BMW i3 launched to European market
November 16 saw BMW's first series-produced electric vehicle officially hit the showrooms, with the first customers collecting the keys to their cars from BMW Welt in Munich a day earlier.
"Today marks a milestone in the history of the BMW Group, as we hand over our first BMW I premium electric vehicle to customers. In doing so, we are bringing sustainable mobility to the roads," said Ian Robertson during presentation of the keys.
"Innovative vehicles need innovative distribution channels. For this reason, the BMW I3 can now also be ordered over the phone and online. However, the most important role in distribution is still that of our retail partners. We are delighted to have 46 carefully chosen BMW i agents in Germany, who are investing in the future of BMW I with us," added Roland Kruger.
The I3 will be introduced thought the rest of Europe in the coming months, with 2014 launches scheduled for the US, Japan, China and Korea.
Australia received a pre-production I3 demonstrator at the start of October, but the size of our market, and poor sales for hybrid and electric vehicles in the past means local release of the I3 is unlikely.
BMW Group's I and the I3
BMW Group's first series-produced electric vehicle, the I3 represents a new type of sustainable mobility for urban areas. A unique vehicle architecture, using modern, lightweight materials, along with innovative and pioneering production processes, are hallmarks of the new model.
Claimed range for the all-electric I3 is 130 to 160 kilometres between charges, which can be done at home, work or public charging stations.
To ensure the new model succeeds where other electric cars have failed in the past, BMW Group will offer a comprehensive "360 ELECTRIC" product and service package for the BMW I3, including: a 'Wallbox Pure' for rapid home charging; extensive ConnectedDrive functions; a 'ChargeNow' card, which assures drivers unlimited access to public charging infrastructure on the go; and expansion of the public charging infrastructure.
