, Auto-Opstroom.com: Fisker aims to make four versions of the Karma

Fisker aims to make four versions of the Karma


Henrik Fisker and the Karma.
Expect to see more Karma from Fisker Automotive, if its flagship sedan makes it to the market by late 2009.

The upstart California electric-car maker is planning to make three other variants of the plug-in Karma sedan: a convertible, coupe and possibly a four-door sport-utility vehicle. They would launch following the sedan and be available by 2012, said Vic Doolan, a Fisker board member and director of retail development.

The three variants would be based on the Karma sedan and use the same battery pack.

Speaking on Wednesday to a group of analysts and media at a conference in suburban Detroit, Doolan said Fisker's goal is to snag 3.3 percent of the luxury market in the United States, though the company isn't including large SUVs, such as the Lincoln Navigator, in that figure. Doolan is the former CEO of Volvo Cars North America.

Meanwhile, Fisker continues work on the Karma, and the concept was shown at the conference. It will sticker for about $87,000, and the company plans to make 7,500 units in 2010, with a volume of 15,000 units in 2011.

A vehicle priced in the $60,000 range also is under consideration.

Initially, the Karma would be assembled in Finland, though Doolan said Fisker wants to ultimately make cars in the United States.

Sales are expected to pump up the privately held company's revenue to $1.3 billion in 2011. The carmaker is led by former Aston Martin designer Henrik Fisker.