephen |date=September 25, 2009 |publisher=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=February 17, 2010}} Of the total loan amount approved, a total of US$192 million was drawn by Fisker Automotive for engineering work with primarily US suppliers to complete the Fisker Karma and Fisker's Project Nina, later revealed as the Fisker Atlantic.{{cite press release|title=US Energy Secretary Chu Announces $528 Million Loan for Advanced Vehicle Technology for Fisker Automotive |url=https://lpo.energy.gov/?p=888 |publisher=United States Department of Energy |date=September 22, 2009 |access-date=January 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015131624/https://lpo.energy.gov/?p=888 |archive-date=October 15, 2011 }}

The Department of Energy froze Fisker's credit line in August 2012 after US$192 million had been drawn, and after differences between the DOE and Fisker on the milestones set as conditions for the loan.{{cite news |url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-02-10/fisker-stops-work-on-car-factory-after-u-s-blocks-loan.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212090714/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-02-10/fisker-stops-work-on-car-factory-after-u-s-blocks-loan.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 12, 2012 |title=Fisker Stops Work on Car Factory After U.S. Blocks Loan |work=Bloomberg Businessweek |date=February 10, 2012 |author1=Angela Greiling Keane |author2=Jef Feeley}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-23/u-s-said-to-hire-restructuring-adviser-to-monitor-fisker-loan.html |title=U.S. Said to Hire Restructuring Adviser to Monitor Fisker |date=April 23, 2012 |author1=Mark Clothier |author2=Jeffrey McCracken |author3=Angela Greiling Keane |agency=Bloomberg }} The loan received additional scrutiny for being awarded for the manufacture of luxury vehicles that are too expensive for much of the general public. Fisker investor Ray Lane responded that the issues were being blown out of proportion due to election-year politics.{{cite news |url=http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20120420/NEWS02/204200334/Gingrich-blames-VP-Biden-Fisker-stall |title=Gingrich blames VP Biden for Fisker stall |date=April 20, 2012 |author=Jonathan Starkey |publisher=Delaware Online}}

• List of hybrid vehicles
• List of modern production plug-in electric vehicles
• Fisker Coachbuild (2005–07)
• Karma Automotive (2014–present)
• Fisker Inc. (2016–present)
• VLF Automotive
• Tesla, Inc.

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

• [https://www.henrikfisker.org/ Henrik Fisker website]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20131216023841/http://www.fiskerautomotive.com/ Official Fisker Automotive website] (Archive copy)

{{Automotive industry in the United States}}

{{Henrik Fisker}}

{{Insolvent EV companies}}

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