LAcarGUY's Blog

Fisker Automotive raises $115M for Plug-In Hybrids

Today's press release is more great news for Fisker Santa Monica

IRVINE, CA – January 15, 2010:  New American carmaker Fisker Automotive has secured access to an additional $115.3 million in private equity funding to develop plug-in hybrid cars.   

 

This funding is necessary for Fisker Automotive (www.fiskerautomotive.com) to access a $528.7 million U.S. Department of Energy conditional loan that will, in part, help speed completion of the Fisker Karma, the company’s first plug-in hybrid. 

 

The raise comes at a time when capital is scarce, the auto industry is struggling and the global economy is just beginning to rebound.

 

Starting at $87,900 the Karma paves the way for development of lower-cost plug-in hybrid technology for a second, family-oriented car code named Project NINA.  Project NINA is expected to be built in Wilmington, Delaware at a former General Motors assembly plant starting in 2012. 

 

 “Raising $115 million in these times speaks volumes about the value of our business model and the vast potential of plug-in hybrids,” said Henrik Fisker, CEO.

 

Investors include A123 Systems, Ace Investments and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.

 

Fisker Automotive earlier this week signed a multi-year supply agreement with A123 Systems for the lithium-ion batteries that will power the Karma. 

 

“Fisker Automotive selected A123 because of the company’s ability to meet our performance needs and rapidly scale to our production volume,” said Fisker.  “We are committed to developing environmentally friendly cars that don’t sacrifice style or performance.  A123’s technology will ensure the Karma delivers.”

 

Designed and engineered in the U.S., the four-door Karma proves eco-friendly cars can still have style and power.  The Karma can reach 60mph in six seconds and top 125mph, yet runs cleaner and more efficiently than today’s most popular hybrids.

 

ABOUT FISKER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Fisker Automotive is a privately owned, premium American car company with a vision to lead the automotive industry into the next-generation of automobiles with high-end design expertise and eco-friendly powertrain technology.  Global headquarters are in Irvine, California, USA.

 

The company was created in 2007 to leverage the design capabilities of Fisker Coachbuild, LLC, founded by auto design veterans Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler, and the PHEV powertrain capabilities of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ-QTWW), a major Tier 1 supplier of clean vehicle technologies to the automotive OEMs.  Previously, Fisker, CEO, was design director for Aston Martin and president and CEO of BMW’s DesignworksUSA.  Koehler, COO, led operations for Ford’s Global Advanced Design Studio and created concept cars for Aston Martin, MINI and BMW.  #

DANISH CROWN PRINCE TO TAKE EMISSION-FREE FISKER PLUG-IN HYBRID TO COP15 UN CLIMATE CONFERENCE COPENHAGEN (DENMARK)

More exciting news about Fisker.  Be sure to stay updated at www.fiskersantamonica.com

WHAT: Denmark’s Crown Prince HRH Frederik is the first individual outside theFisker development team driving the new eco-friendly Fisker Karma. The Crown Prince will tomorrow travel to the COP15 UN Climate Conference events in Copenhagen with the plug-in hybrid car. HRH Frederik will visit at 4 pm Hopenhagen event at Raadhuspladsen after which he will leave in the Fisker Karma at 5 pm to the

Bella Center.

The prototype saloon, developed by American automaker Fisker Automotive, can travel 80km (50mi) emission-free on a single charge of its Lithium-ion battery, and an additional 400km (250mi) on a range extending generator turned by an efficient fourcylinder gas engine. Economy is 2.4L/100km and emissions of just 83g/km CO2 – better than today’s best hybrids. Still, the Karma can reach 100km/h (62mph) in about 6 seconds and exceed 200km/h (125mph).

Fisker Automotive from California is led by Danish auto designer Henrik Fisker, who
also designed the BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9 and Aston Martin V8 Vantage.  The company was recently approved for a USD 528.7-million conditional loan fromthe U.S. Government and announced its intent to purchase an assembly plant from General Motors.

LAcarGUY sponsors "Green Lounge" (An Eco-Luxury Experience) this Sunday, Nov 15th

PLEASE RSVP TO ENSURE YOU ARE ON THE GUEST LIST   BY EXCLUSIVE INVITATION ONLY   Celebrities, CEOs and Tastemakers Join Forces For Pioneering GREEN LOUNGE Project   We cordially request your company at  the inaugural launch Please join our celebrated keynote speakers Alicia Silverstone Debbie Levin (Environmental Media Association) Christine Devine (FOX 11 News) Jason Nelson (Empowerment Coach) Darren Moore (Alter Eco) SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2009 LOEWS SANTA MONICA BEACH HOTEL 1700 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica 6PM GREEN CARPET ARRIVALS/ GREEN LOUNGE 7.00PM WELLNESS SYMPOSIUM GREEN LOUNGE is a forward-thinking, thought leadership platform for industry pioneers in wellness, sustainability and philanthropy to connect in a stylish lounge atmosphere designed to showcase exclusive eco-luxury products in an 'eco-luxury' environment. Our Launch evening includes VIP green suites and a wellness symposium with keynote environmental speakers. The GREEN LOUNGE Platform will allow influential tastemakers and services  to share new ideas, technologies and initiatives.  Chefs and mixologists will be on hand, preparing organic hors d'oeuvres, eco cocktails as well as showcase the latest trends in freshly blended organic juices. All refreshments furnished by Whole Foods Market Santa Monica. Charities highlighted: Care / EMA /Wednesday's Child / Habitat for Humanity Our Partners: Wellness2Day.com, Episencial, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, Whole Foods Market Santa Monica,   Mike Sullivan's  Family of Dealers at LAcarGUY.com, Linda Loudermilk, B Green Apparel, Vodka 360, Frey Vineyards, Terra Plana , Hastens on Beverly, Zvezda, Kalia Modern Eco-Living, Ecoskin, Celebrity Society Magazine, Coco Eco Magazine, Indulge Magazine, Big Red Sun, Viesso, Ecovations, Green Earth Print & Design, Ecopep By exclusive invite only.  Please RSVP to ensure you're on our guest list by November 10, 2009 jenna@nicolesherwinevents.com Produced by Nicole Sherwin Green Events http://www.nicolesherwinevents.com/greenlounge.html http://www.celebritysoul.com

LAcarGUY & Fisker Santa Monica preview the new Fisker Karma

On Wednesday, November 4th, Mike Sullivan's LAcarGUY.com and Fisker Santa Monica provided future Fisker owners, green enthusiasts and fans of great design with a rare opportunity to see the Fisker Karma in person.

Fisker VP of Global Sales & Marketing, Marti Eulberg and members of the vehicle's design team were on hand to answer questions from the audience. Over 200 people enjoyed music, drinks and food while waiting for their chance to sit in the Fisker Karma. The evening ended with a LAcarGUY.com raffle, giving away a Flip video recorder and iPod Nano.

All info can be found at www.FiskerSantaMonica.com

2009 Manhattan Beach Pumpkin Race photos

Another great Manhattan Beach Pumpkin Race.  As the presenting sponsor, LAcarGUY was also proud to have entered 8 pumpkins in the race (although none of us won).  Here is a sampling of this years event.

You can also view local coverage and more pictures here

LAcarGUY.com launches Social Media promotion giveaway. IPod anyone?

Our Facebook and Twitter pages are filled with exciting news, events, upcoming models and exclusive deals and we encourage you to participate.

This November we will be giving away an Ipod Nano and FIVE $50 gas cards to our social media fans throughout the month (Followers/Fans on both double their chances). Winners* will be randomly picked from our followers and fans at the end of November. In addition, ALL fans/followers will receive 10% off their next service or parts purchase in November**! (check your Facebook/Twitter email for coupon)

Go to LAcarGUY.com to get started. Good Luck!

Toyota Santa Monica meets Governor Schwarzenegger @ Alt Car Expo

Toyota Santa Monica participated in the Ride and Drive Lot at the 4th Annual Alt Car Expo on October 2-3 2009 at the Santa Monica Civic. The Ride and Drive Lot provided a hands-on experience with all different  technologies of vehicle manufacturers representing the latest choices of Electric, Hydrogen, Biodiesel, Natural Gas, Propane, Hybrid, Plug In, Ethanol and Cycling.

Toyota Santa Monica's General Manager Bill Rinker and General Sales Manager Billy Rinker (along with 11 Toyota Santa Monica product specialists) answered questions and gave test drives throughout the day.

Said Bill, "we were really impressed with the turnout. Over two days there were approximately 10,000 people coming and going.  We had 7 hybrid vehicles to show and did over 100 test drives!  One of our highlights was getting to speak with Governor Schwarzenegger who was especially interested in the solar paneled roof on the Prius."

Lexus Santa Monica energy-saving retrofit completed

Lexus Santa Monica just completed an energy-saving retrofit by installing highly-efficient lights in the service bays and wash rack.  The old lighting system was made of 400w to 1000w metal halide lamps which consumed about 121,340 kWh per year. With the retrofit, the new lights are highly efficient "T8" lamps. The energy consumption per year will decrease to 55,576 kWh (The equivalent of taking 5 cars off the road!).

This retrofit is just one of many moves LAcarGUY.com dealerships are working on to help offset our carbon footprint. Stay tuned for more exciting green initiatives we are working on.

Pacific Porsche Panamera Octoberfest Launch Party & Service Clinic this Saturday

 

Saturday, October 17, 2008
11:00 am to 4:00 pm (test drives available)
Kindly RSVP by October 15, 2009

Service Clinic: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Call for reservations: 310.891.2100
27-point technician inspection – Talk with the techs.
$77.50* oil service exchange (*excludes Carrera GT)

Join us as we launch the new 2010 Porsche Panamera at the Celebration Of First Event. Not only will you get the chance to see the Panamera’s daunting power, relentless precision and luxurious seating for four, but you may find yourself being the very first to take a test drive. So come celebrate. And witness, yet, another Porsche first. The 2010 Panamera will be on display and you’ll receive a complimentary gift bag for attending.

For more info or to schedule a test drive go to PacificPorsche.com

LAcarGUY.com sponsors 19th annual Manhattan Beach Pumpkin Race Festival

LAcarGUY.com is returns as Presenting sponsor of the 19th annual Manhattan Beach Pumpkin Race Festival. 

The festival takes place on Sunday, October 25th and we aren't just sponsoring... Each of our dealerships will have entries in the race. We're car guys, what did you expect?

LAcarGUY will be also bring several of our 2010 vehicles to the race, so be sure to come by and say hi.

What is the World Famous Pumpkin Race?

A fun-spirited festival like no other! The highlight of the Pumpkin Race is a unique side-by-side single elimination race featuring handcrafted, decorated Pumpkin Race Cars in a funky, hilarious, suspenseful, and dramatic display of American ingenuity. Excitement builds as Pumpkin Race Car teams battle head-to-head for the coveted Pumpkin Race Championship Trophy. We also award other prizes for Best Decoration, Most Innovative Design, and Best Crash.  Proceeds for this event go to the Beach Cities Education Foundation.

To get more info to enter your pumpkin race car go to http://www.pumpkinrace.com/