Photo: BMW
It’s a known fact that if you want a BMW i8 you’d better be a patient person. The thing is, the Germans decided to keep the production rather limited to make sure the car keeps its desirability. However, not even them expected it to be so popular and for waiting lists to grow so much. In a recent interview at the 2014 LA Auto Show, we caught wind of a possible change of pace.
Speaking with Automotive News, BMW’s sales and marketing chief, Ian Robertson said that the company is looking into the problem and a possible hike in production might happen soon.
"We need to find ways to increase i8 production because the waiting lists in some markets are getting too long,” Robertson told Automotive News Europe at the auto show on Wednesday. He added that around six months should be enough for a premium on-demand built car.
At the moment, the $136,000 sports car is being sold in impressive number for its segment and niche. The waiting list is as long as 18 months and that’s simply unacceptable, not only for the customers but for the company as well as that might make some potential buyers look elsewhere.
The problem right now is that external factors seems to be raining on BMW’s parade as well. The recent typhoon in Asia is slowing down the production of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer, the material that makes up half the car. Making it needs carbon fiber that is sourced mainly from Japan. With the rough seas we’re facing right now, supply to the Moses Lake in the US where CFRP is made was slowed down noticeably.
The same problem affects other cars as well as the i3 is using the same material. Right now, the i3 production is a little better than for the i8 but the waiting list is still around four to five months which is still under par.
"We need to find ways to increase i8 production because the waiting lists in some markets are getting too long,” Robertson told Automotive News Europe at the auto show on Wednesday. He added that around six months should be enough for a premium on-demand built car.
At the moment, the $136,000 sports car is being sold in impressive number for its segment and niche. The waiting list is as long as 18 months and that’s simply unacceptable, not only for the customers but for the company as well as that might make some potential buyers look elsewhere.
The problem right now is that external factors seems to be raining on BMW’s parade as well. The recent typhoon in Asia is slowing down the production of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer, the material that makes up half the car. Making it needs carbon fiber that is sourced mainly from Japan. With the rough seas we’re facing right now, supply to the Moses Lake in the US where CFRP is made was slowed down noticeably.
The same problem affects other cars as well as the i3 is using the same material. Right now, the i3 production is a little better than for the i8 but the waiting list is still around four to five months which is still under par.
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