Al-Futtaim Group has signed an agreement to distribute Fisker Automobiles in the Middle East, making the Dubai-based family owned business the exclusive regional partner to showcase the full range of Fisker luxury plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The agreement will allow Al-Futtaim to distribute Fisker exclusively in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt and the Levant, a statement from the company said.

Dubai Festival City’s automotive park will house Al-Futtaim’s first regional flagship dealership for Fisker, the statement said.

Al-Futtaim’s automotive division represents some of the world’s most popular brands including Toyota, Lexus, Hino, Honda, Volvo, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge and is regarded as pioneers in the region’s automotive industry.

Fisker Automotive is an US car company committed to producing electric vehicles with extended range that deliver uncompromised responsible luxury. The company is designing and developing the world’s first line of premium plug-in electric hybrid vehicles.

Its first model - the Fisker Karma Sedan - has already picked a number of global awards in its debut sales year, including Top Gear’s Luxury Car of the Year, Automobile’s Design of the Year Award, listing in Time Magazine’s Top 50 Innovations of 2012, a Global Green Design Award, and Swiss magazine Schweizer Illustrierte named Karma Most Stylish Car of 2012.

Len Hunt, president, automotive, Al-Futtaim Group, said: “Al-Futtaim has built strength and credibility in delivering great customer experience through its well established automotive operations in Egypt and the GCC countries. We are familiar with first-class automotive brands and understand the need to offer premium customers a technologically advanced vehicle that respects the environment.” 

“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,” he said.

The exclusive distribution deal was lead by Thamer Aidi, general manager, investments & acquisitions at Al Futtaim Group. Both companies were supported by Los Angeles-based Michael Burke and Jordan L Udko of Pacific Med Trade, consummating a long-term relationship that demonstrates Al-Futtaim Group’s belief in the American automaker.

Fisker expects to ramp up Karma production to sustain Middle East demand for the hybrid electric vehicle which continues to be built in US at its Wilmington Delaware factory, the statement said.

“Fisker Automotive is committed to changing the automotive landscape globally and delivering a more sustainable future through its products,” said CEO and co-founder, Henrik Fisker. “It is key for us to have our presence in the Middle East and Gulf region as the company expands outside America and extends its reach globally.”

Fisker produces electric vehicles with extended range (EVer). The EVer powertrain consists of an efficient gasoline engine, an electric generator, a Lithium-ion battery pack, and two electric motors at the rear wheels.

The Karma sedan allows the driver to select between two driving modes: stealth mode for relaxed all-electric driving and sport mode to access the vehicle’s full power. Stealth mode provides efficient emission-free operation for a range of up to 50 miles.

For Stealth mode travel beyond the battery range, the gasoline-powered generator automatically provides power for another 200 miles (with additional range available by filling up at any ordinary gas station).

Sport mode combines power from both the gasoline-powered generator and the battery to give the driver more aggressive acceleration and higher top speed.

The EVer powertrain uses dual electric motors to drive the wheels – the gasoline engine never directly drives the wheels. – TradeArabia News Service