American green-car maker Fisker Automotive will be launching a North American tour to introduce the Karma premium plug-in hybrid to local markets and support the company’s new retail network.
Scheduled to kick off Tuesday, April 27 from the company’s Irvine, Calif., headquarters, the two-month program will stop in 42 cities in 26 states and three Canadian provinces.
“This tour provides local retailers the opportunity to introduce the beautifully styled and environmentally friendly Karma to their customers and potential prospects,” said Marti Eulberg, vice president of global sales and marketing at Fisker Automotive. “Fisker Automotive has established a network of proven retailers that will deliver the highest level of customer satisfaction.”
The Fisker Karma is the world’s first premium plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). It combines world-class luxury and sports car-like performance with industry-leading economy and zero tailpipe emissions. The four-seat sedan was designed by Fisker Automotive CEO Henrik Fisker, who also designed the Aston Martin DB9 and BMW Z8, both of which were featured in James Bond movies.
With 403hp it can reach 60mph in six seconds and a top speed of 125mph, yet it can achieve more than 100mpg on an annual basis. The Karma has a total range of 300 miles, 50 of which are electric-only and powered by a Lithium-ion battery from A123 Systems, which can be fully recharged in as little as eight hours.
In September 2009 Fisker Automotive was approved for a conditional Department of Energy loan of $528.7 million, which will go toward the development of a line of lower-priced plug-in hybrids as well as the purchase of a former GM assembly plant in Wilmington, Del. The company expects to create up to 5,000 direct and indirect U.S. jobs in the coming years.
