American manufacturer Fisker Automotive has announced a partnership with a Chinese company to expand distribution of its electric vehicles.

Fisker, the California manufacturer of electric vehicles with extended range, says it has partnered with the China Grand Automotive Group (CGA), the car trader based in China.

The deal would allow Fisker to have its vehicles distributed, marketed and serviced in China; CGA has a network of more than 200 retail stores with a strong emphasis on the luxury vehicle market.

Fisker says that the rapid growth of Chinese auto sales and the country's efforts to minimize carbon emissions makes it an ideal area to expand.

Henrik Fisker, CEO, Fisker Automotive, said: ''With its vast network of experienced retailers CGA will give Fisker an instant and credible footprint in the region.''

Fisker Automotive's first car, the Fisker Karma, will make its Chinese debut at the Shanghai Motor Show in April.

With a total range of 483 km, the four-passenger Karma saloon is capable of travelling 80 km on emission-free electric power alone, and an additional 403 km on low-emission hybrid electric power.

About 3,000 pre-orders for the Karma have already been placed by customers around the world. The company plans to sell 15,000 Karma vehicles per year globally.

Image Copyright Fisker Automotive