German automaker, BMW, will soon reveal a new country-specific brand for its Chinese JV, BMW Brilliance Auto.
A recent BMW Brilliance hybrid launch Image: Autoblog.Gr |
Capitalising on government backing for alternative energy vehicles, the first China-specific model will be an electric vehicle jointly developed by BMW and its Chinese partner Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd.
While the two companies have been shy about revealing the name of the new brand, the EV is set to be based on the BMW 3 series and will house a powerful electric motor developed by Brilliance.
Producing EVs should help BMW gain the relevant permits to expand its current operations in China. The 50-50 partnership produces the BMW 3 series, 5 series and the X1 crossover in the Northern city of Shenyang. In the first six months of the year, BMW sold 139,367 units in China, up 27% year-on-year.