Liu Zhi: BMW's new energy vehicles will account for 15%-25% of overall sales in 2025

By the end of this year, BMW will have more than 65,000 instant-charging piles in China, covering more than 60 cities, including first-tier, second-tier and third-tier cities, and gradually covering the rapidly growing fourth- and fifth-tier cities in the new energy market. Instant charging will cover 100% of the administrative areas in Beijing and Shanghai.

In China, BMW currently has a leading product lineup in China's luxury car market: 9 models in 5 cars, covering everything from compact cars to large luxury cars, from SUVs to supercars. In the first half of next year, the new BMW 5 Series plug-in hybrid will be launched, expanding the new energy lineup to six vehicle lines.

This week, at the BMW New Energy Vehicle Media Communication and Test Drive in Qingdao, Shandong Province, Dr. Liu Zhi, President of BMW (China) Automobile Trading Co., Ltd., accepted an interview with the Economic Daily·China Economic Network reporter. He specifically talked about BMW. The layout, models and future plans of new energy vehicles in the Chinese market have allowed the industry to once again feel the BMW brand's innovative ideas and confidence in leading the industry.

Dr. Zhi Liu, President of BMW (China) Automobile Trading Co., Ltd.

Q: According to reports, BMW currently has more than 70,000 charging piles in the world. By the end of this year, BMW will have more than 65,000 charging piles in China. The prospects for charging networks are promising. At the same time, the BMW electric car can charge 80% of the vehicle after charging for 3.8 hours. Is there any possibility to solve it in fast charging?

Liu Zhi: The infrastructure construction of new energy vehicles is a very proud part of BMW in China. In addition to the growth of electric car product layout and sales, the construction of charging infrastructure is also an active part of the development of electric vehicles in China and responding to government calls. The strong support has also contributed to the development of China's electric vehicles.

By the end of this year, BMW will have more than 65,000 instant-charging piles in China, covering more than 60 cities, including first-, second-, and third-tier cities, and gradually covering the rapidly growing fourth- and fifth-tier cities in the new energy market. Instant charging will cover 100% of the administrative areas in Beijing and Shanghai.

As for the charging time, using the BMW i3 as an example, the BMW i3 upgrade can be charged 80% in 3.8 hours, making it the fastest AC charger in the market. On the one hand, we will start with the popularization and convenience of charging piles. On the other hand, we will continue to improve the cruising range, reduce the anxiety of consumers, and enable consumers to find the charging piles more conveniently and quickly, thus further promoting the popularity of electric vehicles. .

Pure electric BMW i3 upgrade uses instant charging post charging

Q: According to the survey, the price of the BMW i3 in the near future has declined somewhat. This may be due to the upcoming IPO of the new i3 and various policy restrictions in Beijing. Will this affect the BMW i brand?

Liu Zhi: The terminal price of the BMW i3 is the result of "negotiation" between dealers and consumers. At the same time, related laws and regulations that have been issued also stipulate that manufacturers cannot interfere. However, as a luxury car brand, especially in electric vehicles, BMW aims to introduce high-performance products, reasonable pricing and convenient infrastructure services. First of all, we will let consumers feel that BMW i models are very wide, and each product is the most competitive car in the new energy car market, and the price is very high. At the same time, after purchasing the BMW i model, it is very convenient and efficient in charging. Through this series of combination punches, more consumers can be attracted to the BMW i family.

Q: A week ago, the new BMW i3 and i3s debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show are expected to be listed overseas in November. Please tell us about the characteristics of this car.

Liu Zhi: As a mid-term change of the BMW i3, we introduced the i3 and i3s models. BMW started the Project i project in 2007 and launched a production model in 2013. It is now the time for mid-term changes. As of July this year, the BMW i3 has achieved 83,000 sales worldwide as a compact pure electric luxury car, making it a very successful pure electric vehicle in the global luxury market. This mid-term change will have many changes in appearance and interior, providing users with more sporty design and optimised pure electric driving pleasure.

New BMW i3 and i3s

Q: During the Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW Group Director said that BMW will not seek new partners in China like other brands. So, for the Chinese government's forthcoming new energy credit policy, will BMW's existing product line be under pressure?

Liu Zhi: The Chinese government now has a number of regulations, such as the New Energy Credit Policy, which also encourages all manufacturers to accelerate the deployment and development of new energy sources. For BMW, our joint venture company, BMW Brilliance, has laid a solid foundation in the field of new energy vehicles. There are four new energy products available to the market and the new BMW 5 Series plug-in will be launched in the first half of next year. Hybrid vehicles have become pioneers in the localization of luxury brands, new energy vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

In addition, the BMW R&D center in Shenyang Tiexi plant will play a leading role in the R&D of new energy vehicles. This is the fourth R&D center in the world after Germany, the United States, and Japan. Next month, our high-voltage battery center in Shenyang will also officially start.

BMW will launch the new BMW 5 Series plug-in hybrid vehicle in the first half of next year

Q: What is BMW's future electric vehicle plan?

Liu Zhi: Globally, by 2025, BMW Group will expand to 25 new energy models, including 12 models of pure electric vehicles, while the other 13 models are plug-in hybrid models. It is estimated that by 2025, BMW Group's sales of new energy vehicles will account for 15%-25% of overall sales. Of course, there will be some changes to each market. In China, BMW currently has a leading product lineup in China's luxury car market: 9 models in 5 cars, covering everything from compact cars to large luxury cars, from SUVs to supercars. In the first half of next year, the new BMW 5 Series plug-in hybrid will be launched, expanding the new energy lineup to six vehicle lines. In terms of the layout of new energy products, the BMW Group already has a very good foundation.

With the rapid development of China's electric vehicle market, electric vehicles will also play a key role in the development of BMW Group in China, and it is also crucial to the global electric vehicle strategy.