Fisker Automotive signs up 32 dealers in 17 states

Running television ads. Taking orders. And now, setting up a network of dealerships. Fisker Automotive is starting to act like a real car company.

The company announced today that it has signed up its first group of 32 retailers. These outlets will be located in 17 states – Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and Wisconsin – and one Canadian Province, British Columbia (see the full list after the jump). But Fisker isn't stopping there - the company hopes to have at least 40 dealers in the U.S. signed up by June. Deliveries of the $87,900 plug-in hybrid Karma should begin at the end of this year, and Fisker hopes to sell 15,000 units a year once they get up to full production.

Like the luxury PHEVs themselves, Fisker vows that their showrooms will make efforts to be eco-friendly, with natural and sustainable materials used throughout, and a solar-powered carport available.

[Source: Fisker]

PRESS RELEASE:

FISKER AUTOMOTIVE RECRUITS FIRST U.S. RETAILERS TO REPRESENT PREMIUM GREEN BRAND

IRVINE, CA - March 24, 2009: Premium green automaker Fisker Automotive has appointed its first group of U.S. retailers to market and service its luxury plug-in hybrid vehicles, beginning with the $87,900, 100mpg Karma sedan later this year. Thirty-two award-winning retailers have confirmed their intent to carry the Fisker marquee. The number puts the carmaker close to its goal of having 40 locations across the country by the end of June 2009.

All Fisker retailers are well-established operations familiar with premium brands, new technology and discerning clientele. Many are family-owned, each is active in giving back to their communities, and all understand the need to offer premium customers a vehicle that reduces environmental impact. A full list can be found at www.fiskerautomotive.com

Fisker Board member Vic Doolan has been instrumental in guiding development of the company's retail network. Doolan led BMW NA and Volvo Cars NA to record sales in the 1990s and 2000s, and in so doing built solid relationships with top retail principals. "Our retail partners are our most important assets," he said. "To our customers, they are the face of the company. For that reason, we've chosen those who will give Fisker owners the comfort and confidence to drive the future."

By keeping startup costs low and not requiring floor-planning beyond demonstrator and display cars, Fisker is able to attract new franchises even in tough economic times. President Obama's recent pledge of $2.4B to support development of plug-in hybrid vehicles and battery technology is added incentive.

Fisker showrooms will reflect the company's concern for the environment and their vehicles' emission free capabilities. "They will be Eco-facilities, not Ego-facilities," Doolan said. Architecture calls for natural and sustainable materials like wood and textiles. An available solar-powered car port can keep demonstrator vehicles clean, dry, fully charged and ready to go.

Fisker Automotive Retail Network, Charter Members:

Barrett Holdings, Inc. Charles Barrett San Antonio, TX
Bergen Jaguar Dennis Squitieri Bergen County, NJ
Bergstrom Corporation John Bergstrom Wisconsin
Borton Automotive Kjell Bergh, Minnesota
Capitol Cadillac Company Daniel Jobe Maryland
Century Automotive Group George Jones Alabama
The Dorschel Automotive Group Richard Dorschel Rochester, NY
Elder Automotive Group Rob Elder Tampa Bay, FL
Fields Auto Group Dan Fields Illinois
Fields Auto Group Dan Fields Orlando, FL
Fields Auto Group Dan Fields British Columbia
Frank Kent Motor Company Corrie Churchill Fort Worth, TX
H.A. Ott Motor Cars LLC Chip Ott Philadelphia, PA
Jaguar of Great Neck Jack Weidinger Long Island, NY
M2 Motors, Inc. Bernardo Moreno Ohio
Manhattan Motor Cars Brian Miller Manhattan, NY
Marvin K. Brown Auto Center Dave Grundstrom San Diego, CA
O'Brien Auto Group Mike O'Brien Washington
Palm Beach Motor Cars Ltd. Robert Simpson Palm Beach, FL
Patrick Dealer Group Martin Stilwell Illinois
Price Family Dealerships Tom Price San Jose, CA
Price Family Dealerships Tom Price San Francisco, CA
Price Family Dealerships Tom Price Sacramento, CA
Rickenbaugh Cadillac Volvo Mary Pacifico-Valley Denver, CO
Roger Beasley Highline Group David Stein Austin, TX
Ron Tonkin Family of Dealerships Ron Tonkin Oregon
Serra Automotive Joe Serra State of Michigan
Serra Automotive Joe Serra Pasadena, CA
Shelly Automotive Group Damon Shelly Orange County, CA
Sullivan Luxury Cars LLC Mike Sullivan Beverly Hills & Santa Monica, CA
Ted Britt Auto Group Raymond Britt Northern Virginia
Warren Henry Automobiles Warren Zinn Miami, FL

ABOUT FISKER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
Fisker Automotive, founded in 2007 by Fisker Coachbuild, LLC and Quantum Technologies (QTWW), is a privately owned American car company producing premium green automobiles. Global headquarters are located in Irvine,
Calif., with Henrik Fisker as CEO. The company is backed by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Palo Alto Investors and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). More information is available at www.fiskerautomotive.com.