Fisker Karma to Launch in China This November
Fisker Automotive will introduce its extended-range electric luxury saloon, the Karma, to the Chinese market in November 2012, appointing a new regional CEO to lead operations from Shanghai.
Fisker Automotive will enter the Chinese market this November with the launch of its Karma extended-range electric saloon, aiming to attract luxury buyers in the world’s largest car market. The company has appointed Joe Chao as executive vice president and CEO for its China and Asia operations, which will be headquartered in Shanghai.
Henrik Fisker, the company’s founder, described the Karma as the first environmentally friendly car with extended range to enter China in the luxury segment. The launch puts Fisker among a small group of premium brands offering low-emission vehicles to Chinese buyers, at a time when government policy is pushing for cleaner transport in major cities.
Karma: Luxury Extended-Range Electric Saloon
The Fisker Karma combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 403 hp and more than 1,300 Nm of torque. The car is rear-wheel drive and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds, with a top speed of 200 km/h. In pure electric mode, the Karma offers a range of up to 80 km, which extends to 483 km with the petrol engine acting as a generator.
| Powertrain | 2.0-litre turbo petrol + dual electric motors |
|---|---|
| Combined output | 403 hp |
| Torque | Over 1,300 Nm |
| Electric-only range | 80 km |
| Total range | 483 km |
| 0-100 km/h | 6.0 seconds |
| Top speed | 200 km/h |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
Production of the Karma began in 2011, and Fisker has manufactured around 2,000 units to date. In the United States, the Karma is priced between $102,000 and $116,000. Pricing for China has not been announced, but imported luxury cars typically carry a substantial premium due to local taxes and duties.
Fisker’s China Strategy and Market Context
Fisker’s move follows a series of international launches by luxury and performance brands targeting China’s growing appetite for high-end cars. The company’s Shanghai base will coordinate sales and support in the region, with Joe Chao leading operations. Fisker is positioning the Karma as both a luxury and environmentally conscious choice, hoping to appeal to wealthy urban buyers interested in new technology and green credentials.
The launch comes as other international manufacturers such as Ford and PSA are also expanding their presence and ambitions in China’s premium and alternative powertrain segments. Fisker’s challenge will be to establish its brand in a market dominated by established luxury names and to navigate the regulatory environment for new-energy vehicles.
