Electric vehicle charging top of mind for BMW dealers

LAS VEGAS — Electric vehicle charging was top of mind for BMW dealers during the luxury brand's make meeting Saturday.

Retailers asked questions about the outlook for EV infrastructure, including plans from BMW and other providers such as Electrify America, Shaun Bugbee, BMW of North America executive vice president of operations, told Automotive News after the meeting.

"A lot of the questions were about charging and building charging infrastructure," said Matthew Phillips, CEO of Car Pros Automotive Group, which includes BMW of Downtown Los Angeles in California. "There was one question about range. They were more on the technical side, really."

Bugbee said the EV business is stronger in some markets than others, based on customer demand.
 

"We talked about our initiatives for infrastructure, like at the dealership with Electrify America," Bugbee said. "We have a partnership with Shell and a lot of the other providers out there."

BMW generated record U.S. sales in 2023, delivering 362,244 vehicles — a 9 percent increase.

"We think that '24 offers the opportunity to grow," said Sebastian Mackensen, BMW's North America chief. "That's what we're aiming for. We're always ambitious."

Mackensen said BMW's vehicle portfolio will be receiving some significant fresh product in 2024.

He pointed to nameplates, such as the redesigned 5 Series sedan, that were introduced late in 2023 that will now have a full year of availability.

"There's a lot of additional momentum coming," Mackensen said.

BMW will also see a redesigned X2 compact crossover and the larger X3 compact crossover launch in the U.S. market this year.

Bugbee said the X3 is BMW's second-best selling model.

"It's a space that continues to grow," Bugbee said. "The X3 has been very well received. And now we get a new one."

Phillips is new to the brand, having bought the BMW store in August.

"What I was feeling was reflected by the mood in the room, which is that the brand is really good to work with," Phillips said. "They really want to listen to their dealers. They're forward-looking. They have a good plan. They had a great 2023, and they're going to keep having good years."