|
Fisker Automotive, the new American
manufacturer of premium green automobiles, debuted in Europe today the
world’s first luxury plug-in hybrid vehicles during the Geneva Motor
Show. The 2L/100km Fisker Karma saloon will start at €78,780, excluding
VAT, and be available through a network of 40 retailers across Europe
beginning early 2010. The Karma S hardtop convertible concept is
scheduled for 2011, but no pricing has been set.
Fisker Automotive has appointed two
distributors: GP Supercars in Merano, Italy and Nellemann Group in
Copenhagen, Denmark.
“Dealer selection criteria includes a
strong and sustained record in retailing premium cars, great customer
satisfaction, location and of course an empathy with and an
understanding of the market in which they represent us. Most of all we
want them to share our vision and excitement for Fisker vehicles and the
very positive dynamic it will bring to the automobile market,” said Vic
Doolan, Member of the Board of Directors at Fisker Automotive. As for
retail centres, Doolan added, “We plan to minimise the retailers’
investments by having small footprints focusing on Eco facilities rather
than Ego facilities. We believe the best showroom for our cars are the
roads of Europe.”
“To date we have met all development
milestones and are on target to start delivering the first cars later
this year,” said Koehler, COO at Fisker Automotive. Low and wide, the
Karma looks like no other car. Exclusive, 22-inch wheels and tires
completely fill the wheel arches. The trunk will fit several pieces of
luggage or two bags of golf clubs. New technology, materials and
applications can be found throughout the car’s purposeful interior. For
example, the Karma will be the first car to feature a haptic
touch-screen interface and offer an animal-free interior.
The Karma is an Extended Range Electric
Vehicle (EREV). It can reach 62mph in about six seconds and achieve a
top speed of 125mph, yet has the potential to use as little as 40 liters
of petrol per year. The plug-in hybrid powertrain, derived from military
applications, is comprised of two electric motors that produce up to 403
hp and 1,300 Nm (959 lb/ft) of torque. Main power comes from a 200kW
(peak) Lithium-ion battery pack that offers an emission-free range of
80.5km (50 mi) when fully charged from any 110, 220 or 240v household
outlet. At 80.5km a generator, turned by a 2.0L turbocharged Direct
Injection petrol engine, provides the motors with electricity. Total
range is 300miles. |
