IAA 2017: German OEMs emphasize electric mobility

Debuting concepts and models highlight accelerating e-mobility strategies

2017/09/28

Summary
BMW combines e-mobility and heritage with i Vision Dynamics concept, Mini Electric Concept
Daimler expands electric portfolio with EQ concepts and GLC F-Cell
Volkswagen shows technology diversity with Audi A8, VW I.D. Crozz, Elaine and Aicon concepts

Summary

Presentation of BMW i sub-brand lineup at BMW press conference

The International Motor Show (IAA) 2017 was held in Frankfurt, Germany from September 12 through September 24, 2017, with the show opening to the public starting September 16. The IAA 2017 featured 994 exhibitors from 39 countries. More than 50 passenger car brands registered for IAA 2017, including WEY and Chery, two Chinese brands that appeared at IAA for the first time. The slogan for the IAA 2017 exhibition was “Future now”.

Volkswagen’s diesel emissions scandal, also known as Dieselgate, first became public during the IAA 2015 exhibition. Despite the prevalence and importance of diesel-powered vehicles in Europe, the Dieselgate scandal did significant damage to the perception of diesel vehicles. According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) in Germany, the share of new vehicles with diesel engines in Germany decreased to 37.7% in August 2017, a year-to-year decrease of approximately 14%. While German automakers maintain the importance of diesel-powered vehicles, they have also begun to plan and implement electric mobility strategies across their product lineup.

All three major German brands showcased concepts furthering their electric families shown in previous years. BMW displayed an addition to its BMW i sub-brand with the i Vision Dynamics concept. Daimler expanded its EQ family with the Concept EQA compact vehicle and the smart vision EQ fortwo, while Volkswagen highlighted an updated version of its I.D. Crozz concept first shown in Shanghai.

This report is the first report which focuses on the vehicles displayed at the IAA 2017. This report will focus primarily on electric vehicles and concepts showcased by German OEMs, specifically from BMW, Daimler, and Volkswagen. Future reports will focus on notable non-electric vehicles from German OEMs and models from other regional automakers.

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