If we told you BMW was planning a new car with more carbon fiber than any previous model, you might assume we were talking about a new project out of the “M” division. But take a look at that headline again. Yes, that’s right — BMW has announced the Megacity microcar will make substantial use of the exotic material.
BMW says it will form a joint venture with SGL Group for the production of carbon fiber components. The deal will initially create around 180 new jobs in North America and Germany.
“This joint venture is designed to be a classic win-win situation. We are acquiring pioneering future technologies and raw materials that we need for our Megacity Vehicle on competitive terms. The SGL Group is moving into the automobile business with us as a strong partner,” BMW Chairman Norbert Reithofer said.
“With our concepts within project i, we are breaking new ground when it comes to vehicle architecture, lightweight design and the use of materials,” Reithofer continued.
Robert Koehler, CEO of the SGL Group, said the project represents the first time carbon fiber will be used “on an industrial scale in the automobile industry.”
BMW says carbon fiber will the “make up a significant proportion of the materials used” in construction of the Megacity vehicle, which is expected to hit the market within the next five years. The car is expected to be offered with the choice of either fully electric drive, or a high-efficiency combustion engine.
