BMW will invest EUR400 million ($564 million) to expand, equip and prepare the way for the yet special model. Apparently, the first model to wear a Megacity sub-brand badge will be the ActiveE, which will enter production in Leipzig in 2011.
“By producing the Megacity Vehicle in Germany the BMW Group is demonstrating a clear commitment to Germany as a high-tech location,” said Norbert Reithofer, BMW chairman of the board.
“With this vehicle we are revolutionizing automotive design and production, and offering our customers the first purpose-built electric vehicle for urban areas. This will be the world’s first volume-produced car with a passenger compartment made from lightweight CFRP, as less weight enables a longer range.”
It's likely the production version of the first Megacity will be a derivative of the powertrain found on the concept. The new synchronous electric motor which powers the concept develops 170 bhp and a maximum torque of 250 Nm, from a standstill.
Thanks to the partnership it signed with the SGL Group, MW will debut together with the Megacity vehicle a new range of materials, including the high-strength composite CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced plastic).
There are no more information available about the vehicle just yet, but it's likely more will be revealed soon. In essence, BMW took, through the Megacity and Vision announcements made today, an important step towards its future.
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