The showroom debut of the oft-delayed Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid has been pushed backed to spring 2011, which should provide Universal Technical Institute (UTI) with ample time to train Fisker’s 100-plus technicians. Earlier today, UTI announced that it will provide technical training for Fisker’s dealership personnel at its campus in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.
UTI will train Fisker techs in common areas of automotive repair, including routine maintenance and body work. In addition, UTI will prep techs to diagnose and repair Karma-specific hybrid components, engine management and electrical systems.
Greg Dickson, vice president of advanced training for UTI, remarked on the partnership with Fisker:
At Universal Technical Institute, we have a passion for all things automotive, and we are honored to be involved in the launch of the Fisker Karma into the U.S. auto marketplace. Fisker automobiles bring a technologically advanced platform that is coupled with design elements that will certainly turn heads.
While the Fisker Karma may be a head-turner, its U.S. launch is long overdue. Check out the complete press release after the break. Hat tip to Roy!
[Source: Universal Technical Institute]
UTI Rancho Cucamonga to train Fisker technicians in preparation for the Fisker Karma
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (UTI) and Fisker Automotive have announced plans to provide technical training to Fisker dealership personnel at the UTI campus in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. To support the much anticipated release of Fisker’s Karma model, UTI forecasts that it will train approximately 100 technicians from Fisker’s U.S. Dealers in spring 2011.
“At Universal Technical Institute, we have a passion for all things automotive, and we are honored to be involved in the launch of the Fisker Karma into the U.S. auto marketplace,” said Greg Dickson, vice president of customer solutions and advanced training for UTI. “Fisker automobiles bring a technologically advanced platform that is coupled with design elements that will certainly turn heads. Being chosen to assist in the technical training and certification for the launch phase of this new brand is an exciting opportunity for UTI.”
The Fisker Karma is expected to make its dealer showroom debut in spring 2011. The Fisker Karma is a first-of-its-kind, four-door plug-in hybrid premium sports sedan that offers unparalleled eco-friendly style and luxury, yet to be seen by any other electric vehicle in today’s automotive market.
“Fisker Automotive delivers responsible luxury without compromise to its customers,” said Marti Eulberg, vice president of marketing and sales for Fisker. “It’s key that our retailers and technicians deliver this standard of excellence on our behalf and because UTI is the industry’s choice for training automotive technicians, they made a logical choice to partner with us as we debut the Fisker Karma in the U.S.”
UTI will train Fisker technicians in several areas, including hybrid systems, routine maintenance, chassis, coachwork, roadside recovery, engine management, and electrical systems.
About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.:
Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) is the leading provider of post-secondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. With more than 140,000 graduates in its 45-year history, UTI offers undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs at 11 campuses across the United States, as well as manufacturer-specific training programs at dedicated training centers. Through its campus-based school system, UTI provides specialized post-secondary education programs under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) and NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI). To learn more about UTI and its training services, log on to www.uti.edu.
About Fisker Automotive:
Fisker Automotive (www.fiskerautomotive.com) is an American premium electric vehicle manufacturer with a mission to redefine the luxury automobile with an unwavering dedication to sustainability. Global headquarters are in Irvine, California. Acclaimed auto designer Henrik Fisker and industry veteran Bernhard Koehler established the company in 2007 to address the need for environmentally conscious vehicles that deliver passion, style and performance.
