# Fisker on The No Agenda Show

Fisker comes up in 13 chapters across 13 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from September 2011 to April 2025.

- **Chapters:** 13
- **Episodes:** 13
- **Discussed:** September 2011 – April 2025
- **Related topics:** [Tesla](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tesla.md), [Elon Musk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elon-musk.md), [Kleiner Perkins](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kleiner-perkins.md), [Donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [Solyndra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/solyndra.md), [500th Episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/500th-episode.md), [Al Gore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-gore.md), [Anniversary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anniversary.md), [Austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [Bankruptcy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bankruptcy.md)

## Chapters 1–13 of 13

### Tesla Financial Decline and Chinese EV Competition from BYD

- **Episode:** [1758: Scream Circle](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1758-scream-circle.md)
- **Published:** 2025-04-24
- **Time:** 25:45–29:31
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1758-scream-circle/chapter/tesla-financial-decline-and-chinese-ev-competition-from-byd.md

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Chinese automaker BYD showcased highly praised new models at the Shanghai Auto Show, making Tesla's aging lineup appear outdated.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.

Keywords: [tesla](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tesla.md), [byd](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/byd.md), [elon musk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elon-musk.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [tariffs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tariffs.md), [fisker](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisker.md), shanghai auto show

### Kleiner Perkins and Silicon Valley Investment Failures

- **Episode:** [1135: Miss Lawyer USA](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1135-miss-lawyer-usa.md)
- **Published:** 2019-05-05
- **Time:** 1:03:39–1:07:12
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1135-miss-lawyer-usa/chapter/kleiner-perkins-and-silicon-valley-investment-failures.md

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.

Keywords: [john doerr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-doerr.md), [kleiner perkins](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kleiner-perkins.md), [green tech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/green-tech.md), [segway](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/segway.md), [fisker](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisker.md), [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md)

### Elon Musk, Tesla Subsidies, Solyndra, Public Investment Returns

- **Episode:** [1093: Right Puberty](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1093-right-puberty.md)
- **Published:** 2018-12-09
- **Time:** 1:08:14–1:11:38
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1093-right-puberty/chapter/elon-musk-tesla-subsidies-solyndra-public-investment-returns.md

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.

Keywords: [elon musk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elon-musk.md), [tesla](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tesla.md), [solyndra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/solyndra.md), [fisker](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisker.md), [kleiner perkins](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kleiner-perkins.md)

### Tesla Design, Regenerative Braking, and Manufacturing Quality

- **Episode:** [1019: #deletethebag](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1019-deletethebag.md)
- **Published:** 2018-03-25
- **Time:** 17:27–22:50
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1019-deletethebag/chapter/tesla-design-regenerative-braking-and-manufacturing-quality.md

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.

Keywords: henrik fisker, regenerative braking, vehicle design, [manufacturing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manufacturing.md), [elon musk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elon-musk.md), build quality

### Elon Musk, Tesla Credits, and Fisker Automotive

- **Episode:** [593: Abundance of Caution](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/593-abundance-of-caution.md)
- **Published:** 2014-02-24
- **Time:** 1:40:41–1:44:37
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/593-abundance-of-caution/chapter/elon-musk-tesla-credits-and-fisker-automotive.md

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.

Keywords: [elon musk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elon-musk.md), [tesla](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tesla.md), zero-emission credits, [sequoia capital](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sequoia-capital.md), [fisker karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisker-karma.md)

### Google Fiber Austin, Venture Capital and Tech Incubators

- **Episode:** [504: Twelve Fourteen](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/504-twelve-fourteen.md)
- **Published:** 2013-04-14
- **Time:** 31:43–35:40
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/504-twelve-fourteen/chapter/google-fiber-austin-venture-capital-and-tech-incubators.md

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.

Keywords: [google fiber](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google-fiber.md), [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [venture capital](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/venture-capital.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), tech incubator, [fisker](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisker.md)

### Fisker Automotive Financial Troubles

- **Episode:** [502: Nuevo Orden Mundial](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/502-nuevo-orden-mundial.md)
- **Published:** 2013-04-07
- **Time:** 1:42:06–1:43:54
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/502-nuevo-orden-mundial/chapter/fisker-automotive-financial-troubles.md

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.

Keywords: [fisker automotive](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisker-automotive.md), [electric cars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/electric-cars.md), [bankruptcy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bankruptcy.md), [layoffs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/layoffs.md), [solar panels](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/solar-panels.md)

### Elon Musk vs. NYT, Fisker Karma, 500th Episode Planning

- **Episode:** [488: Sponsor Influence](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/488-sponsor-influence.md)
- **Published:** 2013-02-17
- **Time:** 2:21:11–2:29:32
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/488-sponsor-influence/chapter/elon-musk-vs-nyt-fisker-karma-500th-episode-planning.md

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.

Keywords: [elon musk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elon-musk.md), [tesla](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tesla.md), ny times, [fisker karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisker-karma.md), [500th episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/500th-episode.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md)

### Carbon Tax Proposals, Fisker Karma Explosions

- **Episode:** [460: Nein Nein Nein Nein](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/460-nein-nein-nein-nein.md)
- **Published:** 2012-11-11
- **Time:** 2:39:38–2:42:24
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/460-nein-nein-nein-nein/chapter/carbon-tax-proposals-fisker-karma-explosions.md

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.

Keywords: [carbon tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carbon-tax.md), [bloomberg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bloomberg.md), [fisker karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisker-karma.md), [superstorm sandy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/superstorm-sandy.md), [electric vehicles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/electric-vehicles.md)

### Final Donor Roll, Ford Focus Electric, Show Sign-off

- **Episode:** [455: Disposition Matrix](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/455-disposition-matrix.md)
- **Published:** 2012-10-25
- **Time:** 2:42:00–3:13:54
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/455-disposition-matrix/chapter/final-donor-roll-ford-focus-electric-show-sign-off.md

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.

Keywords: [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), ford focus electric, [fisker](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisker.md), [ham radio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ham-radio.md), [anniversary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anniversary.md), [sign-off](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sign-off.md)

### Fisker Karma Recall and Clinton Foundation Fundraising

- **Episode:** [370: Tag and Track](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/370-tag-and-track.md)
- **Published:** 2012-01-01
- **Time:** 1:34:55–1:38:00
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/370-tag-and-track/chapter/fisker-karma-recall-and-clinton-foundation-fundraising.md

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.

Keywords: [fisker automotive](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisker-automotive.md), [clinton foundation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/clinton-foundation.md), [matching donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/matching-donations.md), [fundraising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fundraising.md), [npr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npr.md)

### Green Energy Loan Scandals and Tesla Investor Events

- **Episode:** [351: Home for the Holidays](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/351-home-for-the-holidays.md)
- **Published:** 2011-10-27
- **Time:** 1:09:20–1:13:13
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/351-home-for-the-holidays/chapter/green-energy-loan-scandals-and-tesla-investor-events.md

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.

Keywords: [solyndra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/solyndra.md), [fisker](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisker.md), [tesla](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tesla.md), [kleiner perkins](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kleiner-perkins.md), [jason calacanis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jason-calacanis.md)

### Fisker Automotive, Al Gore Government Loans

- **Episode:** [339: Cocked Pistol](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol.md)
- **Published:** 2011-09-15
- **Time:** 1:32:43–1:38:38
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/fisker-automotive-al-gore-government-loans.md

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.

Keywords: [fisker automotive](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisker-automotive.md), [al gore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-gore.md), [tesla](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tesla.md), [department of energy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-energy.md), [finland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/finland.md), [karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karma.md)

---

This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. Every public page on this site has one: add `.md` to its URL, or request it with `Accept: text/markdown`.

- [Site index for agents (llms.txt)](https://search.noagendashow.net/llms.txt)
- [Home](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- [Search transcripts](https://search.noagendashow.net/search.md)
- [All episodes](https://search.noagendashow.net/episodes.md)
- [Topics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topics.md)
- [People](https://search.noagendashow.net/people.md)
