BMW Group: Accelerating electric mobility and automated driving ventures
Partnering with Intel and Mobileye to develop fully autonomous vehicles
2016/08/08
- Summary
- New Strategy NUMBER ONE > NEXT
- Seven EV and PHV models to launched from 2016
- iNEXT autonomous driving vehicle to be launched in 2021
- Launching X7 full-size SUV
- China: share of locally produced vehicles exceeds 60% of total sales
- Increasing production in North America, Europe, Thailand, and South Africa
- 2016 global sales to increase slightly with strong demand for 7 Series and X1
- Slight increase in profit before tax; targeting an EBIT margin of 8-10% in 2016
- BMW’s global production expected to be 2.6 million units in 2019 (LMC Automotive, June 2016)
Summary
 BMW 740Le xDrive （PHV version of the 7 series, Beijing Motor Show 2016） |
 New BMW X1 (Frankfurt Auto Show (IAA) 2015） |
Revealing new strategy for 2016-2020
In March 2016 the BMW Group revealed its new Strategy NUMBER ONE > NEXT for the period 2016-2020. The automaker intends to expand the scope of digital connectivity between people, vehicles, and services, while at the same time advancing technological development for electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving.
Electrification and automated driving
Regarding electrification, the BMW Group will have seven EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHV) on the market from 2016 onward. As for automated driving, the Group intends to deploy the autonomous driving technologies adopted for the new 7 Series to other models in the coming years. The automaker has also partnered with Intel and Mobileye to develop fully autonomous vehicles.
BMW X7 full-size SUV to be launched
The BMW Group will release the X7, which will be the top grade model in the X series, in 2018. The automaker will also expand the product range under its M brand and add performance versions for higher volume models. The Mini brand will focus on its core five models in the future.
Increasing production capacity in China, Mexico, and the U.S.
The BMW Group started operations at its new engine plant in Shenyang, China in January 2016. In Mexico, the Group is building a new assembly plant in San Luis Potosi that is scheduled to begin production in 2019. The automaker has increased annual production capacity by 30% to 450,000 units at its Spartanburg plant in the U.S. to meet higher demand for X models.
Unit sales and profit before tax expected to increase slightly in 2016
The BMW Group’s global unit sales set a new record in 2015 for the sixth consecutive year. Its revenue, earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), profit before tax, and net income also marked record highs. In 2016 unit sales are expected to increase slightly, with models like the BMW 7 Series, X1, and Mini Clubman providing the driving force. Its profit before tax is anticipated to grow slightly. However, the U.K.’s vote to leave the EU in June 2016, as well as an economic downturn and political instability in some regions may affect the automaker’s business results in the future.
Related reports:
BMW provides same Driving Assistant Package on all models (Oct. 2015)
Mercedes-Benz: Steady growth driven by new E-Class, SUVs, and PHVs expected in 2016 (Apr. 2016)
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