Fisker Automotive takes possession of former GM factory to build plug-in hybrids

American automaker Fisker Automotive finalized its purchase of a former GM factory where it will build plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

 The southern California-based company is now in full possession of the 3.2 million square foot Wilmington Assembly plant in Wilmington, Delaware, for which it paid Motors Liquidation Company (MLC) US$20 million. MLC is the holding company formed by General Motors Corporation’s bankruptcy.

 The purchase is supported by a US$528.7 million Department of Energy loan for the development of two lines of plug-in hybrids.

 The Wilmington plant will be home to Project NINA, Fisker’s second line of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and where Fisker expects to ultimately create more than 2,000 factory jobs.

 “This is a major step toward creating thousands of manufacturing jobs and restoring America as a leader in the global auto industry,” said Bernhard Koehler, COO, Fisker Automotive.  “Wilmington will be instrumental in fulfilling our plans to export more than half of Fisker premium plug-in hybrid production to global markets.”

 Fisker announced its intent to acquire the idled factory in October 2009.  A federal bankruptcy judge approved the sale last month.

 The Wilmington Assembly plant opened in 1947 and produced more than 8.5 million vehicles before closing in mid 2009. 

 Fisker Automotive is a privately owned, premium American car company creating environmentally conscious vehicles with passion, style and performance. Global headquarters are in Irvine, California, USA.