"La inversión realizada por Eco-Drive y Kleiner Perkins valida nuestra visión de incorporar los adelantos tecnológicos en materia de transmisiones híbridas conectables, elegante belleza ecológica, y comodidad que tiene en cuenta el medio ambiente que ofrece el Fisker Karma. Estamos orgullosos de tener el respaldo de Eco-Drive y de ver a Kleiner Perkins reafirmar su confianza en nuestra dirección futura", señala Henrik Fisker, consejero delegado de Fisker Automotive. "Esta inversión es un sólido respaldo a nuestro modelo de negocio y a las futuras ofertas de productos dentro de un entorno empresarial con numerosos desafíos", añade.
Se espera que el primer modelo de Fisker Automotive, el Fisker Karma 2010, sea el primer vehículo híbrido conectable en ser comercializado, lo cual se dará a finales de año cuando salgan los primeros vehículos de la línea de ensamblaje. El Karma 2010, cuyo precio de venta minorista, sin impuestos, será de 87.900 dólares, está diseñado para recorrer 50 millas (80 kilómetros) sin emisiones y estará alimentado por una batería de iones de litio recargable en pocas horas en cualquier toma de corriente doméstica de 110 ó 240 voltios. Después de las primeras 50 millas (80 km), un motor de 2.000 cc de gasolina hace funcionar un generador que alimenta el motor eléctrico para que recorra otras 250 millas (400 km) antes de volver a repostar.
El fabricante anunció recientemente una red nacional con más de 30 prestigiosos concesionarios que esperan comercializar y dar servicio a los vehículos. Los planes futuros incluyen un vehículo de menor coste.
Fisker Automotive, fundada en agosto de 2007 por la casa de diseños de automóviles Fisker Coachbuild, LLC, y el desarrollador del sistema de transmisión ecológico Quantum Technologies (QTWW), es una empresa automovilística estadounidense de capital privado que produce automóviles de primera calidad respetuosos con el medio ambiente. La sede central se encuentra en Irvine, California.
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Fisker Automotive to Receive Additional $85M for Development of Plug-In Hybrid Cars
Fisker Automotive, Inc., a leading producer of advanced green technology automobiles, announced today it has entered into definitive agreements to receive an additional $85 million in venture capital funding for the development and manufacturing of its Karma plug-in hybrid automobiles. The financing is expected to be completed this month and will be the fourth and largest investment round since the company’s inception in August 2007.
New York-based Eco-Drive (Capital) Partners LLC, a European-American investment consortium, and Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers, an early investor in Fisker, have together agreed to provide the capital.
"The investment by Eco-Drive and Kleiner Perkins validates our vision of joining together the advances in technology for plug-in hybrid powertrains with the ecochic beauty and eco-conscious comfort of the Fisker Karma. We are proud to have Eco-Drive behind us, and to see Kleiner Perkins reaffirm its confidence in our future direction," said Henrik Fisker, Fisker Automotive CEO. "This investment is a strong endorsement of our business model and future product offerings in a challenging business environment."
Fisker Automotive’s debut model, the 2010 Fisker Karma, is expected to be the first plug-in hybrid car to market when early production vehicles come off the assembly line late this year. The 2010 Karma, planned to retail for $87,900 before tax credits, is designed to travel approximately 50 miles emission-free, powered by a Lithium-ion battery that can be charged in a few hours from any 110- or 240-volt household outlet. After 50 miles, a 2.0 liter gasoline engine runs a generator that can power the car’s electric motors for another 250 miles before refueling.
The company recently announced a nationwide network of more than 30 prestigious retailers that are expected to market and service the vehicles. Future plans include a lower cost vehicle.
Fisker Automotive, founded in August 2007 by auto design house Fisker Coachbuild, LLC, and clean-powertrain developer Quantum Technologies (QTWW), is a privately owned American car company producing premium green automobiles. Global headquarters are located in Irvine, Calif. More information is available online at www.fiskerautomotive.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on management’s expectations, estimates and projections. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from forecasts due to factors beyond the control of the company.
