Topic: Fisker

Tesla's net income has reportedly fallen 71% year-over-year, exacerbated by Trump-imposed tariffs on Chinese components and retaliatory measures from Beijing. In contrast, Chinese automaker BYD showcased highly praised new models at the Shanghai Auto Show, making Tesla's aging lineup appear outdated. The segment also touches on the history of Tesla's design and the departure of original designers like those associated with the Fisker project.

John C. Dvorak recounts the history of Kleiner Perkins and partner John Doerr, highlighting their pivot to "Green Tech" and several notable investment failures. He mentions the Segway, the Fisker automotive collapse, and a rumored "snowblower" fiasco. Dvorak also claims that the firm missed the initial opportunity to invest in Google and had to buy in later at a higher price to maintain their reputation.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticizes the lack of public return on government investments in companies like Tesla and Fisker. The discussion highlights the hundreds of millions in subsidies provided to green energy firms like Solyndra that ultimately failed. The cycle of creating "phony problems" to justify large-scale public funding for private companies is described as a scam.

The physical design and driving mechanics of Tesla vehicles are critiqued, specifically the aggressive regenerative braking that activates brake lights when the accelerator is released. While the Model S design by Henrik Fisker is praised, newer models are described as having "pucker lips" due to the removal of front grills. Concerns are raised regarding the long-term durability of the "glued together" manufacturing process as the vehicles age.

The discussion covers the business model of Tesla Motors, specifically how the company generates revenue by selling zero-emission vehicle credits to other automakers. They credit Sequoia Capital's Michael Moritz for the strategy. The hosts also compare the Tesla Model S to the Fisker Karma, noting that while Henrik Fisker is a talented designer, his company failed due to poor engineering.

Google Fiber's expansion into Austin, Texas, is viewed as a political move tied to mayoral elections rather than a pure infrastructure play. While the city anticipates a tech boom, local experts warn that venture capital remains concentrated in Silicon Valley, with firms rarely investing outside of "Fisker range." Concerns are raised that the fiber rollout will primarily benefit real estate speculators and high-priced "incubator" spaces.

Fisker Automotive is reportedly facing bankruptcy after firing a significant portion of its workforce. The luxury electric car manufacturer has struggled with production issues and financial mismanagement. The discussion links the company's failure to the broader challenges facing the green energy and electric vehicle sectors.

The hosts discuss the public dispute between Elon Musk and the New York Times regarding Tesla's performance in cold weather. They process final donations for the episode, including a "Fisker Karma" request, and begin looking forward to the show's 500th episode. The segment concludes with a defense of their critical stance toward other media figures.

Bloomberg reports that the Obama administration is considering a $23 per metric ton carbon tax to address the budget deficit. Meanwhile, 16 Fisker Karma electric vehicles reportedly caught fire and exploded in Port Newark after being submerged in salt water during Superstorm Sandy.

The episode concludes with a lengthy reading of anniversary donations from around the world, including Singapore, Germany, and Canada. John Dvorak mentions an upcoming review of the Ford Focus Electric and his goal to test the Fisker Karma. The hosts sign off by thanking the audience for five years of support and promising a return on Sunday for further news deconstruction.

Fisker Automotive is recalling its Karma luxury hybrids due to fire hazards. This is followed by a critique of fundraising tactics used by the Clinton Foundation and NPR, specifically the use of "anonymous matching donors." The hosts deconstruct how these "matching" pledges are often used as shills to create a false sense of urgency and encourage more donations.

The $35 billion federal loan program for green energy is under scrutiny following the failures of Solyndra and Fisker. Many of the loans allegedly went to companies backed by major political donors and investment firms like Kleiner Perkins. A host recounts attending an elitist Tesla investor event where wealthy individuals used private jets to fly in and test-drive prototype electric vehicles.

Fisker Automotive, a luxury hybrid car company backed by Al Gore, received a $529 million U.S. government loan to build vehicles in Finland. The "Fisker Karma," priced near $100,000, is criticized for using Chinese-made motors despite receiving substantial American taxpayer funding.