A Fisker Karma prototype, showing rooftop solar array. Image: Steve Jurvetson
Remember the Fisker Karma? The plug in hybrid sport sedan that was going to revolutionize the automotive industry? The one that’s been in development for years, but only recently displayed a “production-ready” version at last year’s Paris Auto Show? Despite a history steeped in missed deadlines, Fisker spokesman Russell Datz recently told PlugInCars.com that production would kick off in March. That’s odd, because the fledgling automaker chose not to exhibit at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, arguably the most important event on the North American auto show circuit. If I was ready for prime time with my game-changing hybrid sedan, I’d want as many people as possible to know about it.
Fisker has also announced a deal with China Grand Automotive Group, who will be in charge of Chinese sales and distribution of the Karma. The cars are allegedly going to hit Chinese dealers in April, which is a suspiciously short time after production begins to have inventory ready for export. I’m going out on a limb here, but I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if the March production start or the April Chinese market launch get delayed by a few months. We’ll know more in March, as Fisker supposedly has plans to exhibit the Karma at the Geneva Motor Show.
Source: Autoevolution
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
