In the late-2000s, electric cars were nowhere near as prevalent as they are today. The best technology was, usually, a hybrid system; such as those found in the earlier Toyota Prius'. The market for all-electric vehicles was ripe for the taking, and Henrik Fisker was determined to capitalize on the opportunity. In 2007, it would culminate in the manufacturer "Fisker Automotive."
Fisker's first (and only working) model was the Fisker Karma; a fully-electric, zero-emissions, sports/luxury vehicle from America. For a while, the Karma blew the car community away, going as far as to be featured in the BBC's Top Gear. This fame, however, would be short-lived, as Tesla sued Fisker for theft; compounded further with multiple defects plagued the Karma. Eventually, bankruptcy, a lack of sales, and ongoing litigations would nail Fisker's coffin shut. Nevertheless, there's still hope.
That "hope" is the new Fisker Automotive; now named "Karma Automotive," completely dropping its previous title (we may refer to the new version as the "new Fisker Karma/Fisker" sometimes, but the distinction is understood). Trying to wipe away their past isn't the only thing they'll need, though. Since Karma hasn't made a model yet, few are optimistic, given Fisker/Karma's record. Still, all cards are on the table, so here's what we think about the new Fisker Karma's chances at success...
No Fisker, All Karma
As we mentioned towards the end of the introduction, the Fisker Karma, and Fisker Automotive more broadly, is gone. In its stead is the 2015 iteration, Karma Automotive; a (now) Chinese vehicle manufacturer. Not everything's changed, though. There's still the original Fisker Karma model for sale (renamed "Karma Revero"), and the initial "Karma" designation.
With this change to owners/investors Chinese, more than just the name and cars are different. There is no room for failure here, so Karma needs to ensure their safety. They've done this, in part, by lining up a couple of upcoming models (more on that later) and securing funds, however, much is still to come. Few people will believe Karma is more than a pipe-dream if they can't actually act on the opportunities presented to them.
Nothing New Yet
Yes, Karma Automotive is no longer the old Fisker Automotive. Yet, they still use (virtually) the same vehicle as their flagship car; yielding little results so far. If they want to truly break away from the 'Fisker legacy' and become their own, successful, product, Karma needs to release a new model!
Consumers are easily bored. The same thing over and over will only satisfy the masses for so long, up until they walk away. Others in the industry know this, given the constant facelifts/updates to pre-existing models. Karma has, however, done this to a minor extent with faster Reveros and designing beautiful concept cars, yet, haven't gone further so far.
Credit where credit's due, though. Karma Automotive has done a decent job of reviving a lost automaker; a task that not everyone would be able to do. To add to that, the concepts are promising, especially the Karma SC2.
Combating The Big Boys
When Fisker Automotive began, the competition wasn't as stiff as it is nowadays. Giants like Tesla, Audi, Ford, etc. have already started their advance towards the ideal all-electric vehicle; something that Karma is way behind on.
Karma's largest challenges are two-fold: staving off trouble from the inside (finances, sales) and outperforming the other guys. Easier said than done, but it's only improbable, not impossible.
All in all, we here at HotCars don't know what the future holds in store for Karma Automotive. Everyone wishes them luck, but it's becoming more and more unlikely as time goes on. Who knows, maybe a miracle is right around the corner for them...