Since CEO Norbert Reithofer took charge two years ago, BMW has been quick and decisive about new products.

This summer, BMW killed a large-SUV project because of changing U.S. buyer tastes.

The most radical change could be the formation of a new brand for alternative-fuel vehicles. BMW has formed the Project i team, which is working on hybrids, electric cars and other alternative powertrains. Reithofer said BMW will decide later this year whether to produce a low-emission small car for city driving. That vehicle could be the first marketed under BMW's new brand.

Meanwhile, management plans to develop more derivatives off BMW's 3- and 5-series platforms. The automaker hopes for better use of its assembly plants by introducing new models as sedan and wagon sales decline.

Other vehicle plans include a redesigned X4 sports car and a new flagship sedan.

BMW's U.S vehicle plans through 2012 are highlighted below.

1 series: BMW's entry-level line debuted this year and consists of a coupe and convertible.

3 series: This fall BMW's top seller in the United States gets a freshening and a diesel engine. The front and rear fascias are new, and the interior receives an upgrade. The 3 series also receives the next-generation iDrive controller that will be available this year in the redesigned 7 series.

The 50-state diesel model, the 335d, will debut at the Los Angeles auto show and go on sale in December. The clean diesel uses urea injection technology. The twin-turbo-charged, common-rail, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine produces 265 hp.

BMW will market its diesels under the BluePerformance label. Fuel economy will be 25 percent better than a comparable gasoline model. The 335d has an estimated EPA rating of 23 mpg city and 33 highway.

ENLARGE The redesigned Z4, shown camouflaged during testing, is due in 2009. Photo credit: CARPIX

A 3-series redesign is due in 2010. BMW is considering a derivative or two off the 3-series platform, reports Automotive News sister publication Automobilwoche.

5 series: Spy photos suggest the redesigned 5 series, due in 2011, may be less angular than the current model. The car also is likely to grow in size to compete with the new Mercedes-Benz E class. The station wagon comes in 2012.

BMW wants to use a strategy similar to that of the 3 series and add more niche models to the 5 series.

6 series: The coupe and convertible are unlikely to be redesigned until 2012. Much of the technology is shared with the 5 series.

7 series: The redesigned, fifth-generation 7-series sedan debuted at the Paris auto show and goes on sale this year. The new 7 series offers night vision with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning system, blind-spot detection, massaging rear seats, and rear and sideview cameras.

In the next two to three years, the company is expected to add a hybrid model.

CS: BMW announced it will add a "grand touring car" based on the CS concept. The large sedan is expected in 2010 or 2011 and will be a bridge between the 7 series and Rolls-Royce.

BMW needs a stylish vehicle to fend off competition from the upcoming Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide.

Z4: Production of the coupe and roadster ended in Spartanburg, S.C., at the end of August. The redesigned Z4 is due in 2009.

ENLARGE The X1 small crossover is likely to go on sale in the United States in 2010. Photo credit: CARPIX

X1: A small crossover is planned, developed on the 1-series platform. Sales in Europe likely will begin next year, followed by U.S. sales in 2010.

X3: The redesigned crossover is due in 2010.

X4: This yet-unnamed crossover borrows styling themes introduced on the X6, meaning it will be a tall, five-door fastback. All-wheel drive will be available. The crossover is scheduled to debut next year, possibly as the X4.

X5: A diesel model of the crossover with the complicated name X5 xDrive35d debuts this year.

X6: BMW labels this tall, five-door hatchback as a "sports activity coupe." Sales began this year with a hefty $60,000-plus sticker. BMW is working on a hybrid version with a gasoline engine.

A freshening is expected in 2012.

X7: An SUV larger than the X5 has been axed by BMW because of the changing U.S. market.