VLF Automotive
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Founder | Bob Lutz, Gilbert Villarreal, Henrik Fisker |
| Headquarters | Auburn Hills, Michigan , United States |
| Products | Automobiles (VLF Destino, VLF Force 1, VLF Rocket V8, HUMVEE C-Series) |
VLF Automotive is a niche American car manufacturer launched in January 2016. Initially created as VL Automotive in 2012 by ex-General Motors vice chairman Bob Lutz alongside industrialist Gilbert Villarreal, the company adopted its current name following the addition of designer Henrik Fisker.
In 2014, VL Automotive combined forces with GreenTech Automotive, a producer with limited output that eventually filed for bankruptcy in February 2018.
Company history
The establishment of VLF Automotive involved Henrik Fisker, Bob Lutz, and Gilbert Villarreal, with the company's title reflecting the initials of their last names.
Their debut vehicle, the Destino, was revealed in 2013 at Detroit's North American International Auto Show and was derived from the Fisker Karma platform.
The 2014 consolidation with GreenTech Automotive was intended to broaden production capabilities, although GreenTech manufactured only a small number of vehicles before its bankruptcy in 2018.
By May 2025, the official website for the company has ceased operation.
VLF Destino
Launched in January 2013, the VLF Destino is a four-door sedan that modifies the Fisker Karma by replacing its electric drivetrain with a 6.2 L V8 gasoline engine.
Production was scheduled to begin in Auburn Hills, Michigan, during the latter half of 2015. Despite plans, only 20 Fisker Karma "gliders" were procured and approximately 100 orders were recorded by mid-2013. Manufacturing was postponed due to Fisker's corporate restructuring announced at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.
VLF Force 1
The Force 1 V10 is a limited-run American sports car producing 745 horsepower, with production capped at 50 units by the third quarter of 2016. This custom-built vehicle, based on the Dodge Viper, premiered at the 2016 North American International Auto Show.
VLF Rocket V8
In collaboration with Galpin Auto Sports during 2018, VLF developed the Rocket V8—an exclusive coach-built edition of the sixth-generation Ford Mustang—jointly manufactured by both entities.
HUMVEE C-Series
Beginning in 2017, VLF entered into an agreement to manufacture a variant of the HMMWV/Hummer H1 targeted at markets outside the Americas. Production is limited to 100 units annually under contract from AM General, focusing on regions such as China, Europe, and the Middle East. AM General had initially intended to market the C-Series as a kit vehicle in 2012 but subsequently abandoned that initiative.
See also
- Henrik Fisker
- Bob Lutz
- Fisker Coachbuild (2005–2007)
- Fisker Automotive (2007–2014)
- VIA Motors