A123 Takes Blame for Fisker Karma Glitch, Fisker Upgrades VIP Customer Care Package
With all the news buzzing around the Fisker Karma and its Consumer Reports fiasco, the American electric vehicle manufacturer finally spoke on the issue.
But first, its battery supplier, A123 Systems admitted that it supplied Fisker with defective battery packs and has taken the blame for the notorious glitch on the Consumer Reports’ Fisker Karma. A123 has said that it discovered defects in certain cells made by its plant that can “result in premature failure of the battery module or pack, including a decrease in performance and reduced battery life,” according to CEO David Vieau.
A123 will be replacing all the batteries and estimates it will cost the company about $55 million and will be funded over the next several quarters. Following the news and essentially admittance of guilt by A123 Systems, Fisker sent out its own press release announcing the upgrade of its VIP Customer Care Coverage, which comes with the purchase of every Karma.
The “enhanced” customer care package will now include a complete battery replacement at no cost for all affected 2012 model year vehicles, and all North American customers will receive a full vehicle warranty extension from 50 months/50,000 miles to 60 months/60,000 miles.
“The entire Fisker Team is committed to the complete satisfaction of our customers and their experience with our vehicles. As a new technology start-up Company, we have stepped up to many challenges in our short history as we have launched one of the most advanced electric vehicles with extended range in the world,” said Fisker CEO Tom LaSorda.
Certainly a step in the right direction, but it hardly builds consumer confidence in the Fisker brand. We will wait to see what else Fisker has planned for its Project Nina debut next week.
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Good luck to Fisker, I support them as a customer. I have full confidence in them. As a customer, I believe in the best customer service which interestingly I received from Fisker, and not from many of the bigger car companies.