Artega

Artega Automobil GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 2006 by mechanical engineer Klaus Dieter Frers in Delbrück, Germany. The company gained initial recognition for the Artega GT, a mid-engined sports coupe designed by Henrik Fisker, which featured a Volkswagen-sourced 3.6-liter VR6 engine. Despite critical acclaim for its handling and design, the company struggled with the impact of the 2008 global financial crisis and low sales volumes, leading to bankruptcy in 2012. Following its 2012 insolvency, the company was reacquired by interests associated with Frers and eventually resumed operations with a pivot toward electric mobility. During this period, Artega developed several electric prototypes and concepts, including the Artega Scalo and the Superelettra, focusing on high-performance electric powertrains and advanced materials. In its final years, the company explored niche electric segments, including the development of the Karo, a small electric vehicle inspired by the classic BMW Isetta. The brand's independent journey concluded in 2022 when it was acquired by the German electric vehicle company ElectricBrands, effectively marking the end of the Artega brand as a standalone manufacturer.