China's BAIC interested in Fisker Atlantic model

A delegation from Beijing Automotive Group, or BAIC traveled to Fisker's facilities in California over the weekend, China Daily is reporting is reporting. BAIC has expressed interest in the Fisker Atlantic electric car, a vehicle that was at one point slated for production until Fisker ran into money problems back in March. Since that time, a number of Chinese automakers in addition to BAIC have shown interest in the technology.

In April of 2012 Fisker showed a functioning Atlantic prototype at the New York auto show. The Atlantic was meant to be a plug-in hybrid with a BMW-sourced four-cylinder gas engine that would function as a range-extending generator. The rear-wheel-drive, four-door sedan was supposed to fit below the Karma in the model hierarchy, and was expected to retail for just below $40,000. The Atlantic was to be built at former GM plant in Delaware that Fisker purchased.

BAIC was said to be “racing against time” in a bid to purchase Fisker as the California-based automaker inches closer to a possible bankruptcy. Just days ago it was reported that bankruptcy was more likely than not for the company, which owes $170 million in federal loans.

It's not all that unusual for Chinese companies to buy flagging western companies, even just to acquire one product or one piece of technology, in any industry. Back in 2005 Nanjing Automobile received quite a bit of media attention for purchasing a number of MG Rover technologies and existing models, moving entire assembly lines to China.

With no shortage of cash or labor back home, this approach to gaining a competitive edge in the global marketplace seems to be quite effective, allowing China to overcome technological barriers almost overnight. We'll see how this tactic may or may not apply to Fisker moving forward.

By Jay Ramey