BMW announces new green sub brand, i3, i8 set for 2013

James Raia

BMW has unveiled the sub-brand BMW i, which will feature two green vehicles expected in the marketplace by 2013.

The BMW i3, previously known as the Megacity Vehicle, will be the BMW Group’s first series-produced car for urban areas driven by electric power alone. The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid.

Both models are based on a construction concept known as LifeDrive architecture. An aluminium chassis houses the powertrain, and the passenger cell consists of high-strength but lightweight carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

Like the BMW i3, the BMW i8 will also be manufactured at BMW’s Leipzig, Germany, plant. An additional range of mobility services — which can also be used independently of the cars — will be an integral component of BMW i.

In addition to services developed in-house, the BMW Group is pursuing collaborations with partner companies and exploring strategic capital investments in providers of mobility services. It’s first partnership is with My City Way.

A New York-based company, My City Way is a mobile application that provides users with information on public transportation, parking availability, and local entertainment for over 40 cities in the US.

Article Last Updated: February 21, 2011.

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