BMW 1-series destined for US

BMW’s new CEO, Norbert Reithofer, has confirmed that the small 1-series will be sold in the US but not in its current form. Unlike Europe, where premium hot-hatches are particularly popular, the US version will likely follow its larger 3-series sibling with the introduction of three distinctive shapes including a sedan, coupe and wagon.

Last year, a barely disguised BMW test mule was caught by spy photographers that resembled a 1-series but with a sedan-like trunk. Originally, the car was rumoured to carry 2-series badges, it now appears the car was a version of the 1-series that is destined for sale in North America. BMW’s sold in the US are already significantly cheaper than most other markets around the world, in many cases less than half price. The introduction of a new car priced even lower than the current 3-series will further dilute the BMW brand.