Fisker delays Atlantic production start to 2014-2015

Fisker Automotive will start production of the Atlantic in late 2014 or 2015, according to a Reuters report. That's two years later than the planned production start of the midsized gasoline-electric sedan.

“The Atlantic is really the volume car that begins to build growth,” Fisker CEO Tony Posawatz said during a conference call with investors and analysts. “It creates a business model that is one where we can really generate cash in the future.”

The target base price for the Atlantic is $55,000. The platform will underpin Fisker's future models, possibly including an SUV and a crossover.

News hasn't been good for Fisker lately. The company has become a political football since February when the Department of Energy froze its $529 million loan to Fisker after it delayed the launch of the Karma.

Fisker said that about 90 percent of the Atlantic parts have been engineered, and the company is currently in talks with potential suppliers to purchase other components at a lower cost. The car was set to be produced at a former GM factory in Wilmington, Del., but because of the loan freeze Fisker may decide to build the car outside the United States.

According to Fisker spokesman Roger Ormisher, the company has not yet decided on the site for production. The company also hasn't ruled out sharing the Wilmington facility to reduce costs.

The Fisker Atlantic will be much cheaper than the Karma.

By Jake Lingeman