The Chinese auto parts giant Wanxiang Group, Fisker’s new owner, is working to restart production of the Karma at a plant in Finland, and hopes to eventually assemble the luxury PHEV in the US.

Two of the company’s top execs have been on a US tour, meeting with officials and politicians in Delaware, where Fisker owns a former GM plant; Michigan, home base for battery-maker A123 (also owned by Wanxiang); and Washington DC.

“At Fisker, the biggest issue is to solve the problems,” said Pin Ni, President of Wanxiang’s US division. “There are about 250 bugs in this we need to de-bug. I often say that Wanxiang can afford to make cars, but Wanxiang cannot afford to make bad cars.”

Wanxiang Chairman Lu Guanqiu declined to specify a relaunch date for the Karma: “[It’s] really hard to say because it’s really dependent on the supply chain and the supply chain’s commitment.”

“We need to carefully evaluate not only the manufacturing side, but who will be our partners for the future Fisker in terms of supply chain,” Ni said. “I don’t think we have a fixed plan yet. In fact, we are very flexible.”

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“Our goal is to fix all the issues and get the car back on the road, but this car has to be a good car. It cannot be a car with problems…We want to make this car in the United States,” Ni said. “This too is determined. But in terms of a detailed plan, we are still evaluating.”

Lu Guanqiu also said that Fisker hopes to launch a second model within three years, but had no details to offer about the new vehicle.

Source: Automotive News