According to just-auto.com, citing Thai Industry Minister Chaiwuti Bannawat, BMW has been asking around to see what opportunities the country is willing to offer should it decide to build vehicles here.
Additionally, BMW will begin testing the MINI E in the region (Hong Kong included), as a means to prepare the way for the future Megacity electric vehicle.
The German carmaker will also increase the production at its Rayong plant, where it manufactures the 3, 5 and 7 Series, from 2,000 to 3,000 units a year.
So far, it has been confirmed that BMW's Megacity vehicle will be built at the Leipzig plant, while the carbon fibre clutches intended for the vehicle will be produced in Wackersdorf and processed to CFRP components for the new vehicle at BMW Plant Landshut.
Megacity, which by the looks of it will be marketed is Asia as well, will be built on a a carbon fiber and aluminum chassis. These body panels will be made of composite materials or carbon fiber, manufactured in the US, by BMW's joint venture with SGL Automotive.
The EV will be sold as a sub-brand of BMW. It features new synchronous electric motor, which develops 170 bhp and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. It will be capable a top speed of 90 mph (144 km/h) and will have a range of 124 miles (200 km).
The first glimpse at the Megacity vehicle may come in 2012, when BMW plans to display it at the London Olympics.
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