Although automotive tariffs have been occupying the headlines for the last few weeks, we have yet to see what the major impact will be. In the meantime, BMW is pushing forward with its plans to produce the fully electric iX3 SUV in China.
BMW has announced that it’s building on its partnership with Brilliance Automotive Group Holdings to expand the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA). BBA is set to increase the capacity of its two production facilities Tiexi and Dadong in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, to produce 520,000 BMW vehicles in 2019. Starting in 2020, BBA will also build the electric BMW iX3 for export to markets outside of China.
“Today’s signing represents a new chapter in the success story of our BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture,” said Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “Our agreement sets a long-term framework for our future in China – a future involving continued investment, further growth and a clear commitment to the development and production of electric vehicles. The next chapter of our cooperation has the potential to go beyond our existing motto – in China, for China. The all-electric BMW iX3, produced by BBA from 2020, will find customers around the world,” elaborated Krüger.
BMW has only unveiled a concept version of the iX3, but the production version isn’t expected to look that different. Under the hood the iX3 is powered by a fully electric powertrain with 270 horsepower. It can also travel up to 249 miles on a single charge.
Source: BMW
