AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — VLF Automotive, a new, US-based luxury sports car company, officially launches today through a partnership between legendary automotive designer Henrik Fisker, former General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz and entrepreneur and manufacturer Gilbert Villarreal. Fisker is a VLF shareholder and third member of the executive management team alongside Lutz and Villarreal.
“It’s a circle,” Lutz explained. “When Gilbert and I formed VL Automotive in 2012, we wanted to take Henrik’s beautifully proportioned design, replace the hybrid gas-electric power train with a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 drivetrain, and create a bespoke four-door luxury car with outstanding performance. With Henrik on board, we are ready to present the Destino with a refined design, and a new model named Force 1 that Henrik has developed with an acclaimed race car driver, at the 2016 North American International Auto Show.”
VLF Automotive boasts a state-of-the-art development and manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills and a design and technology center in Los Angeles. With Lutz as chairman, Villarreal as CEO and Fisker as head of design and product strategy, VLF team represents more than 100 years experience at the top-tier of the automotive industry and have been instrumental in such iconic cars as Aston Martins, BMWs, Vipers and Corvettes.
“I’m honored to become a partner in this automotive ‘Dream Team’,” said Fisker. “With the management and financial skills of Bob Lutz, the manufacturing expertise of Gilbert Villarreal and my design innovation, we’re poised to launch an extraordinary company, as we seek to change the future of the American auto industry.”
The Destino embodies everything that VLF Automotive stands for: American, tailor made, high- quality, performance and ingenuity. Designed by Henrik Fisker, and engineered and built by VLF’s experienced automotive team in Auburn Hills, MI, the Destino sets out to be the leading high-performance 4-door GT in the world. Powered by a reliable Corvette LS9 V8 engine, the Destino, with its relatively low weight, has tremendous performance characteristics. The Destino V8 retail price starts at $229,000.
VLF Automotive will be adding additional jobs at its dedicated manufacturing facility in Auburn hills, when production of the Destino and Force 1 ramps up throughout 2016. VLF is expected to have 7 dedicated dealers with full-service capability throughout North America and several international dealers appointed in 2016.
ABOUT BOB LUTZ
On May 1, 2010, Robert A. Lutz, retired as vice chairman, of General Motors, following a 47-year career in the global automotive industry, including senior leadership positions at four of the world’s leading automakers and founded Lutz Communications, a universal business consulting firm with an emphasis on businesses in motion. He currently serves as Chairman of The New Common School Foundation and is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the U.S. Marine Corps University Foundation and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas. He is a contributor to CNBC and Road & Track. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of VIA Motors, and is on the boards of EnerG2 and NanoSteel and is on the advisory boards of Alexander Proudfoot and Current Motor. He is also a partner in VLF Automotive with Gilbert Villarreal & Henrik Fisker.
ABOUT GILBERT VILLARREAL
Mr. Villarreal is the chief executive officer of VLF Automotive. Mr. Villarreal is a former United States Marine and holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. After serving active duty in the Marine Air Wing as an Aircraft Aviation Specialist on numerous Naval aircraft, Mr. Villarreal continued his career in aerospace with the Boeing Aircraft Company on the 767 and 747 aircraft production lines in Everett, Washington. After 10 years in Aerospace manufacturing, Mr. Villarreal transitioned into the automotive and marine industries with UTA “United Technologies Automotive” with The Becker Group, and as the chief executive officer with Acord Incorporated, a leader in automotive interior trim systems and chief executive officer of Concorde Marine, a luxury yacht manufacturer in Washington State. Mr. Villarreal has over 32 years of wide manufacturing experience that spreads from Aerospace, Automotive, and Marine industries. As an industrialist with a diverse portfolio, Mr. Villarreal has successfully restructured companies in both the automotive and marine yacht building industries.
ABOUT HENRIK FISKER
Henrik Fisker is an entrepreneur and one of the world’s leading automotive designers. Fisker is a founding partner at VLF Automotive and head of design and product strategy. Fisker is also Founder and CEO of HF Design, a Los Angeles based innovation and industrial design house that works across numerous categories including luxury travel, automotive, architectural design, furniture, smart devices, consumer products and technology. Previously Fisker founded Fisker Automotive in 2007, where he launched the world’s first premium plug-in hybrid, Fisker Karma. Best known among his creations are BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9 and Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Among his latest creations is the Viking motorcycle, Rocket, Destino and Force 1. More information can be found at www.henrikfisker.org
Source: VLF Automotive