Americans and Canadians wanting to buy a Fisker Karma will get the opportunity, as the automaker has announced their North American retail network. The company will sell their cars in several locations throughout 17 U.S. states and British Columbia.
Although the company wanted a network of dealerships able to deal with the customer service associated with premium brands, it was also important not to have locations that came off as pretentious and arrogant. The facilities will be designed with wood and textile from sustainable companies, and have solar powered car ports for demonstration vehicles.
"To our customers, [dealerships] are the face of the company," said Fisker board member Vic Doolan. Doolan, an industry exec who previously worked for the North American subsidiaries of both BMW and Volvo, went for low startup costs by choosing already-established dealerships. "For that reason, we've chosen those who will give Fisker owners the comfort and confidence to drive the future," he said.
The Fisker Karma is a plug-in hybrid that runs on electric only for the first 50 miles, before a petrol engine takes over. It has a top speed of 125 mph, and goes 0-60mph in six seconds. Regenerative braking, the small petrol engine, and the optional solar roof all help to charge the lithium ion batteries on the fly. The electric motor uses this power to get the rear wheels moving.
Between 1,000 and 1,500 pre-orders have already been placed for the Fisker Karma, which starts at around $88,000. Full production capacity will be over 1,000 units per month to begin in about 14 months. They expect to make around 15,000 units during 2011, when the hardtop convertible Fisker Karma S will be released.
Fisker Automotive Recruits First North American Retailers to Represent Premium Green Brand
IRVINE, Calif., March 24 -- Premium green automaker Fisker Automotive has appointed its first group of North American retailers to market and service its luxury plug-in hybrid vehicles, beginning with the $87,900, 100mpg Karma sedan later this year. Thirty-two award-winning retailers have confirmed their intent to carry the Fisker marquee. The number puts the carmaker close to its goal of having 40 locations across the country by the end of June 2009.
All Fisker retailers are well-established operations familiar with premium brands, new technology and discerning clientele. Many are family-owned, each is active in giving back to their communities, and all understand the need to offer premium customers a vehicle that reduces environmental impact. A full list can be found at www.fiskerautomotive.com
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, and in so doing built solid relationships with top retail principals. "Our retail partners are our most important assets," he said. "To our customers, they are the face of the company. For that reason, we've chosen those who will give Fisker owners the comfort and confidence to drive the future."
By keeping startup costs low and not requiring floor-planning beyond demonstrator and display cars, Fisker is able to attract new franchises even in tough economic times. President Obama's recent pledge of $2.4B to support development of plug-in hybrid vehicles and battery technology is added incentive.
Fisker showrooms will reflect the company's concern for the environment and their vehicles' emission free 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.
Fisker Automotive Retail Network, Charter Members:
Barrett Holdings, Inc. Charles Barrett San Antonio, TX
Bergen Jaguar Dennis Squitieri Bergen County, NJ
Bergstrom Corporation John Bergstrom Wisconsin
Borton Automotive Kjell Bergh Minnesota
Capitol Cadillac Company Daniel Jobe Maryland
Century Automotive Group George Jones Alabama
The Dorschel Automotive Group Richard Dorschel Rochester, NY
Elder Automotive Group Rob Elder Tampa Bay, FL
Fields Auto Group Dan Fields Illinois
Fields Auto Group Dan Fields Orlando, FL
Fields Auto Group Dan Fields British Columbia
Frank Kent Motor Company Corrie Churchill Fort Worth, TX
H.A. Ott Motor Cars LLC Chip Ott Philadelphia, PA
Jaguar of Great Neck Jack Weidinger Long Island, NY
M2 Motors, Inc. Bernardo Moreno Ohio
Manhattan Motor Cars Brian Miller Manhattan, NY
Marvin K. Brown Auto Center Dave Grundstrom San Diego, CA
O'Brien Auto Group Mike O'Brien Washington
Palm Beach Motor Cars Ltd. Robert Simpson Palm Beach, FL
Patrick Dealer Group Martin Stilwell Illinois
Price Family Dealerships Tom Price San Jose, CA
Price Family Dealerships Tom Price San Francisco, CA
Price Family Dealerships Tom Price Sacramento, CA
Rickenbaugh Cadillac Volvo Mary Pacifico-Valley Denver, CO
Roger Beasley Highline Group David Stein Austin, TX
Ron Tonkin Family of
Dealerships Ron Tonkin Oregon
Serra Automotive Joe Serra State of Michigan
Serra Automotive Joe Serra Pasadena, CA
Shelly Automotive Group Damon Shelly Orange County, CA
Sullivan Luxury Cars LLC Mike Sullivan Beverly Hills &
Santa Monica, CA
Ted Britt Auto Group Raymond Britt Northern Virginia
Warren Henry Automobiles Warren Zinn Miami, FL
ABOUT FISKER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
Fisker Automotive, founded in 2007 by Fisker Coachbuild, LLC and Quantum Technologies (QTWW), is a privately owned American car company producing premium green automobiles. Global headquarters are located in Irvine, Calif., with Henrik Fisker as CEO. The company is backed by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Palo Alto Investors and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). More information is available at www.fiskerautomotive.com.
Bristol411S3
March 25, 2009 6:06 PM
