Artega Automobil GmbH & Co. KG

is a German automobile manufacturer based in Delbrück, Germany. Founded in 2006 as a producer of high-performance sports cars, the company has since shifted its primary focus to the development and production of electric vehicles (EVs). The company’s history has been marked by financial restructuring, bankruptcy, and a strategic pivot from internal combustion engines to electric mobility .

History

Founding and Early Success

Artega was founded by Klaus Dieter Frers, a mechanical engineer and entrepreneur who had previously founded paragon AG, a successful supplier of automotive electronics. Frers leveraged his industry expertise and personal passion for car collecting and historic racing to create his own automobile brand in 2006 .

The company’s first and most notable model was the Artega GT, a mid-engined sports coupé. The design of the GT was penned by the renowned Henrik Fisker, known for his work on the BMW Z8 and Aston Martin DB9. The car debuted as a prototype at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, with a production version arriving a year later . Production officially began in 2009, featuring a 300-horsepower V6 engine capable of propelling the car to a top speed of 270 km/h .

Financial Troubles and Bankruptcy (2010-2012)

Despite a positive reception for the GT, the company faced immediate financial pressures. The high cost of developing and hand-building a sports car in a niche market proved challenging. In early 2010, Mexican investment firm Tresalia Capital took a controlling stake in Artega, leading to the departure of founder Klaus Dieter Frers .

The change in ownership failed to secure the company’s long-term viability. The global economic climate and the immense capital requirements of the auto industry led to Artega filing for bankruptcy in July 2012 . At the time, reports indicated that a planned investment from an Asian firm had fallen through at the last moment, forcing the company into insolvency .

Revival and Shift to Electrification

Later in 2012, the company’s assets were reacquired by a firm controlled by the original founder, Klaus Dieter Frers. Initially, the plan was not to immediately restart production, but rather to secure the technology and staff. However, this move laid the groundwork for the company’s rebirth as an electric vehicle manufacturer .

By 2015, the revived Artega began unveiling new electric concepts. At the Frankfurt Motor Show that year, the company introduced the Artega Scalo, a high-performance electric sports car. This was followed by the spectacular Artega Scalo Superelletra at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. The Superelletra was a 1,020 horsepower, three-seater concept (with a central driving position) boasting a 500 km range and a 0-100 km/h time of just 2.7 seconds, signaling a definitive move away from petrol engines .

Acquisition by ElectricBrands (2022)

On May 2nd, 2022, Artega was acquired by ElectricBrands, a Germany-based mobility company focused on electric vehicles. The terms of the deal were not publicly disclosed. This acquisition integrated Artega into a larger group focused specifically on EV production and distribution .

Models

Artega GT (2007-2012)

A mid-engined sports coupé designed by Henrik Fisker. It utilized a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 300 hp, paired with a DSG transmission. It was capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in under 5 seconds .

Artega Scalo (2015)

An electric sports car concept that marked the company’s return to production following its 2012 bankruptcy. It served as the precursor to the more powerful Superelletra .

Artega Scalo Superelletra (2017)

A high-performance electric show car unveiled in Geneva. It featured four electric motors producing a combined 1,020 hp, a 120 kWh battery, and a unique three-seat layout with the driver positioned in the center. The company announced plans to produce 50 units in 2019, though the model faced delays .

Artega Karo / Karo-Isetta (2020)

A small, retro-styled urban electric microcar inspired by the classic BMW Isetta. It features a front-opening door and a steel chassis. Production began in early 2020, with a top speed of 90 km/h and a range of approximately 200 km. The vehicle was the subject of a legal dispute with Swiss company Micro Mobility Systems (makers of the similar Microlino), which was eventually settled out of court .