Quantum had some big news today.. Apparently Fisker LIVES!!
finance.yahoo.com
And Q still controls the software, and some say the actual entire drive-train, which is the most expensive aspect of a vehicle like the Karma, or planned, Atlantic.. And Fisker stated that, while they are licensing the tech, with an option for a 50% ownership stake, it would appear they want to own the rights to all the Fisker related IP held by Quantum. Could be considerable value there..
To recall, Fisker went BK a few years back and was sold off to Wanxiang, which is apparently (by revenues) the largest Auto Components manufacturer in China. There was also some discussion and interaction between Wanxiang and Bob Lutz, who is making a VL Destino version of the Karma that packs a Corvette LS9 engine..
The Karma was always pretty sleek looking.. And while I've not generally been a fan of PHEV hybrids, battery life, capacity, and speed of recharging, seems to be advancing rapidly to the point where they may leave Ultracapacitor tech behind..
But basically, I really don't care, so long as some VERY big Chinese company wants to pay $5+ Million (with an option to pay EVEN MORE "consideration" $$$) a year from now.. I doubt we'll learn what the value of that option is, but it will likely be more than $5 million..
Either way, it's money in the bank, and low risk for Quantum. It's up to Fisker, with the backing of Wanxiang (which obviously wants the IP) to succeed, and if they do, then it's quite possible that Quantum will also be producing drivetrains (Q-Drive) for the Karma and Atlantic, as was orginally the case previously.
So.. If a company wanted to PREVENT Fisker, or Wanxiang, from having competitive technology, how would they go about preventing such a transfer??
Acquisition of QTWW in order to "cockblock" the competition?? Or Wanxiang buying QTWW out were someone to make such an attempt?
It's something to think about..
thetruthaboutcars.com
Hawk |
