BMW to launch sub-brand to market its electric cars
Thu 06 August 2009
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BMW has announced that it has secured a supplier of lithium-ion batteries for its new urban electric vehicle called the Megacity and that the car will be launched under a new sub-brand. BMW's news comes shortly after the company said that it is to leave Formula 1 racing.
Business Green reported that Dr Norbert Reithofer, BMW's Chairman, said that the company's "project i" initiative would develop the new urban electric vehicle under a new sub-brand.
Promising that further details will be announced later this year, Reithofer said that the announcement shows BMW's commitment to the emerging electric vehicle sector. Business Green reported that he also said: "...the sustainable alignment of our company is also the driving force behind our decision to end our Formula 1 activities with the end of the 2009 season."
BMW has also announced an agreement with SB LiMotive, which is jointly owned by Samsung SDI and Bosch, for the supply of lithium-ion battery packs for its electric cars.
BMW is now preparing to launch its first electric version of the Mini, but the new sub-brand will represent the first model to be offered only as an electric version. The company is expected to announce full details of its plans at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
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