Tuesday, August 4, 2009

BMW to Launch Megacity EV under a "BMW Sub-Brand"

BMW's first series production electric vehicle, the so-called Megacity, will be launched under a "BMW sub-brand" the automaker announced today. Despite the initial confusion that was created by the term "sub-brand" as it suggested that BMW was planning to add a fourth brand in its portfolio, the firm's Chief Executive Norbert Reithofer cleared things up during a telephone conference with reporters by saying that the all-electric Megacity will be launched under a "BMW sub-brand" comparable to BMW's M badge. In other words, expect to see something in the likes of 'E' or 'EV' series.

Yesterday, BMW revealed that it reached an agreement with the Samsung SDI and Bosch joint venture "SB LiMotive" to the supply of the lithium-ion battery cells for the Megacity. Not much else is known about the Bavarian EV that is slated to arrive in showrooms before 2015.

BMW Statement:

"The Board has now decided: This auto will be launched on the market as a sub-brand of BMW. As BMW is the innovation driver within the Group, the decision for a sub brand under BMW is the most logical step. Details on this topic will be made known later this year."

Photo: BMW's 1994 Z13 Concept Study

Via: BMW and WSJ

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