BMW Confirms 5-Series for China and 2012 1-Series

For the past few months, we’ve been hearing various rumors about BMW’s future plans, but today, the German automaker came out with official details at a press conference in Munich starting with the debut of a plug-in hybrid version of the China market 5-Series at next month’s Shanghai Auto Show. 
“A highlight at the Shanghai Motor Show in mid-April will be the presentation of our New Energy Vehicle, said BMW Chief Executive Dr. Norbert Reithofer. “This model will be our e-car from China for China – a long version of the BMW 5 Series as a plug-in hybrid. This car will benefit from the strength and the excellent reputation of the BMW brand.”
Reithofer confirmed the presentation of the production version of the MINI Coupe, first seen as a concept model at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and the second generation of the BMW 1 Series, both of which will be launched this year alongside the new M5 sports saloon and the 6-Series models. 

BMW also revealed plans to add a small displacement three-cylinder turbocharged engine to its range, though the Bavarian automaker did not get into any more details.
“We are gradually utilizing the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in all petrol and diesel engines within our new BMW EfficientDynamics motor range,” said Reithofer. “This innovative engine technology package is based on a modular strategy. This holds true for future 4- and 6-cylinder engines as well as for our anticipated 3-cylinder drive. This modular system will generate significant economies of scale. It will also facilitate the standardization of interfaces and processes.”
Finally, BMW said it will begin assembling the X3 in India alongside the 3-Series, 5-Series and X1 for the local market from the second quarter of the year, while the firm’s new Tiexi plant in China which is scheduled to start production in 2012 will produce among other models, the X1 crossover.

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