Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Plants/Manufacturing
Fisker considering Detroit for production of the Karma hybrid
We were captivated by the Karma plug-in hybrid when it was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this month. Its curvaceous, aggressive design combined with its ability to go 50 miles without using any gas seems like a bargain at the projected starting price of $80,000. Fisker is hoping to deliver its first Karma to customers in the fourth quarter of 2009, but to do that they will first need to find a place to build the cars (and get the drivetrain sorted and figure out that batteries and...). Vic Doolan, director of retail development for Fisker, says the company is considering metro Detroit to handle production. The combination of unused capacity, close proximity of suppliers, and availability of experienced workers make Detroit an ideal location.
Those interested in the Karma and unconcerned about the vaporware accusations can pre-order one with a $1000 deposit, although the Signature Edition vehicles (the first 99 that will have the same features and color as the show car as well as a numbered and signed plaque), are all sold out. Customers who haven't ordered yet can expect a delivery date in mid-2010.
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Punkcrisis 8:29PM (1/29/2008)
I truly think manufacturer's should look to the east coast of Canada to build car's there is an abundance of laborers and cost would be low. Detroit is a trouble place for a reason.
Reply
alex 10:12PM (1/29/2008)
yeah detroit is trouble. just ask toyota. their largest operation in NA is in the detroit area, and that company is just goin down the shitter!
but seriously, detroit isn't a bad choice. it provides a convenient location for dealing with numerous suppliers. and with the poor economy in michigan, facilities will be cheap and fisker can probably count on getting some tax breaks to encourage them to build there. and the american dollar is weaker than the canadian. i don't see one thing eastern canada has going for it over detroit.
k.w.a 8:44PM (1/29/2008)
ok so i have 2 years to come up with $80,000 to spend on a car...
Reply
J M C 3 8:51PM (1/29/2008)
Could somebody please photoshop a picture of the cheshire cat and the joker driving in this car.The grill says it all.
Reply
010111 5:12AM (1/30/2008)
i was thinking it is more like the guy in V for Vendetta.
Dausman 9:13PM (1/29/2008)
Smilin' faces, smilin' braces..
Reply
Dave 9:43PM (1/29/2008)
I think that the grill ruins the front of the car. It looks so goofy.
Reply
rar 10:27AM (1/30/2008)
I agree, the grill is strange. The rest of the car looks great. I hope they can build it and deliver all they promise.
shawn 9:50PM (1/29/2008)
wow fisker successfully takes another ugly car and makes it even uglier.....wow im surprised this company is even around
Reply
Andy 10:07PM (1/29/2008)
Why doesn't Fisker use Toyota/Lexus hybrid vehicles that have been tested and are known to be successful and reskin the cars as they do with their other vehicles (BMW 6-series and MB SL-class)?
Reply
HotRodzNKustoms 11:37PM (1/29/2008)
because to reskin the very expensive Lexus Hybrid flagship the costs would be astronomical (the neighborhood $200k I bet) It is so much cheaper to build the car than to reskin it.
DIRETTORE 10:56PM (1/29/2008)
* "customer has 48 hrs to complete all documentation"
"Et tu, Brute?"
Is it just me, or is it Bad Karma?
Henrik, sorry em, Mr. Fisker, don't you think you are being a bit mmm, how shall we say, a bit 'Harsh'?
I would seriously reconsider the wording of this pre-contract if I were you. I can just wait to see whats in store for the FINAL CONTRACT?!
'You have 59 seconds to come up with the remaining fees + ensure they are deposited into my bank account regardless of SWIFT + trans border wire transers.
This vehicle comes without ANY guaranties or waranties, express or implied!"
Reply
Samurai Jack 11:19PM (1/29/2008)
I'm sorry, but this car gives a new meaning to the term "mustache ride"...
Reply
Joshua 11:45PM (1/29/2008)
It's great to see BMW finally updating the Z8.
Now wait a minute. That's not a Z8! In fact I don't think that's a BMW at all!
Reply
zamafir 12:56AM (1/30/2008)
You are aware he designed the z8.
MAOR 2:52AM (1/30/2008)
total BS. If and when this thing gets built, you really think it will come in at 80k? keep dreaming...
Reply
Nacon 3:01AM (1/30/2008)
The car is SOOOO happy.... damn hippie designer.
Reply
66coronet 3:29AM (1/30/2008)
The Karma belongs on batman movie, for the Joker.
The Toyota Camry for the penguin because the grill with the emblem looks like a bird beak.
Reply
razvan 8:45AM (1/30/2008)
*hit, that was my comment as well
Evan 7:10AM (1/30/2008)
See it in person and some of you guys might change your mind. It's really beautiful...
Reply