Fisker reborn as The New Fisker

The assets of Fisker may now belong to China's auto parts giant Wanxiang, but reports of the brand's demise have been greatly exaggerated. It was earlier believed that along with the technology and the debt that Wanxiang would be taking on, one thing they wouldn't get is the Fisker brand name itself. After all, in the relatively short history of struggling western automotive brands that have been bought up by Chinese automakers, brand names haven't always been part of the deal. The company itself was founded by ex-Aston Martin designer Henrik Fisker seven years ago. But it seems the Fisker name will live on.

The company is now called The New Fisker, and a new website is up promising... quite a lot actually.

First off, The New Fisker plans to restart production of the Karma electric sedan, which has been in production in Valmet, Finland, until just a couple years ago. Second, the company wants to restart development of the smaller Atlantic sedan, which we saw at the 2012 New York Auto Show. Third, the Surf shooting brake and the Sunset convertible would see a return to development as well.

The company plans to restart Karma production "as soon as possible" though it is unclear whether it will take place in Delaware, or what will be done with the remaining assets at the Delaware plant.

Fisker
The Atlantic sedan was last seen at the 2012 New York Auto show.

Production of the Karma halted in November 2012 after about 1,800 units had been sold. Priced at $102,000, the Karma is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that boasted a combined 52 mpg-e in all-electric mode, and 24 mpg in gasoline mode. The Karma used two 161-hp electric motors sourcing power from a 20.1 kWh lithium ion battery manufactured by Fisker Automotive's subsidiary, A123 Systems, which Wanxiang also acquired. Problems with the battery packs in a small number of vehicles led to a recall, but not before the PR damage was done -- a Karma unexpectedly shut down while being tested by Consumer Reports and had to be towed away.

We'll keep on eye on The New Fisker, relaying you the news as it comes, but for now it seems the new company has no shortage of ambitious plans for the future. If only a fraction of them come true in the short term, it'll be an impressive rebirth for the troubled company.

By Jay Ramey