Fisker In Talks With Magna Steyr To Build Ocean Electric SUV In Austria

About a month ago, Fisker confirmed negotiations with VW Group to use the latter’s MEB platform for its Ocean electric SUV.

Now, word is out that the electric startup is holding talks with another automotive giant, Canadian auto supplier Magna International, for the Ocean’s production. In a statement, Fisker said a definitive agreement is expected to be reached “in the next few months” to have Magna Steyr build the Ocean SUV at its plant in Graz, Austria, as early as the fourth quarter of 2022.

According to the California-based startup, Fisker and Magna International are “also evaluating manufacturing options for the United States and China.”

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Although negotiations with the VW Group over Fisker’s use of the MEB architecture for the Ocean SUV are a separate matter, it is unclear whether or not they are still ongoing. A Magna spokesman confirmed the memorandum of understanding to Reuters, but refrained from commenting further. Magna Steyr builds several models under contract for other manufacturers at its plant in Graz, Austria, including the Jaguar I-Pace and E-Pace, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra.

In a July 30 statement, Fisker said that production of the Ocean SUV is expected to begin during the fourth quarter of 2022, and that the EV is fully sold out for the first year based on reservations. The company claims it has advance reservations and deposits for 7,062 Ocean SUVs.

By 2025, Fisker is planning an expansion of its lineup to four vehicles. In addition to the Ocean SUV, the range will include a super sports sedan based on the EMotion concept, a sports crossover, and a lifestyle pickup truck. According to Fisker, each model will use “platforms, battery packs, and component systems from industry-leading car manufacturers and technology suppliers.”

The company run by designer Henrik Fisker says it will make its final selection on platform and manufacturing location of the Ocean in the coming months.