BMW today launched the new 'i' sub-brand, which will focus on developing sustainable mobility solutions and, as such, designate future electric vehicles including the i3 (Megacity) and i8 (Vision EfficientDynamics Concept) – both scheduled for 2013.
Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Sales and Marketing, explained that ''BMW i comprises vehicles and services developed since 2007 as part of project i, a BMW Group think tank exploring sustainable mobility solutions. It is the BMW Group’s response to changing customer needs, including increasing demand for alternative drive trains, such as electric drive systems and hybrids. There is a widespread desire in megacities for solutions which intelligently combine the benefits of various mobility concepts in a single package''.
The BMW i3 and i8 will be manufactured at the Leipzig plant, where 400 million euros will be invested and 800 jobs will be created up to 2013. The pair will use the same component sets for the electric motors, power electronics and high-voltage lithium-ion batteries.
Robertson also stated that technologies like ConnectedDrive ''will be significantly expanded under BMW i,'' which will provide ''customized mobility solutions across a seamless network of premium products and premium services.'' The focus is on solutions which will improve usage of existing parking spaces, as well as intelligent navigation systems.
A newly-created venture capital company named BMW i Ventures has already invested US$100 million to produce the i3 and i8. Its primary goal is to expand the range of products and services offered by BMW i in the long term.
A first strategic partnership has been signed with My City Way, a New York-based company whose mobile app provides users with information on public transportation, parking availability and local entertainment for over 40 cities in the United States.
Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Sales and Marketing, explained that ''BMW i comprises vehicles and services developed since 2007 as part of project i, a BMW Group think tank exploring sustainable mobility solutions. It is the BMW Group’s response to changing customer needs, including increasing demand for alternative drive trains, such as electric drive systems and hybrids. There is a widespread desire in megacities for solutions which intelligently combine the benefits of various mobility concepts in a single package''.
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| Photo: BMW |
The BMW i3 and i8 will be manufactured at the Leipzig plant, where 400 million euros will be invested and 800 jobs will be created up to 2013. The pair will use the same component sets for the electric motors, power electronics and high-voltage lithium-ion batteries.
Robertson also stated that technologies like ConnectedDrive ''will be significantly expanded under BMW i,'' which will provide ''customized mobility solutions across a seamless network of premium products and premium services.'' The focus is on solutions which will improve usage of existing parking spaces, as well as intelligent navigation systems.
A newly-created venture capital company named BMW i Ventures has already invested US$100 million to produce the i3 and i8. Its primary goal is to expand the range of products and services offered by BMW i in the long term.
A first strategic partnership has been signed with My City Way, a New York-based company whose mobile app provides users with information on public transportation, parking availability and local entertainment for over 40 cities in the United States.
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| Photo: BMW |
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