The BMW Group has announced the expansion of its footprint in China, confirming that the upcoming all-electric BMW iX3 will be produced in China for export to global markets.
The German group and its Chinese partner Brilliance Automotive Group Holdings have signed a long-term framework agreement to further expand their joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA).
Under the agreement, the joint venture will increase the capacity of its two local production facilities Tiexi and Dadong in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, to a total of 520 000 BMW brand vehicles in 2019. In addition, the iX3 will be produced by BBA in Shenyang from 2020 and exported to other markets.
“Today’s signing represents a new chapter in the success story of our BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture,” said Harald Krüger, chairman of the board of management of the BMW Group.
“Our agreement sets a long-term framework for our future in China – a future involving continued investment, further growth and a clear commitment to the development and production of electric vehicles. The next chapter of our cooperation has the potential to go beyond our existing motto – in China, for China. The all-electric BMW iX3, produced by BBA from 2020, will find customers around the world,” added Krüger.
In addition to the two automobile production locations, BBA also runs an engine plant, which includes a battery factory for the electrified BMW brand vehicles produced locally in Shenyang.
