Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Fisker Karma Panned In Consumer Reports
The latest review of the Fisker Karma, the plug-in hybrid of Irvine's Fisker Automotive, is not good news for the already embattled firm. Consumer Reports said in a release that the Fisker Karma is "full of flaws", including a dash that is an "ergonomic disaster". Consumer Reports called attention to the Fisker Karma Tuesday, saying that despite a range of 38 miles on a full charge without going to the engine, and "first-class" interior materials, the Karma does not compare well with other luxury cars. Fisker has been struggling to overcome image problems as it launches it cars to market; despite endorsements from such notables as Justin Bieber and Leonardo Dicaprio, and backing of famed venture capitalist Ray Lane of Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, the firm has been battling issues with its batteries (due to third party supplier A123); a number of minor recalls; a highly publicized sedan fire in August in Woodside, California; and issues accessing its $529M government loan. The Consumer Reports review is unusual, in that the car is the most expensive car the organization has ever tested, at $107,850; the magazine is known more for its testing of more practical, mainstream consumer sedans and other vehicles.