Fisker teams up with CGA Group to distribute Karma in China

Fisker Automotive announced that it has teamed up with China Grand Automotive Group to setup a vehicle distribution, marketing and servicing in the region. Henry Fisker and executives from China Grand Automotive Group formalized the non-exclusive agreement during a ceremony near CGA headquarters in Shanghai today.

CGA has a network of 200 retail stores that carry 40 brands including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus and Lamborghini. It is the number one passenger car trader in China.

“We are extremely proud to be working with CGA to support Fisker Automotive in the fast-emerging Chinese market,” said Henrik Fisker, CEO, Fisker Automotive. “With its vast network of experienced retailers CGA will give Fisker an instant and credible footprint in the region. CGA’s attention to detail and excellent customer service will ensure Fisker buyers receive the level of service and peace of mind expected of a premium brand.”

The Fisker Karma will make its Chinese debut at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show in April, 2011.

Click here for more news on the Fisker Karma.

Refresher: Power comes from Fisker”s Q-DRIVE system, which is made up of two 201-hp electric-motors that are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. That allows the 2010 Karma to travel up to 50 miles without the use of any gasoline. A generator attached to a 260-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec direct injection gasoline engine by General Motors provides an extended range of up to 300 miles. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph.

Press Release:

SHANGHAI (Dec. 15, 2010) Fisker Automotive, the California manufacturer of premium electric vehicles with extended range, has partnered with the China Grand Automotive Group, the number one passenger car trader in China, to have its vehicles distributed, marketed and serviced in the region.

Executives from Fisker and China Grand Auto (CGA) formalized the non-exclusive agreement during a ceremony near CGA headquarters in Shanghai today. CGA has a network of more than 200 retail stores carrying 40 brands including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus and Lamborghini. In 2010 the company reached sales of RMB 50B (USD 7.5B).

The rapid growth of auto sales, particularly within the luxury segment, combined with the country’s effort to minimize carbon emissions makes China an excellent market for Fisker Automotive, a company that believes environmentally conscious cars can deliver passion, style and performance.

Fisker Automotive’s first car, the Fisker Karma, will make its Chinese debut at the Shanghai Motor Show in April 2011. The Karma represents Fisker Automotive’s vision of responsible luxury and is the world’s first true electric vehicle with extended range.

The Karma combines world class style and performance with industry leading economy and the lowest emissions of nearly any production vehicle. With a total range of 483 km (300 mi) the four-passenger Karma saloon is capable of traveling 80 km (50 mi) on emission-free electric power alone, and an additional 403 km (250 mi) on low-emission hybrid electric power.

About 3,000 pre-orders for the Karma have already been placed by eager customers around the world. The company plans to sell 15,000 Karma vehicles per year globally. Initial Chinese customer deliveries are expected to take place in the fall.

Fisker is also developing a higher-volume line of premium electric vehicles with extended range, scheduled to start production in the fourth quarter of 2012.

This partnership with CGA brings to five the number of Fisker importers developing comprehensive retail networks that will provide consumers around the world convenient access to the company’s stylish, environmentally conscious vehicles.

Fisker’s North American network consists of 42 retailers in 45 locations from coast to coast.

– By: Omar Rana