Auto Veteran LaSorda Leaves Fisker

Fisker Automotive Inc. says Tom LaSorda, a former Chrysler Group chief, is stepping down as CEO after less than six months in the job.

The Anaheim, Calif.-based startup has replaced LaSorda with Tony Posawatz, who was vehicle line executive for General Motors' Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid until last month.

LaSorda says part of his job was to recruit a long-term CEO. There was no mention of that task when he was appointed to lead Fisker in February.

LaSorda joined the company last December as vice chairman and executive advisor. His 32-year auto career has included stints in GM manufacturing and serving as Chrysler's president, CEO and vice chairman. Fisker says LaSorda will continue to be available as an advisor the same role it assigned Joseph DaMour when he was replaced as CFO last month.

In his new job, Posawatz's tasks include determining where to build the upcoming Fisker Atlantic plug-in hybrid and bringing that $50,000-$60,000 sedan to market. He also needs to ease the company's cash crunch and negotiate with the U.S. Dept. of Energy about resuming a $529 loan program that was frozen in February when Fisker missed DOE milestones.

Posawatz must soothe consumer worries resulting from a pair of unexplained Karma fires and two recalls to replace batteries and fix a software glitch that caused an embarrassing vehicle shutdown during testing by Consumer Reports.

Fisker also announced two other appointments:

Joseph Chao as executive vice president and CEO of its operations in Asia. The veteran of Chrysler and General Motors, previously headed Beijing Benz and most recently was CEO of Chinese truck and parts maker SG Automotive. Fisker says Chao's experience will help launch its brand in China and the rest of Asia.

Alberto Gonzalez, a former Chrysler manufacturing executive, as vice president of manufacturing.