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Recently, the BMW Group announced plans to invest an additional CNY20 billion in its Shenyang production base to lay the foundation for the launch of local production of BMW's "Next Generation" models in 2026.
This is another investment after BMW announced in November 2022 that it would invest RMB 10 billion to expand its EV battery production base in Shenyang, and this additional RMB 20 billion investment will focus on large-scale upgrades and technological innovation at BMW Brilliance's Dadong plant, in preparation for BMW's "new generation" model to be produced in Shenyang in 2026.
In April 1994, the BMW Group officially entered the Chinese market with the establishment of a representative office in Beijing, and in March 2003, the BMW Group signed a joint venture agreement with Brilliance Group to establish BMW Brilliance Automotive Co., Ltd. At present, BMW Brilliance's Shenyang production base has become the largest production base of the BMW Group in the world, with two major OEMs, Dadong Plant and Tiexi Plant. According to statistics, since 2010, BMW's production base in Shenyang has a total investment of 105 billion yuan, and the total investment of the sixth-generation power battery project for the "new generation" model has reached 10 billion yuan, and its main building has been completed and is expected to be opened in 2026.
The BMW Group believes that this move is based on the BMW Group's long-term commitment to the Chinese market. BMW Group Chairman Philip Zipzer also said that the new RMB 20 billion investment plan further highlights China's central position in the BMW Group's move towards the future of intelligent and connected vehicles. By 2026, the first Chinese-made "new generation" model will roll off the production line at the Shenyang production site.
At present, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept car has been unveiled in China on the eve of the 2024 International Beijing Auto Show. In terms of appearance, the overall shape of the new car is very simple, but it is very recognizable to the brand. Specifically, the front face of the new car adopts BMW's iconic kidney grille shape and classic "Huo-style corners" and other elements, and the grille is integrated with the LED headlights on both sides, giving the visual effect full of sportiness. On the side of the car, the new car is also dominated by simplicity, with sleek lines, and the rear side windows near the rear fenders adopt Hofmeister corner family elements to enhance the car's sporty appearance. In addition, the new car uses electronic exterior mirrors, but does not come with physical door handles. At the rear of the car, the design style of the new taillights echoes the front and rear of the front face, and the taillight design style achieves a deep effect.
The interior part, the new car also focuses on minimalist style, most of the materials in the car are environmentally friendly materials, and the number of buttons is reduced to the maximum, the center console only retains the steering wheel and the large floating screen, BMW panoramic vision bridge will be the first to be installed on the new generation of models, to replace the traditional instrument panel, in addition, the new car will also be equipped with a new multi-functional steering wheel, the overall sense of science and technology.
As a global luxury brand, in recent years, the BMW Group has focused more on the Chinese market, which has become the BMW Group's largest single market in the world. BMW is currently investing in electric vehicles in the Chinese market to accelerate the transition to electrification. In the past 2023, BMW has launched a total of five pure electric models in the Chinese market, including the BMW iX, BMW i4, BMW iX3, BMW i3 and BMW i7, covering almost all car consumer segments. In addition, in addition to BMW Brilliance, the BMW Group also has another joint venture in the Chinese market, Beam Automotive Co., Ltd., which was established in December 2019, and Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd. and BMW (Netherlands) Holding Co., Ltd. each hold 50% of the joint venture shares, of which BMW (Netherlands) Holding Co., Ltd. is the actual controller. At present, the first production car of Beam Motors, the "MINI COOPER", and the first pure electric crossover "MINI Aceman" have made their debuts at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, and the former will be launched in 2024.
BMW's next-generation concept car has made its debut in China at the show, and the new model will start production in the second half of 2025 and be produced in China in 2026. For the BMW Group, the BMW Next-Generation Concept is not just a new car, but the beginning of a new BMW product range, which will become a leap forward in the direction of the BMW brand and products. According to the plan, BMW will launch more than 20 new BMW and MINI brand models in China in 2024, the first mass-produced BMW next-generation model will be launched in 2025, and at least six models will be put into production within two years after the first model goes into production.
It should be noted that although BMW occupies a large market share in the luxury market, it is difficult to highlight BMW's luxury car advantages in the new era of new energy vehicles. For BMW, if it wants to maintain its position as an industry leader, it must establish a territory in the highly competitive Chinese electric market, and it remains to be seen whether more new cars will be launched for BMW China.
Article source: CCTV news client, Red Star News, thank you