Fisker Coachbuild And Quantum Technologies Team Up On Luxury Plug-In Hybrid
What happens when you pair up a design and coachbuilding firm with an alternative-energy startup? We're not sure yet, but a joint venture is on between Quantum Technologies and Fisker Coachbuild, a company founded by former Aston Martin and BMW designer Henrik Fisker. Fisker is most recently known for the Tramanto and Latigo — rebodied examples of the Mercedes SL and BMW 6-Series, respectively. Quantum says its progress in plug-in hybrid technology means the company's ready to team up on a limited-production vehicle to debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. We're not sure exactly what the have in store, only that it'll be luxurious and expensive in a manner befitting a car whose major technology is in the early-adopter stage. Maybe they'll even beat Porsche to the punch.
Press release:
DRIVE THE FUTURE WITH FISKER AUTOMOTIVE, A NEW GREEN AMERICAN PREMIUM CAR COMPANY
IRVINE, Calif. Sept.5, 2007: Quantum Technologies and Fisker Coachbuild, LLC announce the launch of a joint venture in Fisker Automotive, Inc. – a green American premium car company. Fisker Automotive will offer a range of environmentally friendly premium cars – with the first production car to make its Worldwide North American debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January. Initial production is anticipated to be 15,000 vehicles annually with pricing to start under $100,000.
Design and technology development are already underway for the first production car. All models will feature cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology penned as Quantum Drive, developed by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive. This all-new plug-in Quantum Drive chassis layout will allow Fisker to design innovative luxury cars with uncompromised proportions.
The Fisker name has attracted and attained worldwide brand recognition, thanks to years of first-class automotive designs. Over his 18 years in the car design business, Henrik Fisker has left his thumbprint on some of the most highly regarded automobiles.
His creations range from the BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9 & V8 Vantage to his most recent creations – the Tramonto and Latigo CS, designed under the Fisker Coachbuild nameplate. Fisker Automotive will retain the orange and blue logo originated at Fisker
Coachbuild.
"The troubled environment is captivating the attention of the world. Developing a premium luxury green car which also delivers attractive design can make a difference. We are extremely excited to join our automotive design expertise with the plug-in hybrid technology of Quantum in Quantum Drive. This breakthrough chassis development will allow us to deliver a design with dramatic proportions – one which will carry the Fisker badge," expressed Henrik Fisker, CEO of Fisker Automotive, Inc.
"We want people to drive beautiful fast cars that make environmental sense – cars that are eco-chic and will have less of an impact on global warming."
Quantum Technologies has a long history of advancing technology. Benefits in developing an entirely new, from-the-ground-up design for a plug-in hybrid vehicle include optimized fuel efficiency and performance, unchanged gas station infrastructure, home based battery recharging with any 110-volt outlet at a fraction of the cost. A cleaner and a quieter car for local travel...all with the most advanced comforts that are anticipated with a luxury car.
"Our goal here is to deliver the advancement that Quantum Technologies has made in the area of plug-in hybrid technology. By combining our efforts with the renowned design talent of Henrik Fisker, we can produce a car that makes a difference to the environment – without sacrificing the luxury that accompanies the finest automobiles," stated Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO Quantum Technologies.
Fisker Automotive is a privately owned car company, operated by executive management teams of Fisker Coachbuild, LLC and Quantum Technologies with Henrik Fisker as the CEO of Fisker Automotive. Fisker Coachbuild, LLC will be the exclusive design house for Fisker Automotive through the entire range of product development.