Fisker Recruits First US Dealers for PHEVs; Appoints First Distributors for Europe
26 March 2009
Fisker Automotive has appointed its first group of 32 US retailers to market and service its luxury plug-in hybrid vehicles, beginning with the $87,900 Karma sedan later this year. The number puts the carmaker close to its goal of having 40 locations across the country by the end of June 2009.
Fisker Board member Vic Doolan has been instrumental in guiding development of the company’s retail network. Doolan led BMW NA and Volvo Cars NA to record sales in the 1990s and 2000s.
Fisker showrooms will reflect the company’s concern for the environment and their vehicles’ low-emission capabilities. “They will be Eco-facilities, not Ego-facilities,” Doolan said. Architecture calls for natural and sustainable materials like wood and textiles. An available solar-powered car port can keep demonstrator vehicles clean, dry, fully charged and ready to go.
All Fisker retailers are well-established; many are family-owned. The initial set includes:
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Earlier in March, Fisker staged the European debut of the Karma sedan at the Geneva Motor Show. The 2L/100km Fisker Karma sedan will start at €78,780 (US$106,900), excluding VAT, and be available through a network of 40 retailers across Europe beginning early 2010.
Fisker Automotive has appointed two distributors: for southern Europe, GP Supercars in Merano, Italy represented by CEO Gianfranco Pizzuto; and in northern Europe, Nellemann Group in Copenhagen, Denmark, represented by CEO Jac Nellemann. Nellemann is one of Europe’s oldest auto distributors, with ties going back to Nash and Morris, and at present time Kia, Jaguar and Aston Martin. GP Supercars was formed specifically for the distribution of exclusive cars like the Fisker Karma.
The Karma is an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV). It can reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in about six seconds and achieve a top speed of 201 km/h (125 mph). The Q-DRIVE plug-in hybrid powertrain, derived from military applications, comprises two electric motors that produce up to 375 kW (403 hp) and 1,300 Nm (959 lb/ft) of torque. Main power comes from a 200 kW (peak) Lithium-ion battery pack that offers an emission-free range of 80.5 km (50 mi) when fully charged from any 110, 220 or 240V household outlet. At 80.5 km a generator, turned by a 2.0L turbocharged Direct Injection gasoline engine sourced from GM (earlier post) provides the motors with electricity. Total range is 482 km (300 mi).
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