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BMW Announces Plans to Increase Builds in China
German luxury car-maker BMW has announced its plans to double the number of models it builds in China over the coming years.
The expansion plans, which BMW say will mean six models being built in China rather than the current three, is a result of spiralling demand in the region.
Over the last five years, BMW has invested more than two billion euros in its Chinese plants, but currently only produces the 5 Series sedan, the 3 Series sedan and the X1.
Speaking about the announcement, BMW board member Friedrich Eichiner said: “We are strengthening our focus on meeting the needs and aspirations of our Chinese customers. This is why we are going to produce even more models specially tailored to the Chinese market. We are going to double our range of locally produced models in the future – from three to six.”
BMW also plans to extend its joint venture with Chinese automaker Brilliance China Automotive until 2028, the manufacturer revealed.
According to industry projections, the Chinese market for private cars is likely to grow by an annual average 8 per cent until 2020 when overall sales will reach 22 million vehicles.
BMW was founded in Germany in 1917.