LOS ANGELES, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Southern California-based automaker Karma Automotive, owned by China's Wanxiang Group, launched its new innovation and customization center in Moreno Valley in the U.S. state of California on Tuesday, marching into the global luxury electric vehicle market.
Hundreds of employees, business partners, suppliers, and local officials attended a ceremony held in the facility, which will house production of the company's new 2020 Revero luxury electric car and will provide the ultimate in customization, craftsmanship and technology integration.
"Now, Karma is ready for our relaunch. We are ready to tell everybody that Karma has arrived," said Karma CEO Dr. Lance Zhou in his address.
The Karma Automotive story, and that of its Revero, a grand-touring luxury electric car, started in 2014 when Wanxiang Group stepped in to acquire the assets of Fisker Automotive, closing a 150 million U.S. dollars deal for the entity that had produced the Fisker Karma. The new luxury automotive company took the Karma name for itself in 2015, commencing a new era.
Wanxiang Group, one of the largest automotive-component suppliers in China, has more than 30 overseas subsidiaries and runs more than 40 factories.
Karma's Moreno Valley base first came to life in 2015 and comprises a Body Shop, General Assembly, Paint Shop, Final Process Alignment and Dynamic Test Stations over a sprawling 556,000 square feet. The facility, representing a total investment of more than 100 million dollars, contains the very latest in automotive technology.
"The facility has been renamed Karma Innovation and Customization Center to better reflect our future focus and growing a skillset centered on innovation, customization and technology integration," said Zhou.
Karma Automotive delivered its first Revero in May 2017 via a memorable ceremony at its assembly plant during which its first customer took delivery of its initial production vehicle. Series production of the Revero had begun after the first delivery to supply cars to the U.S. and Canadian network of dealerships.
Zhou also noted that the company will expand abroad, including in Europe and China. "Together, we will make Karma a California's shining star," he added.
Alongside Karma's Irvine headquarters, the innovation and customization center will join other Karma locations including its Detroit Technology Center in Michigan, and its Design & Engineering Center in Hangzhou, China. Today, Karma Automotive employs nearly 1,000 people worldwide that bring experience and knowledge from their years with big domestic companies, Japanese and European luxury brands and Tier 1 suppliers.
"With a 100 million U.S. dollar investment and over 200 new jobs created in the Karma Innovation and Customization Center, Karma has transformed the landscape of our hearts and minds with the reintroduction of carmaking in our great city," said Moreno Valley Mayor Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez in a written speech.
"With every Revero masterfully crafted in Moreno Valley, we create new jobs, build community, and inspire future generations to dream on an ever grander scale."
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