Karma Automotive, the company formed out of the remains of Fisker Automotive, plans an offensive on the American market with a network of high-end dealers.
As previously announced, the Fisker Karma is reborn under the name of Karma Revero, and its makers now want to start selling them through a dedicated network of franchised dealers, which will span across the United States of America. The brand is controlled by the Chinese at Wanxiang Group, the same corporation that manages battery maker A123.
The first ten dealers are supposed to be opened by the end of this year. Instead of regular dealerships, the company funded by Chinese investors will appeal for the concept of “brand experience centers,” which will let sales staff tell the story of the enterprise.
Tesla applies this strategy with success, as it has a friendly retail experience. Tesla’ dealers are not franchised, but owned by the automaker, which will not be the case with Karma.
The automaker that used to be known as Fisker Automotive will open franchised dealerships in facilities that already sell high-end vehicles, like Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, and Rolls-Royce, Automotive News notes.
The move has multiple purposes behind it, but a lower overall investment and access to a list of wealthy clients are the biggest advantages to the franchised dealerships shared with other brands.
Jim Tailor, Karma’s Chief Marketing Officer, has explained that the trained sales personnel in the franchised dealerships already understand high-end customers, so that the sale of new models from Karma will not be a challenge for them.
Furthermore, the selected locations will also get business on the servicing side of the automotive industry, as they will also repair Fisker Karma models, not just the cars planned by Karma.
The first Karma dealership is scheduled to open in Orange County, California, on September 8, 2016. Expect the company to publish teaser images throughout August. We will post them as soon as they are online.
We must note that the new model will not look significantly different from the existing Fisker Karma cars, but the badges and logos will not be kept. Furthermore, the new car will be more expensive than the Fisker Karma used to be, as it will be priced above $100,000.
The first ten dealers are supposed to be opened by the end of this year. Instead of regular dealerships, the company funded by Chinese investors will appeal for the concept of “brand experience centers,” which will let sales staff tell the story of the enterprise.
Tesla applies this strategy with success, as it has a friendly retail experience. Tesla’ dealers are not franchised, but owned by the automaker, which will not be the case with Karma.
The automaker that used to be known as Fisker Automotive will open franchised dealerships in facilities that already sell high-end vehicles, like Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, and Rolls-Royce, Automotive News notes.
The move has multiple purposes behind it, but a lower overall investment and access to a list of wealthy clients are the biggest advantages to the franchised dealerships shared with other brands.
Jim Tailor, Karma’s Chief Marketing Officer, has explained that the trained sales personnel in the franchised dealerships already understand high-end customers, so that the sale of new models from Karma will not be a challenge for them.
Furthermore, the selected locations will also get business on the servicing side of the automotive industry, as they will also repair Fisker Karma models, not just the cars planned by Karma.
The first Karma dealership is scheduled to open in Orange County, California, on September 8, 2016. Expect the company to publish teaser images throughout August. We will post them as soon as they are online.
We must note that the new model will not look significantly different from the existing Fisker Karma cars, but the badges and logos will not be kept. Furthermore, the new car will be more expensive than the Fisker Karma used to be, as it will be priced above $100,000.