Fisker: The (Tesla) lawsuit is nonsense, Karma on track for 2009

Speaking out against the Tesla Motors lawsuit, Fisker Automotive announced today that the company is on track to deliver its Fisker Karma in the fourth-quarter of 2009. Filed last week in San Mateo Superior Court in California, the lawsuit accuses Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler of fraud and breach of contract during their year-long collaboration in 2007 to design a Tesla Sedan called the WhiteStar. You can read more about the lawsuit by clicking here.

“The lawsuit is nonsense,” said Henrik Fisker, CEO, Fisker Automotive. “Fisker Coachbuild has non-exclusive design contracts as shown by the cars we have designed for a variety of manufacturers.”

If everything stays on track, the Fisker Karma will begin delivers in 2009 with an annual production of 15,000 units. Pricing starts at $80,000.

Fisker Karma Gallery:

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Press Release:

FISKER AUTOMOTIVE ON TRACK FOR 2009 FOURTH QUARTER DELIVERY DESPITE RECENT ALLEGATIONS

Irvine, California ““ April 24, 2008 ““ Today, Fisker Automotive, Inc. announced that the company is on track for delivery of the Fisker Karma in Q4 2009, and that it will vigorously defend the recent allegations put forth by Tesla. Tesla Motors breached the arbitration agreement in its contract with Fisker by filing these meritless claims in San Mateo County court.

“The lawsuit is nonsense,” said Henrik Fisker, CEO, Fisker Automotive. “Fisker Coachbuild has non-exclusive design contracts as shown by the cars we have designed for a variety of manufacturers.”

Fisker Automotive launched the highly anticipated Fisker Karma, a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) premium vehicle at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. The revolutionary technology incorporated into the powertrain was developed by Quantum Technologies, a public company, which first proved its capability with the launch of a U.S. military vehicle created for U.S. Army Special Operations in 2003.

“In January of 2007 I first met Henrik Fisker. Soon thereafter, I became convinced that a strategic alliance joining together Quantum’s (PHEV) unique technology position with Fisker’s design expertise could be leveraged into a company capable of launching the first premium sports sedan for the (PHEV) segment,” expressed Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO, Quantum Technologies. “In August 2007 that vision became a reality with the inception of Fisker Automotive Inc., effectively combining Quantum’s (PHEV) drivetrain expertise with a remarkable design from Fisker Coachbuild LLC.”

“We are confident that Fisker Automotive continues to be a tremendous investment opportunity,” said Ray Lane, Kleiner Perkins. “The design innovation of Henrik Fisker combined with the hybrid drive train experience of Quantum is unique in the automotive market.”

The Fisker name for more than a decade has attracted and attained worldwide recognition. Henrik Fisker has more than 19 years of experience in the automotive and product design arena. Some of his pioneering includes work on the BMW E-1 electric car in 1991, the BMW Z8 and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Most recently Fisker Coachbuild created the Fisker Tramonto and Fisker Latigo CS in 2005.

“Fisker Coachbuild is proud of its premier reputation for design work and we look forward to continuing to build on that reputation,” said Henrik Fisker.