Although the success of the Fisker Karma in the United States is highly questionable, Fisker has apparently developed a vehicle that appeals to European buyers.
That would be one bit of good news for Fisker, after a string of recent bad publicity that has hit the automaker like a bag of rocks. There have been production problems, fires, and recalls. And late last week, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, speaking with Automobile magazine, said the Karma is “a mediocre product at a high price.”
So, co-founder Henrik Fisker really could use some good news, and he might have it. Fisker says the start-up automaker has worked hard to establish itself in European markets and is on its way to becoming one of the top newcomers in several countries.
"We were the number two selling four-door luxury car in the Netherlands in the first quarter of this year," said Fisker. "And we outsold the Maserati Quattroporte globally for the first quarter." Fisker believes that it's a "significant" development for a new American luxury car to outsell the BMW 7 series and Mercedes S class in any market.
Fisker Automotive is seeking additional funds to move forward with its development of the Fisker Atlantic. The company also changed CEOs again for the second time in five months—this time hiring Tony Posawatz, who has been leading GM's efforts on the Chevy Volt.
Perhaps the Karma won't be a sales success in the US, but it's possible—and could be the boost that Fisker needs—if its first plug-in hybrid becomes competitive in a few markets on the other side of the pond.
Big in Europe....only the tiny Netherlands are mentioned where Fisker managed to shift ~120 vehicles so far this year in an extremely favourable fiscal climate. Wonder what total European sales really amount to so far. Generally the European market is very critical about fit and finish, not exactly Fisker's strong suit...