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Karma Plug-in Hybrid Rising From the Ashes with BMW Power

Photo Credit: Chris Nagy

The electrified auto sector has moved at a rapid pace in the past five years. Back then, Tesla Motors only attracted attention through the production of the odd all-electric roadster while the Nissan Leaf all-electric car and the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt were only entering the marketplace. Another car garnering attention during the infancy of the electric vehicle renaissance was prepared by a Californian based company Fisker Automotive.

A premium vehicle designed by the same person behind the Aston Martin DB9, the Fisker Karma was a plug-in hybrid luxury car was heavily plagued during its short production run. Production itself was delayed by two years with the first sale examples of the Karma arriving in 2011. When the remnants of Hurricane Sandy hit the upper-part of the United States in November 2012, a large quantity of Fisker Karmas was ultimately written-off when they were caught in the massive flood. The vehicle itself was also affected by an early recall resulting from two high-profile fires. These factors as well as the overall financial state of the start-up auto company brought an end to Fisker Automotive in late 2013.

The Wanxiang Group purchased the remains of the bankrupt independent automaker in 2014 with plans to restart production for a premium plug-in hybrid vehicle. Renaming the company Karma Automotive, the organization has entered an important agreement providing momentum to their targeted 2016 re-launch.

Making an agreement with BMW, the upcoming Karma plug-in hybrid car will be supplied with crucial powertrain components. Including high voltage battery charging system and other systems added for electrified driving, Karma Automotive celebrates being involved with the reputable German company. CEO of Karma Automotive Tim Corcoran comments, "The Wanxiang Group is giving Karma Automotive the opportunity to bring a stunning car back to the market, and the partnership with BMW and their outstanding track record is a great fit for the future,". "I'm personally excited and incredibly proud we will be integrating the sophistication, integrity and character of the BMW powertrain into our own. Karma Automotive products and ultimately our customers will be the greatest benefactors of this fantastic relationship." said the co-founder of the company now-called Karma Automotive Bernhard Koehler. 


Photo Credit: Karma Automotive



In addition to buying Fisker Automotive, the Wanxiang Group had also acquired battery maker A123 System's consumer business (A123 Systems supplied the battery technology for the original Fisker Karma). A123 Systems and BMW have already been involved in automotive collaborative projects. BMW has used the company's technologies in ActiveHybrid versions of the 3-Series and 5-Series in recent years.

The new Karma Automotive company acknowledges its past but remains devoted to providing an "Emotionally Charged" vehicle to the auto marketplace.
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