Fisker plan to build cars in Delaware in doubt

[April 05, 2012]  DOVER, Del. (AP) -- Electric car maker Fisker Automotive's plans to build vehicles at a former General Motors plant in Delaware may be in jeopardy because of trouble obtaining a loan from the federal government.

At an unveiling of Fisker's second production model in New York on Tuesday, CEO Tom LaSorda indicated that the company may have to look outside Delaware for production of its Atlantic sedan if it cannot obtain planned financing from the Department of Energy.

Delaware economic development director Alan Levin said Wednesday that he was shocked and disappointed by LaSorda's comments. Gov. Jack Markell put in call to LaSorda but did not immediately hear back.

Fisker, which has said it would employ about 1,500 workers at the former GM plant, said Delaware remains its first choice as a production site.

[Associated Press; RANDALL CHASE]

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.