William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 13, 2013 A new member joins the electric car family this week as Fiat has announced the pricing for their new 2013 Fiat 500e. With a $700 destination charge, the 500e begins at $33,200 in California (the only state where you can buy or lease one). However that price could drop to just a hair over $20,000 thanks to potential $7,500 federal tax credit, a $2,500 tax credit from California (only for the first year), and a number of rebates.Those who would like to lease a 500e can do a 36 month term for $199 per month (after putting $999 down payment). The 500e brings forth a range of 87 miles, and EPA fuel economy estimates of 122 City MPGe/108 Highway MPGe/116 Combined MPGe. The 500e also comes with the 500e Pass program for situations when owners need to travel farther than the EV’s range. Owners can head down to their nearest Enterprise and Alamo Rent-A-Car to pick up certain Chrysler products such as a Fiat 500, Dodge Dart, or Chrysler 200. Fiat says this program will offer owners “up to 12 days of alternative transportation each year for the first three years after the date of purchase.” Source: Fiat William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 FIAT Brand North America Helps Make it Easy for Consumers to Purchase or Lease All- new 2013 Fiat 500e The Fiat 500e launches in California with $199 a month lease payment for 36 months and $999 due at signing Fiat 500e Pass to provide 500e owners with alternative transportation 500e hotlines available in FIAT studios and after hours to access 500e experts FIATUSA.com matches consumers with a Fiat 500 model based on their daily commute Two retail distribution centers in California provide ample product choice and availability FIAT studios in California each equipped with four charging stations Standard navigation system shows driver locations of charging stations Standard smartphone app provides locations of charging stations throughout the state Auburn Hills, Mich. , Apr 13, 2013 - FIAT Brand North America is helping to make it easy for California residents to purchase or lease the all-new 2013 Fiat 500e when the electric vehicle (EV) goes on sale in the Golden State this summer. The FIAT brand's 500e retail plan addresses concerns that have typically prevented some consumers from purchasing or leasing EVs in the past, including initial purchase price, driving range, and the unfamiliarity with charging and operating an EV. "With unique Italian style, industry-best highway MPGe rating and class-leading combined driving range, we know we have a great car in our hands," said Tim Kuniskis Head of FIAT Brand North America. "Now our task is to simplify the customer's experience and make sure that people know how easy and affordable it can be to own our electric Cinquecento." If you thought that purchasing or leasing an EV would come with a hefty premium, think again. The 500e will be offered to California residents at launch with a $199 a month/$999 due at signing lease for 36 months, same as the current lease offer on a Fiat 500 Pop powered by a gas engine. The Fiat 500e is priced at $32,500 dollars MSRP. However, eligible California residents may be able to purchase the 500e for as low as $20,500, after federal credits, state incentives and FIAT rebates are included. That's about $200 less than the current starting price of a comparably-equipped Fiat 500 Lounge with a gas engine. Alternative Transportation Program Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) testing has indicated that, when fully charged, the Fiat 500e will travel about 87 miles, which is best-in-class and better than all U.S.-market all-electric vehicles produced by high-volume manufacturers. For those times when a 500e customer needs to drive beyond the vehicle's range or needs the carrying capability of a larger vehicle, the Fiat 500e retail plan provides an alternative transportation plan called the Fiat 500e Pass program. The FIAT brand and Enterprise Holdings, owner and operator of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo Rent A Car, and National Car Rental brands, partnered on the Fiat 500e Pass program, which provides purchasers and lessees of a new 500e up to 12 days of alternate transportation each year for the first three years after the date of purchase. The Fiat 500e Pass program is offered by FIAT exclusively in the U.S. to 500e customers as a standard feature. Through the program 500e customers will have access to vehicles such as the gas- powered Fiat 500, the coming Fiat 500L, the all-new Dodge Dart or the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan. In addition, customers will have the flexibility to upgrade to a larger vehicle such as a minivan or a pickup truck subject to terms of the program. "This innovative idea from the FIAT brand and Enterprise Holdings will provide purchasers of a new 500e with the opportunity to enjoy the exciting characteristics of this all-electric vehicle while giving them a flexible alternative in case they want to drive beyond the vehicle's range," said Kuniskis. "By addressing upfront the concerns and anxiety consumers may have about purchasing an electric vehicle, we are helping to make it easy and convenient to purchase or lease a Fiat 500e in the state of California." The program will be valid at any Enterprise, Alamo or National car rental location throughout the U.S. Enterprise has more than 6,200 locations in the U.S. making the use of the Fiat 500e Pass easy and convenient for FIAT's customers. When purchasers of a new 500e enroll in the Fiat 500e Pass program, Enterprise will provide them with an account number. For the first three years after purchase, each unique customer account will be allocated enough credits on the anniversary of their purchase date to cover the cost of 12 days of alternate transportation. The Fiat 500e Passes include unlimited mileage on eligible vehicles. The 500e owner only has to choose an eligible vehicle and the expense of the vehicle and the applicable taxes will be covered subject to the terms and conditions of the program. Customers may choose to upgrade to a larger vehicle by utilizing additional credits or by separately paying for the difference. A Fiat 500 that is right for you Recognizing that a fully-electric vehicle may not be practical for everyone, FIATUSA.com is providing a compatibility matching service to help consumers determine which Fiat 500 model is best for them. The website will analyze a customer's daily commute and driving habits and match them with the Fiat 500 model that is right for them. Each FIAT studio in California is equipped to answer any questions that consumers may have about this first fully-electric FIAT production vehicle. In addition to a well-trained sales and service staff, each studio will have a hotline linked to experts ready to answer consumer questions regarding the 500e, including the claim process for federal, state, and local tax credits, and a list of companies in California that offer incentives to their employees who purchase an electric vehicle. A dedicated 500e customer care number will be available for any questions that consumers and owners may have after FIAT studios have closed for the day. Two well-stocked retail distribution centers in California will provide customers with easy access to color and feature combinations that may not be available at their local studio, reducing wait time and the need for specials orders. Customers could have the exact 500e they want within hours, not weeks. Each FIAT studio in California will have four charging stations. When 500e owners leave their studio with their new 500e, they will have the security of a standard navigation system that provides them with locations of the nearest charging stations along their routes. Once they plot their route, the navigation system also depicts their driving range with a circle around their location. In addition to the in-vehicle navigation system, 500e owners also will get a Fiat 500e Smartphone App (compatible with iPhone and Android) that enables real-time vehicle status, manages charging, tracks the driver's energy use, locates the vehicle and nearby charging stations, plans and sends routes to the vehicle and provides text-message alerts. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 12, 2013 Mercedes-Benz's performance arm, AMG says they see hybrid powertrains playing a role in future models. "Hybrid is going to be in the future of even sports cars. When will there be a pure-performance, high-tech AMG hybrid? We still have a lot of areas of improvement in the (conventional) AMG engines we have. We have promised another 20 percent reduction (in fuel consumption) by our 50th birthday (in 2017)," said AMG Chairman Ola Källenius to Edmunds. Källenius goes onto say that the big issue with a hybrid setup is the added weight of a battery pack, which would take away from handling and braking. He does say that some of the development for F1 and production sports car technologies are merging. One powertrain you will not see AMG embracing is diesel. "We should never say never to a diesel or anything else, but I cannot see a circumstance that would change that possibility for us — what the diesel cannot do compared to a direct-injection gasoline engine is the aggressiveness and pure delivery and sound. And the advantage a diesel has in economy is growing smaller all the time. We are not changing the AMG brand to accommodate diesels," Källenius said. Source: Edmunds William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 11, 2013 Earlier this week, everyone went into a tizzy with the report of a new 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder that would be coming to the 2014 Fusion midsize. Well, that report was only half right. Today at a event, Ford announced the 2014 will come with a 1.5L EcoBoost four-cylinder. This will be Ford's fifth EcoBoost engine and will be offered in the Fusion's twin, the Mondeo in other markets. The 1.5L EcoBoost will make its official debut later this month at the Shanghai Motor Show, a perfect place to show the new engine since the Chinese Government offers a significant tax relief for vehicles powered by engines with a capacity of 1.5L or less. Ford is keeping their lips shut on power details, transmissions, and what models you will be able get the 1.5L till a later date. Our guess is the 1.5L EcoBoost will take the place of the 1.6L EcoBoost and offer close or equal the power output to the 1.6L as well. Source: Ford William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Ford Launches New Fuel-Efficient 1.5-Liter EcoBoost Engine; Boosts Company's Global EcoBoost Capacity - Ford announces new fuel-efficient 1.5-liter EcoBoost® engine, extends successful EcoBoost lineup to meet global demand for four-cylinder EcoBoost engines - Ford now has capacity to build 1.6 million EcoBoost engines annually, triples number of plants that produce EcoBoost engines in Europe, Asia and North America from 2010 to 2013 - 1.5-liter EcoBoost offers trademark EcoBoost turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing; delivers power of a larger engine with smaller unit economy - Fifth Ford EcoBoost engine delivers new innovations, and significant consumer benefits in global markets offering tax reductions for vehicles equipped with engines of 1.5-liter capacity or less DEARBORN, Mich., April 11, 2013 – Ford Motor Company today announces a new 1.5-liter EcoBoost® engine will join its lineup of fuel-efficient, innovative powertrains. The 1.5-liter engine is a key strategic entry for Ford, as the company works to meet strong global demand for its four-cylinder EcoBoost engines. With the launch of this newest fuel-efficient engine, Ford now has capacity to build 1.6 million EcoBoost engines annually. By the end of 2013, six plants across Europe, Asia and North America will be producing EcoBoost engines, triple the number that were doing so in 2010. Production of the four-cylinder 1.5-liter EcoBoost – the fifth member of the EcoBoost family – will commence initially at Ford's world-class facility in Craiova, Romania, later this month. Other manufacturing locations will be announced in the future. The new engine will be first introduced in China in the all-new Ford Mondeo, making its public debut later this month at Auto Shanghai 2013, with applications following in the Fusion sedan in North America this year, and later the new Mondeo in Europe. As a key contributor to Ford's aggressive fuel economy and emissions strategy, EcoBoost technologies enable improvements to both fuel efficiency of 20 percent and emissions of up to 15 percent. The 1.5-liter engine benefits from signature EcoBoost turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, and has been designed to be even more fuel efficient and offer high levels of refinement, quietness and performance. Additionally, the newest EcoBoost engine will be a strategic entry for Ford in global markets that offer tax relief to consumers who purchase vehicles powered by engines of 1.5-liter capacity or less. The new aluminum-block, twin-cam 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine will include some of the innovative features introduced on the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost such as an integrated exhaust manifold. The new engine is expected to provide similar horsepower and torque performance to Ford's current 1.6-liter EcoBoost, while delivering improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost is the first engine from Ford to incorporate a computer-controlled clutch on the belt-drive water pump, which further improves efficiencies by reducing warm-up time. A water-cooled charge air cooler is added to offer a more efficient feed of air into the engine. "Ford EcoBoost technology has changed the way people look at gas engines and has enjoyed huge success with customers," said Joe Bakaj, vice president, powertrain engineering for Ford. "The new 1.5-liter unit further extends our EcoBoost promise of economical driving in terms of both fuel efficiency and – in some markets – tax savings." Ford has sold more than 600,000 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles globally since the range was launched with the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost in 2009. Ford added the 2.0-liter EcoBoost in 2010, the 1.6-liter EcoBoost followed in 2011, and last year the 1.0-liter EcoBoost was launched, winning the 2012 "International Engine of the Year" award. By the end of this year, nearly 80 percent of the company's global nameplates will be available with fuel-saving EcoBoost technology. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 11, 2013 Yesterday, General Motors announced a $5.2 billion investment for Opel between now and 2016. This is part of a larger effort to nurture Opel back into health. “As a global automotive company, GM needs a strong presence in Europe – both in design and development as in manufacturing and sales. Opel is key to our success and enjoys the full support of its parent company,” said General Motors CEO Dan Akerson in a statement. This investment will will help support new models and help the brand back on track for its 10-year plan, called DRIVE! 2022, which hopes to bring it back into the black. Opel needs all the help it can get. The brand saw $1.8 billion last year, continuing a streak of losses that goes back to 1999. Source: General Motors, Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 GM to Invest 4 Billion Euros in Opel's Future through 2016 GM Board of Directors makes clear commitment to Opel GM CEO Dan Akerson: "Opel has GM's full support" Confirmation of "DRIVE!2022" plan for future Piece of Berlin Wall as symbol of solidarity Rüsselsheim. The General Motors (GM) Board of Directors used its meeting in Rüsselsheim to underscore its commitment to Opel and Germany. This commitment was also manifested in the approval of a comprehensive investment program: GM will invest 4 billion euros in Germany and Europe through 2016. "As a global automotive company GM needs a strong presence in Europe – in terms of design and development as well as manufacturing and sales," said Dan Akerson, Chairman and CEO of GM, at a press briefing at Adam Opel Haus. "Opel is a key to our success and enjoys its parent company's full support." The Board of Directors chose Germany for a regularly scheduled meeting to get first-hand information on the progress on its 10-year strategy DRIVE!2022 and the challenging European automotive environment. The Board also used this opportunity to meet with economists, unionists and politicians. In addition to Akerson, Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Supervisory Board Chairman Steve Girsky and Works Council Chairman Dr. Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug also spoke at today's press conference in Rüsselsheim. The Board of Directors welcomed the guests of honor Minister President of Hesse Volker Bouffier, the American Ambassador Phil Murphy as well as Rüsselsheim Mayor Patrick Burghardt, who brought the city's Guest Book for the visitors to sign. Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, CEO of Adam Opel AG, emphasized that it is a great honor for Opel to be able to host the GM Board: "This Board has once again made very clear that our 10-year plan DRIVE!2022, that foresees our return to profitability by the middle of the decade, has our parent company's complete support." A large part of the investments are going into the Opel model offensive. Through 2016, Opel will introduce 23 new models and 13 new powertrains. Opel Supervisory Board Chairman Steve Girsky said, "The Board of Directors is here to underline its solidarity and support. Opel has been part of GM since 1929 and is today more than ever a decisive element for the entire company's innovative power. This partnership is stronger than it has ever been." Following the press briefing Dan Akerson revealed a piece of the Berlin Wall that belongs to Opel and will be placed in front of the Adam Opel Haus on Friedrich-Lutzmann-Ring. "This piece of the wall is a symbol of our corporate culture," said CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. "The symbol should remind everyone that we overcome any walls in our heads and those between different cultures and that we are now starting a new chapter in the history of Opel." View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 11, 2013 Fiat is planning to add the option of an automatic transmission into the Abarth lineup. "We're not opposed to doing it. We just didn't think there would be consumer requests for it, and there is," Fiat's North American president, Tim Kuniskis told Wards Auto. The reason for this? To bring in more buyers, specifically women. With the new Abarth version of the 500C just around the corner, Kuniskis says that the company is expecting a few more women buyers to opt for the more potent version of the cabriolet. "I think when we'll see more women is when we have the automatic, and we're planning to add the automatic in the Abarth at some point, only because we're getting that feedback from customers," said Kuniskis. We don't know when the Abarth will be getting the automatic at this time. Source: Wards Auto William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

Rumor has it a turbo V6 is coming.. Not sure when.

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 10, 2013 Its nice whenever spy shots show a group vehicles undergoing some testing. Its even better when the group has the all the different models in one group. Case in point, Automobile Magazine has some new spy shots featuring the new 2015 GM full-size SUV lineup. The test mules in the pictures look to be wearing the production-ready bodies. The differences between the mules are dependent on the headlights and grilles. The Escalade is wearing a set of vertical LED running lights both in the lower front fascia and headlights and a an exposed “waterfall” mesh grille. The Yukon has a set of LEDs in the headlights only, and a mesh two-bar grille. The Tahoe appears to have a single-bar grille. The new SUVs will use the same platform as the new GM trucks and come with the choice a 4.3L V6, a 5.3L V8, and a 6.2L V8, all mated to a six-speed automatic. Production is expected to start in January for the Chevrolet and GMC SUVs, while the Cadillac Escalade family will begin in April. Source: Automobile Magazine William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 10, 2013 Ford, General Motors, and Ram are continuing their stance on ignoring the SAE testing procedure for towing ratings according to Automotive News. The procedure, named J2807, is designed to reflect how the pickups are really used, and are supposed to be more accurate than the non-SAE numbers, which manufacturers supply. The procedure tests a pickup’s structure, propulsion, handling, braking, and thermal-handling ability, in a set environment. This procedure also has the truck equipped and not equipped with a load. All of the truck manufacturers agreed to start this procedure in 2013. Only one manufacturer has actually gone ahead and implemented the procedure; Toyota. Toyota isn't pleased their the only brand who is doing this and has called on the other manufacturers to “do the right thing.” The big three isn't budging. General Motors says they won't implement the procedure until Ford does it. Ram is in the same boat as GM. Ford says they thought the procedure only applies to new models starting this year. They went onto say that the new F-150, due out in 2015, would use this procedure. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 10, 2013 It seems the end is close for Fisker. Reuters is reporting that Fisker could be filling for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week due to pressure of the U.S. Department of Energy who want the company to pay back nearly $200 million in government loans. A source tells Reuters that Fisker's lawyers have drawn up the documents needed to file for bankruptcy, and are ready to go within the next few days. Fisker and the Department of Energy's relationship has been strained over the past few months due to missing milestones for the loans, not building any vehicles since last summer, and number of other problems. The company has been has been trying to renegotiate terms of a payment due on April 20th with the Department of Energy. However, the Department of Energy said enough was enough and is pushing Fisker in bankruptcy. Source: Reuters William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 9, 2013 Ford announced today they would be introducing a new variant of the F-150 Raptor for the 2014 model year. The 2014 Raptor Special Edition is all cosmetic changes. Those hoping for a bit more potency from the 6.2L V8 or improved off-road performance will be disappointed. The Special Edition adds two new colors exclusive to this model; Ruby Red Metallic and Tuxedo Black Metallic with box-side graphics. Inside, the Special Edition gets new seats with Brick Red seat bolsters (with black inserts), cloth honeycomb highlights, and a console top finish panel. Ford isn't saying how much the new Raptor Special Edition will cost, most likely saving that for when it goes on sale later this fall. Source: Ford William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Ford Announces New 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition * New Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition answers customer calls for more exclusivity in addition to Raptor's unmatched off-road capability * Raptor Special Edition features a unique exterior color, exterior graphics and interior styling * Raptor Special Edition helps continue Raptor's sales success DEARBORN, Mich., April 9, 2013 – Ford's F-150 SVT Raptor, the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup truck, has a new Special Edition package customers can order that adds more unique touches to the hot-selling pickup. Ford today reveals the 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition, which adds unique new touches to Raptor's existing Luxury Package, including a Ruby Red Metallic exterior color and box-side graphics. Interior upgrades include Brick Red seat bolsters with black inserts and cloth honeycomb highlights, console top finish panel, and center stack and door panel appliqué accents. Raptor Special Edition is also available in Tuxedo Black Metallic. The 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition goes on sale this fall. "Raptor owners are looking for a high-performing, uncompromising off-road pickup truck with the features and luxuries found in today's premium trucks," said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. "Since its launch in 2009, we've continually moved Raptor forward in capability and design, and the 2014 Special Edition is the best Raptor yet." Raptor has found an enviable niche in full-size pickups. SVT Raptor sales are up 14 percent in 2013, with five out of the past six months seeing record sales. More than 13,000 Raptors were sold in 2012. SVT Raptor prowess and power Since launching as a 2010 model, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has set the benchmark for low- and high-speed off-road performance through aggressive all-terrain tires, industry-exclusive internal triple-bypass FOX Racing Shox™ dampers, skid plates and standard Hill Descent Control™. A Raptor development imperative has been continuous improvement, so Ford expanded Raptor's footprint for 2011 with a four-door SuperCrew model joining the two-door SuperCab original. For 2012 Ford began offering a grille-mounted camera to improve driver visibility when climbing over rocks or other obstacles. The 2012 addition of a Torsen® limited-slip differential to Raptor's 4WD system enables the truck to balance traction between both front wheels. For 2013 industry-exclusive beadlock-capable wheels were added to help increase grip in low-traction conditions, along with high-intensity discharge headlamps for improved visibility. SYNC® with MyFord Touch® was also made available for added connectivity. SVT Raptor is available exclusively with a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing best-in-class 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode and SelectShift Automatic® functionality. The 4WD system features electronic shift-on-the-fly capability for the transfer case. The front axle features a Torsen® differential with 4.10 to 1 gearing. The rear axle is also 4.10 to 1, with an electronic-locking differential. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 9, 2013 Maserati has pulled back the curtain on their new vehicle, the Ghibli sedan. The new Ghibli is Maserati's contender in the midsize sedan market and will be shown at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month. The Ghibli looks to be a scale-down version of the new Quattroporte, both inside and out. Maserati says the new Ghibli will utilize a pair of tubrocharged 3.0L V6 engines (one gas and one diesel) both mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions. Rear wheel drive is standard with Maserati's new Q4 all-wheel drive system available as an option. The Ghibli will play a major role in Maserati's plan to reach 50,000 vehicles sold by 2015. Source: Maserati William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 The all-new Maserati Ghibli to debut in Shanghai 09/04/2013 - Modena Maserati has released the first official images of its upcoming four-door sports executive sedan in advance of its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month. The all-new Ghibli is set to break new ground for Maserati. The Ghibli will have a sportier character compared to the larger Quattroporte, launched at the beginning of this year. The Ghibli will be available with two turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engines, an eight-speed automatic transmission and both rear-wheel drive and the new "Q4" all-wheel drive system. The Ghibli will also become the first Maserati production car in history to be powered by a diesel engine, with a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel. It is Maserati's first sedan in this segment and reflects the company's belief that a growing number of premium executive car buyers are looking to make an individual statement through a car that is distinctive, elegant and luxurious. The Ghibli will play a significant role in Maserati's growth plan to sell 50,000 cars per year. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 9, 2013 From the "it can't get any worse, can it?" file, Fisker has been smacked with a lawsuit by their former employees alleging the company violated the law when they were laid off. Last Friday, Fisker announced they would be laying off 75% of their employees (about 160 employees) as "a necessary strategic step to... maximize the value of Fisker's core assets," which is complicated way of saying 'we're trying to conserve as much cash as possible'. However, employees have sued Fisker in Federal court, stating the company violated the US Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification (WARN) Act which says a company must give employees 60 days of notice of a termination. The suit also alleges Fisker failed to pay the employees the wages and other benefits they would have earned in the 60 days following the layoffs. Fisker's communications firm, Sitrick and Co said the company had no immediate comment concerning the suit. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article