Published October 25, 2012
By Philippe Crowe
On Tuesday this week, Fisker Automotive made its official Middle East appearance in the heart of oil production land.
Exclusive Fisker distributorship Trading Enterprises and Fisker Automotive unveiled the gas-electric Karma sedan in front of global and regional media at Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai Festival City.
Senior management from Al-Futtaim and Fisker Automotive pulled the wraps off what is being called the world’s first high performance extended-range electric luxury vehicle. The privately held Dubai-based business group is Fisker’s exclusive partner in the GCC and MENA regions.
The launch was attended by Henrik Fisker, co-founder and executive chairman at Fisker Automotive, Barny Koehler, co-founder and CEO of Europe and Middle East, Fisker Automotive, Len Hunt, president – Automotive, Al-Futtaim Group, Colin Cordery, managing director, Trading Enterprises and other senior management from Al-Futtaim.
Trading Enterprises will distribute Fisker automobiles in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt and the Levant.
“We are familiar with first-class automotive brands and understand the need to offer premium customers a technologically advanced vehicle that respects the environment” said Colin Cordery, managing director, Trading Enterprises. “Fisker offers an environmental alternative to traditional luxury vehicles and we are well placed and proud to partner with Fisker and support their vision of delivering uncompromised, responsible luxury to this part of the world. Al-Futtaim has built strength and credibility in delivering great customer experience and this latest partnership with Fisker automobiles further reiterates our position as the region’s number one dealer of the finest automotive brands.”
The region’s first Fisker showroom will open in Dubai Festival City’s automotive park before the end of the year. Depending on the chosen interior trims, accessories and paint combinations, the Fisker Karma will retail for more than they do in the U.S., priced between $136,128-$163,354 (AED500,000-AED600,000), and Henrik Fisker commented on the occasion.
“Today is a proud moment for the Fisker brand as it is the start of our journey in the Middle East. We could not have found a better business house than Al-Futtaim Group to partner us,” said Henrik Fisker. “Al-Futtaim is one of the strongest players in the automotive segment with proven capabilities in customer engagement, high standards of after-sales service, network of showrooms and parts distribution centers. We are honored to have a partner with such strong legacy.”
