Topic: In the market for a new car?

[Tony Light]

Obami gave a half billion to a car maker to produce a green car. Price of that brand spanking new car, 103,000 thousand dollars. Now, will the average out of work citizen be able to buy that car? Will the average part time worker be able to buy that car? Will the average blue collar worker be able to buy that car? Will the average white collar worker be able to buy that car? We give taxpayer money to a car maker who has recalled every car it has manufactured and is now laying off workers. Will someone tell us how that helped the taxpayers of this once great country?





Is Fisker the next Solyndra?
February 7, 2012 by Don Surber
 


Fisker Automotive looks like it is on its way to a slow-motion crash, which would leave taxpayers on the hook for more than a half-billion through a loan the Obama administration co-signed. The company makes electric/hybrid luxury cars in Finland that are sold in the United States. In January, the company recalled all its 2012 Karma cars because they were fire hazards. Fortunately, only 239 of them had been sold. Now layoffs have begun.
 


“It’s temporary,” said Roger Ormisher, a company spokesman. “We’re being prudent and sensible as a company.”
 
Perhaps.
 
The economy is sluggish and car sales are slow. Oh wait a second, Clint Eastwood just told us it is halftime in America and Detroit is fighting back.
 
From ABC News:
 
Accompanying the layoffs was an announcement that Fisker has approached the Department of Energy about revising the targets it had to meet in order to continue drawing money from the federal loan. Whether the Energy Department agrees to alter the terms, and invest more taxpayer in the Fisker venture remains unclear. Critics of the Obama administration told ABC News they worried that Fisker was at risk of becoming the next Solyndra — a reference to the now-bankrupt solar panel firm that received support from a government loan program.
 
Department of Energy officials said they understand that Fisker has experienced production delays, but said they are not uncommon for a new company. And the department remains hopeful about the company’s future, in part because it has successfully raised more than $650 million in private sector investment to support its ongoing operations.
 
“Our loan guarantees have strict conditions in place to protect taxpayers,” said DOE spokesman Damien LaVera. “The Department only allows the loan to be disbursed as the company meets certain milestones and demonstrates results. As has been widely reported, Fisker has experienced some delays in its sales and production schedule — which is common for start-ups. As Fisker works through those issues and incorporates lessons learned from the production of the Karma, the Department is working with Fisker to review a revised business plan and determine the best path forward so the company can meet its benchmarks, produce cars and employ workers here in America.”
 
The Fisker has had many problems.
 
From the New York Times in January:
 
Fisker Automotive is recalling all 239 of its 2012 Karma luxury plug-in hybrid cars because of a fire hazard, according to a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Prices on the 2012 model start at $103,000, including the destination charge.
 
In a report filed recently on the agency’s Web site, Fisker said some hose clamps were not properly positioned, which could allow a coolant leak. “If coolant enters the battery compartment an electrical short could possibly occur, causing a thermal event within the battery, including a possible fire in the worse case,” the company told the safety agency.
 
Fisker said the problem was discovered on Dec. 16, when workers at the Valmet Automotive assembly plant in Finland noticed coolant dripping. Fisker said it was not aware of any consumer complaints, warranty claims or “any other reports related to this condition.” It said fewer than 50 vehicles were in the hands of consumers.
 
And the electric-hybrid luxury cars are slower than advertised, save less gasoline than advertised, and have a range of only 32 miles.
 
From Jalopnik (which reported on how sloppy General Colin Powell parked his Fisker):
 
The Fisker Karma hasn’t quite lived up to the hype, what with its 32-mile estimated range and combined 52 MPGe rating (short of the 50-mile range and 100 MPGe promise). It’s acceleration of 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds was also disappointing.
 
It still looks great, though, and perhaps that’s why Powell didn’t want to park it anywhere near that pole. Better to edge it out away from the lines. Former four-star generals don’t care about lines. He’d maybe get a pass if it weren’t for the second picture, that clearly shows him driving the nose of the Karma up over the curb.
 
Why is the federal government backing this project or any of these alternative energy projects? Shouldn’t that money be used to meet the constitutional obligations of the federal government to provide for the national defense and the general — not personal — welfare?


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[Tony Light]

If you cannot afford an Obami-Fisker at 103,000 thousand dollars maybe you can afford this Obami-Volt that Government Motors is trying to shill. Watch this test drive that Eric took after G.M. wanted him to drive one for a week. Your taxpayer dollars at work that will never be paid back.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/02/fox-tests-volt-runs-out-of-juice-in-lincoln-tunnel/

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[Tony Light]

Those made up jobless numbers. If anyone can find fault with this slam on article then please give us your information.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/feb/5/curl-obamas-made-up-jobless-numbers/?page=all#pagebreak

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