The centre will be located close to key component suppliers and technical expertise, as well as bringing the company closer to its planned production facility in Delaware, where the Atlantic is likely to be built. Fisker previously had a technical centre in Pontiac, Michigan, while it completed development and engineering of the Karma.

First revealed in April 2012, the Atlantic will use a second generation version of the range-extended electric drivetrain used in the Karma. The manufacturer said most of the components had already been designed, with only final pre-launch product development set to be carried out at the new facility. Details of staffing will be announced in the new year.

Fisker Automotive, president and CEO, Tony Posawatz, said: ‘This important step signals our commitment to bringing the Fisker Atlantic to market as soon as we can. We will be bringing our own engineering footprint closer to our supplier base and the expertise and professional workforce that have driven the American automotive industry for more than a century.’