Munich. The BMW Group is expanding its footprint in
China. In the presence of China’s Prime Minister Li Keqiang and
Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel, the BMW Group and its partner
Brilliance Automotive Group Holdings signed a long-term framework
agreement to further expand their joint venture BMW Brilliance
Automotive (BBA). BBA is increasing the capacity of its two local
production facilities Tiexi and Dadong in Shenyang, Liaoning Province,
to a total of 520,000 BMW brand vehicles in 2019. Furthermore, the
all-electric BMW iX3 produced by BBA is planned 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.
Around 560,000 BMW brand vehicles were delivered to customers in
China in 2017 – more than in the next two largest markets, the US and
Germany, combined. Two-thirds of all BMW vehicles sold in China were
produced by BBA last year. Local production of the new BMW X3 in China
started in May as scheduled and the ramp-up in the second half of the
year is expected to further accelerate growth in the world’s largest
automotive market. The BMW X3 is the sixth BMW model localized in China.
“BBA is our cornerstone for the BMW brand’s sustained success in its
largest market,” said Nicolas Peter, Member of the Board of Management
of BMW AG responsible for Finance. “This year marks our joint
venture’s 15th anniversary. The tremendous growth we have
achieved over these years is only possible due to our strong and
reliable partnership with Brilliance. Together we have set the
foundation for future growth.”
“BMW Brilliance Automotive is a unique success story and stands out
as an example of trusted partnership,” said Yumin Qi, Chairman,
Brilliance Automotive Group Holdings. “This joint success is also
driving the economic development of Liaoning province, adding jobs and
prosperity to thousands of our associates in the region.”
In addition to the two automobile production locations, BBA also runs
an engine plant, which includes a battery factory for the electrified
BMW brand vehicles produced locally in Shenyang. This is the first
battery factory operated by a premium automobile manufacturer in
China. Local production of the BMW iX3, the first all-electric core
model of the BMW brand, will start in 2020 in Shenyang. The BMW iX3 is
also intended for export to markets outside of China.
Today BBA already employs over 800 professionals in its RD
facilities, three-quarters of whom are Chinese. In total, BBA employs
more than 16,800 associates. Since 2009, BMW Brilliance Automotive has
invested more than 52 billion RMB in its plants in Shenyang. The 2
millionth BMW produced in China rolled off the production line in
January 2018.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Corporate Communications
Max-Morten Borgmann, Business and Finance Communications
Telephone: +49 89 382-24118, Fax: +49 89 382-24418
max-morten.borgmann@bmwgroup.com
Glenn Schmidt, Head of Business and Finance Communications
Telephone: +49 89 382-24544, Fax: +49 89 382-24418
glenn.schmidt@bmwgroup.com
Media website: www.press.bmw.de
Email: presse@bmw.de
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW
Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and
motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services.
The BMW Group production network comprises 30 production and assembly
facilities in 14 countries; the company has a global sales network in
more than 140 countries.
In 2017, the BMW Group sold over 2,463,500 passenger vehicles and
more than 164,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the
financial year 2017 was € 10.655 billion on revenues amounting to
€ 98.678 billion. As of 31 December 2017, the BMW Group had a
workforce of 129,932 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term
thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established
ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain,
comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to
conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
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