Aston Martin sues Fisker over Thunderbolt design

Aston Martin is suing Fisker over its Thunderbolt prototype, saying it is an unauthorised copy of Aston’s designs.

Aston has described Fisker’s conduct as “wholly unacceptable” and has taken issue with several elements of the Thunderbolt’s styling, including its logo.

“This lawsuit centres on Henrik Fisker’s creation and promotion of automobiles that Aston Martin contends infringes Aston Martin’s rights, by an improper and unauthorised attempt to exploit and free-ride off them. Aston Martin regards such conduct as wholly unacceptable and reserves all rights available at law to challenge it.”

Denmark-born Henrik Fisker is a former Aston Martin design boss and was responsible for the DB9 and the V8 Vantage. He left in 2004 to form Fisker Automotive, which was responsible for the Fisker Karma, a plug-hybrid that was launched in 2011. Fisker Automotive filed for bankruptcy in November 2013.

Fisker revealed the Thunderbolt at the Concours d’Elegance in Florida in March this year. The car is described as a concept and is based on the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish but did not have Aston Martin’s official endorsement. Despite this, Fisker said he would build the car to order if the demand was there.

He also said that some elements of the car’s design would not make it to production if it were to be made. Production cars would not feature the 11.6-inch curved infotainment screen of the concept, and it would get minor styling adjustments.

“I wanted to create an elegant, beautiful GT sports coupé, with pure emotional sculpture that would stay timeless,” said Fisker at the time of the Thunderbolt’s launch.

The lack of endorsement has now caused issues. Fisker has not yet been available for comment.