BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed the automaker’s strategy for the next several years during a speech today. The CEO outlined BMW’s plan to sell 1.8 million vehicles by 2012, a target that will be aided by the addition of several new models over the next five years — including a BMW X1 crossover, BMW Gran Turismo (based on the CS show car), a MINI SUV and two new Rolls-Royce models.
Production plans for BMW CS concept
Reithofer said BMW will go ahead with production of a car based closely on the popular CS concept shown at the Shanghai auto show earlier this year.
He referred to the car as a “four-dour Gran Turismo” based on the CS concept study. It’s not clear if BMW will revive the 8-Series badge as observers in the auto industry have speculated, or if another name will be used.
BMW X1
The chief executive also confirmed plans for a new crossover called the X1. “We would like to confirm the announcement of the BMW X1,” he said. “This model is going to complement the successful X family, together with the BMW Concept X6 presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show.”
The X1 is rumored to be based on the 1-Series, with vehicles like the Toyota Rav4 targeted.
Phantom coupe, sub-Phantom model
Reithofer confirmed plans to build a two-door coupe based on the Rolls-Royce Phantom.
In addition to the new coupe, the automaker will also introduce a vehicle slotted below the Phantom.
“We reevaluated and confirmed an additional Rolls-Royce model during our strategic review,” he said. “It will slot in below the Rolls-Royce Phantom in terms of both size and price.”
MINI SUV
The MINI brand will gain an SUV model, Mr. Reithofer said, confirming recent rumors.
“At MINI, we opted for a further model in the sports activity vehicle segment,” he said.
Past reports indicate the vehicle will arrive in showrooms for the 2010 model year. It’s not know how closely it will resemble the MINI Cooper.
Currency fluctuation
The document also stated that BMW will better monitor currency fluctuation and will increase production in areas that have a favorable exchange rate. The document outlined increasing production at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant to 240,000 vehicles annually by 2012 — a 100,000 unit increase over current capacity — as well as increasing its Mini plant in Oxford to to 260,000 units annually.
BMW is also planning to increase Chinese production from from 30,000 units to 44,000.
09/27, 11:35 AM
posted by:
Driven
“The document also stated that BMW will better monitor currency fluctuation and will increase production in areas that have a favorable exchange rate. The document outlined increasing production at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant…”
This is one positive thing from a falling dollar. The US can become the place other countries outsource their labor.
09/27, 11:51 AM
posted by:
///m
Not a Mini SUV!!!
09/27, 1:01 PM
posted by:
Commodore
AGREED WITH ///m!! I was just going to type EXACTLY what he said
09/27, 1:51 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
New plans: Ve Vill take över Die Vorld!
09/27, 2:16 PM
posted by:
Deanster
It’s amazing how organized these guys are. Just look at that plan of attack, and compare it with lowly Ford’s. What a discrepancy. They’re leagues and leagues apart…
09/27, 3:32 PM
posted by:
e46Ne90
I guess this progressive acitivity sedan is a new BMW v-series(minivan-crossover based off on 3series platform).? “efficient packaging and high levels of functionality” is a key words there…same reason why BMW call their x5 suv, a sav, sports activity vehicle. greattt another crossover!
09/27, 5:40 PM
posted by:
A4
oh those rolls royce models will certainly rack up the numbers… MINI SUV should be like the New Beetle Dune concept, if anything.
09/27, 6:16 PM
posted by:
LP640
lol Madcapp
09/27, 11:32 PM
posted by:
deutschetouring1337
In all honesty the Germans are behind the current wave of Hybrid technology, and not only that but cost efficient manufacturing which even Toyota beat the Germans in car manufacturering in Czech Republic and Slovakia. Even the germans are becoming more concerned about Co2 emissions. The Autobhan is hardly what it use to be with more and more traffic congestion similiar to LA,NY,Tx in alot of the bigger cities.
09/27, 11:44 PM
posted by:
Wickedated
BMW has recently trademarked the name M10. Rumor has it that BMW will offer a production version of the CS version called the M10. It’ll only come in M trim and it’ll top the range of the line up as an ultra-exclusive gran turismo machine. Again, only speculations, but this sounds believable to me.
09/28, 12:37 AM
posted by:
Brendino
A BMW targeting a RAV4?!?!?
I do hope that was LLN talking and not corporate.
09/29, 2:41 PM
posted by:
BLISS
I HOPE IT TURNS OUT PROGRESSIVE FOR BMW AG.
10/01, 12:48 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Saw a great BMW commercial Sunday night.
No matter how severely other manufactures inspect their used vehicles, the’ll never have this.
And it shows the BMW logo.
great!