MILAN, Mar 21 (Class Editori) — “The guiding principle for us should be freedom of trade; imposing tariffs on Chinese products is not in the EU’s best interest,” BMW CEO Oliver Zipse stated during the unveiling of the new BMW Neue Klasse X. with regard to the Letter to Europe sent by Renault’s CEO and ACEA President to bolster the EU automotive sector, Zipse added, “While we agree on many points, we perceive the risks associated with imports from China differently. We are more at ease with the situation. We believe that no one can enter the European market and establish themselves overnight. Competition is inevitable, and we are prepared to face it”.
Regarding collaborations among auto manufacturers, the Manager remarked, “We agree; the Letter is a good starting point for sparking discussions within the industry”.
In 2024, the German Automaker will introduce several models, including 15 battery electric vehicles (BEVs), ensuring at least one electric vehicle for each brand and segment. As stated by Oliver Zipse during the Group’s Annual Conference, technological advancements are also on the horizon: by March, the Series 7 will be available with Level 3 autonomous driving, allowing for hands-free driving under certain conditions.
In May, BMW will introduce the BMW i5 Touring eDrive40, boasting a range exceeding 550 kilometers. It will be manufactured in China, just like the sedan. Following this release, the new M5 and M5 Touring hybrid versions will hit the market, offering an electric range of 70 kilometers. Additionally, BMW will unveil the new X3, featuring an extensive range of engine options.
As for the Mini, the Aceman BEV will be unveiled, completing Mini’s electric lineup alongside the Mini Cooper and Countryman models. Furthermore, 2024 will mark the debut of Rolls-Royce’s first electric model, the Spectre.
The development of hydrogen power continues with the iX5 Hydrogen, aimed at medium- and long-term objectives. “We are currently in the testing phase and are achieving promising results. This technology holds potential beyond the automotive industry, offering solutions for the medium and long term,” Zipse explained.
Furthermore, the CEO stated that BMW remains committed to developing its “local for local” strategy, which aims to produce all major BEV components, including batteries, in close proximity to manufacturing plants. BMW’s fifth-generation batteries are currently manufactured in Thailand. The Debrecen plant in Hungary, which was originally established as an iFactory and will begin producing the Neue Klasse X in the second half of 2025, will house a new center for the production of sixth-generation batteries.
The historic Munich plant, which is set to begin production of the Neue Klasse sedan in 2026, will benefit from the addition of a new sixth-generation battery facility in Bavaria, specifically in Irlbach Strasskirchen. This new facility, which will begin operations in 2026, will complement the existing research center in Parsdorf. In Munich, one out of every two cars is electric, with plans to produce exclusively BEVs by 2027.
This strategic expansion extends to facilities worldwide, including those in San Luis Potosí, Mexico; Shenyang, China; and Spartanburg, USA, where select models of the Neue Klasse will be manufactured. These sites will integrate battery production or assembly, aligning with the company’s commitment to electrification. (All rights reserved)
(Source:Class Editori)
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