Fisker Karma, World's First Premium Plug-in Hybrid, Coming to Tampa

TAMPA BAY, Fla.--Fisker Karma, the world's first premium plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, will be in Tampa for the first time when Elder Automotive Group welcomes guests to an invitation-only reception at 320 East Fletcher Ave. on May 13 from 12:30 to 9:30 PM. The news media is invited.

The event is part of a 43-city tour celebrating California-based Fisker Automotiv's new North American retail network. A full tour schedule and images are available online in the News section of www.fiskerautomotive.com.

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.

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 that can be fully recharged in as little as eight hours.

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.

"In building our U.S. network we selected retailers with a successful track record handling established premium brands and delivering a premium customer experience," said Mr. Fisker.

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. The Fisker Karma order bank already exceeds 1,600 vehicles.

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.

To see the Karma, interested parties need only to contact Chris Warren, sales operations manager for Elder Automotive Group, at 813-579-2309 or at cwarren@elderautogroup.com. Fisker of Tampa Bay is the first retail partner to unveil the Karma in the state. As such, this is an interesting opportunity for car enthusiasts and prospective buyers to get the first peek at this automotive masterpiece.

For more information, please visit www.fiskertampabay.com