Besides the inevitable corporate re-shuffling and ambitious plans for future growth, the manufacturer of Munich’s finest also plans to introduce a number of exciting models, including a baby brother for the X6.
The strategic direction for the BMW Group until 2020 is clear: To be the world’s leading provider of premium products and premium services for individual mobility. BMW AG is really serious about becoming more efficient as well, and by 2012 the company will invest no less than six billion Euros (R54 Billion) into development in this regard.
Production worldwide is expected to increase dramatically, The US Spartanburg plant will see production increased from 140 000 to 240 000 units per annum. In the UK, the Oxford Mini plants capacity will be raised to 260 000 units per annum. The capacities in China will also see production grow from 30 000 to 44 000 units a year.
Two new divisions will be created as well – Corporate and Brand Development, and Purchasing and Supplier Network, run by Dr. Friedrich Eichiner and Dr. Herbert Diess respectively. In addition to the formation of these new divisions, the previous heads of Finance and Marketing and Sales, Stephan Krause and Dr. Michael Ganal have also swapped their positions within the company.
Despite all these developments in the, the company still has time to focus on the its strongest aspect; building premium automobiles. The company expects this segment to grow by 40 percent between the period marked 2005 and 2019.
BMW will expand its X-Series range with a stablemate for the X6 concept, in the form of an X1. German website, , released a picture previewing the X1’s sharp styling and compact dimensions. This new pint-sized soft-roader, will take on the likes of Audi’s Q3, Mercedes’ BLK and the Ford Kuga. Using the four-wheel drive set-up of the X3, the X1 will use the same engines as the 1-Series range. This includes some four and six-cylinder petrol units and some diesel derivatives.
Furthermore, the CS concept showcased in Shanghai, will serve as the inspiration for a four-door Gran Turismo that BMW says will be built. Another result of the new strategy BMW is undertaking, is the introduction of a totally new segment, PAS, or Progressive Activity Sedan. This fundamentally altered concept is said to bring about a new interpretation of the saloon as we know it and surprise the public with intelligent features. The initial idea was to introduce a Mercedes R-Class competitor, with the so called V-Series “Space-Function Concept”, an idea that BMW recently decided was not in line with the company image and has been scrapped in favour of the PAS.
Plans have been confirmed for a coupé variant of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, as well as an additional model in the Rolls-Royce line-up which will slot in below the Phantom in terms of size and price. Another BMW dependent, Mini, will soon receive a model in the sports activity vehicle segment (SAV) as well.
“I am firmly convinced that this strategy will lead us to continued business success”, stated chairman of the BMW management board Dr. Reithofer.