Former VW and Toyota top exec Don Jackson to lead Fisker’s manufacturing operations

Former president of manufacturing at Volkswagen of America and senior VP (Quality and Production) at Toyota named senior advisor of manufacturing at Fisker Inc;  will lead manufacturing strategy including plant site selection, as Fisker ramps up for mass market production.

05 Apr 2019 | 9295 Views | By Autocar Pro News Desk

Fisker Inc, designer and manufacturer of the world’s most desirable electric vehicles, breakthrough automotive technology and advanced mobility solutions, has appointed Don Jackson as its senior advisor of manufacturing. The seasoned industry executive will spearhead manufacturing strategy and site selection as Fisker Inc prepares for the launch of its snazzy, affordable all-electric luxury SUV slated for the second half of 2021.

Never-before-seen design image of Fisker’s affordable, all-electric luxury SUV which is set for launch in 2021. 

Jackson has over 40 years of manufacturing leadership. Before taking on a key role at Volkswagen of America as President of Manufacturing, he served as Senior Vice President, Quality and Production for Toyota's Texas operations. Prior to this, Jackson served as Vice President of Manufacturing for Toyota’s operations in Kentucky. More recently, he founded Jackson Management Group, LLC, which is focused on providing strategy for various companies in lean manufacturing and best management practice.

Fisker scouts for plant site in the USA
Fisker Inc is currently finaliing the selection of a facility, located in the United States, to produce the mass market, all-electric luxury SUV. California, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia are among the states currently being considered through an RFP process.

Commenting on Don Jackson’s appointment, Henrik Fisker, chairman and CEO, Fisker Inc, said: “Following the exciting announcement on our affordable electric luxury SUV for the mass global market, we sought out an automotive industry leader with a strong history of results in high-volume manufacturing and the utmost in quality control. Don has lead operations for the largest OEMs, raising the bar in vehicle quality and reliability. We are delighted to have him join our team as we ramp up toward launch in 2021 and prepare to bring a more emotion-stirring, American-made EV design to people worldwide.”

Don Jackson, senior advisor of manufacturing, Fisker Inc, said: “The future of the automotive industry lies in electric vehicles. There’s an undeniable shift toward sustainable mobility around the globe, and Fisker is breaking the mold with the most forward-thinking technologies complemented by Henrik’s world-renowned, emotionally-compelling design touches."

"I share Fisker’s vision of driving mass electrification forward by producing more desirable EVs for the global market here in the United States, and I look forward to building a disruptive strategy that combines Fisker’s unique business model with the very best manufacturing practices that assure unparalleled results and outstanding, reliable products. The Fisker team is committed to exceeding customer expectations globally,” he added. 

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Don Jackson pic courtesy: Contributed Photo /Times Free Press.

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