With gas prices continuing to rise, alternative propulsion cars can’t hit showrooms fast enough. For those waiting for a mass-produced electric car, one more hurdle has been cleared to get an increased number of oil-independent cars on the road.
Fisker Automotive recently announced that it chose a factory to build its all-electric, luxury plug-in hybrid sedan: the 2010 Fisker Karma. The Karma will be assembled by Valmet Automotive in Finland, which is also responsible for assembly of the Porsche Cayman and Boxster. With fuel economy becoming a major factor in the new car buying cycle, the Fisker Karma is guaranteed to have a demand - and now Fisker has the supply.
Introduced at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the Fisker Karma was an instant hit. Despite pending lawsuits surrounding the company, hype continues to build for the sleek, “green” sedan as a growing number of hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell and diesel-powered vehicles are launched.
Fisker plans to have a dealership network of 40 U.S. dealers to sell the Karma by the time the car launches in the fourth quarter of 2009. Starting price is $80,000.