BMW launches city car project
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BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer |
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BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said Project i would present solutions to the challenge of tougher emissions requirements and restricted access to towns and cities.
A fourth brand could be one of those solutions but Reithofer said that no decision had been taken yet.
"First of all, we must define what type of vehicles we will produce then we will ask the question if those concepts fit better with the BMW brand, the Mini brand or a sub brand within those two. If none of these options are possible then perhaps we will have a fourth brand," Reithofer said.
Reithofer was speaking at BMW’s annual news conference here today.
BMW announced last week that it is in the early stages of developing an electric car.
Friedrich Eichiner, BMW’s head of corporate and brand development said the new unit would "look into options" for new eco-friendly concepts and drivetrains suitable for city driving.
Klaus Draeger, BMW’s development had, told Automotive News Europe that the project would work on improving hydrogen and electric battery technology as well as hybrid versions of diesel and gasoline cars.
Reithofer said Project i would present its solutions to these challenges by the early half of the next decade.
You may email James Franey at jfraney@craincom.de
