Fisker co-founder walks out on company

Danish-born Fisker (above), who founded the plug-in hybrid business with Bernhard Koehler in 2007, confirmed his departure in a statement sent to UK publication Autocar.

“Henrik Fisker has resigned from Fisker Automotive as executive chairman, and has left the company.

“The main reasons for his resignation are several major disagreements that Henrik Fisker has with the Fisker Automotive executive management on the business strategy.”

The California-based car maker has endured a turbulent history, with funding issues, management changes, and fire-related recalls of the Fisker Karma causing headaches for the fledgling brand.

Production of the Karma has been on hold for nine months since battery supplier A123 Systems went under, while plans to produce its second model, the Atlantic sedan, remain up in the air.

Despite the executive chairman’s exit, Fisker Automotive says its plans for the future are unaffected.

“The company has a strong and experienced management team and its strategy has not changed,” it said in a statement.

“Mr Fisker's departure is not expected to impact the company's pursuit of strategic partnerships and financing to support Fisker Automotive's continued progress as a pioneer of low-emission hybrid electric powertrain technology.

“The company recognises and thanks Mr Fisker for his service and many contributions as Fisker Automotive has progressed from start-up to a fully fledged global automotive company.”