Chinese-Owned Battery Maker A123

When battery maker A123 Systems went bankrupt, it seemed to be just one in a long line of failed energy startups--albeit one with some high-profile customers.

Stalled battery production after A123's bankruptcy is considered one of the main catalyst's for Fisker's litany of struggles, while electric-car enthusiasts wondered what would happen to cars like the Chevrolet Spark EV, powered by A123 batteries.

Now, are things different under Chinese ownership?

Several companies expressed interest but in the end only two came away with the spoils--Chinese group Wanxiang won through with a $256.6 million bid. A123's military business was sold separately to Navitas Systems.One of those was the highly-rated Chevrolet Spark EV, while BMW fits A123 batteries in its 3-Series and 5-Series hybrids.