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02.04.2010
Fisker Automotive ExpandsFisker Automotive is expanding to accelerate development of its next generation plug-in hybrids, code named Project NINA. Beginning March 1 Fisker Automotive’s global headquarters in Irvine, California will house all design, engineering, sales, marketing, and administrative operations. The company expects the number of new hires to expand dramatically.Pdf download ![]()
01.26.2010
FISKER KARMA TO MAKE WINDY CITY DEBUT AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOWThe Fisker Karma, the world’s first premium plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, will make its Chicago debut at the Chicago Auto Show February 12-21. The Fields Auto Group and the Patrick Dealer Group, which have both provided premium experience to the Chicago market for years, will be instrumental in delivering the world’s first premium plug-in hybrid to the Chicagoland consumer.Pdf download ![]()
01.15.2010
FISKER AUTOMOTIVE SECURES ACCESS TO $115M FOR PLUG-IN HYBRIDSFisker Automotive has secured access to an additional $115.3 million in private equity funding to develop plug-in hybrid cars. This funding is necessary for Fisker to access a $528.7 million U.S. Department of Energy conditional loan that will, in part,help speed completion of the Fisker Karma, the company’s first plug-in hybrid. The raise comes at a time when capital is scarce, the auto industry is struggling and the global economy is just beginning to rebound. Starting at $87,900 the Karma paves the way for development of lower-cost plug-in hybrid technology for a second, family-oriented car code named Project NINA. Project NINA is expected to be built in Wilmington, Delaware at a former General Motors assembly plant starting in 2012. “Raising $115 million in these times speaks volumes about the value of our business model and the vast potential of plug-in hybrids,” said Henrik Fisker, CEO.Pdf download ![]()
01.14.2010
FISKER AUTOMOTIVE SIGNS BATTERY SUPPLY AGREEMENT WITH A123 SYSTEMSFisker Automotive has entered a battery supply agreement with A123 Systems. The Massachusetts-based company will provide lithium-ion batteries for the Karma plug-in hybrid. Chief Executive Officer Henrik Fisker said, “Fisker Automotive selected A123 because of the company’s ability to meet our performance needs and rapidly scale to our production volume. Fisker is committed to developing environmentally friendly cars that don’t sacrifice style or performance. A123’s technology will ensure the Karma delivers.” In electric-only “Stealth” mode, the Karma -- using only A123’s batteries -- will have a 50-mile (80km) range, seven-second 0-60 (0-100km/h) time and 95mph (153 km/h) top speed. In hybrid “Sport” mode, the Karma will reach 60 (100km/h) in about 6 seconds, 125mph (201km/h), can achieve 100mpg (2.4L/100km) and has a total range of 300 miles (483km).Pdf download ![]()
12.14.2009
DANISH CROWN PRINCE FREDERICK TO TAKE FISKER KARMA PLUG-IN TO UN CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCEThe Crown Prince of Denmark, HRH Frederik, will tomorrow travel to the COP15 UN Climate Conference events in Copenhagen with the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid car. HRH Frederik will visit at 4 pm Hopenhagen event at Raadhuspladsen after which he will leave in the Fisker Karma at 5 pm to the Bella Center. The prototype saloon, developed by American automaker Fisker Automotive, can travel 80km (50mi) emission-free on a single charge of its Lithium-ion battery, and an additional 400km (250mi) on a range extending generator turned by an efficient four cylinder gas engine. Economy is 2.4L/100km and emissions of just 83g/km CO2 – better than today’s best hybrids. Still, the Karma can reach 100km/h (62mph) in about 6 seconds and exceed 200km/h (125mph).Pdf download ![]()
12.03.2009
FISKER RECAPS FIRST TWO YEARS, ANNOUNCES KARMA PRODUCTION SCHEDULEIn little more than two years Fisker Automotive has established itself as a force in the automotive industry. Significant investments from major venture capital firms, a half-billion dollar conditional loan from the U.S. government and the establishment of a global network of independent retailers highlight the new American automaker’s rapid growth. Since its founding in August 2007 Fisker Automotive has: • Assembled a team of forward-looking auto industry veterans with more than 200 years of collective experience • Introduced the world's first premium plug-in electric hybrid vehicle, the Fisker Karma • Established global headquarters in Irvine, California and a first-class engineering facility in Pontiac, Michigan • Appointed a network of 42 independent U.S. retailers and three European distributors with proven track records in customer satisfaction (visit www.fiskerautomotive.com for list); • Partnered with Tier 1 automotive suppliers • Applied for more than 50 patents • Been awarded a $528.7 million U.S. Department of Energy conditional loan • Announced Project Nina, the development of an affordable, family-oriented plug-in hybrid for 2012 that will ultimately create more than 5,000 U.S. jobs • Signed a letter of intent to purchase an assembly plant in Wilmington, Delaware • Secured more than 1,500 customer deposits; • Been featured on the cover of the June 8, 2009 issue of Forbes magazine as “The Next Detroit.” In third quarter 2010 Fisker Automotive will begin delivering Karma plug-in hybrids to appointed retailers and distributors worldwide, less than 36 months after the concept car first appeared at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2008.Pdf download ![]()
11.04.2009
Fisker Automotive Partners with Major European Auto Retail GroupFisker Automotive will partner with the Emil Frey Group, one of Europe’s most established and prestigious auto groups, to import, market and service its premium plug-in hybrid cars on the continent. The Emil Frey Group (www.emilfrey.ch) owns and operates more than 100 retail centers in six countries and handles multiple premium brands. Locations in Switzerland, Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland will provide Fisker with a strong operational base in Europe.Pdf download ![]()
10.27.2009
Fisker Automotive Announces Plan to Buy U.S. Assembly PlantFisker Automotive has selected the Wilmington Assembly plant in Wilmington Delaware to build affordable plug-in hybrid cars. Fisker executives made the announcement inside the dormant facility today, joined by Vice President Joe Biden, Delaware Governor Jack Markell and other state officials. The plant will support Fisker Automotive’s Project NINA, the development and build of an affordable, family-oriented plug-in hybrid sedan costing about $39,900 after federal tax credits. Production is scheduled to begin in late 2012 and create 2000 factory jobs and more than 3000 vendor/supplier jobs when production reaches full capacity in 2014.Pdf download ![]()
10.02.2009
FISKER AUTOMOTIVE RESPONSE TO FALSE NEWS REPORTS ABOUT DEPARMENT OF ENERGY LOANAmerican automaker Fisker Automotive was recently approved for a conditional loan of $528 million by the Department of Energy (DOE). While news reports were mostly factual, some ignored or marginalized the truth, or sensationalized irrelevant aspects of the loan and our company. Fisker Automotive would like to present the facts -- Fisker Automotive is an American car company based in Irvine, California -- The company’s goals are to help restore the U.S. as a leader in the global auto industry and to eliminate America’s dependence on foreign oil -- These DOE funds will help Fisker Automotive create or save at least 5,000 U.S. jobs, bring to market affordable, American-made plug-in hybrid vehicles and save more than 821 million gallons of gasoline (43.2 million barrels of oil) by 2016 -- No DOE funding will be used for overseas operations -- Through private funding, and at no cost to taxpayers, the company has already supported hundreds of American jobs by partnering with major auto suppliers to develop the world’s first production plug-in hybrid car, the Fisker Karma -- This will put the American auto industry ahead of foreign competition -- The Karma has been designed and engineered in the U.S. with the majority (65% by cost) of its parts sourced from American suppliers. Fisker Automotive searched for a U.S. plant to assemble the Karma, but none were willing or able to build the 15,000 of these advanced vehicles per year Fisker required -- The low-volume Karma will therefore be assembled in Finland by Valmet Automotive, one of the most respected contract auto builders in the world -- The next generation Karma will be built entirely in the U.S.-- The Karma is a technology leader necessary to reduce costs for Project NINA, the development of a more affordable, family-oriented plug-in hybrid vehicle to be made in America at a retooled assembly plant in 2012. The resulting vehicle will sell for about $39,900 after federal tax credits -- Engineering on Project NINA has already begun -- Fisker Automotive expects to export half its vehicles, the most of any American car company -- As reported by the DOE, $169.3 million of the loan will be used by Fisker Automotive as the company works with primarily U.S. suppliers to complete engineering work on the Karma. This work will be conducted in Pontiac, Michigan and Irvine, California -- The remaining $359.36 million will support Project NINA and its manufacture of 75,000-100,000 plug-in hybrids per year at a retooled U.S. assembly plant, beginning in 2012 -- The DOE loan is conditional. In order to receive the funds Fisker Automotive must meet very specific milestones. Money is disbursed in small amounts only if the company successfully reaches these milestones -- The funds will be repaid, with interest, to the American taxpayer -- Some have asked questions about the cost of the cars -- Any new technology is expensive. Televisions, cell phones, refrigerators and even cars themselves were once too expensive for most. In time, however, costs come down. The same will happen with Fisker’s plug in hybrid electric vehicles -- The DOE loan to Fisker Automotive represents just two percent of the agency’s $25B Advanced Technologies Manufacturing Loan Program (ATVMLP), created by Congress in November 2008 to help promote the development of energy-efficient, advanced-technology vehicles -- American cars have long been underrepresented in the global marketplace, especially those in premium segments. The U.S. used to be known for building the most exciting and desirable cars in the world. It is time America is again at the forefront, and gives buyers the choice to purchase a desirable environmentally friendly car -- When it comes to cars, an environmental strategy is no longer an option, it is a necessity. With the help of the Department of Energy, Fisker Automotive is taking action and making an investment in the future. We are immensely proud of what we are doing, and that we are doing it here in America -- It is unfortunate how false information can be disseminated and it is our intention to correct as much of it as possible. --Henrik Fisker, CEOPdf download ![]()
09.22.2009
FISKER AUTOMOTIVE AWARDED $528M FROM US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGYFisker Automotive has been approved by the Department of Energy for a conditional loan of more than half a billion dollars to create affordable, fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid electric cars. A majority of the more than $528 million in low-interest funds will go toward Project NINA, which will see the design, engineering and assembly of Fisker Automotive’s next-generation plug-in hybrids, starting at about $39,900 after tax credits. The remainder will help finalize development of the Fisker Karma, the technology leading plug-in hybrid that will enable the company to develop such lower cost models. Fisker Automotive expects to create or save at least 5,000 US jobs among auto suppliers and thousands more to manufacture a plug-in hybrid in the U.S. Project NINA – inspired by the ship belonging to explorer Christopher Columbus -- is symbolic of the automobile industry’s transition from old world to new. By 2012 Fisker Automotive is expected to launch a family oriented, user friendly plug-in hybrid featuring cutting edge technology, radical styling and world-class quality. Global sales are predicted to exceed 100,000 units annually. A significant percentage will be exported, helping to balance the US trade deficit.Pdf download ![]()
09.08.2009
KARMA EMISSIONS, ECONOMY TO BE AMONG BEST IN THE WORLDThe Fisker Karma will emit just 83g CO2/km and have an economy rating of 3.5L/100km, according to SAE methodology measuring emissions for plug-in hybrids. Making its German debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week, the four-door Karma will be one of the cleanest, most fuel-efficient cars in the world, but will still offer world-class style and performance. Calculations developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) estimate carbon dioxide output will be less than that of today's cleanest production cars and 75 percent less than that of competing vehicles, on average. SAE is an internationally recognized organization of experts that help drive government automotive policy. Some 941 million liters (248 million gallons) of gasoline could be saved and 2.3 million metric tons (2.5 million US tons) of CO2 offset from sales of 15,000 Karmas per year through 2016. Still, with 403hp and more torque than many supercars, 0-100km/h (62mph) takes about six seconds and maximum speed is 201km/h (125mph).Pdf download ![]()
09.08.2009
FISKER AUTOMOTIVE TO MAKE GERMAN DEBUT AT FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOWThe team at Fisker Automotive is busy preparing the Karma plug-in hybrid its German debut at the sprawling Frankfurt Motor Show September 15. This is an important show for the company as Europe promises to make up half of all Fisker sales. Though a four-door luxury car, the Karma will have fewer harmful emissions and better fuel economy than the cleanest, most efficient cars on the road today.Pdf download ![]()
07.23.2009
Fisker Karma PHEV to make Driving Debut at Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile RacesThe Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid will make its world driving debut during the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races on Saturday, August 15, just 19 months after being unveiled as a concept car. It will be the first time a PHEV appears on track at the event. The Fisker Karma prototype is scheduled to complete two laps on the legendary 11-turn Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca course at 11:10 a.m., starting and finishing just ahead of the pedestrian bridge at Turn 5, before returning to the Price Family Dealerships display area on the infield. The Karma will also be on display at Concorso Italiano on Friday, August 14, alongside the Karma Sunset hardtop convertible concept. The Karma Sunset will again be on display at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Sunday, August 16.Pdf download ![]()
06.23.2009
FISKER PLUG-IN HYBRID WINS NORTH AMERICAN CONCEPT VEHICLE OF THE YEAR AWARD CATEGORYThe Fisker Karma Sunset PHEV hardtop convertible coupe has been named 2009 Production Preview Concept of the Year, part of the North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards. The North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards, now in its eighth year, recognizes those vehicles most likely to shape the future of the automobile industry. A jury of more than two dozen automotive journalists selected the Karma Sunset over vehicles from seven other major manufacturers. The Production Preview category is for vehicles based on a model that has already been announced or is planned for production. The Fisker Karma Sunset was unveiled to rave reviews in January at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.Pdf download ![]()
03.24.2009
FISKER AUTOMOTIVE RECRUITS FIRST U.S. RETAILERS TO REPRESENT PREMIUM GREEN BRANDFISKER AUTOMOTIVE RECRUITS FIRST U.S. RETAILERS TO REPRESENT PREMIUM GREEN BRAND IRVINE, CA – March 24, 2009: Premium green automaker Fisker Automotive has appointed its first group of U.S. retailers to market and service its luxury plug-in hybrid vehicles, beginning with the $87,900, 100mpg Karma sedan later this year. Thirty-two award-winning retailers have confirmed their intent to carry the Fisker marquee. The number puts the carmaker close to its goal of having 40 locations across the country by the end of June 2009.Pdf download ![]()
03.03.2009
FISKER PLUG-IN HYBRIDS DEBUT IN EUROPE AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOWFISKER PLUG-IN HYBRIDS DEBUT IN EUROPE AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW European pricing and retail strategy announced GENEVA, Switzerland – March 3, 2009 -- Fisker Automotive, the new American manufacturer of premium green automobiles, debuted in Europe today the world’s first luxury plug-in hybrid vehicles during the Geneva Motor Show. The 2L/100km Fisker Karma saloon will start at €78,780, excluding VAT, and be available through a network of 40 retailers across Europe beginning early 2010. The Karma S hardtop convertible concept is scheduled for 2011, but no pricing has been set.Pdf download ![]()
02.13.2009
FISKER AUTOMOTIVE CHOOSES GENEVA FOR EUROPEAN DEBUT OF LUXURY PLUG-IN HYBRID CARSFISKER AUTOMOTIVE CHOOSES GENEVA FOR EUROPEAN DEBUT OF LUXURY PLUG-IN HYBRID CARS Pricing and European retail strategy to be announced. Fisker Automotive will unveil its Karma and Karma S luxury plug-in hybrid cars for the first time on European soil at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3, 2009. The 408 horsepower, 100mpg Karma saloon will appear in the production trim customers will receive when deliveries begin the end of this year. The Karma S hardtop convertible coupe concept is scheduled for production in 2011. A European retail network strategy, along with vehicle options and pricing, will also be announced.Pdf download ![]()
01.27.2009
FISKER KARMA A FINALIST IN GREEN CAR JOURNAL'S GREEN CAR VISION AWARD CONTEST; MOVES FROM THE MOTOR CITY TO NATION'S CAPITALAfter making a splash on a global stage at the North American International Auto Show, the Fisker Karma sedan is now on its way to the Washington Auto Show in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center this February 4-8. Green Car Journal has selected the luxury plug-in hybrid as a finalist for its Green Car Vision Award. Be sure to check it out. For more information visit www.washingtonautoshow.com or www.greencar.comPdf download ![]()
01.12.2009
FISKER AUTOMOTIVE WORLDWIDE RETAIL NETWORK TAKES SHAPEIndustry Veteran Vic Doolan Leads Selection ProcessIRVINE, CA Fisker Automotive, the new American manufacturer of premium green automobiles, is building a worldwide retail network to support initial deliveries of the Fisker Karma luxury plug-in hybrid sedan in the fourth quarter of 2009. Auto industry senior executive Vic Doolan, Director of Retail Development, is leading the effort. Doolan’s successful tenures as President, BMW North America and President, Volvo Cars North America make him well suited for the task. Specific appointments to the Fisker Automotive Retail Network will be announced in the coming months. “Our retail network will give consumers confidence in the Fisker brand and its technology,” said Doolan. “Partners will deliver the service to which premium clientele are accustomed.”
About Fisker Automotive, Inc. Pdf download ![]()
01.12.2009
FISKER UNVEILS KARMA S PLUG-IN HYBRID HARDTOP CONVERTIBLE CONCEPT AT 2009 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOWDETROIT, MI Fisker Automotive, the new American manufacturer of premium green automobiles, unveiled the Fisker Karma S concept at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today. The four-seat, plug-in hybrid hardtop convertible furthers the company’s belief that driving style and performance need not be compromised for environmental friendliness. The open-air Fisker Karma S concept shares its aluminum spaceframe architecture and clean Q-DRIVE® powertrain with the Fisker Karma sedan. Designed and engineered by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive, Q-DRIVE® provides 50 emission-free miles on a single charge to its lithium-ion battery pack, and up to 403hp from two electric motors. The power retractable hard top, a first for Fisker, glides neatly into the trunk and a unique design language sets the Karma S concept apart. “Our objective is to create a singular design language and heritage around our state-of-the-art Q-DRIVE® powertrain,” said Fisker Automotive, Inc. CEO Henrik Fisker. “The Karma S is an extension of the Fisker Automotive product range of eco-conscious automobiles and sets the tone for our future.“ Pdf download ![]()
01.12.2009
DEFINING THE FUTURE: FISKER AUTOMOTIVE UNVEILS 2010 FISKER KARMA PREMIUM PLUG-IN HYBRID PRODUCTION CAR100mpg Fisker Karma Makes its World Wide Premiere at the 2009 North American International Auto Show DETROIT, MI. Fisker Automotive, Inc., the new American manufacturer of premium green automobiles, unveiled its first production car -- the 2010 Fisker Karma – at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit today. With a starting price of $87,900, 1,000 orders for the 100 mile-per-gallon luxury plug-in hybrid have been received since the prototype debuted at the 2008 NAIAS. Karma deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2009 through the Fisker Automotive Retail network. More information can be found online at www.fiskerautomotive.com The four-door, four-seat Karma fuses the traditional and timeless styling of veteran auto designer and Fisker Automotive CEO Henrik Fisker, with Quantum Technologies’ clean Q-DRIVE® plug-in hybrid powertrain to become the world’s first luxury plug-in hybrid car.
Q-DRIVE®: POWERFUL TECHNOLOGY "More than 60 percent of America’s 200 million drivers travel less than 50 miles per day. With Q-DRIVE®, the Karma can do that without using a drop of gas. This proprietary powertrain will provide a base for all future model derivatives from Fisker Automotive.” said Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO Quantum Technologies. Q-DRIVE® features two operating modes: Stealth Mode and Sport Mode. In electric-only Stealth Mode, drivers can travel emission free for up to 50 miles on a full charge from any 110-, 220- or 240-volt electric outlet. A total range of up to 300 miles is estimated in Sport Mode, which utilizes the efficient Ecotec® gasoline engine to turn a generator that powers two electric motors on the rear differential. With over 60% of the public driving less than 50 miles per day, a fully charged Karma can achieve an annual average of more than 100 miles per gallon. With a top speed of 125 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, the Karma is the world’s first true premium plug-in hybrid sports sedan. The Karma’s low center of gravity and performance oriented, A-arm suspension system offer a world class driving experience. Tall, wide tires deliver immense lateral grip while electrohydaulic disc brakes provide effortless stopping power.
LUXURY AND STYLE "From initial concept to final production, it is important for Fisker to maintain a singular design language and to keep the integrity of the original design, inside and out. Extreme proportions, beautiful sculpture and earth-friendly materials are key elements that set the Karma apart,” said Fisker Automotive, Inc. CEO Henrik Fisker. “An inspiring drive is also an important and crucial element. Our hope is that the Fisker Karma will create a new segment of eco-friendly transportation and will become the most desirable plug-in hybrid sports sedan available." A desirable car of any kind requires an inviting cockpit. Fisker’s interior design team focused on sustainable design held accountable to the environment. Inspiration from nature’s timeless beauty and the quality of classic design composition provided immense inspiration. Karma’s Sustainable and Accountable Design is reflected in the use of reusable materials enhanced with modern technology. For example, wood trim is sourced from non-living trees: ‘Fallen Trees’ that have succumbed to age; ‘Rescued Trees’ burned in forest fires; and ‘Sunken Trees’ lying in American lake bottoms. Karma’s instrumentation and controls focus on ease of use. Embedded in the layered EcoGlass™ center console is a 10.2-inch touch sensitive screen controlling HVAC, audio and other vehicle systems. LCD gauges behind the steering wheel provide display critical information like battery charge and vehicle speed. “The Karma’s material philosophy balances sensuality and accountability,” said Fisker. “We have gone to great lengths to use only environmentally conscious, classic automotive materials that support a commitment to our eco initiatives. At Fisker Automotive we are trying to inspire change for the better Karma buyers will choose from three trim levels: EcoBase™, EcoSport™ and EcoChic™. The most advanced sustainable material series, EcoChic, is based on an animal-free approach that still offers a luxurious environment. Leather is replaced by 100% Bamboo Viscose, a soft hand textile, while EcoGlass™™ trim frames authentic fossilized leaves. Karma’s EcoSport™ series incorporates hand-wrapped premium leather using a 100% sustainable manufacturing strategy, which minimizes the number of hides required and highlights natural markings.
KARMA PRODUCTION & DELIVERY Also at the heart of defining the future is Fisker’s retail network. A selective process to support initial deliveries is underway and interest from established dealers is high. Customers can expect a high level of service from retail partners that share their environmental and energy values. Pdf download ![]()
12.11.2008
TESLA V. FISKER - ARBITRATOR FIRM EARLIER FINDING IN FAVOR OF FISKER AND AWARDS FISKER $1,144,385Tesla Motors Brought Charges in Bad Faith; Ordered to Pay $1.1MIRVINE, CA. In December 2008 a California judge completely absolved of any wrondoing Fisker Automotive, Fisker Coachbuild, Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler in a lawsuit brought by Tesla Motors that accused them of stealing confidential information and delivering substandard designs. In arbitration, the Honorable William F. McDonald (Ret.) ruled in favor of the defendants on all counts and ordered Tesla to reimburse attorney fees and related expenses totaling more than $1.1 million. McDonald found no evidence that Fisker used any confidential information belonging to Tesla in the Karma plug-in hybrid project. He also stated there was no evidence to show that Tesla had any PHEV technology before Fisker Coachbuild and Quantum Technologies formed Fisker Automotive in 2007. The judge also ruled the evidence was overwhelming that Fisker did nothing wrong, and that Tesla’s assertions of violations of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act by Fisker were baseless and were neither brought nor pursued in good faith. Thomas Newmeyer , of Newmeyer & Dillion, LLP, litigation counsel for Fisker, said. : “I could not be more pleased with Judge McDonald’s final award. By granting my clients’ every cent of the fees and costs submitted for approval, Judge McDonald reinforced his conviction that my clients were completely innocent of any wrongdoing and that Tesla brought and pursued its trade secret claims in bad faith.” Pdf download
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