Chinese firm and former GM chief Bob Lutz circling around Fisker’s fresh corpse

By Nick Jaynes May 22, 2013

Fisker Atlantic — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Former General Motors executive Bob Lutz and his upstart automotive firm VL Automotive have been snapping up remaining Fisker Karmas left and right and converting them into VL Destinos.

However, simply picking up the leftovers isn’t enough for Lutz as VL Automotive and Chinese auto parts maker Wanxiang are interested in buying the bankrupt Fisker brand, according to Reuters.

Wanxiang recently purchased also bankrupt lithium-ion battery maker A123 Systems, which has now cleverly changed its name to B456 Systems, which previously supplied batteries for the ill-fated Karma.

Before the deal can be done, however, VL and Wanxiang have to face the Department of Energy, which has a significant stake in the now defunct Fisker. The DOE had promised $529-million to Fisker but froze funds at $192-million after Fisker missed its pre-set production targets.

While there’s still much that needs to happen before the deal can be done, we’re intrigued by the possibilities.

Could a joint Wanxiang and VL Automotive investment in the Fisker brand spell the rebirth of the plug-in hybrid luxury sedan as well as the continuation of the $180,000 VL Destino? Let’s hope so.

More news is likely to follow on the fate of Fisker. So as the story unravels, we’ll be sure to keep you updated.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Cars

Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?

Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Cars

The 6 best remote car starters in 2024

Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024

Cars

The best portable jump starters for cars in 2024

The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 portable jump starter connected to a truck battery.

Any time you hit the road, whether you're taking a short or long trip, it's a good idea to have backups handy. A spare or backup tire, some anti-freeze, windshield wash fluid, a road hazard kit, and, last but not least, one of the best portable tire inflators and a portable jump starter. You never know when cold weather, inadvertently leaving the dome light on, or plain old Father Time can curse you with a dead battery. Ensure you have one of the best portable jump starters that can save you in a jam, kickstarting your car even when there isn't anyone around to jump the battery. Naturally, that's why we’ve rounded up what we feel are the best portable jump starters for 2024.
The best portable jump starters in 2024

Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter overall.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter runner-up.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter and tire inflator combo.
Buy the if you want another name-brand option.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter for cheap.