Fisker plans to export vehicles from the idled GM plant in Wilmington
By Andrew C., 27 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
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Fisker Automotive is in final negotiations to buy the idled General Motors Co. plant in Wilmington, Del., that will soon produce its vehicles for export. The high-end electric car producer plans to produce 100,000 to 150,000 vehicles annually in the plant, the majority of which will go overseas. Speaking at the Automotive News World Congress, CEO Henrik Fisker said that the company plans to export more cars than it sells in the US.
Fisker also said that the key factor in the decision to purchase the plant was its proximity to shipping. Fisker wants to build a $45,000 mid-sized sedan at the plant starting in 2012. To make the car profitable, the company will be simplifying some options typically found on premium cars. For example, instead of the 24- or 30-position seats in high-end rivals' cars, Fisker will be using a 12-position seat. Fisker also asserted that plug-in, range-extended electric vehicles are the most practical form of vehicle electrification. He explains that the ability to recharge batteries both from the grid and from an on-board power source solves the range limitation of pure EVs. When asked about his choice to design premium brand vehicles such as its $87,900 Karma roadster, he said that he believes that the decision is sound since the green car is "going to become a status symbol." [via autonews]
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