The German maker had not previously concerned itself with the regulations as much as will have to in the future: by 2012 BMW will be classed as a 'large vehicle manufacturer' and will therefore be required to offer at least one model that emits no carbon dioxide. BMW's Norbert Reithofer spoke with Auto Motor und Sport about the upcoming vehicle, hinting it could initially be an all-electric urban mini-car, "but we have asked ourselves if we should develop the basic concept for something other than an electric car." This last tidbit brings us full circle to BMW's investment in hydrogen power. But now we have an avenue between the present and the hydrogen-powered future that wasn't previously illuminated.
Because the infrastructure for a hydrogen-based transport system is still quite a long way off, a sort of cross-over platform, in the shape of a legally requisite all-electric vehicle could provide the bridge between petrol-electric hybrids and fuel-cell vehicles. In the process, BMW will have to decide whether it will manufacture the car alone or with a partner - perhaps some similarly positioned large vehicle manufacturer, reports the Turkish Press.
The news of the unsuccessful termination of long-standing and rather cloaked talks with Mercedes just this week likely signal that Daimler will not be working with BMW on the project. BMW boss Reithofer nevertheless remains hopeful for some kind of partner, saying "Our goal is a cooperation but if it does not work out, we will do it alone. We will make a decision this year."
Reports of BMW's work on an all-electric car have been surfacing quite often recently, as has talk of a new mini-car brand. Taken with this new information, it seems likely both will be coming, with the new all-electric being the pilot vehicle for the new brand, aimed at big cities. Audi is also in the process of building a production version of the A1 Metroproject originally shown in Tokyo last year, and BMW's rumored minicar has been tipped as a primary competitor.
Preview: 2010 Audi A1 five-door and cabrio
Audi A1 Metroproject
Reader Comments
Tue Mar 11 2008 3:32 PM
chris says
Id LOVE to see an all electric mini.
for anyone who thinks this is a bad idea, for BMW to start up an alternative small car brand, consider it like this: it wouldnt require much investment as they already have the mini brand. if ford can share platforms with volvo and mazda, and chevy can make a volt while saab makes a 1-X... BMW can take the next gen Mini, or even the current mini platform and just strap some batteries to it. now you've got a whole new brand and a whole new image in John Q Public's eye.
Wed Mar 12 2008 12:51 PM
danny says
Hmmm. BMW are denying any reports of an all electric here in the UK. Will be watching this one closely.
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