Is the future driven solely by electricity? News and success of the BMW concern

  • Is the future driven solely by electricity? News and success of the BMW concern

    Publication date 29.08.2024

    Is the Future Powered Solely by Electricity? BMW's Latest Updates and Successes

    Today, BMW is one of the world's most renowned premium-class car and motorcycle manufacturers, operating 31 subsidiaries in 15 countries. Sustainability, digitalization, electrification, and manufacturing efficiency significantly influence all areas of the BMW Group – production, supply chains, development, human resources, and, of course, sales. The company emphasizes its commitment to innovation and continues to improve the quality of its vehicles while creating less polluting electric-powered cars.

     

    Currently, BMW fans can choose from fully electric, hybrid, and improved internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. A great example of this flexibility is the BMW X3, available in hybrid, ICE (diesel or gasoline), or fully electric versions. Such options will soon be extended to other BMW models. In most BMW factories, electric, hybrid, and ICE vehicles are produced on the same assembly line, maximizing efficiency and reducing costs.

     

    BMW reports indicate that in 2021, 26% of vehicles produced at the Munich plant were electric. That same year saw the release of fully electric models like the BMW iX and BMW i4. By 2021, EVs accounted for approximately 13% of sales, with a target of 30% by 2025 and 50% by 2030. In ten years, about 10 million BMW electric vehicles are expected to be on the roads. Ambitious goals indeed!

     

    The first-quarter 2024 BMW Group reports highlight EVs as the main driver of sales growth. In the first half of the year, 179,554 EVs were delivered to customers compared to 133,927 in the same period in 2023, reflecting a growth of 34.1%. The X series and luxury cars saw significant popularity, with one in five BMW X1 series and luxury BMW 7 series sedans sold being electric. The best-selling EV for the first half of 2024 was once again the BMW i4 sports coupe, achieving double-digit sales growth.

    The X series models, including the BMW iX3, BMW iX, and the newly introduced BMW iX2, have gained significant global popularity. In 2024, the enhanced BMW M5 has already attracted considerable attention in international markets and received positive reviews, although its updated version is expected to debut only at the end of the year. The BMW 7 series luxury sedan, particularly popular in Europe, will be offered as a hybrid for the first time.

     

    In 2019, the fully electric compact Mini Cooper was introduced, marking the first BMW Group model to become exclusively electric by 2030. However, the 2024 first-half results indicate that MINI received less attention as its models are being transformed into the new MINI class.

    In April and May, customers could purchase updated MINI models powered either by ICE or fully electric. In the second half of the year, the new fully electric Aceman crossover will debut. This compact urban car features an eye-catching design and modern details. With a streamlined configuration, it is both stylish and safe, particularly appealing to female drivers.

     

    What’s new in the Rolls-Royce market? The Rolls-Royce Spectre has reached a significant milestone – the first electric super coupe surpassed 1,000 units sold within just six months of its market debut! This model accounted for 40% of the brand's first-half sales. Additionally, the newly launched Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II performed exceptionally well. It's worth noting that the Cullinan SUV remains one of the brand's most popular models.

    Starting in 2025, BMW will enter its third transformation phase, known as “Neue Klasse.” What’s new? A new software architecture, next-generation electric drivetrains and batteries, and a renewed focus on the sustainability of vehicle life cycles. Autonomous driving features will be expanded, and more powerful electric motors with higher-capacity batteries will be developed. Significant emphasis will also be placed on rapid acceleration in EVs.

     

    The vision for hydrogen-powered vehicles is also becoming a reality. Currently, a pilot fleet of BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicles is being tested, combining hydrogen fuel and electric technology to redefine EV driving. The expansion of a zero-emission hydrogen vehicle fleet has just begun! Exciting and innovation-packed years lie ahead. Are we ready to embrace the future?

      

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