Member Article

BMW build hybrid engines in Birmingham

The Business Secretary had welcomed the decision by BMW to produce engines for its new plug-in hybrid sports car, in a move which underlines the UK’s growing competitive strength in the automotive industry.

In 2011 BMW announced plans to invest £500 million in modernising its UK plants, including the HAMs hall Birmingham plant and Mini factory in Oxford. The latest announcement will ensure that next generation automotive technology is produced in the UK.

Commenting on the announcement, Vince Cable said: “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.”

The investment of the £5.6 billion investment carmakers have made in the UK over the last two years, including Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan and Vauxhall.

Ian Robertson, the sales and marketing director for BMW, speaking at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) International Summit in London, said: “BMW manufacturing follows major sales markets, the UK is BMW Group’s fourth largest global market and as such, we will continue to invest in our operations the UK.

“CO2 legislation is set to have a massive effect on the automotive industry and BMW will build new three-cylinder engines for its all-new i8 hybrid sports car in the UK at Hams Hall.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .