Premium green automaker Fisker Automotive announced today that it has signed up its first group of 32 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 retailers 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--have confirmed their intent to carry the Fisker marquee. The carmaker hopes to have 40 locations across the country by the end of June 2009.
By keeping start-up costs low and not requiring floor-planning beyond demonstrator and display cars, Fisker is able to attract new franchises even in tough economic times. Fisker showrooms "will be Eco-facilities, not Ego-facilities," Fisker Board member Vic Doolan said in a press release.
The showroom 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.
(Source: Karma by Fisker Automotive)