Norbert Reithofer is BMW’s Chief Executive Officer who told consumers this week that they had decided to stop production for the larger sport-ute range of cars. This range includes the X6, X5, and X3 crossovers. He said that they had made this decision based upon the economic problems that the U.S. and Europe are facing and because sales for SUV’s have dropped to an all time low.
BMW stated last week that they will be starting production of the new X1 at the Leipzig facility. This week they have stated that the X1 concept will be revealed during the Paris Motor Show in September. The concept will be close to what the production version will look like.
The new model will be built off the 1-series platform (a shortened 3-series) and according to an unnamed source quoted by Automotive News, “will use the two highest spec gasoline and the two highest spec diesel engines from the 1-series.”
BMW will be obtaining the eight-speed automatic transmissions from ZF Friedrichshafen a German supplier that they often deal with. BMW has plans to debut the new transmission in the X6 Sport Activity Vehicle and 7-Series sedan.
The current BMW 7-Series both use six-speed automatics. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class utilizes a seven-speed automatic of their own design, while Lexus debuted their eight-speed transmission in the LS 460. Increasing the number of forward gears offers advantages in smoothness, acceleration, and improves fuel efficiency. Lower fuel consumption equates to reduced emissions, helping the powerful models meet increasingly stringent air quality standards in Europe and the United States.
By using a hologram technology made by viZoo, a Dutch advertising company, BMW is marketing the X6 a new BMW as an entirely new class of car. BMW is using the hologram to catch the market in a new and exciting way. The system uses a 10ft long light controlled area. The system will show a three dimensional interactive image of the X6. The system is controlled by a touch screen, which can be used to see a variety of the X6’s angles, see the interior and get the vehicle’s stats. BMW has yet to any footage of the X6 hologram.
The 2008 Geneva Auto Show is always an exciting time and we are excited to see what BMW has in store for us this year. We were given a slight preview into one of the top concept cars that they would be showing off – the X5 Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. This new twin turbo, 2.0 liter four cylinder diesel engine has the ability to be mated with a hybrid motor.
BMW has decided that its Spartanburg, SC plant will be taking on some additional duties when the new X3 is produced in the next few years. The plant, which currently builds the X5 and Z4 roadsters, will also be building the upcoming X6 CUV.
Considering the plant has been somewhat underutilized, only rolling out 105,000 vehicles in 2006, when its capable of producing 200k units, seems like a good fit, especially since the move would negate the serious currency fluctuations that are plaguing other automakers.
The BMW X3 had a great first year and its second year was even better. For 2005 the X3 was given a few upgrades and a slight increase in the price, which was to be espected. The drivetrain on the X3 was given the xDrive all-wheel-drive-system and Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Descent Control, which is designed to give it a tenacious grip and secure control in less conditions that are not usually suitable for driving. BMW’s near-luxury sport-utility is available with two versions of the company’s proven six-cylinder engine.