BMW is to bring the engine production of its new i8 plug-in hybrid car to the UK, the firm’s sales and marketing manager, Ian Robertson revealed this morning.
Speaking at today’s SMMT 2012 International Automotive Summit at Canary Wharf in London, Robertson announced that a new generation 3 cylinder petrol engine for use in the i8 hybird sports car will be produced exclusively at the carmaker’s engine plant at Hams Hall, near Birmingham.
Ian Robertson said: “Our Hams Hall engine plant, which last week celebrated production of the three-millionth engine since the plant was opened in February 2001, will make an important contribution to the future success of the new BMW i brand and the company’s strategy for achieving sustainable mobility. The new 3-cylinder petrol engines will enable our future BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car to set new standards for dynamic performance in combination with industry-leading fuel-efficiency and low carbon emission levels.”
Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “BMW’s decision to produce engines for their i8 plug-in hybrid sports car at Hams Hall is more good news for the UK automotive sector and underlines its growing competitive strength. It is yet another indication that international companies see the UK as one of the best places to develop and manufacture low emission vehicle technologies.”
BMW’s new i sub-brand which will denote its electric vehicles, is expected to launch in 2013 with the i3 supermini, the plug-in hybrid i8 is expected to follow in 2014.
The i8 will combine an electric drive system with a TwinPower Turbo engine to produce 349hp/300Nm. It is expected to offer acceleration of 0-62mph in under five seconds combined with the fuel consumption of around 78mpg Thanks to its plug-in hybrid drive, most daily journeys can be taken in zero-emission all-electric mode with an electric range of approximately 20 miles.
Faye has been writing about cars and environmental issues since 2007. A suspected eco-warrior working on the corporate inside, Faye mainly likes the weird, quirky vehicles that show a distinct environmental advantage. Her ideal car has enough room to fit a bale of hay in the boot. When not working, she likes nothing better than to head out on her bicycle and explore the countryside.
Faye Sunderland
June 12, 2012
Filed under: BMW
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