Fisker have been hard at work behind the scenes, locking down over half a billion dollars in DoE funding plus an additional $115 million in private sector funding so far this year. They are reportedly on track to begin sales of their Fisker Karma luxury hybrid later this year and with a pre-order book already 1,600 names long it seems they’ll have no shortage of customers. They are having the first generation of Karma sedans built by Valmet in Finland (they build Porsche Boxters as well) and they’re targeting 15,000 units per year in global sales, a number which most industry analysts expect to fall far short of actual global demand. The Karma will be utilising battery systems from the US based, MIT founded company A123 Systems (NASDAQ:AONE), who have themselves been garnering significant attention of late.

Fisker is not so secretly working on “Project Nina” which, as Joe Biden so kindly overshared with us all last year, will consist of a coupe, a sedan and a crossover and we are expecting to see these hitting the road in late 2012 or early 2013 at targeted price point of $40,000 USD before tax credits. That should place it at the high end of the affordable car market for middle class America and once the significantly reduced gasoline expenditure is calculated and the “cool” factor is thrown in I think Fisker and Tesla, with the Model S, are going to have very, very busy factories and one hell of a fascinating rivalry.

The Fisker Karma is currently on a tour of the US, visiting the 42 cities that have or will have Fisker dealers, just incase you are lucky enough to live in one of these cities we have included the full press release from Fisker as well as a list of dates and cities.

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OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE – FISKER AUTOMOTIVE LAUNCHES NORTH AMERICAN RETAIL TOUR

Karma premium plug-in hybrid to make first visit to new Fisker retailers

IRVINE, CA – April 15, 2010: American green-car maker Fisker Automotive will be launching a North American tour to introduce the stylish Karma premium plug-in hybrid to local markets, and support the company’s new retail network.

Scheduled to kick off Tuesday, April 27 from the company’s Irvine, California headquarters, the two-month program will stop in 42 cities in 26 states and three Canadian provinces. An intended schedule can be found below and online in the News section of www.fiskerautomotive.com

“This tour provides local retailers the opportunity to introduce the beautifully styled and environmentally friendly Karma to their customers and potential prospects,” said Marti Eulberg, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Fisker Automotive. “Fisker Automotive has established a network of proven retailers that will deliver the highest level of customer satisfaction.”

About Fisker Karma

The Fisker Karma is the world’s first premium plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). It combines world-class luxury and sports car-like performance with industry-leading economy and zero tailpipe emissions. The four-seat sedan was designed by Fisker Automotive CEO Henrik Fisker, who also designed the Aston Martin DB9 and BMW Z8, both of which were featured in James Bond movies.

With 403hp it can reach 60mph in six seconds and a top speed of 125mph, yet it can achieve more than 100mpg on an annual basis. The Karma has a total range of 300 miles, 50 of which are electric-only and powered by a Lithium-ion battery from A123 Systems, which can be fully recharged in as little as eight hours.

Distinctive, stylish and green, the Karma is priced competitively within its segment and appeals to eco-friendly customers who don’t want to compromise their passion for driving.

Fisker Automotive created the premium plug-in hybrid segment when it introduced the Karma at the 2008 North American International Auto Show as a concept. Initial customer deliveries are expected to begin first quarter 2011.

In September 2009 Fisker Automotive was approved for a conditional Department of Energy loan of $528.7 million, which will go toward the development of a line of lower-priced plug-in hybrids as well as the purchase of a former GM assembly plant in Wilmington, Delaware. The company expects to create up to 5,000 direct and indirect U.S. jobs in the coming years.

Intended Fisker Karma North American Retail Tour Schedule

(check with local retailers for exact times and dates)