Industry News
BMW steers away from hybrid powertrains - report
8th May 2007
Hybrid models will not be part of the BMW range for the foreseeable future, the company has revealed to journalists at www.headlineauto.co.uk, although the company is a partner with DaimlerChrysler and General Motors in the co-development of a hybrid system that GM will launch next year in two SUVs this year and in another in 2008.
Hybrid models will not be part of the BMW range for the foreseeable future, the company has revealed to journalists at the media site www.headlineauto.co.uk. Instead BMW will focus on what it calls ‘EfficientDynamics’, a package of technologies and energy management systems including Stop and Start and regenerative braking, which will be spread through BMW’s model range as it’s renewed.
Speaking about the facelifted 5-Series that went on sale last month, Jim O’Donnell, BMW UK’s managing director, explained: “Noticeable design improvements have been combined with EfficientDynamics to provide tangible performance benefits (up to 25% improvements in fuel economy).”
O’Donnell added: “We believe customers prefer the driving experience of an ultra-efficient internal combustion engine rather than a hybrid car, with all the associated weight of the battery and motors.”
To prove the point, he compared the new BMW 535d with a Lexus GS450h. “The BMW offers a better driving experience thanks, in part, to its 200kg weight advantage, lower emissions and superior fuel efficiency. And it’s all for nearly £5,000 less,” argued O’Donnell.
(Headline Auto, 4 May)
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