BMW Group in the U.S. Survey Finds Americans Want More EV Range Than They Need Day to Day

73% say 75 miles or less would cover their daily driving routine, while 42% want at least 300 miles before considering an EV

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - October 8, 2026 - A new nationally representative 2026 BMW Group U.S. survey of consumer attitudes toward electric vehicles finds electric vehicles are becoming part of the mainstream consideration set for American consumers, even as shoppers become more specific about what an EV must deliver. The findings reveal a gap between the range consumers say they need for their daily driving routine and the range they want before considering an EV, alongside growing interest in faster charging and new ways electric vehicles could fit into everyday life.

Sixty-eight percent of Americans say they would consider an EV, with respondents citing lower ownership and operating costs (27%), better performance or driving characteristics (19%), newer or more advanced technology (19%) and environmental benefits (19%) among the reasons. That broad consideration comes with a clear shift in perception: just 56% of Americans now view EV buyers as “early adopters,” down six points from 62% in 2025, suggesting the early-adopter label is beginning to fade.

The findings suggest that, for many consumers, the EV conversation is shifting from whether they would consider electric mobility toward the features, value and ownership experience they expect from it.

The Range Gap: What Consumers Want vs. What They Need Day to Day

Range remains important to consumers. Seventy-two percent say minimum driving range would be a deciding factor when considering an EV, and 42% say they would want 300 or more miles of range, including 18% who want 400+ miles.

Yet when asked how much range would be enough to get through their daily driving routine, 73% selected just 25, 50 or 75 miles. The company believes that gap points to an important evolution in the traditional range-anxiety conversation: consumers place significant value on total vehicle range even though their everyday driving needs are well within the capabilities of today’s electric vehicles.

Faster charging could help narrow that gap. Fifty-three percent say an EV capable of adding approximately 150 miles of driving range during a 10-minute fast-charging stop would make them more likely to consider an EV. The appeal is strongest among younger consumers. Seventy percent of Gen Z, 65% of Millennials and 52% of Gen X say that capability would increase their consideration, compared with 30% of Baby Boomers. This suggests fast charging may be one of the most powerful levers for reaching younger buyers.

Consumer expectations for charging time are also changing. Fifty-five percent now say 30 minutes or less is an acceptable charging time, up from 48% in 2025, while 76% say one hour or less is acceptable, up from 71% last year.

BMW’s latest electric technology is already moving beyond those expectations. For example, the new BMW iX3 can add an estimated 185 miles of range in just 10 minutes at an 800V DC fast-charging station.

Cost Matters — Both at Purchase and Over Time

Value remains an important part of the EV consideration equation.

Lower ownership or operating costs are the most commonly cited EV-specific reason for consideration, at 27%. At the same time, vehicle purchase price remains the largest barrier to EV ownership, cited by 51%, followed by concerns about battery longevity or replacement cost (31%), charging time (26%), driving range (24%), public charging availability (24%) and access to convenient home charging (23%).

Cost savings could also broaden interest in the secondary market, with 55% saying they would consider a certified pre-owned or used EV if it provided sufficient savings.

Consumers See New Uses for Electric Vehicles

The survey also explored how new capabilities could change consumers' perception of what an electric vehicle can do.

Fifty-seven percent say they would be more likely to consider an EV if it could provide backup electricity to their home during a power outage. The new BMW iX3 introduces extensive bidirectional charging capabilities, including Vehicle-to-Home functionality, allowing the vehicle's high-voltage battery to serve as an energy source when paired with the appropriate home-charging equipment.

Charging time could also become “me time.” During a hypothetical 20- to 30-minute public charging stop, respondents most commonly said they would call or text friends and family (43%), grab coffee or eat (41%), relax or read (36%), stream entertainment or play a game (29%), run an errand (26%) or walk or exercise (25%).

Other Key Findings Include:

1. EV Opinions Continue to Shift: 45% say their opinion of EVs has changed over the past year, compared with 38% in 2025. Thirty-four percent report a more positive opinion, while 11% report a more negative one.
2. Performance Perceptions Skew Younger: 38% of Americans believe EVs accelerate faster than a comparable gas-powered vehicle, a view held by nearly half of Millennials (49%) and Gen Z (47%), compared to a third of Gen X (33%) and a quarter of Boomers (25%).
3. Charging Awareness Still Has Room to Grow: Just 47% say they know where the nearest public charging station is located near their home or work, unchanged from 2025.
4. A Gender Gap in Range and Performance Views: Men are considerably more likely than women to say range would be a deciding factor (80% vs. 64%) and to prefer 300+ miles of range (50% vs. 35%); men are also more likely to believe EVs accelerate faster than a comparable gas-powered vehicle (52% vs. 25%).

BMW and MINI Address Consumer Needs

“As range and charging capability continue to advance, we're seeing consumers evaluate EVs the same way they'd evaluate any other vehicle: on performance, features and value, not on outdated assumptions about range,” said Alexander Schleicher, Head of E-Mobility, BMW Group North America. “That's true across our portfolio, from the sixth-generation battery technology and up to 435 EPA estimated miles of range in the all-electric BMW iX5 - the first fully electric BMW assembled in the United States - to the everyday practicality of electric MINI. This survey confirms what we're hearing directly from customers: EVs are mainstream now, and the brands that win deliver real range, fast charging and the driving experience people expect.”

BMW Group Commitment to Electrified Mobility in the U.S.

BMW Group’s global technology-open approach is designed to meet customers where they are, offering a broad range of highly efficient combustion, plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles. At the same time, the company continues to invest in the products, technology, U.S. manufacturing and charging infrastructure that support customers who choose electric mobility.

• Expanding Lineup: BMW's U.S. electrified lineup has grown to include the BMW i4, i5 and i7, alongside the newly arrived BMW iX3, and plug-in hybrid electric models including the X5 xDrive50e, 5 Series (550e), 7 Series (750e), M5 Sedan and Touring, and XM. Upcoming models include the battery-electric BMW i3 sedan and iX4 sport utility coupe. Consumers can explore BMW’s all-electric vehicles and find additional resources on charging, range, technology, performance and electric-vehicle ownership at BMWUSA.com.
• U.S. Manufacturing: Production of the fifth-generation BMW X5 began in August 2026 at Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina, and the all-electric BMW iX5 — the first fully electric BMW ever assembled in the United States — is set to begin rolling off the assembly line before the end of 2026, offering up to 435 EPA estimated miles of range on BMW Group's sixth-generation battery technology. This follows the completion of BMW's latest $1.7 billion investment in South Carolina, which expanded Plant Spartanburg and built the new Plant Woodruff to supply locally made high-voltage batteries. By 2030, BMW Group will assemble at least six fully electric models in the U.S.
• Charging and Energy Ecosystem: BMW and MINI continue to invest in charging infrastructure and energy solutions in the U.S. through IONNA, a joint venture with seven other automakers building one of North America's largest high-powered charging networks with more than 180 sites hosting more than 1,600 charging bays after only two years in service, recently winning a JD Power Award for top-ranked DC fast-charging network. The company also has invested in Plug & Charge, which simplifies the charging experience; and ChargeScape, a collaborative effort to help manage the flow of energy between EVs and the power grid. Taken together, through these efforts and other partnerships, BMW and MINI drivers of electric vehicles now have access to a network of nearly 200,000 charging stations across the U.S.

Survey Methodology

This online survey was conducted by Big Village from September 11–13, 2026, among a sample of 1,005 U.S. adults 18 years of age and older and weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population. Year-over-year comparisons are to a survey conducted May 7–9, 2025, among 1,007 U.S. adults. Portions of this survey were previously conducted in2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

BMW Group in the United States

BMW Group began operations in the U.S. over 50 years ago. In addition to the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles, BMW Group’s business in the U.S. spans 30 locations in 12 states including BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Manufacturing, Designworks, BMW Technology Office USA, and BMW i Ventures. The company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina is the largest single BMW production facility in the world and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented by a nationwide network of 359 BMW retailers, 139 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. Taken together, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. provide and support over 120,000 jobs and contribute more than $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

For more information about BMW Group’s business and products in the U.S., please visit: PressClub USA.

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• BMW i Ventures joins CodeRabbit’s $143 million Series C financing round, which values the company at $1.5 billion.
• The investment builds on a two-year collaboration between BMW and CodeRabbit, whose AI-powered review platform supports more than 1,000 BMW software developers worldwide.

Mountain View, CA – August 12, 2026… BMW i Ventures, the independent venture capital fund of the BMW Group, has invested in CodeRabbit as part of the company’s $143 million Series C financing round. The round was co-led by Atomico and Smash Capital and values CodeRabbit at $1.5 billion.

CodeRabbit reviews proposed code changes before they are approved and released. The platform identifies potential quality, security and reliability issues while taking into account the context of the existing software, relevant requirements and test results. Its review is independent of whether the code was created by a human developer or an AI model. This helps teams assess changes safely and decide what is ready to be released.

As AI tools generate more code, software teams need effective ways to assess and manage those changes at scale. CodeRabbit reviews proposed changes in the context of the wider code repository, related tickets, project history, company-specific standards and isolated test results. This helps teams identify errors, security issues and other risks earlier, while allowing developers to focus on understanding the change and deciding what should ship.

CodeRabbit will use the new funding to expand internationally and invest in research and product development, including its work on Agentic Change Management, a system designed to help software teams review, prioritize, understand and monitor changes made by people and AI agents.

“The digital ambitions of automotive companies depend on highly efficient engineering teams and consistently reliable software. CodeRabbit has become a key technology in helping developers improve code quality and work more effectively,” said Kasper Sage, Managing Partner at BMW i Ventures. “Our investment demonstrates our belief in the company’s technology and its long-term potential to be the category leader.”

CodeRabbit supports more than 1,000 BMW software developers.

BMW and CodeRabbit have worked together for more than two years to develop and deploy an AI-powered solution for source-code review.

“For more than two years, we have partnered with CodeRabbit to develop and successfully deploy an innovative AI solution for source-code review. Today, the CodeRabbit AI agent supports more than 1,000 BMW software developers worldwide in developing and ensuring the quality of our vehicle software. This significantly accelerates automotive software development. By reducing the time and effort required for code reviews, the solution also gives our teams more time to focus on developing new and innovative software features for our customers,” said Georg Baetz, Head of Electrical and Electronic Integration and Validation Driving Experience at BMW Group.

CodeRabbit expands in Europe.

CodeRabbit has recently opened an office in Moorgate, London and has 50 full-time employees across London and the European Union. The company plans to expand its European presence further while also entering Japan and other key Asian markets.

CodeRabbit’s revenue has grown more than 5x year over year. The company now conducts more than two million code reviews each week and is depended on by more than 17,000 customers and open-source projects worldwide.

CodeRabbit has also expanded its team across Europe, including six employees in Germany, to support regional customers such as BMW and Trivago. It is seeing strong interest from prominent companies in the DACH region. The region’s focus on engineering quality and reliability makes it an important market for CodeRabbit.

From AI code review to Agentic Change Management.

With the new financing round, CodeRabbit is expanding its platform beyond code reviews through its approach to Agentic Change Management. The system is designed to help teams govern software

changes created by developers and AI agents. It places each change in the context of the wider software project, the company’s quality and security standards, existing tests and other knowledge from the development team.

If potential issues are identified, coding agents can automatically attempt to address them and trigger a new review. The final decision remains with a human reviewer. This allows developers to spend more time understanding the impact of a change and deciding what should ultimately be released.

An independent review layer can be particularly useful for large and regulated software organisations. It combines a company’s own standards with information about the wider software project and the governance, security, compliance and audit requirements needed to release software reliably at scale.

“Code changes now originate across the software organisation, including from developers, non-technical personnel, coding agents, issue trackers, support systems and production alerts. Every change creates a decision for the team,” said Harjot Gill, co-founder and CEO of CodeRabbit. “We pioneered AI code review to give teams an independent system that validates the work before it ships. Agentic Change Management expands that layer to determine what deserves attention, explain each change’s impact and continue monitoring the codebase after it ships.”

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About BMW i Ventures   

BMW i Ventures is the independent venture capital fund of BMW Group, based in Silicon Valley and Munich. BMW i Ventures invests in companies shaping the future of automotive, manufacturing and the supply chain, with a focus on physical AI, agentic AI, AI-native enterprise software and industrial software.

The firm invests in start-ups at all stages across North America and Europe, from seed to growth, with an emphasis on Series A and B. Since 2011, BMW i Ventures has invested in more than 90 companies, including GaN Systems, Kodiak, ChargePoint, Xometry, Skylo, Embotech, Tekion, Rive and Synera. The firm has $1.1 billion in assets under management. For more information, visit www.bmwiventures.com

About CodeRabbit

Headquartered in San Francisco, CodeRabbit pioneered independent AI code review and has expanded that layer into Agentic Change Management, the control plane for agentic software development. The platform reviews pull requests for quality, security, and reliability, whether changes originate with people, coding agents, or connected systems. CodeRabbit also prioritizes incoming work, explains the impact of each change, and continuously monitors production code for vulnerabilities and maintainability risks.

More than 150,000 open source projects and 17,000 customers worldwide trust CodeRabbit to improve their code, including Adyen, BMW, Indeed, JFrog, NVIDIA and trivago, For more information, visitwww.coderabbit.ai.

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GREENVILLE, S.C. — Clemson University has unveiled Deep Orange 17, a solar-integrated, energy-positive electric vehicle prototype designed to generate more energy than it consumes during a typical day of urban commuting. Developed in collaboration with BMW’s research and development team, the prototype integrates solar technology, lightweight engineering and intelligent vehicle controls to demonstrate that energy-positive mobility is possible.
Deep Orange 17 is the latest concept vehicle developed through Clemson's acclaimed Deep Orange program, where graduate automotive engineering students design, engineer and build a fully functional prototype alongside industry partners.

Rethinking Vehicle Efficiency

In the fall of 2024, BMW challenged the graduate students of Deep Orange 17 to rethink one of the industry's biggest questions: Could a vehicle generate more energy than it consumes during everyday driving?

Rather than optimizing solely for standardized driving cycles, the team focused on how people actually use their vehicles every day. Passenger vehicles spend most of their time parked, creating opportunities to harvest solar energy throughout the day. Students also designed the vehicle to capture solar energy while driving, allowing sunlight to become a continuous source of energy generation during everyday use.

The result is Deep Orange 17, a lightweight, solar-integrated coupe designed to generate more energy than it consumes during a typical day of urban commuting. Designed around drivers who value ease of driving, energy efficiency and reduced dependence on charging infrastructure, the vehicle represents a new approach to sustainable mobility.

“This is a project we've wanted to pursue for years, so it's incredibly rewarding to see this group of students come together over the last two years, overcome so many technical challenges and constraints, and bring an energy-positive vehicle to life,” said Stephan Augustin, Project Manager of Research and New Technologies at BMW.

Harnessing Solar Energy

At the heart of Deep Orange 17 is a fully integrated solar energy system. Rather than serving as an auxiliary feature, solar power is a core part of the vehicle's propulsion strategy.

More than 1,700 photovoltaic cells are integrated directly into the vehicle's exterior surfaces, allowing the body itself to harvest energy while both parked and in motion. The system continuously replenishes the vehicle's energy storage using sunlight, helping offset energy consumed during daily driving.

Developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, the solar panels use an innovative construction that continues generating power even when portions of the panels are shaded. They are protected by a durable outer film featuring a distinctive color created through an advanced laser manufacturing process.

To evaluate real-world performance, students modeled environmental conditions and sunlight availability in Greenville, South Carolina; Frankfurt, Germany; Madrid, Spain; and Mumbai, India. Assuming a daily commute of 12 miles (20 kilometers), the vehicle generated enough surplus solar energy to provide an average of 31 miles (50 kilometers) of additional driving range across all four locations.

Engineered for Efficiency

Generating more energy than the vehicle consumes required more than solar panels alone. Students approached every aspect of the vehicle with efficiency in mind, from aerodynamics and lightweight construction to power electronics and drivetrain controls.

Weighing just 1,212 pounds (550 kilograms) Deep Orange 17 is approximately one-fourth the weight of many similarly sized production vehicles. Its multi-material chassis combines structural steel for passenger safety with aluminum components, carbon fiber structural members and 3D-printed metal joints to maximize strength while minimizing mass.

The vehicle's exterior draws inspiration from the aerodynamic characteristics of the boxfish, whose streamlined body naturally reduces drag while maintaining interior volume. That biomimetic approach, paired with retro-modern styling, helped students create a vehicle that is both visually distinctive and highly efficient.

Additional technologies, including regenerative braking, intelligent torque distribution and optimized drivetrain controls, work together to maximize energy recovery and improve overall vehicle performance.

“This was an incredibly challenging project—not only to create a working energy-positive prototype, but to demonstrate how a vehicle can become increasingly energy independent through solar integration,” said Harsh Manghnani, Deep Orange team member and solar integration lead. “Seeing our initial research and design validated in a working prototype has been incredibly rewarding.”

Performance Meets Design

BMW challenged the Deep Orange team to prove that efficiency doesn't have to come at the expense of emotional design.
The result is a two-door coupe inspired by BMW's design heritage while embracing a distinctly modern identity. The model name Luminetta reflects both the vehicle's solar-powered capability and its retro-modern design heritage.

Inside, the vehicle features a custom human-machine interface that provides real-time vehicle telemetry alongside familiar technologies including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, creating a connected driving experience that balances innovation with everyday usability.

Developing the Next Generation of Automotive Leaders

While Deep Orange 17 showcases a new approach to sustainable mobility, it also demonstrates the educational model that has made Clemson's Deep Orange program a leader in experiential engineering education.

Unlike traditional engineering projects, Deep Orange immerses graduate students in the complete vehicle development process. Students conduct market research, define customer needs, develop vehicle concepts, engineer major systems, manufacture components and validate performance, all while working alongside industry engineers and managing real-world budgets, schedules and technical constraints.

The result is a holistic, end-to-end vehicle development experience that integrates powertrain engineering, vehicle controls, manufacturing, body design, software and emerging technologies into a single collaborative project.

“It’s rare for a master’s student to have the opportunity to experience the complete process of developing a prototype vehicle,” said Anshul Karn, Deep Orange Project Manager. “Many engineering programs include courses in areas like digital modeling or marketing, but very few give students the opportunity to begin with a vision, work through the entire development process and ultimately deliver a fully functioning prototype. That experience is what makes Deep Orange so unique.”

The 16 students who developed Deep Orange 17 will graduate on Aug. 7 with Master of Science degrees in Automotive Engineering, but Deep Orange Program Director Dr. Greg Mocko believes they'll enter the workforce with far more than a diploma.

“I think once the project is complete and the students have had some time to reflect, they’ll truly appreciate what they’ve accomplished and how much they’ve grown—not only as engineers, but also as individuals and as a team over the past two years,” said Mocko.

Research on the prototype will continue at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville, South Carolina, where the vehicle will serve as a platform for continued innovation in sustainable mobility. Deep Orange 17 is also scheduled to be featured at the 2027 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Additional information about Deep Orange 17 is available here.

About Deep Orange

Deep Orange is a vehicle prototyping program in Clemson University’s Department of Automotive Engineering that immerses graduate students in the world of an automotive manufacturer or supplier. Working collaboratively, students, multidisciplinary faculty, and participating industry partners design, engineer and build a new vehicle prototype each year. View additional information about the program and the previous concept vehicles here.

BMW and Clemson University Collaboration

Clemson University’s partnership with BMW spans more than two decades. BMW was a founding partner of the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in 2007, helping to establish Clemson’s Department of Automotive Engineering and the world’s first PhD program in automotive engineering. Since then, BMW has remained a longstanding supporter of the Deep Orange program, serving as the primary sponsor for five projects, including Deep Orange 17. Earlier collaborations include concepts focused on Gen-Y mobility (DO1), human-machine interface innovation (DO2), a next-generation SUV design (DO4), and a reimagined MINI experience (DO7). Beyond Deep Orange, BMW has invested in student scholarship and fellowships, collaborated on numerous research initiatives and established its Information Technology Research Center on the CU-ICAR campus in Greenville, SC.

Woodruff, South Carolina – July 20, 2026… In December, the new BMW Group Plant Woodruff will begin series production of high-voltage batteries for the new fully-electric BMW iX5. As part of the vehicle’s world premiere, the company offered a first glimpse of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. With AI-supported production processes, digital twins and virtual reality applications, the new plant is setting industry standards for the assembly of high-voltage batteries.

Site strengthens electromobility in the US and footprint in South Carolina.

“Plant Woodruff plays a key role in the ramp-up of electromobility in the US,” said Raymond Wittman, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production. “With our Gen6 high-voltage battery, we’re not only taking a major technological leap – we are also setting new standards in production. In Woodruff, we are combining cutting-edge processes, artificial intelligence and the expertise of our employees to create a production facility designed for the highest quality.”

“With Plant Woodruff, we are further expanding our footprint in South Carolina and strengthening the close integration of battery and vehicle production,” said Robert Engelhorn, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC. “This creates the ideal foundation for the next generation of fully electric BMW X models assembled at Plant Spartanburg.”

Intelligent production for maximum quality.

The BMW Group has established state-of-the-art, intelligent and efficient production processes for its in-house developed sixth-generation (Gen6) high-voltage battery. The new cylindrical cells are integrated directly into the high-voltage battery, based on the “cell-to-pack” principle. All production steps are continuously monitored inline and comprehensively documented in real time. In-house developed AI assistants and agents analyze this data and, together with more than 300 employees and 250 robots at Plant Woodruff, ensure the zero-defect battery production. At the same time, the extensive use of artificial intelligence enhances Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) in production. Well before commissioning, digital twins of production and virtual reality applications support planning and employee training.

Training in a virtual factory.

All production staff at Plant Woodruff complete a VR training program developed on site. Within a virtual factory, they can practice real manufacturing operations under realistic conditions. This virtual environment replicates the plant’s production lines in meticulous detail, requiring only a set of VR goggles and a PC. The training helps employees develop an understanding of relevant processes and builds confidence in operating the equipment before using the actual manufacturing systems for the first time.

Just three years from start of construction to series production.

Following the official groundbreaking in June 2023, construction of the new plant began in September 2023. In September 2024, while construction was still under way, installation of the manufacturing equipment commenced. Preparations for production started in summer 2025, and the first test and pre-series batteries have been rolling off the assembly line since then. The series launch is scheduled for December 2026. “Plant Woodruff demonstrates how quickly we can scale a new battery concept to industrial production,” said Rich Everly, Vice President of Production at BMW Group Plant Woodruff. “The key factor is the synergy between a skilled and dedicated team and the continuous exchange of experience within the production network.”

Gen6 battery cells with reduced carbon footprint.

The Gen6 battery cells used in the BMW iX5’s high-voltage battery include a high proportion of secondary materials in the cobalt, lithium and nickel content. Renewable energy is also used in the production of anode and cathode materials, as well as in cell manufacturing. Compared with the Gen5 cell used in the BMW iX, CO₂e emissions have been reduced by around 28 percent per watt-hour. Plant Woodruff does not use any fossil fuels during normal operations, while the site’s industrial trucks are powered by hydrogen.

Global production strategy: local for local.

Installation of the Gen6 high-voltage batteries takes place at five new production facilities, which the BMW Group is building close to its vehicle plants, in line with its “local for local” principle. In addition to Woodruff, state-of-the-art high-voltage battery assembly plants are also being built in Irlbach-Straßkirchen (Lower Bavaria), Shenyang (China) and San Luis Potosí (Mexico). The latest generation of high-voltage batteries has been in series production in Debrecen, Hungary, since October 2025. This “local for local” approach strengthens regional infrastructure and existing facilities and helps secure jobs. The global production network for high-voltage batteries benefits from close collaboration between the German pilot plants and series production facilities worldwide.

How the BMW Group assembles its Gen6 high-voltage batteries.

The BMW Group sources battery cells for its high-voltage batteries from leading cell manufacturers. The highest technical standards apply. Upon receipt of goods, additional measurements – such as voltage checks – are carried out. Next comes so-called cell clustering, where the battery cells are connected to coolers. This step ensures optimal insulation and cooling of the cells. The cell clusters and cell contact system are then laser-cleaned and welded with pinpoint precision. The inline inspection continuously monitors each weld seam in real time. An innovative foaming process follows, ensuring that all elements are protected as a mechanical unit. The hardened foam guarantees the safety, stability and durability of the high-voltage battery. The housing is then closed, sealed and riveted. In the final assembly step, the Energy Master – the central control unit – is installed onto the high-voltage battery. A permanently elastic sealing adhesive is applied to ensure a reliable seal. Finally, each high-voltage battery undergoes a 100% end-of-line inspection. From Woodruff, the high-voltage batteries are transported to Plant Spartanburg, located just 15 miles away.

The BMW iX5's high-voltage battery: 800-volt, with high energy content.

The first battery-electric BMW iX5 is based on sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, featuring cylindrical cells and 800-volt technology. With an available energy content of 144 kWh, the BMW iX5 60 xDrive boasts the largest high-voltage battery of any fully-electric BMW model to date.

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BMW Group in the U.S.

BMW Group began operations in the U.S. over 50 years ago. In addition to the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles, BMW Group’s business in the U.S. spans 30 locations in 12 states including BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Manufacturing, Designworks, BMW Technology Office USA, and BMW i Ventures. The company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina is the largest single BMW production facility in the world and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented by a nationwide network of 359 BMW retailers, 139 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. Taken together, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. provide and support over 120,000 jobs and contribute more than $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

For more information about BMW Group’s business and products in the U.S., please visit: PressClub USA.

• BMW and MINI drivers will receive discounted rates when charging at IONNA locations across the U.S.

• Access seamlessly enabled through Plug & Charge and the My BMW App

Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – May 14, 2026… BMW of North America today announced the launch of a preferred pricing program at IONNA charging locations across the U.S., further enhancing the public charging experience for BMW and MINI electric vehicle drivers.

Starting today, BMW and MINI drivers who initiate charging with Plug & Charge or the My BMW App will receive 20% off charging sessions through September 30, 2026. The offering is fully integrated within the vehicle’s digital ecosystem and automatically applied—no additional cards, subscriptions, or manual activation required. This creates an easy “charge-and-go” experience, underscoring the company’s continued focus on reducing complexity and improving everyday usability as public charging becomes an integral part of electric mobility.

“BMW firmly believes in an electric future, and it’s no secret that reliable high-speed charging infrastructure remains essential to the continued growth of the electric vehicle market,” said Shaun Bugbee, Executive Vice President, BMW of North America. “We currently offer one of the broadest portfolios of premium electric vehicles in the U.S., with the next-generation BMW iX3 arriving in the U.S. later this year. As our electric vehicle offerings continue to expand, initiatives like this help ensure our customers enjoy a seamless ownership experience wherever they travel.”

IONNA — the charging joint venture founded by eight global automakers, including BMW — has rapidly expanded its U.S. footprint and now operates more than 1,000 charging bays nationwide, with significant additional growth underway. Recent strategic partnerships, including large-scale deployments at premium, high-traffic locations, are expected to accelerate network expansion over the coming years.

IONNA charging sites are designed for next-generation performance and reliability, offering high-power DC fast charging, compatibility with NACS and CCS connectors, and thoughtfully planned locations intended to support real-world travel needs. BMW’s participation in the network reflects a broader strategy to deliver a cohesive charging ecosystem spanning home, workplace, and public charging solutions.

BMW will continue working with IONNA and its fellow founding partners to scale high-quality public charging access while ensuring BMW drivers benefit from seamless technology integration and a premium ownership experience.

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BMW Group in the U.S. 

BMW Group began operations in the U.S. over 50 years ago. In addition to the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles, BMW Group’s business in the U.S. spans 30 locations in 12 states including BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Manufacturing, Designworks, BMW Technology Office USA, and BMW i Ventures. The company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina is the largest single BMW production facility in the world and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented by a nationwide network of 355 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. Taken together, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. provide and support over 120,000 jobs and contribute more than $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually. For more information about BMW Group’s business and products in the U.S., please visit: PressClub USA.

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• IONNA and Circle K Enter Partnership to Expand Access to EV Charging in the U.S. at IONNA Rechargeries @ Circle K

DURHAM, N.C.  – April 14, 2026 … IONNA, the charging network founded by eight of the world’s top automakers, including BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Toyota, announced a landmark strategic partnership with leading convenience and mobility brand Circle K to significantly expand access to high-powered EV charging across the United States.

The collaboration is centered around a strategic ambition to expand to more than 350 sites featuring Rechargeries @ Circle K, combining IONNA’s charging technology and driver-first experience with Circle K’s nationwide footprint. IONNA, which will assume operation of sites across Circle K’s existing U.S. charging portfolio, will rapidly convert and upgrade approximately 85 existing Circle K charging sites. Additionally, IONNA will accelerate new deployments at premium, high-traffic Circle K locations where no chargers currently exist. The first Rechargeries @ Circle K will begin serving customers by the end of 2026, followed by additional scale in 2027.

“We are honored that Circle K has recognized IONNA as a leader in the industry and entrusted us to serve their customers with the same care and commitment to excellence that they show now,” said Aaron Wolff, COO of IONNA. “Circle K’s scale, customer focus, and quality of location make them an ideal partner as we rapidly expand high-power charging where drivers already want to stop.”

With more than 7,300 stores in the U.S., Circle K is known for value, quality products and fast, friendly service at well‑maintained sites with modern stores and forecourts. Circle K offers a wide selection of snacks, fresh grab-and-go food, packaged and dispensed beverages, everyday convenience items and car wash options at select locations.

“At Circle K, our ambition is to make EV charging as easy and convenient as possible for our customers,” said Håkon Stiksrud, VP of Global eMobility at Circle K. “Partnering with IONNA enables us to scale high-power charging quickly at locations drivers already trust—combining fast, reliable charging with a great food and beverage experience. This partnership is an important step in preparing for the future, delivering not just charging, but a complete retail experience that supports our customers on the go.”

Under joint stewardship, drivers at Rechargeries @ Circle K can recharge both their EVs and themselves, with IONNA delivering charging speeds of up to 400 kW, plus both NACS and CCS access, and Circle K having road-trip favorites that fuel drivers on their journey.

The partnership advances IONNA’s mission to build 30,000 high-power charging bays by 2030.

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BMW Group in the U.S. 

BMW Group began operations in the U.S. over 50 years ago. In addition to the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles, BMW Group’s business in the U.S. spans 30 locations in 12 states including BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Manufacturing, Designworks, BMW Technology Office USA, and BMW i Ventures. The company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina is the largest single BMW production facility in the world and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented by a nationwide network of 355 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. Taken together, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. provide and support over 120,000 jobs and contribute more than $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually. For more information about BMW Group’s business and products in the U.S., please visit: PressClub USA.

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• Innovative solutions for more energy, more range, and faster charging.
• Gen6 battery utilizes cylindrical cells for a 20% higher energy density.
• The new 7 Series will debut on April 22^nd at concurrent events in the US and China.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 7, 2026… BMW is cooperating with Rimac Technology (Croatia) on the new all-electric BMW i7. The aim of the joint project is to bring the Gen6 technology developed by BMW for an innovative high-voltage storage system for more range and higher charging speed to the new all-electric BMW 7 Series.

The sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology (Gen6) is finding its way into the BMW brand's top-of-the-range all-electric model in the form of its 4695 lithium-ion cylindrical cell. The cell is characterized by, among other things, a 20% higher volumetric energy density compared to the prismatic cells of the Gen5. 

The high-voltage battery, which combines Gen6 cell technology with the established Gen5 module design, enables the new BMW i7 to achieve a significantly increased range. 

BMW i7 customers can also charge much faster thanks to the newly developed technology. The charging capacity is increased and the charging time reduced accordingly.

The new BMW 7 Series will celebrate its world premiere on April 22^nd simulatneously at Auto China 2026 in Beijing and at a special event in New York City.

"We are quickly rolling out the technologies of the Neue Klasse across our entire model portfolio - including, of course, in our all-electric luxury sedan. The teams of both companies have developed a tailor-made solution for the new BMW i7," says Dr. Thomas Engelhardt, Senior VP Development HighVoltage Storage and Charging at the BMW Group. "The excellent collaboration with Rimac Technology is a good example of European innovative strength."

The high-voltage battery is manufactured on state-of-the-art equipment at Rimac Technology in Croatia and delivered ready for assembly at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, the world's only production facility for the BMW 7 Series. 

Mate Rimac, Founder and President of Rimac Group, CEO and CTO Bugatti Rimac says, “BMW has always been known for pushing engineering to the highest level, which made this collaboration especially exciting for us. Together, we developed a high-voltage battery system that unlocks the full potential of the new cylindrical cells in record time, delivering significant improvements in energy, range, and charging performance. We are proud to now see this system being produced at scale at our new Rimac Campus.” 

Rimac Technology is a Tier 1 supplier belonging to the Rimac Group that specializes in electrification in the automotive sector with innovative products. The portfolio is defined by high-voltage battery systems, e-axles as well as electronics and software solutions that are developed and produced in-house. This makes it possible to offer solutions that combine advanced technology with a high degree of customization. The long-term partnership with BMW demonstrates the company's transformation from a niche supplier for super sports cars to a Tier 1 supplier for high-volume vehicle projects.

BMW Group in the United States

BMW Group began operations in the U.S. over 50 years ago. In addition to the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles, BMW Group’s business in the U.S. spans 30 locations in 12 states including BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Manufacturing, Designworks, BMW Technology Office USA, and BMW i Ventures. The company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina is the largest single BMW production facility in the world and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented by a nationwide network of 355 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. Taken together, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. provide and support over 120,000 jobs and contribute more than $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually. For more information about BMW Group’s business and products in the U.S., please visit: PressClub USA.

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• Tradition meets the future: 104 years of history utilizing state-of-the-art technology.
• Series production of the new BMW i3 to start in August 2026, with more models to follow.
• Transformation to all BEV production from 2027.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 1, 2026… BMW Group Plant Munich is approaching the biggest milestone in the transformation process: series production of the BMW i3, the second model in the Neue Klasse range, begins here in August. This marks the start of the rollout of the Neue Klasse within the BMW Group’s global production network.

“We have been making rigorous preparations. With the BMW iFACTORY, we have devised a consistent, strategic framework for our production,” explains Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production. “We have paved the way for the upcoming start-ups in all our plants and have invested heavily in technologies, digitilization, and AI.”

BMW Group Plant Munich has undergone extensive modernization in recent years. The result is a plant that now works even more efficiently, flexibly, and digitally, and is optimally positioned for the requirements of electric mobility and the Neue Klasse.

But that’s not all: as of 2027, the Munich plant will produce all-electric vehicles exclusively, and thereby achieve a further boost in efficiency. This is assisted by proactive planning, close collaboration with development teams and suppliers, as well as modern production technology in the new structures. “We have reduced production costs considerably over recent years. With the start of production of the BMW i3, we will reduce overall production costs at the Munich plant by a further 10 percent, bringing them below the level of the current vehicle generation,” says Peter Weber, Head of BMW Group Plant Munich. In addition to optimized production processes, and targeted automation and digitilization, the new vehicle architecture of the Neue Klasse also ensures efficiency.   

Plant Munich is investing around €650 million in its transformation into a fully electric production site.

Highly efficient production at an historic site.

Plant Munich has been reinventing itself consistently for more than 100 years – from a location outside the city to today’s site surrounded by it. The facility has undergone a fundamental process of redevelopment for the Neue Klasse – with production of up to 1,000 vehicles a day continuing during this period. A new body shop and state-of-the-art vehicle assembly including new logistics areas were set up on an area spanning around a third of the plant’s footprint. Extensive updates have also been made to existing technologies.  

Plant manager Peter Weber highlights what the workforce has achieved: “The people at the factory played an essential role in making this transformation a success. With their high level of expertise, enthusiasm, and tremendous dedication, our employees have shown that world-class industrial production is possible even under the toughest conditions. The BMW i3 is just the beginning – several Neue Klasse models will be manufactured in Munich in the future, including the BMW i3 Touring.”

A vision for all technologies: the BMW iFACTORY

The BMW iFACTORY focuses on the areas of efficiency, sustainability, and digitilization. Within this framework, the company’s plants around the world are implementing site-specific solutions and, in doing so, strengthening the company’s resilience as well as its ability to deliver reliably at any time and worldwide. This vision has now also been consistently implemented across all technologies at BMW Group Plant Munich.

“We have rethought the entire value stream from supplier to finished customer vehicle. We have looked at every single process in detail and made optimizations. Now our plant is even more efficient, more flexible, and even more digitized than ever before. We are thereby safeguarding the future viability of the plant,” adds Peter Weber.

In the press shop, steel and aluminium boards are turned into tens of thousands of components on highly automated press lines daily. Uniform press and tool standards across the global production network result in efficiencies on many levels: installation and integration of the systems are standardized, tools for the presses can be swapped within the network, and employees can work at various locations and help each other. An AI-assisted camera system supports quality control before an underground transport system moves the parts to the body shop. Output has increased significantly compared with previous structures. Cuts of steel and aluminium are collected, sorted, and then used to manufacture new steel or aluminium coils.

Plant Munich has set up a new body shop for the Neue Klasse featuring systems planned and realized using a virtual twin. A total of 800 new industrial robots take care of the joining processes here; decreasing the number of joining processes to five reduces process complexity. With an automation rate of around 98 percent, robots perform the majority of standardized processes. Automated surface inspection (ASI) assists with quality assurance. The energy-efficient building complies with the KfW 40 EE standard[i] and uses a photovoltaic system to generate its own electricity.

In the paint shop at Plant Munich, digital and AI-assisted systems control central quality processes. Automated surface inspection (ASI) uses cameras and artificial intelligence to detect even the most minor deviations on the surface and documents them digitally. Automated surface processing (ASP) works on the variations detected directly during the running process. To purify the exhaust air, the paint shop uses the energy-efficient, electrically powered eRTO process. This is complemented by heat and energy recovery as well as water-saving cycles.

What once was the home of engine manufacturing at BMW Group Plant Munich has become a new assembly area for the Neue Klasse. The assembly area is set up for end-to-end digital processes: vehicles, systems, and tools are interconnected and digital live tracking and automated inline quality checks support employees in the assembly line process. During assembly already, the BMW i3 digitally transmits the status of up to 20,000 features to the production system. Ergonomic workstations, height-adjustable systems, and simplified processes lighten the load for employees, while targeted training supports new digital fields.

Aspart of the transformation, logistics at BMW Group Plant Munich has focused squarely on efficiency and direct integration of production. The logistics department at the Munich plant moves around 2.5 million parts every day; in future around 70 percent of these parts will be delivered directly to the assembly workstations. This will reduce internal transport distances, save space and accelerate supply to the production lines. This is made possible by a multi-story building structure developed specially for the plant’s city location. Delivery is at ground level and then conveyor technology transports the parts to the right levels, where they are distributed directly to the assembly workstations. This enables the principle of direct delivery to be applied systematically even in a multi-story plant. At the same time, the level of automation in logistics has been significantly increased. Automated supply systems, smart transport robots, and driverless transport systems will handle around 60 percent of supply tasks in the future. A digital logistics control station manages all processes centrally, ensuring transparency and data-driven optimization.

Unique to Plant Munich is the in-house seat manufacturing facility. It is a “plant inside a plant” and takes on a central role for quality assurance and expert evaluation within the production network. The seats for all versions of the models produced in Munich are manufactured here and delivered to vehicle assembly directly and “just in sequence”. The in-house seat manufacturing facility is regarded as the benchmark for quality assurance across the BMW Group. Modern, largely automated processes ensure seamless quality control. This is complemented by fully automated end-of-line checks, including for safety-relevant components. The seat manufacturing facility also systematically strengthens the BMW Group’s in-house expertise. It serves as a competence center and innovation hub, tests new materials, technologies, and manufacturing concepts, and supports the evaluation of costs, quality and production processes – making an impact far beyond the Munich location.

Global network, regional value creation: high-voltage batteries and e-drive. 

With the new assembly plant for high-voltage batteries in Irlbach-Straßkirchen (Lower Bavaria, Germany) around 90 minutes away, the BMW Group is significantly boosting value creation in the Bavaria region. In keeping with the “local for local” approach, Irlbach-Straßkirchen will deliver high-voltage Gen6 batteries to the Munich plant as well as other German locations. Here, the batteries will be installed in the BMW i3. Manufacture of the high-voltage batteries combines a rigorous zero-defect approach with the latest production technologies, which were developed at Bavarian pilot plants. With seamless inline quality controls, digital twins and the systematic use of artificial intelligence, the BMW Group is setting new standards in battery production.

The Gen6 e-motor for the BMW i3 is produced at BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria – a location that has been manufacturing drivetrains for over 40 years. With the first e-motor in the portfolio, the plant is developing its role as a prime example of technology openness. All core components of the highly integrated e-drive – from the rotor and stator to the inverter and transmission – are produced on-site. New production lines and state-of-the-art clean room environments have been set up for this. The aluminium foundry at BMW Group Plant Landshut supplies the e-motor housing for Plant Steyr.

BMW Group in the United States

BMW Group began operations in the U.S. over 50 years ago. In addition to the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles, BMW Group’s business in the U.S. spans 30 locations in 12 states including BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Manufacturing, Designworks, BMW Technology Office USA, and BMW i Ventures. The company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina is the largest single BMW production facility in the world and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented by a nationwide network of 355 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. Taken together, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. provide and support over 120,000 jobs and contribute more than $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually. For more information about BMW Group’s business and products in the U.S., please visit: PressClub USA.

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• IONNA celebrates milestone achievement of over 100 sites live this week
• IONNA launches first automaker discount program with General Motors
• Top utilities go above and beyond to help build the IONNA network

DURHAM, NC, March 17 - IONNA, the EV Charging joint venture born of eight leading automakers, marks a milestone achievement this quarter as we celebrate our second anniversary. In just 24 months, IONNA has built a charging network fit for a road trip, live, growing, and serving drivers nationwide.

Interconnection at IONNA Speed

The phrase ‘it takes a village’ has never rung truer than in developing the IONNA network. Utilities across the country have played an integral role in bringing IONNA Rechargeries online. Alongside organizations such as EPRI and EEI, these companies deployed creative solutions and unprecedented efficiencies to bring our high-powered EV Charging stations online in 2025.

Among them, ten utilities went above and beyond to energize multiple locations in under one year. A further 33 utilities brought a single Rechargery online in their respective service areas.

We hit the ground running in 2026, energizing 212 bays with over 10 utilities, including PG&E, PSE&G, and NV Energy bringing our total count to nearly 1000 bays live across the country.

A new era of IONNA value

In 2025, IONNA took a page out of our founding automakers’ playbook and made a simple, driver‑first move: Friends & Family pricing for everyone. In honor of our second anniversary, we’re doubling down, delivering even greater value to the drivers who helped build IONNA from day one.

Subject to each IONNA founding automaker’s launch, drivers will begin unlocking a full suite of benefits designed around real-world driving needs. These include everyday base discounts with no subscription required, plus optional layers for those who want more: complimentary new‑vehicle charging credits, OEM subscriptions, loyalty rewards, and pre‑paid discounted cards. All designed to keep charging simple, transparent, and undeniably worth it.

Built to reward the drivers who are shaping the network, these programs are simple, flexible, and built for the long haul.

• BMW: https://www.ionna.com/partner/bmw/
• General Motors: https://www.ionna.com/partner/general-motors/
• Honda: https://www.ionna.com/partner/honda/
• Hyundai: https://www.ionna.com/partner/hyundai/
• Kia: https://www.ionna.com/partner/kia/
• Mercedes-Benz: https://www.ionna.com/partner/mercedes-benz/
• Stellantis: https://www.ionna.com/partner/stellantis/
• Toyota: https://www.ionna.com/partner/toyota/

Celebrating Two Years – and a lifetime ahead

With two years behind us, IONNA’s momentum is accelerating — and the numbers tell a powerful story. More than 4,700 bays are now contracted nationwide, with nearly 1,500 in construction or beyond. Across the country, drivers are experiencing over 100 different live locations, including three, brand-new, full-scale Rechargeries in Forest Park and West Point, GA, as well as Limon, CO. A new product offering, currently in construction in Dallas, TX, will launch in Q2 with our second automated grab & go convenience store using Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology.

To mark IONNA’s Second Anniversary, IONNA advocates and local EV drivers came together for an unprecedented day of utilization, dispensing more than 100 MWh across the network. More than 25 locations played host to anniversary events on Saturday, February 7, and the turnout got us thinking. Moments like these reinforce what we’ve long believed: the secret of the EV movement is the community built through shared e-mobility experiences. Turning that insight into action, every new IONNA location will open this year at $0.20/kWh for the first week — an open invitation for drivers to experience the IONNA difference firsthand.

The IONNA Merch Store: road-tested keepsakes, made to travel

The IONNA brand has always centered around you, the open road, and the little moments that turn a routine drive into an experience. We believe those experiences deserve a memento.

From hats, stickers, and water flasks to pullovers, layers, and everyday essentials, the IONNA Merch Store reflects the best American road trips: practical, a little nostalgic, and undeniably cool. As convenient as our charging network, IONNA gear is ready to ship — so the only thing you need to plan is your next stop.

Now available for purchase — Shop the collection at shop.ionna.com

About IONNA
IONNA is a joint venture founded by eight of the world's biggest automakers, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Toyota. Purpose-built to lead, innovate, create, and drive forward a redefinition of charging as an end-to-end integrated customer experience. Delivering this mission by developing and deploying a trailblazing nationwide network of charging stations with cutting-edge technology, retail integration, amenities, and unparalleled customer service. Enabling urban and long-distance EV mobility for all with over 30,000 ultra-fast-and-reliable charging points by 2030. IONNA will provide the coverage drivers need, the reliability they deserve, and the amenities they crave.

For more information, please visit https://ionna.com  

Media Contact: media@ionna.com 

Hams Hall, UK. BMW Group’s Hams Hall plant, located in the UK, has reached a major milestone: For exactly 25 years, the plant near Birmingham has produced highly efficient internal combustion engines for a variety of BMW Group vehicle models. More than 7.6 million engines have shipped from Hams Hall since 2001. The facility supplies numerous production sites worldwide with highly efficient petrol engines for the BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands, including drive trains for plug-in hybrid models – making the plant an integral part of the BMW Group’s technology-open approach. Today, Plant Hams Hall produces three and four-cylinder petrol engines to high performance V8 engines, powering vehicles across both BMW and MINI. Separately, the V12 engine is produced at Plant Hams Hall exclusively for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Its assembly follows a distinct, bespoke production process, carried out by specially trained engineers and technicians, before final delivery to the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood.

Plant Hams Hall – an integral part of the global production network

"This anniversary is a special milestone for our site," says Dirk Dreher, Head of the BMW Group's Hams Hall plant. "We are a competitive plant and there’s always been a real passion among our workforce to continually improve our manufacturing processes and site. Building on our strong foundation, we are looking forward to remaining a successful plant in the future."

“The Hams Hall plant is an integral part of our global production network,” explains Harald Gottsche, Head of Engine Production at BMW AG. “The site combines technological expertise with high flexibility. It reliably supplies our vehicle plants with efficient, powerful engines of premium quality. This includes the V12 engine – a masterpiece from Hams Hall!”

61% reduction in energy use per engine built since the start of full production

The British engine plant is systematically implementing the principles of the BMW iFACTORY. The strategic vision of the BMW iFACTORY focusses on sustainability, electrification, digitalisation and profitability. From the first concept of the plant to the present day, the Hams Hall team has made sustainability a key consideration. Since the first full year of production, the plant has made a 61% reduction in energy required per engine built, meaning the overall energy to operate the site has remained level even though there has been a considerable increase in production. The plant purchases 100% of its external electricity from renewable energy sources today. It has also worked to reduce its consumption of natural gas.

SpOTTO robotic dog scans and monitors manufacturing equipment

A four-legged autonomous robot named “SpOTTO” joined the Hams Hall team in 2024. The autonomous robotic dog scans the plant, supports maintenance and ensures production processes run smoothly. Equipped with visual, thermal and acoustic sensors, SpOTTO collects valuable data for the plant’s digital twin. It also serves as a watchdog, monitoring the maintenance of production facilities. SpOTTO was developed by Boston Dynamics under the product name “Spot”, an agile robot capable of climbing stairs and traversing rough terrain with ease. At Hams Hall, “Spot” was fondly renamed SpOTTO, paying tribute to the engine plant’s proud heritage: Gustav Otto, one of the founders of BMW, was the son of Nicolaus Otto, inventor of the four-stroke engine.

Fully connected digital twin: Big data on three levels

At the core of the Hams Hall plant’s digital transformation is the fully connected digital twin, which consists of three levels: On the first level, 3D representations of the entire plant are generated. The second level comprises a large data layer, continuously updated with all relevant information from the SpOTTO robotic dog, the plant’s manufacturing equipment and its IT systems. On the third level – the application level – dedicated programmes organise the collected data into comprehensible units. Using special apps, experts at Plant Hams Hall can leverage this information for tasks such as production planning and quality assurance.

A history of continuous growth

Over the past 25 years, BMW Group Plant Hams Hall has continuously evolved, establishing itself as a key pillar of the company’s production network. Relying on state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies, it provides drive trains for numerous BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce models.

Selected historic milestones:

• 2001: Plant Hams Hall launches series production with new four-cylinder engines, using innovative Valvetronic technology in large-scale manufacturing for the first time.
• 2006: An additional engine family is introduced; Plant Hams Hall produces engines for the MINI brand for the first time.
• 2013: Plant Hams Hall becomes the exclusive manufacturer of the award-winning three-cylinder engine for the iconic BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car. The plant also integrates additional production lines for three- and four-cylinder petrol engines. At the same time, the processing hall for crankshafts, crankcases and cylinder heads is expanded.
• 2022: The plant takes over production of V8 and V12 engines. With this step the plant generates even greater business value for the company.
• 2026: Plant Hams Hall celebrates 25 years of production.

The BMW Group’s drive train production network

The BMW Group’s engine production network comprises several plants alongside Hams Hall: Its largest engine facility is in Steyr, Austria, where diesel and petrol engines, as well as sixth-generation electric motors, are developed and produced. The fifth generation of electric motors is produced in Dingolfing. Plant Munich handles mechanical production of V8 and V12 engine components, while Plant Landshut manufactures special engines. The Chinese joint venture BMW Brilliance builds engines for the local market in Shenyang. Collectively, these locations support the BMW Group's technology-open powertrain strategy.

• First-time demo of AI-powered BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with Alexa+ technology.
• Revolutionary user-interaction with BMW Panoramic iDrive.
• Sixth generation BMW eDrive Technology.
• Next level driving dynamics with the Heart of Joy.
• Seamless driver assistance with BMW Symbiotic Drive.
• Ever-evolving Entertainment and App ecosystem in BMW Operating System X.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 5, 2026… The new BMW iX3 is in the spotlight at CES 2026. For the first time, the enhanced, AI-powered BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with Alexa+ technology will be presented to the public. As the debut model for the Neue Klasse, the BMW iX3 showcases groundbreaking innovations that will shape the entire model range of the brand in the future. By 2027, the technologies of the Neue Klasse will be integrated into a total of 40 new models and model updates from BMW.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant expanded with Amazon Alexa+.
One year after the world premiere of the new BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X at CES 2025, visitors to this year’s CES can experience the revolutionary user-interaction concept firsthand in the BMW iX3. With a balanced combination of digital functions and physical elements, it elevates intuitive operation according to BMW’s guiding principle ‘Hands on the Wheel, Eyes on the Road’ to a new level of driver orientation. Built on the technological foundation of a software-defined vehicle, the customer experience in the BMW iX3 continues to evolve. For the first time, BMW presents the next generation AI-powered BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. BMW is the first manufacturer to expand its voice assistant with the AI assistant Amazon Alexa+. This enables intuitive and intelligent interaction between passengers and the vehicle in a natural dialogue. The interaction includes the operation of vehicle functions as well as access to information and knowledge beyond

the vehicle. For the first time, passengers can ask multiple questions in a single sentence—covering both your vehicle’s features and e.g. general knowledge topics.

The integration of Amazon Alexa+ into the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant represents a technological leap forward that focuses on added value for the customer. The AI technology used in the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is a Large Language Model (LLM), a generative AI that understands language and is capable of formulating its own responses. Starting in the second half of 2026 at the latest, this further development will be gradually rolled out in Germany and the USA across all BMW models equipped with BMW Operating System 9 and X. More detail can be found here.

BMW iX3 transforms waiting time into entertainment: stream a movie, play a video game or make a video call.^[1]
The BMW booth at CES also focuses on the wide range of entertainment options in BMW Operating System X. It offers an extensive selection of apps, videos, and games. In addition to the popular streaming service Disney+, customers in the BMW iX3 have access to the Video App (powered by TiVo™). This app enables video streaming on the central display when the vehicle is stationary, with a continuously growing selection of content such as news, live, and on-demand streaming. The portfolio of the video streaming platform will continue to evolve.

The BMW ConnectedDrive Store will also soon include the YouTube Music app for the first time, joining the more than 85 apps worldwide in categories such as Music & Audio, Entertainment, Gaming, News, Travel & Local. YouTube Music gives customers access to an extensive catalog with over 300 million tracks, including the official studio recordings, remixes, live performances, and hard-to-find covers. Zoom now allows video calls on the iX3’s central display for the first time when the vehicle is stationary. As soon as the vehicle starts moving, the video transmission stops, and the conversation seamlessly continues via audio.

In-car gaming via AirConsole, as introduced for the first time with the BMW Operating System 8.5, is also available in the new BMW iX3, featuring world-renowned titles like UNO®️ Car Party! 
A new highlight in AirConsole’s extensive game library is Hot Wheels: Xtreme Overdrive™️ from Mattel, available exclusively to BMW customers. AirConsole allows users to use their own smartphones as controllers, so all passengers can play together or compete against each other. Additional games and apps for in-car entertainment can be accessed through the BMW

ConnectedDrive Store. Selected games in the BMW iX3 can also be controlled using Bluetooth controllers from conventional gaming consoles.

Sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology: higher efficiency, more range, faster charging.
The sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology developed for the Neue Klasse comprises highly efficient electric motors, fundamentally new high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells, and 800V technology. The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is powered by two electric motors, which together generate output of 345 kW/469 hp and 645 Nm (475 lb-ft) of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph). Its electric all-wheel-drive configuration consists of an extensively upgraded electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) with particularly high levels of efficiency at the rear axle and, at the front axle, a new asynchronous motor (ASM) distinguished by its compact design and high cost efficiency. The combination of EESM and ASM is evidence of the BMW Group’s commitment to technological neutrality within electric mobility as well. The drive technology developed for the Neue Klasse reduces energy losses by 40 per cent compared to fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, weight by 10 per cent and manufacturing costs by 20 per cent.

The new high-voltage battery concept with cylindrical cells for the Neue Klasse also achieves significant advances. The energy density on a cell level is 20 per cent higher than with fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, and the new concept also paves the way for a 30 per cent increase in charging speed. The cylindrical cells are integrated directly into the high-voltage battery (“cell to pack”), which benefits energy density and cost efficiency. Added to which, the high-voltage battery is integrated into the vehicle architecture as a structural component to minimise weight (“pack to open body”). The high-voltage battery in the BMW iX3 50 xDrive has a usable energy content of 108.7 kWh, enabling a range of up to 805 kilometres (500 miles) in the WLTP cycle.

BMW Charging: short charging times, premiere for bidirectional charging.
The advances brought by sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology have a significant influence on the charging experience, too. A maximum charging rate of 400 kW enables users to fill their new BMW iX3 with enough energy at an 800V direct current (DC) rapid charging station to add up to 372 kilometres (231 miles) ^[2] of range in just ten minutes. The high-voltage battery can charge from 10 to 80 per cent capacity in 21 minutes. Thanks to the battery management tech with integrated switching matrix developed completely in-house by the BMW Group, the new BMW iX3 can also be charged from 400V DC stations. Upgrades to the battery preparation also help to shorten charging times. The new BMW iX3 50 xDrive can top up on alternating current (AC) at 11 kW as standard or 22 kW ^[3] as an option.

Extensive bidirectional charging functions ^[3] are also available for the new BMW iX3, meaning that it can be used as an energy supply source for a variety of applications. The Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function turns the new BMW iX3 into a mobile powerbank, which can supply electric devices with power while on the move. Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) hands it the role of storage unit for solar energy generated by home-fitted photovoltaic systems. And customers can also hook their car up to the energy market via the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) application and earn some money in the process.

The selection of standard-fitted and optional charging accessories has been significantly expanded. For flexible charging during a journey, customers can make use of the new Multifunction Charger, which comes with several adapters for charging and discharging the high-voltage battery. The new BMW Wallbox Professional (DC) enables bidirectional charging at home or work. And BMW Charging offers the option of cost-optimised /solar-power-optimised home charging.

In order to give owners the best possible charging experience, the new BMW iX3 will be fitted as standard with an NACS (North American Charging Standard) compatible charging port. This will provide iX3 owners access to the vast Supercharger network, while a standard CCS (Combined Charging System) adapter will preserve access to other providers from coast to coast, thus ensuring that iX3 owners are never far from a provider no matter where the journey is taking them.

Heart of Joy: The Ultimate Driving Machine reaches a new level.
One of four superbrains in the electronics architecture of the Neue Klasse, the Heart of Joy looks after drivetrain and driving dynamics management. This high-performance control unit is responsible for the drivetrain, brakes, energy recuperation, and steering functions, and processes information up to ten times faster than conventional control units. In this way, the potential of electric mobility in terms of instantaneous power delivery, smooth power transfer, agility, stability, and efficiency is fully realized.

Together with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack developed fully in-house, the Heart of Joy calculates all the driving dynamics parameters with a new level of speed and precision. The driver and passengers in the new BMW iX3 experience a uniquely harmonious and BMW-typical driving sensation whatever the situation. Every movement of the accelerator, brake pedal, and steering is executed directly and with assurance and precision. Supreme traction and – thanks to the unique Soft Stop function – the smoothest stopping process ever achieved by a BMW are among its other attributes. In addition, the efficiency of the new BMW iX3 is optimized by the integrated management of drivetrain, braking system, and energy recuperation. In everyday driving, 98% of braking maneuvers are carried out using recuperation only, without application of the friction brakes. The only occasions these are called upon are under emergency braking and during extremely sporty driving.

“Superbrain of automated driving” for the driver assistance systems with of the next technology generation.
Another high-performance computer brings together all the automated driving and parking functions in the BMW iX3. With 20 times greater processing power than in the previous vehicle generation, the watercooled “superbrain of automated driving” enables a significant technological advance with the Neue Klasse in this area as well.

BMW Symbiotic Drive provides seamless support.
The BMW iX3 uses its Symbiotic Drive capability combined with driver assistance to create a completely new driving experience. Whenever the driver wants to accelerate, brake or steer, their inputs merge seamlessly and intuitively with AI-enabled software.The result is a whole new form of Sheer Driving Pleasure. For example, the automatic cruise control system is not deactivated with only a light press of the brake pedal; instead, it is only switched off when the driver brakes harder. In the same way, the lane control assistance remains active even after light steering inputs by the driver.

With the optional BMW Highway / Motorway Assistant ^[4], drivers can take their hands off the steering wheel permanently at speeds of up to 85 mph / 130 km/h, while remaining attentive and ready to intervene. The system assists with vehicle guidance within the lane and can also perform automated lane changes when needed – a simple glance confirmation by the driver is sufficient. With active BMW Maps route guidance, the system proactively suggests lane changes at highway interchanges and exits, which can be confirmed with a quick glance in the wing mirror. The Highway Assistant remains active while passing through interchanges and until the end of highway exits. This allows BMW iX3 drivers to enjoy Level 2 driver assistance without touching the steering wheel in even more situations.

The new Highway and City Assistant ^[4] also offers innovative functions for urban environments, such as stopping and automatically restarting at traffic lights. Additional driver assistance features for complex urban driving situations will be rolled out later via over-the-air software updates.

# # #

BMW Group in the United States.

BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles in the U.S. BMW Motorrad was brought into the fold in 1980. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.

Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.

BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled more than 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.

The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 351 BMW retailers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at  www.press.bmwna.com

• New level of natural dialogue enabled with integrated AI assistant, debuting in the new BMW iX3.
• Available in Germany and the US at market launch 2026.
• Presentation at CES 2026.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 5, 2026… In 2026, BMW will expand its BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, built on Amazon’s AI Alexa+ architecture, taking voice interaction between humans and vehicles to a new level.

BMW will become the first car manufacturer to integrate the AI assistant technology into its vehicles, starting with the BMW iX3. This new functionality enables intuitive and intelligent interaction between passengers and the vehicle in a natural dialogue including both the operation of vehicle functions as well as access to information and knowledge beyond the vehicle. For the first time, users will also be able to ask multiple questions in a single sentence covering both your vehicle’s features and general knowledge topics. The ability to link the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with Amazon accounts will also make it easier to search for and stream music, retrieve public news, and access a wide range of other content.

"Our partnership with Amazon is based on a shared vision of technological excellence," says Stephan Durach, BMW Group – Senior Vice President Development, Digital Services, Infotainment, Connected Company. "This has resulted in a product that sets new standards in the naturalness of human-vehicle interaction through the use of artificial intelligence. With the addition of Amazon's

Alexa+ technology to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the vehicle becomes an intelligent companion for its users."

“BMW Group has been fantastic to work with as we introduce the first implementation of the new Alexa Custom Assistant. BMW’s advanced technology, combined with the intelligence and conversational capabilities of Alexa+, creates a truly sophisticated in-vehicle experience." says Daniel Rausch, Vice President of Alexa and Echo.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant powered by Amazon Alexa+

Natural language and free choice of words represent the latest development of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. The use of predefined voice commands (intents) is no longer necessary. This means that with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, various requests and queries can be linked together as in a normal human conversation, and follow-up questions can be asked. BMW customers can trust that their vehicle understands them in context and provides the appropriate answers. For example¹⁾, when asked, “Hey BMW what’s the most famous painting there is in the world and where can I find it?” the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant will provide the corresponding answer (e.g., Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci, Louvre) and can link this answer directly to other vehicle functions such as navigation. The follow-up request "Take me there!" will then enable direct guidance to the exhibition location of the artwork. The intelligent voice assistant also uses such interactive dialogues to respond even more precisely to future voice commands and anticipate the intent of the question.

The integration of Amazon Alexa+ architecture into the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant represents a technological leap forward that focuses on added value for the customer.

The AI technology used in the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is a Large Language Model (LLM), a generative AI that understands language and is capable of formulating its own responses. 

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with AI technology initially available in Germany and the US. 

The enhanced AI-supported BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant will be presented to the public for the first time at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. Starting in the second half of 2026, BMW iX3 customers in Germany and the US will be the first to benefit from the advantages of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant powered by Amazon Alexa+. Other markets and model series will follow gradually. The UI/UX of the BMW iX3 is based on the new BMW Panoramic iDrive control concept with BMW Operating System X. 

This integration is an important step on the BMW Group's path to offering this AI technology across the entire BMW model range²⁾. It exemplifies the seamless integration of the "software-defined vehicle" (SDV) into the customer's digital ecosystem.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has played a central role in the BMW iDrive operating concept since 2018. In 2022, the addition of Amazon Alexa Custom Assistant to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant led to even more information diversity, faster response times, and better understanding of user requests. Most recently, in 2025, the intelligent voice assistant was expanded for all BMW vehicles with Operating System 9 to include new functions such as music search, news, sports, and general knowledge. The integration of Amazon Alexa+ technology into the next-generation BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant demonstrates the innovative power of the cooperation between the BMW Group and Amazon. 

¹⁾ The video in the press release shows a question in English. For the market launch, the corresponding languages, German and English, will be offered for Germany and the US respectively.

²⁾ Latest in the 2^nd half of 2026, gradually for all BMW models with BMW Operating System 9 and X.

# # #

BMW Group in the United States.

BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles in the U.S. BMW Motorrad was brought into the fold in 1980. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.

Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.

BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled more than 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.

The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 351 BMW retailers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.press.bmwna.com

# # #

• First-time demo of AI-powered BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with Alexa+ technology.
• Revolutionary user-interaction with BMW Panoramic iDrive.
• Sixth generation BMW eDrive Technology.
• Next level driving dynamics with the Heart of Joy.
• Seamless driver assistance with BMW Symbiotic Drive.
• Ever-evolving Entertainment and App ecosystem in BMW Operating System X.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 17, 2025… The new BMW iX3 and its trailblazing innovations will be shown at the CES 2026. Having won multiple innovation- and car-of-the-year awards* even before hitting the streets, the first vehicle of BMW’s Neue Klasse is set to impress the visitors of the most influential technology trade show.

At the BMW booth in the Silver Lot in front of the South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center, visitors can experience the BMW Panoramic iDrive with the new AI-powered BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant in the BMW iX3. Through its collaboration with Amazon, BMW becomes the first automaker to integrate Alexa+ technology into its vehicles—a major step forward for in-vehicle conversational AI. With natural dialogue and intelligent capabilities, the system moves beyond simple voice commands to deliver a context-aware, personalized experience that helps drivers stay focused on the road. This new level of voice interaction can also be experienced at Amazon’s Devices & Services Exhibit in the Venetian Hotel, Ballrooms G-J.

The new BMW iX3 represents a leap forward in development that extends well beyond the reaches of a conventional model renewal. The advances made in terms of design and technology create the impression that a complete vehicle generation has been skipped. For the BMW Group, the launch of the new BMW iX3 also represents a milestone in the transformation process when it comes to electrification, digitalization and circularity. Spearheading the arrival of the Neue Klasse, it offers customers the latest design and technological innovations, which will shape the brand’s entire model range moving forwards. The technologies of the Neue Klasse will be incorporated into a total of 40 new models and model updates between now and 2027.

In 2023, the BMW i Vision Dee showed a vision of the Neue Klasse becoming a true companion with conversational AI capabilities. With a gigantic dashboard, the new display and operating concept BMW Panoramic iDrive was revealed in a spectacular way at CES 2025. With the new BMW iX3 coming to CES 2026, which embodies these key innovations, the BMW Group delivers on the promises made at previous CES appearances.

  * References:

• Car of the Year from Electrifying.com
• Time Magazine Best Inventions 2025 
• Top Gear’s Car of the Year
• Beste Innovation 2025 Autobild Goldenes Lenkrad
• Carwow Auto Innovation Award
• CAR Magazine: BMW iX3 (2025) review: Neue Klasse, new benchmark 
• Auto Express: The New BMW iX3 Is So Good, it Might Just Be The Best Car On Sale 
• The Sun: BMW’s new iX3 is a tech-packed electric SUV that rewrites the rulebook — it’s cheaper, faster and goes way further 

# # #

BMW Group in the United States.

BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles in the U.S. BMW Motorrad was brought into the fold in 1980. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.

Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.

BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled more than 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.

The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 351 BMW retailers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.comwww.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com

# # #

IONNA is a rising joint venture founded by eight of the world’s biggest automakers, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Stellantis and Toyota. Purpose-built to lead, innovate, create, and drive forward a redefinition of charging as an end-to-end integrated customer experience. Delivering this mission by developing and deploying a trailblazing nationwide network of stations with cutting-edge technology, retail integration, amenities, and unparalleled customer service. Enabling urban and long-distance EV mobility for all with over 30,000 ultra-fast-and-reliable charging points by 2030. IONNA will provide the coverage drivers need, the reliability they deserve, and the amenities they crave.

• The establishment of BMW of North America in 1975 laid the foundation for the BMW Group’s nationwide business footprint in the U.S.
• Today, the BMW Group’s U.S. business includes nearly 30 locations in 12 states and contributes heavily to the company’s global success.
• U.S. design studio in Santa Monica plays a critical role in shaping the future of BMW Group design, user interface, and user experience. 
• The 50^th anniversary of the BMW 3 Series is celebrated in the Petersen Automotive Museum’s “The Ultimate Racing Machine. 50 Years of the BMW 3 Series in Motorsports” exhibit.

Santa Monica, CA – November 11, 2025… In celebration of a half-century of innovation in the U.S., the BMW Group today hosted an exclusive media program at its renowned Designworks studio in Santa Monica. The event, led by Head of BMW Group Design, Adrian van Hooydonk, offered a rare glimpse into the creative consultancy’s future-shaping vision, rooted in American ingenuity and the dynamic spirit of Southern California.

"BMW Group Designworks has always been an essential creative hub for the BMW Group, our eyes and ears, but also a door that connects us to the outside world,” said van Hooydonk. “Our studio in Santa Monica is deeply connected to the U.S. culture and the creative energy of California which has helped shape our vision and the designs of many of our vehicles. The BMW X5 and the idea of a 'Sports Activity Vehicle' for instance was penned in California. It introduced a revolutionary new segment that went on to become one of our most successful products globally.”

Through a series of interactive workshops and discussions, the program showcased Designworks' role in developing several iconic models and in-car experiences, highlighting how the studio is actively sculpting the future of mobility. The day culminated in an evening event at the Petersen Automotive Museum where van Hooydonk was joined by award-winning architect and UCLA

professor, Neil Denari, and Academy Award nominated costumer designer, Arianne Phillips, to explore how culture, innovation, and emotion converge to transform design into enduring icons.

A Legacy of Icons and Innovation.

Founded independently in Malibu in 1972 before becoming a wholly owned BMW Group subsidiary three decades ago, Designworks has been instrumental in the creation of some of BMW’s most defining vehicles. The studio is credited with the original, segment-defining E53 BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle – a concept entirely born from an American vision – the sculpted E85 BMW Z4 Roadster, the revolutionary BMW i3, and many others.

This influence endures today, notably with the Neue Klasse and the all-new BMW iX3.  Designworks played an important role in developing the entirely new design language and in-car experience of the Neue Klasse, which debuted with the BMW iX3 and will be replicated across the entire BMW product line up in the coming years. The studio’s research of sustainable materials and new production methods also contributed to the BMW iX3’s significant use of secondary raw materials and “Design for Circularity” approach.

MINI Design and Digital Experiences.

The relaunch of MINI under BMW ownership in the early 2000s stands as one of the most successful brand revivals in modern automotive history. Designworks and van Hooydonk both played vital roles in shaping the creative vision and strategic positioning that made MINI both nostalgic and new.

Designworks has also been instrumental in defining MINI’s digital identity, ensuring that the brand’s User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) embody the same playful spirit and human-centered design as its physical form.

The current MINI round center display, for example, reimagines the brand’s signature central instrument as a seamless OLED interface that unites information, entertainment, and control—transforming a classic design element into the emotional and digital heart of the modern MINI experience.

The 'Outside-In' Approach: A Crucial 'Think Tank.'

Designworks’ unique perspective extends far beyond the BMW Group through extensive work with diverse external client partners across various industries, from aviation to consumer electronics. This broad disciplinary reach enables its signature 'outside-in' approach to automotive product design. Functioning as a crucial 'think tank' and the BMW Group’s innovation hub, the Santa Monica team translates insights from these varied fields to inspire and push the boundaries of automotive aesthetics and functionality.

The company adopts a human-centered approach focused on creating meaningful, humanized experiences that prioritize comfort, connectivity, and wellbeing, with a focus on intelligent reduction to reveal essential elements and instill designs with "soul" and emotional connection.

“Designworks is an innovation driver—for the BMW Group and other clients,” said Designworks CEO, Julia de Bono. “Our role is to challenge the status quo and explore questions around the future of mobility that our parent company may not yet be actively addressing. We draw on cross-industry inspiration to help gather insight and trends which effectively enriches our design process and future BMW Group products with a visionary, global perspective not available to other car manufacturers.”

Shaping the Future from Silicon Beach.

Strategically located in 'Silicon Beach,' the Santa Monica studio serves as a vital testbed for innovative and sustainable mobility solutions that influence the entire BMW Group ecosystem. Designworks’ ongoing role in shaping transformative projects like the introduction of the Neue Klasse vehicles ensures it remains at the forefront of the industry’s fundamental shift toward electrification, digitalization, and sustainability.

BMW at the Petersen Automotive Museum. 

In a year of several important anniversaries, BMW of North America in partnership with the Petersen Automotive Museum have been honoring the legacy of the BMW 3 Series in an exhibit called: “The Ultimate Racing Machine. 50 Years of the BMW 3 Series in Motorsports”. The exhibit is located in the Phil Hill Legends Room of the museum’s recently reimagined James H. Frank Family Vault.

“For 50 years, the 3 Series has embodied the spirit of competition and innovation that drives the automotive world forward. This exhibit offers visitors a rare look at how BMW’s motorsport DNA has evolved—both on the track and on the street." Said Terry L. Karges, Executive Director, Petersen Automotive Museum.

The exhibit traces the evolution of the iconic BMW model line through all seven generations, showcasing its impact on motorsport and the marque’s heritage. The core group of race cars – one for each generation, has been combined with three wonderfully preserved street examples of the 3 Series including one of the three remaining V8 powered M3 GTR Straßenversion (homologation street version).

In addition to the 3 Series exhibit, BMW is represented in the Wedge exhibit with the Paul Bracq designed BMW Turbo Concept from 1972 and in the Totally Awesome exhibit with a 1980 BMW M1 Group 4 painted by Frank Stella and a pristine example of the first generation 1988 BMW M5.

 # # #

BMW Group in the United States.

BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles in the U.S. BMW Motorrad was brought into the fold in 1980. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.

Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.

BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled more than 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.

The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 351 BMW retailers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.comwww.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com

# # #

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – September 30, 2025 – MINI USA announces the official launch of the MINI ChargeForward program, a smart charging initiative designed to help customers earn financial incentives and reduce carbon emission with the optimizing of charging times. This launch follows the successful implementation of the ChargeForward program for BMW USA, which has now reached a milestone of more than 10,000 enrollments nationwide.

The ChargeForward program in conjunction with local utility partners is now available to owners of eligible MINI electrified models, including:

• 2025 and newer MINI Countryman SE ALL4 (U25)
• 2020–2024 MINI Cooper SE Hardtop 2 Door (F56)
• 2017-2024 Previous generation MINI Countryman PHEV (F60)

The current utility partners that are part of the collaboration include:

• XCEL Energy
• PSEG Long Islang
• Eversource
• PSE
• DTE
• SMUD

Additionally, by participating in the national carbon dividend program, MINI owners can smart-charge their vehicles at optimum times when carbon emissions are lowest on their local energy grid, helping to balance the grid and support renewable energy. Customers earn incentives for shifting their charging to these optimal times, with incentives paid out based on their participation and the overall carbon reductions achieved.

How It Works

ChargeForward leverages advanced technology to determine the best times to charge, using customer-set departure times, and utility and grid carbon signals. The program is fully integrated into the MINI App, allowing customers to manage their smart charging and incentives in one place. No additional hardware is required – customers just enroll, plug in, and let ChargeForward optimize their charging schedule.

Key customer benefits include:

• Financial Incentives: Customers earn different rewards for smart charging by enrolling in the local Utility and National Carbon Dividend program.
• Convenience: Charging schedules are automatically sent to the customer’s vehicle, ensuring it’s ready when needed.
• Environmental Impact: Customers reduce their carbon footprint by charging when emissions are lowest.

“At MINI, we believe driving electric should be as fun as it is sustainable,” said Vikash Joshi, Product Manager, MINI USA. “With MINI ChargeForward, our customers not only enjoy the convenience of smart charging but also play an active role in contributing to a cleaner and more efficient grid. This initiative is another example of how MINI is blending innovation, responsibility, and a sense of joy in every drive.”

The launch of MINI ChargeForward demonstrates BMW Group’s ongoing commitment to responsibility, innovation, and the continued adoption of electric vehicles. By expanding this smart charging technology to MINI customers, BMW Group continues to lead in providing solutions that benefit both drivers and the community.

To learn more about MINI ChargeForward, eligible models, and how to enroll, visit miniusa.com/chargeforward.

About MINI in the US

MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC, located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey and includes the marketing and sales organizations for the MINI brand. The authorized MINI USA dealer organization is represented by a network of 105 MINI full passenger car sales and service dealers located throughout the US. MINI USA began selling vehicles in the U.S. in 2002 with the introduction of the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Hardtops. Since then, the MINI Brand in the U.S. has grown to encompass a model range of five unique vehicles.

Journalist notes: Media information about MINI and its products is available to journalists on-line at www.miniusanews.com.

                                       #  #  #

Woodcliff Lake, NJ/Steyr (Austria) – August 1, 2025… BMW Group Plant Steyr today began series production of the e-motor for the Neue Klasse. “Today, we are laying the foundations for the future of the BMW Group,” explained Milan Nedeljković, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production. “As the first production site for the Gen6 electric motor, Plant Steyr is central to the Neue Klasse and the continued development of our global production network.” The electric motor for the sixth generation of BMW eDrive (Gen6) is the first fully-electric drivetrain to be produced at the Steyr location in Austria. From there, it will be shipped throughout the production network, providing the drivetrain for the Neue Klasse. “Three years ago, we announced that we would build this electric motor in Steyr. Today, we are proud to deliver it,” said Klaus von Moltke, SVP of Engine Production for BMW AG and plant director of the Steyr facility. “What we are launching here today is more than just a production ramp-up. It is a firm commitment to Europe, to technology and to the future.”

Technology openness: Plant Steyr as center of drivetrain expertise 

Between the project launch in 2022 and 2030, BMW is investing over a billion euros in expanding development and production expertise for e-drives at the Steyr location. This capacity expansion will ensure the plant remains the BMW Group's leading location for drivetrains. For over 40 years, the plant has developed and manufactured internal combustion engines for the BMW and MINI brands. This extensive experience and wealth of expertise in drivetrains make the engine plant the ideal facility to produce the Gen6 electric motors. The site will continue to manufacture diesel and gasoline engines in parallel. “Technology openness is our strength – it gives us the necessary flexibility to secure long-term jobs,” said von Moltke. Around 1,000 employees will work in the new electric motor assembly. Depending on global demand, half of the Steyr location’s total workforce could be employed in e-mobility by 2030. von Moltke: “Steyr will remain the heart of our drivetrain expertise – both for combustion engines and electromobility.”

Powertrain components produced in Steyr, aluminum housings from Landshut 

Rotor, stator, transmission and power converter – all core components of the innovative, highly integrated e-drive – will be manufactured at Plant Steyr. The housing for the electric motor will be cast at Plant Landshut's aluminum foundry and further processed in Steyr. The power converter will be produced in a new in-house clean-room environment, marking the Austrian engine manufacturer’s entry into the field of electrical motorering. E-drive components from Steyr will be assembled on two new lines. The overall production concept for the Gen6 e-drive follows the principle of a modular system, making it possible to produce different highly flexible electric drivetrain derivatives for the entire range of Neue Klasse models. The modular concept generates positive economies of scale and cost savings in both development and production. It also improves the scalability of production volumes. The modular approach keeps production, supply networks and procurement highly flexible.

Comprehensive improvements to electric motor 

The electric motor has undergone significant further development for Gen6: The rotor, stator and power converter have all been holistically designed for the Gen6 technology’s new 800-volt architecture, maximizing the performance capabilities and the efficiency of the drive system. Improvements in geometry and cooling, along with reduced friction, optimize the two-stage spur gearbox. Customer-friendly acoustics have also been further refined. In the e-drive's electric “brain” – the power converter – 800-volt technology and silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor technology are now being used to boost efficiency. Fully integrated into the electric motor housing, the power converter converts direct current (DC) from the high-voltage battery into alternating current (AC) for the electric motor. 

Lower weight, costs, and energy loss lead to greater vehicle efficiency 

Overall, the intelligent use of new technologies in the e-drive and systematic further development of existing systems produce remarkable results. Comparing one of the future models of the Neue Klasse with a Gen5 xDrive model shows the improvements in the electric motor: “Energy loss is reduced by 40 percent, costs by 20 percent, and weight by 10 percent. All this makes a significant contribution to the approximately 20-percent increase in overall vehicle efficiency”, explains Martin Kaufmann, SVP of global Powertrain Development at BMW AG., “The efficient design of the powertrain together with the high energy content of the

high-voltage battery, enable a range of up to 800 km (WLTP) in the BMW iX3, the first model of the Neue Klasse.”

BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles and motorcycles in the U.S. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.

Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.

BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled over 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.

The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 350 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

Journalists note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists online at www.bmwusanews.com , www.miniusanews.com, and at www.press.bmwna.com

#      #      #

Mountain View, CA – July 23, 2025… BMW i Ventures today announced a co-lead investment in Estes Energy Solutions, Inc., a California-based materials and manufacturing innovator. The $11 million seed round was co-led with Fortescue Ventures with participation from New Systems Ventures, and early investor DCVC. With $20 million raised to date, this latest capital will help Estes complete development of its chemistry-agnostic battery pack platform and establish domestic manufacturing capacity.

BMW i Ventures' investment underscores its commitment to supporting disruptive technologies that enable the future of electrification. Estes is charting a new path to drive further improvements at the pack level—one focused on novel materials, advanced manufacturing processes, and architectural optimizations which unlock a new paradigm of performance and economics for high voltage battery packs in the U.S. electrification market.

Estes’ modular platform addresses cost-sensitive applications with an LFP-powered variant, and mass-sensitive applications with a nickel-powered variant. Both systems are suitable for heavy-use applications and are seamlessly interchangeable with one another, offering OEMs the ability to serve broad markets from a single integration effort.

“What makes Estes different isn’t just the unique technology—it’s the people.” said Baris Guzel, Partner at BMW i Ventures. “This is a team that’s been in the trenches, building rugged, high-density battery systems with real-world safety and scale in mind. It’s that rare blend of deep engineering chops, operator mindset, and execution urgency. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with them.”

Estes is seeing strong interest from commercial partners and OEMs across multiple sectors. The pilot manufacturing line will enable Estes to begin fulfilling these strategic opportunities while fortifying the U.S.-based battery supply chain aligned with national priorities.

“We’re experiencing a broadening of demand across new electrification markets. From defense and aviation to marine, rail, and off-highway sectors, the need for the next generation of battery systems is accelerating,” said Dustin Grace, CEO of Estes. “This funding propels us towards serving these markets at the level of performance, economics, and domestic resilience necessary for sustainable growth.”

Estes will deploy this new capital to expand its development team, build-out pilot manufacturing capability, and begin deploying systems to early customers in Q4 2025.

# # #

About BMW i Ventures.

BMW i Ventures is the independent venture capital firm of BMW Group. From offices in Silicon Valley and Munich, BMW i Ventures invests in early to growth-stage companies defining the future of automotive, sustainability, manufacturing, and supply chain. Since starting in 2011, the firm has $800M under management and has invested in over 75 startups, including Bcomp, Boston Metal, CelLink, ChargePoint, GaN Systems, Motorway, Tekion, and Xometry. For more information: https://www.bmwiventures.com.

About Estes Energy Solutions.
Estes develops and manufactures exceptional zero-emission power systems that unlock true scale and performance for the electrification of commercial and industrial markets. Estes’ charter is to accelerate access to electrification by enabling standardized powertrain solutions that outperform diesel in both cost and performance—for both high-volume established OEMs and industry newcomers alike. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Estes is committed to reshoring the complete battery value chain and enabling the inevitable transition from diesel to electric across North America. Learn more atwww.estes.energy.

# # # 

Hicksville, NY – July 22, 2025… ChargeScape, a joint venture between BMW, Honda, Ford, and Nissan, today announced a partnership with PSEG Long Island to enroll electric vehicles (EVs) in the utility’s Peak Load Reduction program, a first in the nine-year history of the utility’s peak load reduction programs. Designed to alleviate strain on the power grid during summer months, the initiative will leverage ChargeScape’s AI-powered technology platform and aims to intelligently integrate more than 4,000 BMW EV drivers and 2,200 Ford EV drivers into the power grid. Participating customers will receive financial incentives for helping to support grid stability and community resilience through optimized EV charging.

The Peak Load Reduction program integrates EVs into the power grid using ChargeScape’s proprietary software algorithm, EV AI™. The software receives real-time data from PSEG Long Island to determine the optimal timing, duration, and intensity of EV charging for enrolled customers, ensuring that EV electricity demand does not exceed what the power grid can support at a certain time or location.

"We are excited to join forces with PSEG Long Island in this important initiative," said Alexander Schleicher, Head of E-mobility at BMW of North America. "This program not only empowers our customers to play a vital role in energy conservation but also reinforces our commitment to sustainable mobility and community support."

"Enabling our customers to enjoy the benefits from utilities’ electric vehicle charging programs is part of the core value of EV adoption and ownership," said Dave McCreadie, Director, EV Grid Integration and Energy Services, Ford Motor Company. "Ford believes that ChargeScape will provide utilities like PSEG the best tool to help them manage their grid as EV adoption accelerates."

"The Peak Load Reduction program is an excellent example of collaboration among automakers and power utilities to help keep the lights on while saving EV drivers money,” said Joseph Vellone, CEO of ChargeScape. “ChargeScape is thrilled to provide BMW and Ford customers in Long Island with the opportunity to reduce their charging costs and contribute to their community.”

“We are pleased that these automakers recognize the importance of the Peak Load Reduction program,” said Michael Voltz, PSEG Long Island’s Director of Energy Efficiency and Renewables. “The program not only saves for those that participate but also reduces the amount of overall energy being used, which reduces the amount of electricity needed to be purchased for the following summer period. That translates into future savings for all customers.”

For more information about the Peak Load Reduction program and how to participate, please visit https://www.psegliny.com/saveenergyandmoney/GreenEnergy/PeakLoad/CSRP.

                                                                                                      # # #                                                         

BMW Group in the United States.

BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles in the U.S. BMW Motorrad was brought into the fold in 1980. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.

Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.

BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled nearly 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.

The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 350 BMW retailers, 144 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

# # #

Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com www.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com

• Innovation, range, and attainability remain keys to accelerating EV adoption

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – June 10, 2025… A new nationally representative survey conducted by Big Village and commissioned by the BMW Group in the U.S. reveals that while barriers like cost and infrastructure persist, expectations around EV performance and usability are evolving. The findings highlight growing consumer openness to electrification and emerging powertrain technologies, while also underscoring the need for continued innovation, education and investment across the EV ecosystem.

According to the survey, 92% of Americans believe continued innovation in EV technology is important, with 30% of those respondents calling it “very important.” Supporting this, over 30% of consumers ranked a reputation for innovation as the top priority when considering an EV brand—underscoring that technological leadership remains central to driving adoption.

That openness to innovation extends beyond battery-electric vehicles. The survey found that 58% of Americans are open to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, including 14% who are “very open” and 44% who are “open”. While awareness of hydrogen fuel cell technology and availability of necessary infrastructure for hydrogen still trails behind battery electric vehicles, this level of interest points to growing consumer curiosity and a clear opportunity for education and investment as infrastructure and availability improve.

Other Key Findings Include:

• EVs Going Mainstream: The perception of EVs as niche is fading. In 2025, 62% of Americans consider EV buyers “early adopters,” dropping from 5% from 2023.
• Affordability Still a Hurdle: Among future EV buyers, 40% cite cost as the main reason they haven’t purchased one yet.
• Strong Interest in Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrids: 66% of respondents say they would consider a hybrid or plug-in hybrid before purchasing a battery-electric vehicle.
• Evolving Range Expectations: 75% say 75 miles of daily range is sufficient, with 50 miles being the most common preference (29%)—indicating that consumers are increasingly aligning expectations with practical daily driving needs rather than aiming for maximum range.
• Adoption Outlook: 55% of consumers expect to purchase an EV in the future, with nearly one in five planning to do so in the next 3–5 years.
• Charging Knowledge Improving: 47% know where the nearest public charging station is, up from 40% in 2024.

“The Ultimate Driving Machine’ tagline is a brand promise that applies to every BMW – whether it is one of our highly efficient internal combustion vehicles or a fully electric BEV – and it goes beyond driving performance to include everything from range and charging speed to quality, fit and finish,” said Dr. Andreas Meyer, Vice President, BMW Product Management Americas. “As more consumers make the switch and realize that there is no compromise to doing so, it will become even more clear that electric vehicles are the future for many customers.”

“MINI’s electric future is rooted in making sustainable driving more accessible and fun,” added Mike Peyton, Vice President MINI of the Americas. “As the survey shows, people want options that fit their lifestyles without compromise—and MINI is uniquely positioned to deliver EVs that combine everyday usability with iconic design and personality.”

BMW Group Commitment to Electrified Mobility in the U.S.

BMW offers eight electrified models in the U.S., including four fully electric (BMW i4, i5, iX, and i7) and four plug-in hybrid models (BMW X5 xDrive50e, BMW 550e Series, BMW 750e, and XM). Next year, the company will begin assembling electric vehicles at its plant in South Carolina. By the end of the decade, at least six electric models will be assembled in the U.S. Globally, BMW recently announced the production milestone of 3 million electrified vehicles— underscoring its leadership in electric mobility.

BMW’s next generation “Neue Klasse” electric vehicles will begin arriving in the U.S. next year, starting with the BMW iX3. These new vehicles will feature BMW Group’s sixth-generation battery technology, which is engineered to deliver greater energy density, faster charging and improved sustainability across the company’s next wave of EVs. This next-gen platform underpins BMW’s ability to deliver dynamic driving performance with extended range while reducing emissions throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

The release of these insights also follows the recent debut of the all-new 2025 MINI Countryman SE ALL4, the most powerful and versatile MINI EV yet, marking a pivotal moment in the MINI brand’s electrified offering to American consumers. As an independent brand within BMW Group, MINI continues to build on its legacy of innovation, efficiency and creative use of space to expand its electrified offerings with distinct personality and premium design.

BMW and MINI are also advancing a holistic approach to EV adoption through strategic infrastructure investments and digital innovation. This includes IONNA, a joint venture with seven other major OEMs to build one of North America's largest high-powered charging networks; Plug & Charge capabilities that simplify the EV charging experience; and Chargescape, a collaborative effort to enhance energy management at home and across the grid.

Survey Methodology.
The General Population survey was conducted among a sample of 1,007 adults 18 years of age and older on behalf of BMW Group. The online omnibus study was conducted from May 7 - 9, 2025. Portions of this survey were previously conducted in 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

BMW Group in the United States.

BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles in the U.S. BMW Motorrad was brought into the fold in 1980. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.

Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.

BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled nearly 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.

The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 350 BMW retailers, 144 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

  # # #

Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com   www.miniusanews.com  and www.press.bmwna.com  

• Innovation, range, and attainability remain keys to accelerating EV adoption

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – June 10, 2025… A new nationally representative survey conducted by Big Village and commissioned by the BMW Group in the U.S. reveals that while barriers like cost and infrastructure persist, expectations around EV performance and usability are evolving. The findings highlight growing consumer openness to electrification and emerging powertrain technologies, while also underscoring the need for continued innovation, education and investment across the EV ecosystem.

According to the survey, 92% of Americans believe continued innovation in EV technology is important, with 30% of those respondents calling it “very important.” Supporting this, over 30% of consumers ranked a reputation for innovation as the top priority when considering an EV brand—underscoring that technological leadership remains central to driving adoption.

That openness to innovation extends beyond battery-electric vehicles. The survey found that 58% of Americans are open to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, including 14% who are “very open” and 44% who are “open”. While awareness of hydrogen fuel cell technology and availability of necessary infrastructure for hydrogen still trails behind battery electric vehicles, this level of interest points to growing consumer curiosity and a clear opportunity for education and investment as infrastructure and availability improve.

Other Key Findings Include:

• EVs Going Mainstream: The perception of EVs as niche is fading. In 2025, 62% of Americans consider EV buyers “early adopters,” dropping from 5% from 2023.
• Affordability Still a Hurdle: Among future EV buyers, 40% cite cost as the main reason they haven’t purchased one yet.
• Strong Interest in Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrids: 66% of respondents say they would consider a hybrid or plug-in hybrid before purchasing a battery-electric vehicle.
• Evolving Range Expectations: 75% say 75 miles of daily range is sufficient, with 50 miles being the most common preference (29%)—indicating that consumers are increasingly aligning expectations with practical daily driving needs rather than aiming for maximum range.
• Adoption Outlook: 55% of consumers expect to purchase an EV in the future, with nearly one in five planning to do so in the next 3–5 years.
• Charging Knowledge Improving: 47% know where the nearest public charging station is, up from 40% in 2024.

“The Ultimate Driving Machine’ tagline is a brand promise that applies to every BMW – whether it is one of our highly efficient internal combustion vehicles or a fully electric BEV – and it goes beyond driving performance to include everything from range and charging speed to quality, fit and finish,” said Dr. Andreas Meyer, Vice President, BMW Product Management Americas. “As more consumers make the switch and realize that there is no compromise to doing so, it will become even more clear that electric vehicles are the future for many customers.”

“MINI’s electric future is rooted in making sustainable driving more accessible and fun,” added Mike Peyton, Vice President MINI of the Americas. “As the survey shows, people want options that fit their lifestyles without compromise—and MINI is uniquely positioned to deliver EVs that combine everyday usability with iconic design and personality.”

BMW Group Commitment to Electrified Mobility in the U.S.

BMW offers eight electrified models in the U.S., including four fully electric (BMW i4, i5, iX, and i7) and four plug-in hybrid models (BMW X5 xDrive50e, BMW 550e Series, BMW 750e, and XM). Next year, the company will begin assembling electric vehicles at its plant in South Carolina. By the end of the decade, at least six electric models will be assembled in the U.S. Globally, BMW recently announced the production milestone of 3 million electrified vehicles— underscoring its leadership in electric mobility.

BMW’s next generation “Neue Klasse” electric vehicles will begin arriving in the U.S. next year, starting with the BMW iX3. These new vehicles will feature BMW Group’s sixth-generation battery technology, which is engineered to deliver greater energy density, faster charging and improved sustainability across the company’s next wave of EVs. This next-gen platform underpins BMW’s ability to deliver dynamic driving performance with extended range while reducing emissions throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

The release of these insights also follows the recent debut of the all-new 2025 MINI Countryman SE ALL4, the most powerful and versatile MINI EV yet, marking a pivotal moment in the MINI brand’s electrified offering to American consumers. As an independent brand within BMW Group, MINI continues to build on its legacy of innovation, efficiency and creative use of space to expand its electrified offerings with distinct personality and premium design.

BMW and MINI are also advancing a holistic approach to EV adoption through strategic infrastructure investments and digital innovation. This includes IONNA, a joint venture with seven other major OEMs to build one of North America's largest high-powered charging networks; Plug & Charge capabilities that simplify the EV charging experience; and Chargescape, a collaborative effort to enhance energy management at home and across the grid.

Survey Methodology.
The General Population survey was conducted among a sample of 1,007 adults 18 years of age and older on behalf of BMW Group. The online omnibus study was conducted from May 7 - 9, 2025. Portions of this survey were previously conducted in 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

BMW Group in the United States.

BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles in the U.S. BMW Motorrad was brought into the fold in 1980. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.

Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.

BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled nearly 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.

The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 350 BMW retailers, 144 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

  # # #

Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com   www.miniusanews.com  and www.press.bmwna.com  

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 20, 2025… The BMW Group is bringing large-format, pure ASSB cells from Solid Power to its test vehicle, a BMW i7, which is being operated in the Munich area. The potential benefits of ASSB technology: higher energy density in a very compact storage system compared to current technologies.

Since 2022, the BMW Group and Solid Power, Inc. (Nasdaq: SLDP) have intensified their activities for the development of all-solid-state battery (ASSB) technology through their technology transfer agreement.

The BMW Group and Solid Power believe in the potential of genuine ASSB technology. With a higher energy density compared to current battery technologies, ASSB batteries have the potential to achieve longer ranges in vehicles without the disadvantages with regard to the weight of the overall storage system.

“Solid Power is extremely proud that our partnership with BMW has resulted in the first demonstration of truly all-solid-state battery cells in a vehicle,” said John Van Scoter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Solid Power.  “We believe in the promise of ASSB’s and continue to drive innovation of our sulfide electrolyte in support of that future for EV’s.”

Martin Schuster, Vice President Battery Cell and Cell Module at the BMW Group, says: “Our BMW i7 ASSB test vehicle on the road is a perfect example of the BMW Group's technology-open mindset. We are continuously advancing the development of new battery cell technologies and are constantly expanding our know-how with valuable partners such as Solid Power.”

The concept battery integrated in the BMW i7 test vehicle combines proven Gen5 construction principles (prismatic cells in modules) with new, innovative module concepts for integrating ASSB cells from Solid Power.

The management of cell expansion will be investigated here. In addition: How is the operating pressure controlled and how to adjust the temperature conditions.

The use of solid power cells with sulfide-based electrolytes and their complete integration into a battery pack will provide the BMW Group with further important findings in the test program over the coming months.

The innovative cells were developed and manufactured by Solid Power in collaboration with experts from the BMW Group. Further development steps are required to implement ASSB technology in a competitive overall storage system.

The BMW Group and Solid Power have been cooperating since 2016 through an extended “Joint Development Agreement”, which was supported by BMW Group's investment in Solid Power in May 2021 as part of a financing round.

At the end of 2022, BMW and Solid Power agreed to further deepen their partnership. BMW will operate a solid cell prototype line at the CMCC (Cell Manufacturing Competence Center) in Parsdorf on the basis of a research and development license and using the experience and expertise of Solid Power.

Since 2008, the BMW Group has been steadily expanding its expertise in the area of battery cell technology. Since 2019, this know-how has been bundled at the BMW Group's Battery Cell Competence Center (BCCC) in Munich. The BCCC covers the entire value chain, from research and development to battery cell design and production capability.

In order to be able to implement innovations in battery cell technology quickly and efficiently, the BMW Group cooperates in a network of around 300 partners, including established companies, start-ups and universities.

The cooperation with Solid Power underlines the BMW Group's battery strategy -to further develop innovative battery technologies on equal footing with leading partners in the industry. This strategically strong position in the value chain ensures the BMW Group access to all new and innovative battery cell research worldwide.

# # #

BMW Group in the United States.

BMW of North America began operations 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles in the U.S. BMW Motorrad was brought into the fold in 1980. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.

Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.

BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled over 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.

The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 350 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

Solid Power, Inc.

Solid Power is developing solid-state battery technology to enable the next generation of batteries for the fast-growing EV and other markets. Solid Power’s core technology is its electrolyte material, which Solid Power believes can enable extended driving range, longer battery life, improved safety, and lower cost compared to traditional lithium-ion. Solid Power’s business model – selling its electrolyte to cell manufacturers and licensing its cell designs and manufacturing processes – distinguishes the company from many of its competitors who plan to be commercial battery manufacturers. Ultimately, Solid Power endeavors to be a leading producer and distributor of sulfide-based solid electrolyte material for powering both EVs and other applications. For more information, visit http://www.solidpowerbattery.com/.

# # #

• BMW Sound Design Studio develops all-new sound concept for next generation of BMWs.
• BMW Operating System X enables drive sounds tailored precisely to the driving situation at hand in Personal Mode and Sport Mode.
• Immersive spectrum of audio effects augments the holistic user experience of the new BMW iDrive.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 14, 2025… As it pulls back the curtain on a new era in 2025, fuelled by the all­electric Neue Klasse models, BMW is creating a holistic driving and user experience that breaks genuinely new ground. One of the elements of the far­reaching BMW Panoramic iDrive concept is the new HypersonX soundscape. Developed by the BMW Sound Design Studio, it comprises 43 sound signals and special driving sounds for Personal Mode and Sport Mode. The multi­dimensional spectrum adapts the sounds precisely to the driving situation at hand and, in so doing, creates an emotional interaction between the driver and their vehicle.

This new stage in the evolution of the automotive sound experience has been made possible by the technological advances in hardware and software brought by the Neue Klasse. The revolutionary BMW Operating System X and a newly developed control unit pave the way for an innovative audio architecture. This allows the overall experience offered by the Neue Klasse to be perfected at an acoustic level, as well as in terms of vehicle character, driving experience and functional range.

A new dimension in drive sounds: distinctive and precisely honed. 

"The unique sound spectrum of HypersonX plays a major role in giving a Neue Klasse model its own, highly distinctive character acoustically. Through our focus on precision, warmth, and lightness, we can create a direct emotional connection between the driver and their vehicle," emphasises Renzo Vitale, Creative Director of Sound Design BMW Group. In both Personal Mode and Sport Mode, the drive sounds focus on the essentials and are inspired by tones from nature and structures from the worlds of art and science. HypersonX has fewer basic notes than the sound experience previously employed. But at the same time, the acoustic spectrum has grown to include a new dimensional level. This gives the sound more “color”, depth, and precision, and it embodies more than ever the pleasure of driving for which BMW is renowned.

One of the main elements underpinning this capability is the audio control unit developed for the Neue Klasse, which enables a significant expansion of the dynamic range.

Added to which, the spatial modulation of the drive sound achievable in the Neue Klasse ensures that the vehicle occupants are thoroughly immersed in the soundscape generated by HypersonX. Under acceleration, for example, the vehicle gives the impression of moving between different three-dimensional layers of sound, thus transporting the feeling of speed and BMW-typical driving dynamics authentically into the cabin.

Humanity is a central design element of the welcome sound.

As well as intelligent reduction to the essential elements, the human aspect played an important role in the development of the soundscape for the Neue Klasse. The middle and lower frequency ranges of the BMW HypersonX sound spectrum have been brought to the fore to create a well-balanced acoustic atmosphere. In conjunction with intuitive operation, precisely adjusted light effects, and relaxing interior design, this gives those on board a fine sense of wellbeing.

A choir made up of BMW Design Studio employees brings voice – in their respective native languages – to moments of driving joy, infusing the welcome sound with an essence of empathy. Carefully isolated elements of these recordings enhance the overall composition of the welcome sound to excellent effect and treat the driver to moments of joy and human warmth.

BMW HypersonX gives the sounds for the Neue Klasse an expressive and distinctive, but also understated and sensitive feel. To this end, more than nine million sound instances based on BMW’s sound DNA were generated using a new algorithm. At the BMW Sound Design Studio, these were then filtered into a brand-typical essence that in turn generates a cohesive and multi-dimensional acoustic experience. The result is a sound that creates an emotional connection between human and vehicle in all driving situations and brings a positive, pleasant, and inviting aura to the acoustic presence of the Neue Klasse.

BMW Group in the United States.

BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles and motorcycles in the U.S. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.
Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.
BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled nearly 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.
The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 350 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.
Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists online at www.bmwusanews.com , www.miniusanews.com, and at www.press.bmwna.com

# # #

• BMW takes the next step for the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV).
• Concentration of computing power for key customer functions in four “Superbrains”.
• Zonal wiring harness architecture 30% lighter and with 600 meters less wiring.
• Technology scales across all drivetrain variants.
• Future-oriented and flexible software architecture from the chip in the vehicle to the cloud.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 10, 2025… BMW is the first automotive manufacturer to launch a completely newly developed digital nervous system for all drivetrain variants and vehicle segments. It is more intelligent, more powerful and more efficient and will be rolled out for the first time in the models of the Neue Klasse. Four high-performance computers, also called "Superbrains", consolidate the computing power for the most important customer functions: infotainment, automated driving, driving dynamics, and basic functions such as vehicle access, climate control, and comfort. The four Superbrains provide more than 20 times the computing power compared to the current vehicle generation and are already designed for upcoming software and function updates, including AI-powered customer experiences.

"Technology openness is the key to BMW's success. Starting with the first model of the Neue Klasse, we will roll out the technologies of the Neue Klasse across the entire future model portfolio – across all segments and all drivetrains. This also applies to our completely newly developed electronic architecture made up of powerful 'Superbrains' and highly interconnected software platforms. This architecture allows us to decouple the development of the vehicle and software from each other. The advantage: More than ever before, all future BMW models will remain digitally up to date via over-the-air upgrades and will receive updates even from the next and subsequent vehicle generations," says Frank Weber, Board Member for Development at BMW AG.

A fundamental component of the digital nervous system is the radically simplified wiring harness. It is based on a so-called zonal wiring harness architecture, which uses 600 meters less wiring and brings 30% weight savings compared to the previous generation. The wiring harness is divided into four zones: front end, center, rear and roof. The Superbrains are connected via high-speed data connections to smaller control units, the zonal controllers, which manage and consolidate the data flow of the electronics in and out of the zones. The wiring in the vehicle is therefore zone-related and can thus be shorter, thinner, and lighter.

A crucial prerequisite for thinner and lighter wiring are the so-called "Smart eFuses". These are digital fuses that replace up to 150 traditional fuses. Smart eFuses can be intelligently programmed for digitally controlled energy distribution to components. The selective activation of components allows for the design of intelligent power modes for various vehicle states such as driving, parking, charging, and upgrading, in which unnecessary consumers can be identified and switched off. Thus, the eFuses make a significant contribution to the 20% improved energy efficiency.

The completely newly developed electronic architecture forms the basis for the next generation SDV. From the launch of the Neue Klasse, the upcoming BMW model generation will benefit from it. The first fully electric derivative of the Neue Klasse will go into series production later this year at the Debrecen plant in Hungary.

The advanced software architecture of BMW builds on this new electronic architecture. With the multitude of digital functions in SDVs, it is crucial that functions can be continuously developed on stable software platforms rather than being newly developed for every new generation. This is precisely what is achieved with the Neue Klasse. In the vehicle the software platforms run on the respective Superbrains, and the vehicle functions run on top of them. The "Shared Service Layer" acts as a connecting element (middleware) and provides, among other things, state-of-the-art cybersecurity and flexible over-the-air updates. It also enables customer-relevant AI functions thanks to intelligent networking of cross-domain data sources.

"With the introduction of the Neue Klasse, we are entering a mode of software development where we achieve software continuity. This means we continuously develop software rather than starting from scratch each time," says Christoph Grote, Senior Vice President BMW Group Electronics and Software. "Based on our advanced software architecture and the fact that today our global development teams generate 130 times more software than ten years ago, we see ourselves in an excellent competitive position. More than ever, our software developers can focus on product innovations."

For the Neue Klasse, the development teams are working on well over 1,000 software modules, over 20 GB of software, and over 500 million lines of code, which will ultimately be integrated into the Superbrains and the rest of the electronic architecture in the vehicle. To achieve this, BMW has established a solid foundation for future-proof and highly effective vehicle software development in recent years. Innovative methods and tools have been anchored in the continuously growing global developer network. At the heart of vehicle software development is the integrated developer environment: a tailored tool-chain called "CodeCraft." The speed and quality of development have been enhanced with the use of a variety of tools that support the software developer with generative AI. CodeCraft runs in the cloud on up to 75,000 virtual CPUs, supports the simultaneous work of well over 10,000 software developers, and records up to 200,000 software builds per day at peak times. This corresponds to a productivity increase of more than 130 times compared to ten years ago.

Concentration of computing power for essential customer functions in four “Superbrains”

The first Superbrain carries the joy of electric driving into the future and is therefore named “Heart of Joy”. In fully electric BMWs of the Neue Klasse, the first completely BMW-developed driving dynamics control system will be used: BMW Dynamic Performance Control. It enables the most precise driving experience to date, efficient energy recuperation, impressive smoothness even at low speeds, and perfect traction for dynamic acceleration. Motor and chassis control are combined in a single control unit for the first time and respond with a delay of less than one millisecond, ten times faster than the previously used control units.

The second Superbrain for automated driving controls the latest generation of automated and highly automated driving functions. It integrates what was previously distributed across four control units into one powerful computing unit and has twenty times the computing power compared to the previous generation.

The third Superbrain controls BMW Panoramic iDrive and thus the digital experience in the vehicle with the infotainment operating system BMW Operating System X. It orchestrates all content in the BMW Panoramic Vision, 3D Head-Up Display, and central display, as well as voice interaction, entertainment, and navigation. This Superbrain ensures the intuitive customer experience of BMW Panoramic iDrive and expands it with intelligent, AI-supported, and cloud-based functions.

The fourth Superbrain is responsible for basic functions and acts as the control center for managing vehicle states. It controls fundamental functions such as vehicle access, climate and comfort, interior and exterior lighting, data flow and processing, as well as remote software upgrades. Up to 100 vehicle functions are integrated into this single unit, and it is connected to up to 50 sensors.

Intelligent preprocessing of data by the Superbrains in the vehicle enables optimized data exchange with the BMW Cloud.

Long-standing and proven strategy for software development.

BMW is managing the digital transformation with a consistent and long-term strategy. With the founding of BMW CarIT over 20 years ago, software development began in-house. Since then, the company has expanded its development teams in a global network. In total, BMW employs around 10,000 IT and software experts worldwide.

Despite a high level of internal expertise, BMW has always believed that developing the complete vehicle software in-house would never be sensible. Therefore, the company consistently pusues a strategic “Make-or-Buy” approach. This means, on the one hand, that brand-defining and differentiating software is developed in-house. This includes, for example, the infotainment operating system, which has now been developed by BMW in its tenth generation. Crucial software layers for executing over-the-air updates or the control software for the driving experience are also developed internally. Basic functionalities, on the other hand, for which leading solutions already exist and which do not significantly shape customer experience are sourced from leading companies in the industry or covered through open-source solutions.

BMW Group in the United States.

BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles and motorcycles in the U.S. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.
Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.
BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled nearly 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.
The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 350 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.
Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists online at www.bmwusanews.com , www.miniusanews.com, and at www.press.bmwna.com

# # #

• Sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology marks a milestone in electric mobility.
• BMW Energy Master: intelligent central control unit for the fundamentally new HV battery.
• Innovative and flexible modular principle for electric drive.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – February 20, 2025… BMW is presenting its next leap forward in the field of electric drive technology – and in the process ushering in a new era of all-electric driving. At the Tech Days event in Landshut, the company has provided some initial insights into the development and production of high-voltage batteries and electric drive systems using the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology. Every fully electric Neue Klasse vehicle will enjoy the benefits. The first Neue Klasse model will go into series production later this year at Plant Debrecen in Hungary. Below is an overview of the technology highlights:

• The Energy Master intelligent central control unit on the high-voltage battery – developed by BMW and produced at Plant Landshut.
• A new high-voltage battery concept that, together with the BMW cylindrical cell, promises to bring about a technological quantum leap – including significant improvements in energy density, charging speed and range.
• BMW also demonstrates its technology-openness with electric drive systems – through the use of different electric motor types: SSM and ASM.
• A modular approach to electric motor production gives BMW an exceptional degree of flexibility.
• BMW pools together expertise from the entire electric mobility value chain in Bavaria and Austria – from development, via purchasing and production, to recycling.
• BMW demonstrates both technology-openness and full expertise across all areas of electric mobility.

Adopting a technology-open approach while setting the pace in electric mobility

“For BMW, electric mobility is the future and a key area of growth. We are leading the way with this drivetrain technology. At the same time, we are deliberately taking a technology-open approach, recognizing that mobility needs vary between different regions of the world,” explains Dr Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Purchasing and Supplier Network. “We want to offer our customers the best drive concept for every need. It is possible to do both: offer the best drive technology for every need and be at the forefront of electric mobility.”

Slimmer, faster, further: the high-voltage batteries for Gen6

With the new sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology (Gen6 for short), BMW is making a technological quantum leap. Improvements on the product side include a 30% faster charging speed and 30% increase in range, with certain models achieving even higher figures. Added to which, the Gen6 high-voltage battery concept benefits from the new 800V technology. Gen6 will make its debut this year in the Neue Klasse and subsequently be used to drive models across BMW’s fully electric product range. The concept for the Gen6 high-voltage batteries is fundamentally new and will find applications in all vehicle segments – right up to the high-performance models from BMW M GmbH. Its new, slimmer design allows the high-voltage battery to be integrated into a spread of different models, regardless of vehicle height. The high-voltage battery takes on the role of a structural component in the bodies of the Neue Klasse models (“pack-to-open-body”), and the new cylindrical cells will be integrated directly into the high-voltage battery (“cell-to-pack”). The new BMW cylindrical cell has a 20% greater energy density than its predecessor, the Gen5 prismatic battery cell. And charging in both directions will be possible: BMW has confirmed bidirectional charging as standard for Gen6.

Highly intelligent central control unit: the BMW Energy Master

All of the elements that enable this technological leap forward come together in the BMW Energy Master. This central control unit is positioned on the high-voltage battery and provides the interface for high- and low-voltage power supply and for data from the high-voltage battery. It also controls the power supply for the electric motor and vehicle electrical system and ensures the safe and intelligent operation of the high-voltage battery. BMW has filed a whole series of new patent applications for the vehicle electrical system, including its electronic fuses. Both the hardware and software of the Energy Master were developed fully in-house at BMW. This ensures technological developments and updates for vehicles can be implemented independently and in real time via Remote Software Upgrades, providing a particular benefit for customers.

“Local for local” approach for high-voltage battery assembly and supplier network

The high-voltage batteries for the Neue Klasse are assembled in five new production facilities that BMW has located close to its vehicle plants as part of a “local for local” approach. For example, cutting-edge assembly locations for Gen6 high-voltage batteries are taking shape in Irlbach-Straßkirchen (Lower Bavaria), Debrecen (Hungary), Shenyang (China), San Luis Potosí (Mexico), and Woodruff, near Spartanburg (USA). This approach safeguards production even in the event of unforeseen political and economic events. In addition, the existing locations are being strengthened, with jobs both secured and created. The “local for local” principle continues in the supplier network for battery cells: in order to cover the demand for Gen6, BMW has reached contractual agreements for five battery cell factories – spread across Europe, China and the USA – with various partners.

“Cell-to-pack” and “pack-to-open-body”

Production of the Gen6 high-voltage batteries follows the “cell-to-pack” and “pack-to-open-body” principles. “Cell-to-pack” involves positioning the cylindrical cells – manufactured by the suppliers according to BMW specifications – directly in the housing of the high-voltage battery, without the intermediate step of a module being produced. “Pack-to-open-body” refers to the high-voltage battery’s new role as a structural component in the vehicle architecture. Numerous innovations patented by BMW can be found here.

Know-how from Bavaria and Austria – in demand around the world

Before series production of the high-voltage batteries gets underway worldwide, the production processes will be developed and pre-series batteries subjected to thorough testing. This will happen at BMW pilot plants for high-voltage batteries in Parsdorf, Hallbergmoos, and Munich. The new series production plants around the world will then be ready. The product and process expertise is centerd in Bavaria. Production of the Energy Master will take place at Plant Landshut, which will then supply all the high-voltage battery assembly plants around the world. There, the highly intelligent control unit will be installed on the high-voltage battery. The electric motor with sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology is produced at Plant Steyr in Austria, which is also home to a development center for electric drive systems and thermal management.

Production of the Energy Master at BMW Plant Landshut  

A state-of-the-art production system for the BMW Energy Master is taking shape at Plant Landshut. The plant is currently producing the highly complex control unit in pre-series. Series production on the first production line will begin in August 2025, with a further expansion stage to follow in mid-2026. This is the first time the development and production of this central control unit has taken place in-house at BMW. “As the company’s largest in-house component manufacturer, Landshut plays an important role for the Neue Klasse,” says Dr Joachim Post. “The plant is an innovation hub and a driver of transformation.” Around 200 people will be employed in the Energy Master production area at Landshut when production begins, rising to as many as 700 people as it ramps up further. BMW has channelled investment in the high hundreds of millions of euros into the expansion of electric mobility at Plant Landshut since 2020, strengthening both the production facility itself and Germany’s status as an industrial powerhouse for the long term. The modular manufacturing system used to produce the Energy Master was also designed fully in-house by BMW. It is supplied with subcomponents by a supply chain set up by BMW. This extends to the n-tier supply chain for supply-critical components such as semiconductors. The benefits of this set-up can be seen in terms of both costs and supply security. The scalable production system enables the company to respond quickly and flexibly to market requirements. The high degree of automation, involving up to 400 robots in the final expansion stage, maximises efficiency. Comprehensive in-process monitoring, which includes the use of AI-based camera systems, and 100-per-cent end-of-line system checks in a clean-room environment ensure optimum quality.

Different recycling processes within the value chain

As electric mobility ramps up, there is an increasing focus on recycling of high-voltage batteries at the end of their lifecycle. Under a long-term partnership with SK tes – a leading provider of innovative technology lifecycle solutions – cobalt, nickel and lithium from end-of-life batteries are recovered from BMW and integrated into the supply chain for the manufacture of new batteries. This closed-loop approach increases the efficiency and resilience of BMW as part of a circular economy. BMW will follow a similar path in the USA, Mexico, and Canada up to 2026 with a separate partnership.

Innovative direct recycling at BMW 

BMW is also exploring other recycling options in the value creation process. One example of this is the direct recycling method developed in-house. BMW is working with its joint venture Encory to set up a competence center for battery cell recycling in Lower Bavaria, where the company will put its direct recycling ideas into practice. This innovative process will enable residual materials from battery cell production and whole battery cells to be mechanically broken down into their valuable constituent components. The raw materials obtained in this way will be re-used directly in the pilot production process for battery cells at the company’s competence centers.

Technology-open approach for electric mobility: the new e-drive system of Gen6

BMW has retained the principle of an electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) for its Gen6 power unit. On this type of synchronous motor, the magnetic field in the rotor is generated by windings fed with direct current rather than permanent magnets. In this way, the strength of the rotor’s magnetic field can be optimally adjusted to the prevailing load conditions. This results in both excellent levels of efficiency at customer-relevant operating points and constant power output at high rotational speeds. As with the Gen5 version, the synchronous motor will be positioned above the rear axle and feature a compact housing incorporating the electric drive unit, power electronics and transmission. Many of the motor’s technical details were created with the help of patented expertise, with the non-potted rotor alone accounting for more than ten patent applications.

Neue Klasse additionally incorporates ASM technology

The Gen6 powertrain employs a second, additional electric motor technology in the form of the asynchronous motor (ASM). Here, instead of being generated by permanent magnets (PSM) or electrical excitation (EESM), the rotor’s magnetic field is induced by the stator. On this type of motor, the rotor takes the form of a metal cage. The asynchronous motor offers the advantage of a more compact design and superior cost efficiency. The ASM motor variants will be fitted at the front axle of Neue Klasse cars with BMW xDrive.

Extensive improvements to EESM technology

Besides the addition of ASM technology, the EESM technology has also undergone a major upgrade for Gen6: rotor, stator and inverter have all been fully designed for the new 800V architecture of the Gen6 tech in order to maximise drive system performance and efficiency. This has been further helped by a complete redesign of the oil and water cooling systems. In addition to this, the experts from BMW have also succeeded in improving the electric motor and central housing in terms of their weight and rigidity. The transmission still uses a two-stage helical design, but has been further optimized by enhancements to its geometry and cooling, lower friction levels and more pleasant acoustics. The electrically excited synchronous motor’s “brain”, the inverter, now features 800V technology along with silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors to boost efficiency. The inverter is completely integrated into the electric motor’s housing. Its task is to convert the DC power supply from the high-voltage battery to AC for use in the electric motor. The inverter was developed in-house by BMW and is produced at Plant Steyr in Austria.

Lower weight, costs and energy losses – greater efficiency in the vehicle

The results obtained from intelligently incorporating new technologies into the electric powertrain while consistently enhancing existing systems make impressive reading. When compared to a Gen5 xDrive model, a future Neue Klasse model complete with EESM and ASM technology boasts the following improvements: energy losses have been reduced by 40%, costs by 20% and weight by 10%. By combining different types of electric motor, BMW’s technology-open approach is therefore clearly in evidence within the field of electric mobility. In future, customers will be able to choose from models equipped with one, two, three or four electric motors to suit their individual preferences and requirements. The sixth generation BMW eDrive technology is a significant factor in the gain in overall vehicle efficiency of around 20% for the Neue Klasse. This figure is based on a comparison with the current generation of all-electric vehicles from BMW.

Modular concept provides crucial advantage for manufacturing electric motors

The manufacturing concept for the Gen6 electric drive system uses the principle of modular building blocks. This forms the basis for highly flexible manufacturing of various electric drive variants across the entire Neue Klasse model range. The modular "building block” concept leads to positive economies of scale and cost savings in development and production. It also has the effect of improving the scalability of production volumes. The modular approach ensures a high degree of flexibility in production, the supply networks and procurement.

The Gen6 electric drive systems: made in Steyr

Series production of the Gen6 electric drive systems will commence at BMW Plant Steyr in summer 2025. Pre-production already got underway at the Austrian facility in September 2024. The pre-production motors are undergoing rigorous testing and some are already being fitted in Neue Klasse test vehicles from Plant Debrecen. By 2030, BMW will have invested over one billion euros at the site since the project’s launch in 2022 to expand its development and production expertise for electric drive systems. Thanks to the increase in capacity, the plant will retain its status as BMW’s leading facility for drive systems. The plant has been developing and building combustion engines for the BMW and MINI brands for over 40 years. Plant Steyr’s many years of experience and high level of expertise in the field of drive systems make it the ideal site for manufacturing the Gen6 electric motors. It has an annual production capacity of 600,000 electric drive units. Diesel and petrol engines continue to be manufactured there alongside the electric motors. By 2030, around half of the on-site employees should be working in electric mobility – a vital step for safeguarding the more than 4,700 jobs at the plant in the long term. In future, all key components of the innovative, highly integrated electric drive unit – i.e. the rotor, stator, transmission, inverter and housing – will be produced at Steyr. This will include manufacturing the inverters in an in-house clean room environment for the first time, thereby taking the engine plant into the realm of electrical engineering. The electric drive components will be built on two new assembly lines at Steyr.

Thermal management: complex interaction, crucial for performance

Thermal management involves highly complex interaction between various systems in an electric vehicle and is of critical importance for a host of performance parameters, including range, real-world consumption, acceleration and charging time. Thermal management is a question of constantly keeping the temperature of the electric motor, power electronics and high-voltage battery in the optimum range, while maintaining standards of passenger comfort at the same time. Efficient thermal management is important for fast charging too. Here, the battery temperature must be kept within a defined window in order to make optimum use of the available charging capacity. Unlike combustion engines, electric motors give off little heat. This means that, depending on the operating state, the battery and the passenger cell have to be not only cooled, but heated too. The Steyr site develops the thermal management systems for all electric vehicles from BMW. The plant’s development center is also responsible for the brain at the heart of the electric motor – the inverter.

BMW Plant Landshut – a multi-talented component manufacturer

BMW Plant Landshut is BMW’s largest component plant anywhere in the world, supplying components to all the company’s vehicle and drive system plants. Its workforce of around 3,700 employees produces a broad spectrum of cutting-edge components for vehicles from BMW. Working closely with BMW’s Research and Innovation Center (FIZ) in Munich, Plant Landshut plays a pivotal role as a hub of innovation for the automotive industry. It develops pioneering technologies and manufacturing processes that serve to maintain the company’s competitive edge. Over the course of the Neue Klasse project, the site is investing some €200 million in its light metal foundry to increase annual production capacity for the electric motor housings. The Injector Casting (ICA) process developed and patented in Landshut is a prime example of the plant’s innovative strength. This globally unique process is used to manufacture the electric motors’ highly complex aluminium housings that set new standards for lightweight design and functional integration.

BMW Group in the United States.

BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles and motorcycles in the U.S. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.
Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.
BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled nearly 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.
The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 350 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.
Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists online at www.bmwusanews.com , www.miniusanews.com, and at www.press.bmwna.com

# # #

• World-class dynamics, precision, efficiency, and driving pleasure.
• New “Heart of Joy” central computer works ten times faster than current systems.
• Extending the recuperation range increases efficiency by 25%.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – February 16, 2025… Showcasing driving pleasure up to the physical limits is BMW’s mission with its new high-performance test vehicle – the BMW Vision Driving Experience. This Vision Vehicle is not destined for production, but is instead serving as a rolling test rig for drivetrain and driving dynamics management technology developed specially for the Neue Klasse – the next generation of BMW vehicles – and referred to by BMW as the “Heart of Joy”. The prototype vehicle put the capabilities of the Heart of Joy to the ultimate test of endurance at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC, and BMW provided exclusive insights into its development program for the electric driving experience on board the Neue Klasse as part of a preview presentation.  Every fully electric Neue Klasse model will benefit from the Heart of Joy.

The first Neue Klasse model will go into series production later this year at Plant Debrecen in Hungary. The new Heart of Joy adds a fourth dimension – BMW’s characteristic driving pleasure – to the existing portfolio of Neue Klasse characteristics (electric, digital, and circular). Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, took to the stage at the IAA 2023 show holding the small black box.

“The Heart of Joy enables us to take driving pleasure not just to the next level, but another one beyond that,” says Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Development. “In addition, we are further increasing efficiency, and therefore boosting range, as in future the driver will brake almost exclusively using energy regeneration. This is Efficient Dynamics squared.”

It is important to note that the control unit will go into series production, but the Vision Vehicle will not.

Computer processing now ten times faster.

The Heart of Joy control unit for the drivetrain, brakes, charging, recuperation, and steering functions processes information ten times faster than previous systems. Working in tandem with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, the Heart of Joy computes all the driving dynamics functions with a whole new level of speed and precision. The control unit has been developed entirely in-house using knowledge gained in the field of driving dynamics amassed by BMW engineers over more than a century. The Vision Vehicle develops 13,269 lb-ft of torqure. The reasoning behind this is that if the control system can deal with an explosion of power of this magnitude, it will be able to handle the demands of everyday driving with ease.

Energy recovery under braking (recuperation) sees the drivetrain and braking functions of electric vehicles working symbiotically. In the innovative electronics architecture of the Neue Klasse, the Heart of Joy is one of four central units and combines drivetrain and driving dynamics fuctions for the first time. These innovative control functions are protected by several patent applications. The high-performance unit controls acceleration and braking, vehicle stabilization, dynamic steering functions, and charging management. The central processing unit and perfectly coordinated BMW Dynamic Performance Control software developed in-house enable all connected actuators to respond directly and with minimal delay: latencies are in the milliseond range. By contrast, conventional systems have separate control algorithms for the drive system and brakes. This means the full handling potential of vehicles with powerful electric drive systems cannot be fully exploited.

Precise cornering and the smooth braking.

The driver and passengers experience a harmonious and noiseless driving feeling – regardless of the situation and speed they are travelling at. In dynamic driving scenarios, the new Heart of Joy / BMW Dynamic Performance Control combination delivers cornering poise and assurance beyond compare. The vehicle generates impressive traction and can be threaded through corners with exceptional precision. Fewer control inputs are required and the vehicle’s line can be maintained with greater precision and stability. This helps the vehicle to develop consistent cornering behavior and allows it to be steered more intuitively and smoothly. At low speeds – such as in stop-and-go driving or when parking – direct signal trasnmissions and rapid information processing ensure a compelling driving experience. In driving modes D or B, or when using Active Cruise Control, the parking brake, or Auto Hold, stopping and restarting merge seamlessly into one another.

Recuperation fuels a 25% increase in efficiency.

Furthermore, integrated drivetrain, braking, and energy recuperation control allows energy to be used more sustainably. Drivers will not need to apply the conventional brakes in most situations. The braking power generated using energy recuperation is sufficient for normal, everyday driving. Only under heavy braking, e.g. in an emergency situation, is intervention required from the friction brakes. All in all, this system increases efficiency by up to 25%.

The BMW Vision Driving Experience test vehicle visually demonstrates how the Heart of Joy is working through displays of color on the wheels: acceleration is indicated in green, energy recuperation in blue, and braking using the friction brakes in orange.

Four totally new superbrains will power the BMW of the future. These high-performance computers cleverly combine various elements that previously ran separately. BMW developed the Heart of Joy superbrain 100% in-house. It allows four important control units to be brought together within a single high-performance computer.

Another three superbrains are responsible for features such as automated driving, infotainment and basic functions such as climate control and comfort-enhancing systems, vehicle access, and interior and exterior lighting.

BMW Group in the United States.

BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles and motorcycles in the U.S. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.
Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.
BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled nearly 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.
The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 350 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.
Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists online at www.bmwusanews.com , www.miniusanews.com, and at www.press.bmwna.com

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• IONNA moves from public beta to full-scale national release
• Over 100 sites contracted since launching in February 2024
• Deploying over 1,000 live charging bays and enabling EV road trips across the U.S. by the end of 2025
• Cutting-edge Amazon AI-powered ‘Just Walk Out’ convenience stores to debut at select locations

Durham, North Carolina, USA - IONNA, the joint venture founded by the world’s leading automakers - BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Stellantis, and Toyota - today announces its transition from public beta to full-scale national release. This milestone marks a historic moment for the American road, as eight global automakers join at the first ever IONNA Rechargery in Apex, NC, and new HQ and Customer Experience Lab in Durham, NC.  A joint ribbon-cutting event signifying an unprecedented commitment to build a best-in-class charging network - designed, engineered, and built right here in the USA.

Measuring Twice and Cutting Once

After a rigorous testing phase in late 2024, automaker vehicle fleets and everyday drivers helped stress-test the IONNA network, completing more than 4,400 charging sessions, on over 80 unique vehicle models, and dispensing nearly 63 thousand kilowatts of energy. IONNA has refined its hardware, software, and customer experience to confidently step into a new phase of nationwide expansion.

To mark this next national release stage, IONNA is proud to announce in excess of 100 contracted sites nationwide, including this week’s opening of new Rechargeries in Houston, Texas and Abilene, Kansas, with Willcox, Arizona joining another six additional locations under construction today. In addition, the opening of its headquarters and customer experience lab, a hub dedicated to ongoing testing, innovation and unwavering commitment to a driver-first experience.

An Americana Charging Network at Scale

Since its inception, IONNA has embodied the pioneering spirit of the American road trip - guided by freedom, reliability, and world-class service. With plans to bring over 1,000 additional charging bays online in 2025, IONNA is delivering on its mission to provide the coverage drivers need, the reliability they deserve, and the amenities they crave.

This effort is more than just deploying infrastructure; it is a massive investment in American jobs and manufacturing. Each of the 30,000 Charging Bays built over the next 5 years representing new jobs across the nation, cutting-edge technological innovation, and a vision to open America’s roads to driver choice.

Rooted in American Drive & Ingenuity

Beginning in Q1 2025 at the Garner, NC location, IONNA will introduce computer vision powered by AI and sensor fusion technology to enable automated grab & go offerings. Made possible by closely collaborating with Amazon and their industry leading “Just Walk Out” technology, these cutting-edge, retail spaces will allow drivers to grab refreshments and essentials 24/7 and without checkout lines.

IONNA will set a new standard for interoperability and ease of use in 2025. Plug & Charge technology, already available now, will grow to include a market-leading number of automakers as the year progresses. Through deep vehicle head unit integration, IONNA will also enable features like smart reservations, AI-powered routing, and in-car payments – the most integration-rich charging network in America is on its way.

Customer Choice at the Center Stage

IONNA is redefining EV Charging with a coalition of best-in-class retail partners, industry-leading technology, and a homegrown workforce dedicated to raising an alternative that drivers will choose not just out of necessity, but true choice.

About IONNA                                                                                       

IONNA is a rising joint venture founded by eight of the world’s biggest automakers, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Stellantis and Toyota. Purpose-built to lead, innovate, create, and drive forward a redefinition of charging as an end-to-end integrated customer experience. Delivering this mission by developing and deploying a trailblazing nationwide network of stations with cutting-edge technology, retail integration, amenities, and unparalleled customer service. Enabling urban and long-distance EV mobility for all with over 30,000 ultra-fast-and-reliable charging points by 2030. IONNA will provide the coverage drivers need, the reliability they deserve, and the amenities they crave.

• Visionary technology package for the Neue Klasse celebrates world premiere at CES 2025.
• The new display and operating concept will be introduced across all new BMW models from the end of 2025, emphasizing driver focus, information distribution and ergonomics.
• New BMW Operating System X provides intelligent software basis, ensuring extensive scope for personalisation and wide spread of digital functionality.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 7, 2025… The BMW Group presents the driving and user experience of the future at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas. BMW is providing the first opportunity to experience the close-to-production version of the new BMW iDrive – complete with its centrepiece, BMW Panoramic Vision – at the event. The software underpinning it all is the new BMW Operating System X, which acts as the intelligence hub behind the new display and operating concept. The holistic system, with its modern, style-shaping design, will be introduced in all new BMW models from the end of 2025.
“High tech meets highly intuitive operation – a quarter of a century of pioneering work and technological leadership in operating concepts has been channelled into the new BMW Panoramic iDrive,” says Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Development. “The foundations are provided by the new BMW Operating System X. With this advance, we are giving one of the world’s best and most comprehensive infotainment systems even greater capability and once again setting the industry benchmark in multimodal interaction. Starting with the first series-produced Neue Klasse model at the end of this year, the new BMW Panoramic iDrive will form an integral part of all future BMW models.”

Four elements, one goal: consistent driver focus in characteristic BMW style.

The new BMW iDrive merges four central elements into a unique display and operating concept.

BMW Panoramic Vision – a Head-Up Display concept newly developed by BMW for projecting content reflects visible information from A-pillar to A-pillar onto a black printed surface in the lower section of the windscreen. This information is visible to all occupants. The most important driving information is projected directly into the driver's line of sight on the left-hand side of the BMW Panoramic Vision above the steering wheel. The driver can personalise the content in the central and right-hand areas of the BMW Panoramic Vision via the central display. The integration of the BMW Panoramic Vision creates a 3D effect for the driver and passengers.

• The new and optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display above the BMW Panoramic Vision now shows integrated navigation and automated driving information directly in the driver’s field of vision. The content in the BMW Panoramic Vision and BMW 3D Head-Up Display is presented in a neatly coordinated way. The level of innovation achieved by the two Head-Up display technologies is underlined by several patent applications from the BMW Group resulting from the development of these projection technologies.
• On the central display with matrix backlight technology, the familiar, updated menu structure with QuickSelect ensures optimal operation of the functions and content by touch. Operation is very easy and convenient, as the free-cut-design display is located close to the steering wheel in an ergonomically ideal position. Selected content (widgets) can be carried over to the BMW Panoramic Vision with a swipe on the central display. As many as six widgets are possible and they can be arranged as desired in the BMW Panoramic Vision.
• The new multifunction steering wheel uses BMW’s shy-tech approach, whereby the relevant buttons are illuminated to highlight available functions. The steering wheel serves as the primary physical control, and its buttons provide active haptic feedback. The buttons have a well-judged, relief-like surface, which makes them extremely easy to locate and means the driver can press them without needing to divert their gaze away from the road. The arrangement of the buttons follows the familiar principle of driver assistance functions being positioned on the left-hand side of the steering wheel and content-controlling functions on the right-hand side.

The combination of these four elements reinterprets BMW’s customary “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road” approach, with which BMW sets the benchmark for driver focus and presents a unique form of intuitive, use-friendly, and ergonomically optimised operation. The BMW Panoramic iDrive always gives the driver the right information in the right place and at the right time. The system continues the approach of using an optimal combination of analogue and digital controls through the use of switches, buttons, touch and voice control. There are haptic switches for the windscreen wipers, turn signal indicators, exterior mirrors, volume control, gear selectors and window de-icers. Other functions are optimised for operation using touch/voice control or via the multifunction steering wheel, such as telephone functions, media control systems, navigation, assisted driving, personalisation of displays, selection of MyModes and much more besides.

Alongside data-driven learnings on the use of BMW Operating Systems across the global fleet of now more than 22 million connected BMW vehicles, the development phase of the new BMW Panoramic iDrive also included numerous studies conducted in the BMW Group’s usability labs, in which around 3,000 customers were involved. Every decision on the various aspects of the operating logic is therefore based on data and made in a structured manner. Here, the user experience’s extended scope for personalization has also been aligned with customer preferences and requirements.

BMW Operating System X: intelligent, versatile, fit for the future.

The new BMW Operating System X represents an update of the latest operating system, as used in many BMW models, and is a wholly in-house development from BMW. Like BMW Operating System 9, it is based on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack. It offers even greater update and upgrade capability than the predecessor system, making it both fit for the future and backwards compatible. It is ready to accommodate additional functions and will keep vehicles equipped with the new BMW Panoramic iDrive at the cutting edge of technology over a long period of time.

“The overall concept of the new BMW Panoramic iDrive with Operating System X has been enabled by a large technological leap forward,” says Stephan Durach Senior Vice President Connected Company BMW Group. “It offers intuitive operation, emotionally engaging experiences and specific personalization. The new BMW iDrive with Operating System X demonstrates the potential of a software-defined vehicle.”

The expanded intelligence of BMW Operating System X makes it possible to combine the BMW Panoramic Vision, optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display, central display and multifunction steering wheel with one another in such a way that physical and digital experiences merge. For example, an incoming call initially brings up a graphic on the BMW Panoramic Vision. At the same time, a symbol on the relevant steering wheel button that was not previously visible is illuminated in green, indicating the option of taking the call by pressing the button or rejecting it with a swipe on the right-hand side of the steering wheel.

When a navigation destination is entered by touch control or voice command, route guidance alerts are shown on the BMW 3D Head-Up Display and further information on roads and junctions on the BMW Panoramic Vision. A whole map overview can be shown on the central display at any time for broader-scale orientation.

The personalization of content reaches a new level with BMW Operating System X. The displays in the Panoramic Vision can be adapted to personal preferences. In addition, drivers now also have the option of choosing their own settings for driving attributes such as response and steering characteristics in the My Mode “Personal”. Moreover, pictures chosen by the user can be uploaded as backgrounds for the Central Display and the colourway of the Ambient Lighting and user interface design adjusted to their particular preferences, creating an even more personalized driving experience.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant responds in the accustomed way to the prompt “Hey BMW” or can be called up by pressing the respective button on the multifunction steering wheel. The capabilities of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant are being constantly enhanced and will be taken to a whole new level for the Neue Klasse through the integration of Large Language Models (LLM). The use of this technology is focused initially on navigation, allowing the customer to give more extensive spoken commands using natural language: for example: “Take me to a charging station which is close to a food store.” At technology partner Amazon’s booth at CES 2025, visitors can get an initial impression of these capabilities using a beta version of this build of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant in a BMW X3.

As with the current infotainment systems from BMW, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant can – if the driver desires – make suggestions proactively based on user behaviour. This intelligence expands further with BMW Operating System X. In relevant situations, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant highlights driver assistance systems, which are rarely used by the driver. As a kind of reminder, the system suggests activating Sport Mode on suitable routes if the driver has already activated Sport Mode independently beforehand. If the driver doesn’t respond to or ignores these proactive suggestions several times, the system learns and refrains from making suggestions from then on.

BMW Operating System X carries over the scope for integration of third-party apps from the previous infotainment generation. As things stand, the BMW ConnectedDrive Store offers more than 60 apps worldwide for BMW Operating System 9. The selection will continue to grow, e.g. with productivity apps such as video conferencing service Zoom.

Design and technology for a unique user and driving experience.

The new BMW Panoramic iDrive is scalable and will be integrated into all new BMW models – across all vehicle segments and with all drive system technologies – from the end of 2025.

The driving experience takes centre stage. The driver should feel at ease and have full control over the vehicle. This principle is reflected in the design of the new BMW Panoramic iDrive. Particular attention is paid to the details: the user interface has been designed as intuitively and adaptively as possible to ensure seamless interaction. The result is a holistic experience enhanced by a harmonious combination of sound, light, and innovative design. Every journey becomes a special moment of connection between human and vehicle.

“Technology and customer preferences are changing more quickly than ever. The design of digital experiences and sound is playing an ever more important role,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The new BMW Panoramic iDrive not only makes our vehicles smarter and more user-friendly, it also enables much more extensive personalisation, which turns every new BMW into a car that is very much the user’s own.”

Another element in the holistic experience provided by the BMW Panoramic iDrive is the new HypersonX sound experience in the Neue Klasse models. Developed by the BMW Group Sound Design Studio, it comprises 43 sound signals and special driving sounds for Personal Mode and Sport Mode. The multi-dimensional spectrum adapts the sounds precisely to the driving situation at hand and, in so doing, creates an emotional interaction between the driver and their BMW.

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BMW Group In America

BMW (US) Holding, Corp. is the shareholder of BMW of North America, LLC, which has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; DesignWorks/USA.Inc, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

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Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 30, 2024… BMW i Ventures announced today an investment in Phoenix Tailings, a pioneering metals production company dedicated to creating a zero-waste, zero-emission future. The Series B financing, which was led by Envisioning Partners and included additional participation from Yamaha Motor Ventures and Escape Velocity, will enable Phoenix Tailings to scale its rare earth processing operations to produce ~200 tons of rare earth metals annually.

Phoenix Tailings was founded in a backyard in Cambridge, Massachusetts, by four visionary co-founders determined to transform how critical metals are produced—metals essential to the technologies that power modern society. With the backing of the United States Department’s of Energy and Defense, as well as the State of Massachusetts, the company has secured initial offtake agreements, validated the groundbreaking technology, and assembled a world-class team to bring this vision to fruition.

“Phoenix Tailings has made a breakthrough that will significantly advance the sustainable refining of rare earth elements - a crucial step forward as many clean energy technologies depend on these critical materials,” said Kasper Sage, Managing Partner, BMW i Ventures. “We’re excited to see how this innovation will reshape global supply chains and contribute to a more sustainable future."

Phoenix Tailings is the leading U.S. company focused on refining rare earth metals into the final products essential for magnets used in various components. Through its innovative process, Phoenix Tailings extracts rare earth metals from both traditional ores, and as well as non-traditional feedstocks such as recycled materials, and mining waste—known as “tailings”—without producing toxic byproducts. This breakthrough approach allows the company to be cost-competitive with traditional processes currently dominated by China and Russia. By delivering a sustainable and secure supply of rare earth metals, Phoenix Tailings plays a vital role in strengthening the U.S. supply chain for defense manufacturing and meeting the growing demand for these essential materials in commercial industries.

“As our reliance on advanced technology grows, so does our dependence on critical metals—particularly lesser-known materials like rare earth metals,” said Nick Myers, co-founder and CEO of Phoenix Tailings. “From automotive and defense to medical devices, rare earth metals are essential to modern manufacturing. At Phoenix Tailings, we are ensuring the United States can meet this surging demand through processes that are ethical, sustainable, and economically viable.”

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About BMW i Ventures.

BMW i Ventures is the independent venture capital firm of BMW Group. From offices in Silicon Valley and Munich, BMW i Ventures invests in early to growth-stage companies defining the future of automotive, sustainability, manufacturing, and supply chain. Since starting in 2011, the firm has $800M under management and has invested in over 80 startups, including Bcomp, Boston Metal, CelLink, ChargePoint, GaN Systems, Motorway, Tekion, and Xometry.

More information can be found at: https://www.bmwiventures.com.

About Phoenix Tailings

Phoenix Tailings is a pioneering clean mining and metals production company dedicated to creating a zero-waste, zero-emission future. Through its innovative processes, Phoenix Tailings efficiently extracts and refines critical rare earth metals without harmful environmental impacts. With operations in Burlington, MA, and plans to scale up in Exeter, NH, the company is revolutionizing sustainable resource recovery for a greener world.

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Intercultural Innovation Hub 2024.

United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and BMW Group honor United States of America’s Grassroots Initiative “Content Creation Lab”during the 10^th UNAOC Global Forum.

Munich/Cascais.  “Global Nomads Group” based in the United States of America is one of the ten grassroots initiatives, which were honored yesterday as recipient of the Intercultural Innovation Hub (IIH), a joint initiative of the United Nations of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group, implemented with the support of Accenture.

The ceremony was held in the framework of the 10th UNAOC Global Forum in Cascais, Portugal under the theme “United in Peace: Restoring Trust, Reshaping the Future – Reflecting on Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity”. The Forum convened prominent figures, political leaders, UN officials including the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, as well as representatives from civil society, academia, and the private sector, to share insights and reflect on the 20 years of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations’ impactful work.

The organization “Global Nomads Group” and its initiative “Content Creation Lab”

Global Nomads Group connects young people across geographical and cultural divides, empowering them to co-create digital learning platforms on critical topics such as climate justice and inclusive leadership. Through the 'by youth, for youth' model, young people spearhead the design of educational content that is shared globally through a youth-driven digital platform, reaching over 10,000 youth in over 65 countries annually, inspiring a diverse generation of change-makers. This approach sparks crucial conversations among global youth, encouraging them to respect diversity, challenge preconceptions, deconstruct stereotypes, and cultivate a deeper understanding for ‘the other’.

“Global Nomads is thrilled that, with the support from the Intercultural Innovation Hub, we will be able to bring more global youth together across distance and differences to challenge each other’s preconceptions, break down stereotypes, and engage in meaningful discussions on pressing social issues with purpose and urgency,” said Courtney Welsh, CEO of Global Nomads Group.

“With the Intercultural Innovation Hub, we celebrate outstanding initiatives like ‘Content Creation Lab’, which are implemented by extraordinary individuals working to bridge intercultural divisions in innovative and impactful ways,” said Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG People and Real Estate, Labour Relations Director. “At the BMW Group, we believe that diversity not only enhances our company but is crucial for social unity and global progress. That is why we are deeply thankful for our strong partnership with the UNAOC. This collaboration allows us to support remarkable initiatives like Global Nomads Group’s work in connecting young people around the world to address the most urgent challenges of our global society.”
“We are committed to advancing inclusive, global communities by empowering grassroots initiatives that champion diversity and social cohesion. The Intercultural Innovation Hub showcases innovative projects that directly address these goals, and we are immensely proud of the collaboration between UNAOC and the private sector. Together, we continue to amplify the transformative work of social innovators globally, whose dedication and forward-thinking approaches are driving lasting positive change toward a more united and inclusive world,” said Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for UNAOC.

Through the Intercultural Innovation Hub, Global Nomads Group will receive a financial grant, as well as one year of capacity-building and mentorship support from UNAOC, the BMW Group, and Accenture, to help strengthen the “Content Creation Lab” project and its contribution towards a more inclusive society. This model of collaboration between the United Nations and the private sector creates a more profound impact, as partners provide their respective expertise to ensure the sustainable growth of each supported project.

Learn more about the project: https://gng.org/programs/internship/

Further information and an overview of the recipients can be found at: https://interculturalinnovation.org/

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications
Milena Pighi

Corporate and Governmental Affairs

Spokesperson Corporate Citizenship

Email: milena.pa.pighi@bmw.de

Telephone: +49-89-382-66563

Media website: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Email: presse@bmwgroup.com

United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)

Alessandro Girola

Chief, Programming and Projects Unit
Email: alessandro.girola@un.org

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

www.bmwgroup.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup

X: https://www.x.com/bmwgroup

United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is an initiative of the UN Secretary-General which aims to improve understanding and cooperative relations among nations and peoples across cultures and religions and to help counter the forces that fuel polarization and extremism.

UNAOC was established in 2005, at the initiative of the Governments of Spain and Turkey, under the auspices of the United Nations. In January 2019, H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos assumed the position of High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, succeeding H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, who succeeded H.E. Mr. Jorge Sampaio. The Alliance maintains a global network of partners including states, international and regional organizations, civil society groups, foundations, and the private sector to improve cross-cultural relations between diverse nations and communities. For more information, visit www.unaoc.org.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unaoc.org

Twitter: https://twitter.com/unaoc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unaoc/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/unaocvideos

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unaoc/

NEW YORK, NY and NASHVILLE, TN, Oct. 7, 2024 — Nissan has entered into an agreement to invest in ChargeScape, a joint venture equally owned by BMW, Ford and Honda focused on electric vehicle-grid integration. Once the transaction is complete, Nissan will become an equal 25% investor in ChargeScape and will roll out ChargeScape’s services to its EV drivers across the U.S. and Canada.

Last month, BMW, Ford and Honda announced the launch of ChargeScape, whose software wirelessly connects to electric vehicles and manages the flow of electrons in line with real-time grid conditions, temporarily reducing demand when the grid is constrained through smart charging (V1G) and even sending energy back into the power grid when needed (V2G). By providing a single platform for power utilities, automakers, and their customers, ChargeScape streamlines the complexity of electric vehicle-grid integration.

ChargeScape unlocks financial benefits for EV drivers by enabling services like managed charging and vehicle-to-grid export. When connected to ChargeScape’s platform, EV drivers who choose to do so can receive financial incentives for temporarily pausing charging during periods of high demand and will eventually be able to sell the energy stored in their vehicle’s battery back to the power grid. Doing so helps grid operators avoid dispatching expensive and often high-emission “peaker plants” when the grid is overloaded.

Nissan’s incorporation into the ChargeScape alliance is of particular significance given its sales of over 650,000 LEAF models, one of the first EVs with the capability to export power back to the grid.  Nissan is investing heavily in bidirectional charging (V2X) capabilities for its entire electric fleet, and ChargeScape is currently building virtual power plants composed of bidirectional EVs in California, Texas and other markets.

“We are delighted to welcome Nissan to the ChargeScape joint venture,” said Joseph Vellone, ChargeScape CEO. “Nissan’s decision to join us underscores their commitment to helping customers charge more cheaply and sustainably and highlights ChargeScape’s central position in the vehicle-grid integration space.”

“ChargeScape helps us more conveniently and effectively connect utilities to EV drivers, making the ownership experience more valuable for drivers by giving them incentives for participating in managed charging and vehicle-to-grid programs,” said Kent O’Hara, president of Nissan’s 4R battery business. “Joining ChargeScape helps us contribute to a nationwide reduction in CO₂ emissions by enabling utilities to use EV battery energy storage to balance peak grid demands while optimizing the use of renewable electricity sources.”

ChargeScape is a technology company that connects power utilities, automakers and electric vehicle drivers using software. From its offices in New York, ChargeScape helps stabilize electrical grids by optimizing the flow of electrons into and out of EV batteries and helps EV drivers save money on their charging through cash-back and other incentives. The company counts BMW, Ford, Honda and Nissan as investors, with additional automakers set to join in the coming months.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Chris Terry at chargescape@telemetryagency.com.

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BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley, and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 144 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 175,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Honda’s Commitment to the Environment

Honda is working toward its global goal of zero environmental impact by 2050 through its “Triple Action to Zero” approach, including achieving carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities, 100% utilization of renewable energy, and resource circulation, utilizing 100% sustainable materials by reprocessing products back to raw materials and reusing those materials in the creation of new products. Toward this goal, Honda will strive to make battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles represent 100% of auto sales in the U.S. and globally by 2040.

To reduce the environmental impact of its business operations, Honda also is offsetting CO2 emissions from its North American manufacturing operations through long-term virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for renewable wind and solar power that seek to cover more than 60% of the electricity Honda uses in North America. Honda also promotes environmentally responsible business practices with its suppliers and retail dealer partners across North America. Learn more at https://csr.honda.com/environment/na-environmental-report/.

About Nissan

Nissan is committed to delivering innovative solutions that help drive toward a future of cleaner, safer and more inclusive mobility for all. Under The Arc, the company’s mid-term business plan, Nissan plans to launch 16 electrified models over the next three years, and a total of 34 electrified models from fiscal year 2024 to 2030.

Durham, NC (October 3, 2024) – IONNA, the charging network founded by eight of the world’s top automakers: BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Stellantis and Toyota, announced they have broken ground on the first IONNA ‘Rechargery.’

In the thriving heart of Apex, North Carolina, just a few miles from its previously announced headquarters and customer experience lab, IONNA breaks ground on its first charging site, transforming a historic district gas station into a new Rechargery. A first of many for IONNA and a first of its kind for North Carolina.

A NEW FAMILIAR EXPERIENCE, INSIDE AND OUT

This metro site is perfectly situated to serve local and traveling customers within the Triangle. Providing 10 covered parking bays, protected from the elements and accessible to both CCS and NACS, the charging ports will be capable of up to 400kW and 800+ Volts.

The site will host an indoor driver’s lounge, offering secure access to bathrooms, coffee service, food/beverage, and WIFI to relax or work while your vehicle charges. Additionally, outdoor and pet-friendly amenities will be just a few steps away.

WHAT IS OLD IS NEW AGAIN

A symbolic first, IONNA’s initial Rechargery will be in the historic district of a quintessential American town built around a railroad steam engine refill pond, which the workers called Apex. A name that lives on to this day. In keeping with the town's evolving transportation roots, and almost 100 years after one of Apex's first gas stations opened to the community, IONNA will restore the building and its land to bring the 'Apex of charging' to the “Peak of Good Living”, the town’s present-day motto.

GROWING THE LEADERSHIP TEAM

IONNA also announced the appointment of Jackie Slope as Chief Technology Officer.

Jackie comes to IONNA with over 15 years’ experience in Sports and Entertainment, where she held multiple leadership roles, spearheading customer experience at iconic properties including Crypto.com Arena and Madison Square Garden.  Jackie will oversee the strategic deployment of hardware, software and experiential technologies, building out processes to enable a frictionless customer experience.

 “I am excited to join the IONNA family,” said Jackie Slope, CTO of IONNA. “Having spent my career raising the bar around the customer experience I am excited to find ways to innovate and elevate the charging experience by serving the customer above all else in this new and exciting industry.”

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About IONNA 

IONNA is a rising joint venture founded by eight of the world’s biggest automakers, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Stellantis and Toyota. Purpose-built to lead, innovate, create, and drive forward a redefinition of charging as an end-to-end integrated customer experience. Delivering this mission by developing and deploying a trailblazing nationwide network of charging stations with cutting-edge technology, retail integration, amenities, and unparalleled customer service. Enabling urban and long-distance EV mobility for all with over 30,000 ultra-fast-and-reliable charging points by 2030. IONNA will provide the coverage drivers need, the reliability they deserve, and the amenities they crave.  

For more information, please visit https://ionna.com 

Media Contact: media@ionna.com
 

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – September 20th, 2024…The BMW Group’s pioneering electromobility innovation history is highlighted as part of a new exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California. Titled: “Alternating Currents: The Fall and Rise of Electric Vehicles”, the exhibit showcases the progression of electric vehicle developement from the late 1800s to modern concepts. Located in the Propulsion Gallery on the second floor, “Alternating Currents” traces the evolution of electric vehicle production and usage from the early days to the modern resurgence and future advancements. BMW specifically is showcasing some early electromobility development work with the 1992 BMW E2 Concept and well as the road to innovative and sustainable high volume electric models with the 2009 MINI E, 2009 BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics and the 2013 BMW i3.

Based on the development groundwork of these important BMW historical models, the BMW Group today boasts a portfolio of seventeen Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) models in the U.S.A. across all the Group brands (BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce Motorcars and BMW Motorrad). Battery Electric Vehicles currently account for over 15% of BMW Group’s U.S. annual sales. Furthermore, BMW is preparing the launch of its next generation BEVs known as the Neue Klasse vehicles starting in 2025.

A video overview of each featured BMW Group models is available at:

https://youtu.be/wrNAQuOZLKE?si=vX0odX586zfeuA3e

A video description of the philosophy behind the Neue Klasse is available at:

https://youtu.be/nSrUbM_vTyA?si=qIBgABWrgUBMoLcV

The Alternating Currents exhibit runs from August 2024 through June of 2025.

The BMW E2 Electric Vehicle Concept returns to California for the first time since 1991.
 Designed in the early 1990’s the BMW E1 and E2 electric concepts were innovative yet mainstream looking vehicles that illustrated BMW electric vehicle aspirations at the time. The initial model, the BMW E1, was designed in Germany by BMW Technik GmbH and powered by a 45 hp, brushless DC motor mounted at the rear axle. The battery technology at the time was sodium-sulfur and two fully functional E1 prototypes were used as a testbed for early electromobility technology development.

The second, larger iteration named the BMW E2 was penned by California-based Designworks/USA (now a fully owned subsidiary of BMW AG) and shown at the 1991 Los Angeles International Auto Show. According to Designworks/USA founder and president at the time, Chuck Pelly, the studio’s intent was to give the E2 a formidable stance, with strong wheel flares and tires moved outboard as much as possible. A more substantial hood and bumper system were also integrated. “It’s a totally new body,” added Pelly, “that’s more traditionally BMW styled, with less reversals” than the original E1. It’s also longer, wider, and lower with a smoother overall shape.

Inside the E2 was seating for four with storage behind the rear seat. A rounded dash integrated driver and passenger airbags and a speedometer, range indicator, and clock. Forward/reverse controls and an electric handbrake were also provided.

Sadly, the E1 and E2 projects were abandoned by the mid 1990’s but both cars remain as early studies of how “The Ultimate Driving Machine” and electromobility could be combined.

MINI E: The Testbed for the Modern Era of Electrification

It would take another 17 years before electric motor and battery technology would progress to the point where the BMW Group felt that it was time to ramp up it’s electromobility development.  The 2009 MINI E was the initial product offering and starting the first quarter of 2009, the MINI E became available to select private and corporate customers as part of a 450 vehicle, U.S. field trial in California, New York and New Jersey. Fifty additional vehicles were deployed in Europe for a total of 500.  The successful applicants were selected based on the mileage and type of driving they expected to do, how suitable their residences were for installation of a charging system and whether they agreed to provide continual feedback to the BMW Group.

The MINI E provided the agility and handling of the contemporary MINI Cooper yet was powered by a 204 horsepower asynchronous electric motor fed by a high-performance 35kwh lithium-ion battery capable of approximately 150 miles of range.  Since the back-seat space was needed for the lithium-ion battery, the MINI E was a two-seater car. Power was transferred to the front wheels via a single-stage helical gearbox nearly silently and entirely emissions free. The powertrain was a collaboration between BMW Group and AC Propulsion Systems of California.

The MINI E's electric drivetrain produced seamless acceleration to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds. Top speed was electronically limited to 95 mph.  With a suspension designed particularly for the MINI E and an even weight distribution, the MINI E offered the spirited driving pleasure of a true MINI.

The MINI E field trial proved to be invaluable to the development work being done by the BMW Group’s Project i on what was called a Mega-City Vehicle – the company’s innovative program to develop a volume vehicle solution to the demands of the world’s largest cities in the 21^st century. This development ultimately culminated in the 2013 BMW i3.

At the end of the U.S. and European field trials, all 500 MINI E were returned to BMW Group and most were recycled. Only a few examples still exist. Many of the initial MINI E field trail customers, known within their ranks as “electronauts” went onto to the BMW Active E field trial program and ultimately purchased BMW i3s.

BMW i3. The First Volume Production CFRP Automobile.

The all-electric 2013 BMW i3 was a landmark in BMW’s mission to provide a completely sustainable, electric vehicle that stayed true to the Ultimate Driving Machine tag line. The BMW i3 was the first product of the new BMW i sub-brand and was truly a purpose-built electric car that heralded a new era of electromobility at BMW.

The vehicle concept behind the BMW i3 was designed from the outset to incorporate an all-electric drive system. This had numerous advantages over “conversion” vehicles (such as the MINI E and subsequent BMW Active E), in which the original combustion engine and fuel tank is swapped for an electric motor and battery pack. The engineers could design whatever worked best, in terms of construction, dimensions and configuration of the electric drive system’s components. This led to the “LifeDrive” architecture concept, which was purpose-built specifically for the BMW i3. It was comprised of two modules: The Life Module, and the Drive Module. Think of the Life Module as the passenger cabin. It was the first-ever mass-produced Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) passenger cell in the automotive industry and was a big factor in the cars efficiency. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic is equally as strong as steel, while being 50% lighter. The result was an electric car that weighed only about 2,700 lbs.

Due to the lightweight, high tensile strength of CFRP, the passenger cell had added protection, and the battery had less work to do, which allowed for the use of a smaller, lighter battery that saved even more weight, reducing charging time and increasing range. The lightweight design of the Life Module also lowered the BMW i3’s center of gravity, making it a more engaging and dynamic to drive.

The Drive Module, which was constructed out of 100% aluminum, consisted of the 22-kWh, 450 lb. lithium-ion battery, the in-house developed and produced electric motor, MacPherson strut and 5-link rear suspension system and structural/crash systems.

Another benefit of the LifeDrive architecture concept was that there was no space-consuming transmission tunnel running through the center of the car, like in most internal combustion powered cars, because of the separate Drive Module. This gave the BMW i3 the interior space of the BMW 3 Series, while only having the footprint of the much smaller BMW 1 Series.

To illustrate the innovative LifeDrive architecture, the i3 on display has been deconstructed to showcase both the CFRP Life Module and the Aluminum Drive Module.

The BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics. 
Technology and Design so Compelling it had to Produced.

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics was presented for the first time at the 2009 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics was conceived as a “clean-sheet” design study to illustrate that efficiency, driving pleasure, technology, and emotional design could all be integrated in one stunning vehicle. The powertrain provided a top speed limited electronically to 155 mph, with acceleration to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds. Average fuel consumption was estimated at 62.6 mpg. 

The power and performance were made possible by combining a fuel-efficient 3-cylinder turbo-diesel combustion engine with one electric motor on each axle. The intelligent combination of these units, together with precisely controlled energy management, simultaneously enhanced the dynamic performance and the efficiency of the car. Overall system output was listed at 356 horsepower, and peak torque was 590 lb-ft. The combination of the two electric motors and the diesel engine allowed all-wheel drive when driving in all-electric mode. The result was minimum power loss and a harmonious transmission of the power available under all conditions.

In its design, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics differed from the usual low-emission car concepts. The principle of “form follows function” was not just employed for the overall look of the car, but embraced in each and every detail. Measuring 48.8" in height and boasting a sweeping, arch-like roofline, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics offered the slender silhouette of a classic GT car. With the combustion engine fitted transversally in front of the rear axle, the designers succeeded in giving the car a very low front end, with the flow of air being further smoothened by active louvers in front of the radiator, which would close completely when the need for cooling air was low. This efficient function followed in the footsteps of the active air flap control already a feature of BMW EfficientDynamics in some of BMW’s concurrent production models.

Numerous details in the design of the body were based on the know-how BMW had gained in Motorsport with a number of body elements serving as air deflectors and guide vanes. Designed as ducts, for example, the A-pillars served to channel the flow of air in the same way as the rear lights with their wing profile. The floor of the car was fully flat from front to rear and from side to side, thus maintaining a smooth surface to avoid any air swirl liable to increase fuel consumption. Slender openings around the front air dam guided the air flowing specifically into two ducts leading through the front air dam to the wheel arches where the air comes out again through a very slim aperture at high speed, flowing just next to the outer wheel flanks. This air jet rested on the front wheels like a curtain and was therefore referred to most appropriately as the “air curtain.” It provided a highly stabilizing effect.

The extra-large wheel covers extending over part of the tire sidewalls added to the unique look of BMW Vision EfficientDynamics from the side. The blade profile integrated in the wheels served to further reduce the negative effect of the turning wheels on the overall aerodynamics of the car. In all, these features optimized the aerodynamic qualities of the car give the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car a very low drag factor (CX) of just 0.22.

The Vision Efficient Dynamics was so compelling on the auto show circuit in 2009 and 2010 that feasibility plans were quickly developed to see if the car could be brought into production. The result was the introduction of the 2014 BMW i8 that incorporated much of the drivetrain innovation as well a very faithful conversion of the design to production.

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BMW Group in America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California;  a technology office in Silicon Valley, and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 349 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 145 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

About Petersen Automotive Museum
The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity. The museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles, 90036. Admission prices are $21 for general admission adults, $19 for seniors (62+), $13 for youth (12-17) and $12 for children ages 4 to 11. Active military with ID, personal care attendants and children under age four are admitted free. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For general information, call 323-930-CARS or visit www.petersen.org.

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Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com, www.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ & Reno, NV -- September 19, 2024… BMW of North America and Redwood Materials announced today a partnership to recycle lithium-ion batteries from all electric, plug-in hybrid-electric, and mild hybrid BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles in the U.S. The partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to sustainability, and is the next step towards creating a closed-loop circular value chain for lithium-ion batteries in the U.S.

Redwood Materials will work directly with BMW Group's extensive network of close to 700 locations across the U.S., including dealerships, distribution centers, and other facilities to recover end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and ensure critical minerals like nickel, cobalt, lithium, and copper are recycled and refined. Ultimately, 95% - 98% of these critical minerals will be returned to the battery supply chain to build increasingly sustainable electric vehicles. The materials inside of a battery are nearly infinitely recyclable and are not consumed or lost in their lifetime of usage in the vehicle. Additionally, Redwood’s processes have a significantly smaller environmental impact than conventional mining or other recycling technologies, reducing energy by 80%, CO2 emissions by 70%, and water by 80%. 

“Together with Redwood Materials, BMW is laying the groundwork for the creation of a fully circular battery supply chain in the U.S.,” said Denise Melville, Head of Sustainability, BMW of North America. “We have said before that the future of BMW was electric, digital, and circular, and this agreement brings us a step closer to meeting that goal.” 

Redwood Materials currently operates a campus in Reno, Nevada where battery components are recycled, refined, and manufactured. A second Redwood Materials campus is under construction in Charleston, South Carolina, not far from BMW Group Plant Spartanburg and Plant Woodruff, where BMW will assemble at least six fully electric models, and the high-voltage battery packs for those vehicles, before the end of the decade. The company’s battery cell manufacturing partner, AESC is also nearby in Florence, SC.

BMW Group was among the first automakers to establish operations in South Carolina when it broke ground in Spartanburg in 1992. Over the past 30 years, the plant has expanded several times to its current size of 8-million-square-feet. With an annual capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles, Plant Spartanburg is currently the largest single BMW plant in the world.

“The transition to electric mobility presents a tremendous opportunity to rethink how we manage the batteries that power our clean energy future”, said Cal Lankton, Chief Commercial Officer at Redwood Materials. “Our partnership with BMW of North America ensures responsible end-of-life battery management that will improve the environmental footprint of lithium-ion batteries, help decrease cost and, in turn, increase access and adoption of electric vehicles.” 

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BMW Group in America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California;  a technology office in Silicon Valley, and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 144 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com, www.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com.

About Redwood Materials

Redwood Materials is creating a circular supply chain to drive down the environmental footprint and cost of lithium-ion batteries and the electric vehicles and sustainable energy storage systems they power. Founded by JB Straubel, the Nevada-based company is offering large-scale sources of sustainable battery materials produced at scale in the U.S. for the first time. Redwood is ramping its Northern Nevada facility and has broken ground on its second Battery Materials Campus, outside Charleston, South Carolina. Both of Redwood’s campuses will recycle, refine, and manufacture battery materials, aiming to scale production to 100 GWh annually. More information is available at redwoodmaterials.com. 

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NEW YORK, Sept. 1 8, 2024 — BMW, Ford and Honda have begun operations of the new joint venture that they announced last year and have appointed the first CEO and CTO. ChargeScape is a software platform that integrates electric vehicles (EVs) into the power grid, shoring up grid stability while saving drivers money on their charging.

The announcement underscores that automakers remain committed to EVs – including plug-in hybrids – and are focused on reducing the total cost of ownership for their customers. 
As more Americans switch to EVs, cheaper fueling costs have become top-of-mind for drivers, particularly while charging at home where 80% of EV charging occurs according to U.S. Department of Energy estimates. At the same time, the nation’s power grids have come under increasing strain due to electricity demand from data centers and the intermittent nature of renewables.

To meet these needs, ChargeScape’s technology wirelessly connects to electric vehicles and, working with participating utilities, manages the flow of electrons in line with real-time grid conditions, temporarily reducing demand when the grid is constrained through smart charging (V1G) and even sending energy back into the power grid when needed (V2G). EV drivers have the potential to be rewarded financially for their flexibility and always have their vehicle charged by the time they specify.

ChargeScape builds off of the early success of these automakers’ work on smart charging through the Open Vehicle-Grid Integration Platform (OVGIP), which counts multi-state utilities such as Duke Energy, Xcel Energy and Eversource Energy as clients.

Board Names Two Key Leadership Appointments

Following the official launch of the joint venture, BMW, Ford and Honda announced the appointment of ChargeScape’s first CEO, Joseph Vellone.

Bringing 15 years of experience in the energy and climate sectors, Vellone was most recently part of the founding team at software start-up ev.energy, where he launched and grew the company’s North America business to include over a dozen utilities and 150,000 EVs.

“Joseph's leadership and track record operating cleantech start-ups is precisely what we need to make ChargeScape a success,” said current ChargeScape Board Chairman Shaun Bugbee of BMW.

Before joining ev.energy, Vellone worked as a management consultant at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he was part of the firm’s energy and environment practice. He is a graduate of Princeton University and the London School of Economics. While in high school, his student research on hydrogen fuel cells was recognized with honors from Congress and the White House.

“The U.S. has set ambitious targets for renewable energy deployment and EV adoption, and ChargeScape is here to bridge that gap between supply and demand of electricity,” said Vellone. “We want to transform EVs from a liability into an asset for the power grid and help deliver a clean transportation future for our country.”

Newly appointed ChargeScape Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Kalidindi Raju has over 15 years of experience leading high-performing technology organizations and is a recognized leader in cloud architecture, artificial intelligence, machine learning, analytics, data engineering and product development. He previously held senior leadership positions at Amazon, OATI and other technology companies.

Raju holds a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M International and a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela (India).

“Although the vehicle-grid integration market is expected to be highly competitive, our partnerships with the world’s largest automakers gives us a significant edge. With direct access to the vehicles, we enable utilities to optimize EV charging securely and reliably,” said Raju. "We plan to fully leverage this key advantage.”

 # # #

About ChargeScape

ChargeScape is a technology company that connects electric utilities, automakers and electric vehicle drivers using software. From its offices in New York, ChargeScape helps stabilize electrical grids by optimizing the flow of electrons into and out of EV batteries and helps EV drivers save money on their charging through cash-back and other incentives. The company counts BMW, Ford and Honda as investors, with additional automakers set to join in the coming months.

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BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley, and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 144 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 175,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Honda’s Commitment to the Environment

Honda is working toward its global goal of zero environmental impact by 2050 through its “Triple Action to Zero” approach, including achieving carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities, 100% utilization of renewable energy, and resource circulation, utilizing 100% sustainable materials by reprocessing products back to raw materials and reusing those materials in the creation of new products. Toward this goal, Honda will strive to make battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles represent 100% of auto sales in the U.S. and globally by 2040.

To reduce the environmental impact of its business operations, Honda also is offsetting CO2 emissions from its North American manufacturing operations through long-term virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for renewable wind and solar power that seek to cover more than 60% of the electricity Honda uses in North America. Honda also promotes environmentally responsible business practices with its suppliers and retail dealer partners across North America. Learn more at https://csr.honda.com/environment/na-environmental-report/.

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Munich. BMW plans to launch its first-ever series production fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 2028, thereby offering customers an additional all-electric powertrain option with zero local emissions in a BMW. The BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation are pooling their innovative strength and their technological capabilities to bring a new generation of fuel cell powertrain technology to the roads. Both companies share the aspiration of advancing the hydrogen economy and have extended their collaboration to push this locally zero-emission technology to the next level.

The BMW Group’s leading development expertise in electric drive technologies is once again demonstrated by its relentless efforts to advance hydrogen fuel cell technology and its embracing of a 'technology-openness' approach in order to provide customers with a range of mobility solutions for the future.

“This is a milestone in automotive history: the first-ever series production fuel cell vehicle to be offered by a global premium manufacturer. Powered by hydrogen and driven by the spirit of our cooperation, it will underscore how technological progress is shaping future mobility,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “And it will herald an era of significant demand for fuel cell electric vehicles.”

Koji Sato, President and Member of the Board of Management (Representative Director) Toyota Motor Corporation, said, “We are pleased that the collaboration between BMW and Toyota has entered a new stage. In our long history of partnership, we have confirmed that BMW and Toyota share the same passion for cars and belief in ‘technology openness’ and a ‘multi-pathway’ approach to carbon neutrality. Based on these shared values, we will deepen our collaboration in efforts such as the joint development of next-generation fuel cell systems and the expansion of infrastructure, aiming for the realization of a hydrogen society. We will accelerate our efforts together with BMW and partners across various industries to realize a future where hydrogen energy supports society."

Shared powertrain technology utilized across individual models to offer attractive FCEV options. 

The BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation will jointly develop the powertrain system for passenger vehicles, with the core fuel cell technology (the individual third-generation fuel cells) creating synergies for both commercial and passenger vehicle applications. The result of this collaborative effort will be utilized in individual models from both BMW and Toyota and will expand the range of FCEV options available to customers, bringing the vision of hydrogen mobility one step closer to reality. Customers can expect the BMW and Toyota FCEV models to maintain their distinct brand identities and characteristics, providing them with individual FCEV options to choose from. Realizing synergies and amalgamating the total volume of powertrain units by collaborating on development and procurement promises to drive down the costs of fuel cell technology.

BMW will launch its first hydrogen-powered production model in 2028.  

After successfully testing the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet worldwide, the BMW Group is now preparing for series production of vehicles with hydrogen drive systems in 2028 on the basis of the jointly developed next-generation powertrain technology. The series production models will be integrated into BMW’s existing portfolio, i.e. BMW will offer an existing model in an additional hydrogen fuel cell drive system variant. As FCEV technology is another electric vehicle technology, the BMW Group explicitly views it as complementing the drive technology used by battery electric vehicles (BEV) and next to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and internal combustion engines (ICE).

A new level of partnership.

The BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation can look back on over a decade of trusting and successful collaboration. Building on this, the companies are now extending their cooperation to accelerate innovation of next-generation fuel cell powertrain systems and pioneer this new technology.

Shared vision of advancing the hydrogen economy.

The pathway to realizing the full potential of hydrogen mobility includes its use in commercial vehicles and the establishment of a refuelling infrastructure for all mobility applications, including hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles. Recognizing the complementary nature of these technologies, the BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation are supporting the expansion of both hydrogen refuelling and battery electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Both companies are encouraging sustainable hydrogen supply by creating demand, working closely with companies that are building low-carbon hydrogen production, distribution, and refuelling facilities.

The BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation are advocating the creation of a conducive framework by governments and investors to facilitate the early-stage penetration of hydrogen mobility and ensure its economic viability. By promoting the corresponding infrastructure, they aim to establish the FCEV market as an additional pillar alongside other powertrain technologies. Furthermore, the companies are seeking regional or local projects to further drive the development of hydrogen infrastructure through collaborative initiatives.

Benefits of hydrogen-powered technology.

Hydrogen is recognized as a promising future energy carrier for global decarbonization. It acts as an effective storage medium for renewable energy sources, helping to balance supply and demand and enabling a more stable and reliable integration of renewables into the energy grid. Hydrogen is the missing piece for completing the electric mobility puzzle where battery electric drive systems are not an optimal solution.

Munich/Spartanburg, USA. The BMW Group is exploring the use of humanoid robots in production for the first time. During a trial run lasting several weeks at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, the latest humanoid robot Figure 02 from California company Figure successfully inserted sheet metal parts into specific fixtures, which were then assembled as part of the chassis. The robot must be particularly dexterous to complete this production step.

At the same time, using a robot can save employees from having to perform ergonomically awkward and tiring tasks. Together with Figure, the BMW Group is currently testing and evaluating how humanoid robots can be used safely in automobile production. This video shows the trial run in the body shop at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg: https://b.mw/Figure_02

“The developments in the field of robotics are very promising. With an early test operation, we are now determining possible applications for humanoid robots in production. We want to accompany this technology from development to industrialization,” says Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management for Production at BMW AG.

With the BMW iFACTORY, the vision for the production of the future, the BMW Group is always on the lookout for new technologies. Efficiency, digitalisation and sustainability are central to this vision to realisation. During the trial run, the BMW Group gained valuable knowledge of what requirements must be met in order to be able to integrate so-called multi-purpose robots in an existing production system. This includes how humanoid robots communicate with the system under real conditions. After the first use in automobile production, the experts at the BMW Group and Figure are collaborating to prepare Figure for future applications in production and continuing to develop the robots, based on the findings.

Figure 02 embodies the latest technological advances in robotics 

“We are excited to unveil Figure 02, our second-generation humanoid robot, which recently completed successful testing at the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg. Figure 02 has significant technical advancements, which enable the robot to perform a wide range of complex tasks fully autonomously,” says Brett Adcock, Founder and CEO of Figure.

According to the California company, Figure 02 is the world’s most advanced humanoid robot currently available on the market. The combination of two-legged mobility and advanced dexterity means that the Figure 02 is ideally suited for use in areas with physically demanding, unsafe, or repetitive processes, thereby improving ergonomics and safety for associates. Figure 02 boasts three times the processing power of its predecessor, improved voice communication, better cameras, microphones, and sensors, a high-performance battery, and fourth-generation human-scale hands with 16 degrees of freedom per hand and human-equivalent strength.

The robot is capable of fully autonomous execution of human-like and two-handed tasks requiring varied and dynamic manipulation, complex grasping, and coordination of both hands in unison. It is able place various complex parts with accuracy measured in millimetres and can walk dynamically leveraging efficienties of the robot’s design.

Currently, there are no Figure AI robots at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, and there is no definite timetable established for bringing Figure robots to the plant. BMW Group will continue to work with Figure for data capturing and training capabilities for the Figure02 robots.

Durham, NC (June 11, 2024) – IONNA, the charging network founded by a coalition of the world’s top automakers: BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Kia and Stellantis, announced today the selection of Durham, North Carolina as its global headquarters. This milestone moment for IONNA comes after receiving regulatory approval, and the commencement of operations in February.

With a new headquarters, IONNA can now accelerate its 2024 launch plans. Durham, located in the bustling heart of the Research Triangle, with its thriving research ecosystem and leading universities, stands as the ideal backdrop for IONNA’s operations. The area’s dynamic blend of tech talent and commitment to innovation mirrors IONNA’s own mission to develop and deploy a cutting-edge customer charging experience.

“We are thrilled to call Durham home,” said Seth Cutler, CEO of IONNA. “The area’s established history of research, innovation, and its vibrant growing community, make it the perfect place for IONNA to join, thrive, and pioneer. I’m excited to grow a cross-industry team that will deliver the IONNA vision from our new home base.”

“IONNA’s decision to make Durham County its home validates our global reputation for the Electric Vehicle industry,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. “This cutting-edge company and its founding automotive manufacturers will benefit from the innovative ecosystem, highly skilled workforce, and central location of North Carolina to take its pioneering technology to market.”

A New Headquarters for The Journey Ahead
IONNA’s new home will enable the company to ramp up operations and begin to reimagine the electric vehicle charging. A physical beacon of the organizations’ commitment to bringing everyone together to tackle great projects in unity, and serving as a think tank, lab, mission control, and deployment pad, all-in-one. Bringing people back together not because they must, but because the energy, the pace, and the collaboration required to raise the bar has a gravitational pull on them.

Quarterback Lab for Innovation and Reliability and a Best-in-Class Customer Experience
The NC headquarters will also house a Customer Experience Lab serving as Quarterback and central node to seven new satellite labs at each of the founding OEM’s facilities. Playing a pivotal role in accelerated deployment, interoperability testing, and continuous improvement of features that work from day one. A framework that will set new standards and benchmarks in the industry. Poised to grow forward at IONNA-Speed as new partners join the movement.

Growing Team: Welcoming Expanded Leadership
IONNA also announced the appointment of several key executives to its leadership team including a CFO, CPO and COO, marking a significant step forward on its commitment to build North America’s leading charging network of 30,000+ ultra-fast charging stations. The joint venture anticipates opening its first charging stations in the United States in 2024.

Derek Rush joins IONNA as its new Chief Financial Officer. Derek, previously the CFO of bp Pulse, will oversee all financial operations and strategies at IONNA. His extensive experience in financial leadership within the energy sector positions him to steer IONNA towards sustainable growth. "Joining IONNA is a unique opportunity to contribute to a new company while also helping the industry move forward. I’m thrilled to be part of this key inflection point in the future of sustainable mobility solutions," Derek commented.

Ricardo Stamatti joins IONNA as Chief Product Officer, bringing a unique vision for the company and key expertise from his previous role as Global SVP of Stellantis Energy. Ricardo will drive the vision, strategy, and execution of IONNA’s product development and commercial efforts, ensuring that IONNA builds high-fidelity products that meet customers’ most pressing needs and the company’s ambitious business goals. "I am humbled and excited to have the opportunity join IONNA leading the development of groundbreaking products that will rewrite the current industry script and delight customers across the nation," he stated.

Shankar Muthukumar takes on the role of Chief Operating Officer, bringing with him a wealth of results-driven experience from his tenure as General Manager of Mortenson's e-mobility division. Shankar will manage all operational aspects of IONNA’s expanding network, ensuring that its systems not only raise the bar in reliability and efficiency, but are also scalable to meet the company’s future vision of a genre-defining customer experience. "I am thrilled to be part of IONNA’s mission to achieve record growth, up-time, and quality KPI’s and also proudly deliver a 1:1 say-do ratio. The IONNA machine will strive to be a lossless algorithm in translating what we say into how we operate and deliver," said Shankar.

These leaders bring a blend of innovation, strategic vision, and operational excellence that will propel IONNA forward at a time that the market needs it most. Each executive's unique background and expertise are aligned with IONNA's commitment to set new benchmarks in the industry. In addition to these key appointments, IONNA has also hired other top professionals from various industries and will continue growing the team to help meet the company’s ambitious targets. 

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About IONNA

IONNA is a rising joint venture founded by seven of the world’s biggest automakers, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Kia and Stellantis. Purpose-built to lead, innovate, create, and drive forward a redefinition of charging as an end-to-end integrated customer experience. Delivering this mission by developing and deploying a trailblazing nationwide network of stations with cutting-edge technology, retail integration, amenities, and unparalleled customer service. Enabling urban and long-distance EV mobility for all with over 30,000 ultra-fast-and-reliable charging points by 2030. IONNA will provide the coverage drivers need, the reliability they deserve, and the amenities they crave.

For more information, please visit https://ionna.com

Media Contact: media@ionna.com | 1-855-ION-NAHQ

Mountain View, Calif. – May 22, 2024 - BMW i Ventures announced today an investment in Simr, a cloud simulation company that gives engineers a single platform for using any compute resources with any leading simulation tool. The company’s newly launched Simulation Operations Automation (SimOps) platform has the potential to revolutionize how engineers design, verify, and test products by automating sophisticated simulations in the cloud. Simr secured $20M in Series A funding led by Uncorrelated Ventures, with investments also from BMW i Ventures and Earlybird Venture Capital. The funding will drive further expansion into North America and Europe, while also growing the company’s engineering and product innovation teams.
With the launch of SimOps, Simr (formerly known as UberCloud) is making cutting-edge practices in computer simulations available to design engineers everywhere. The platform not only enables the implementation of SimOps best practices, but also boosts innovation and productivity among design engineers, while enabling IT and operational control. Simr is closely partnered with leading simulation platform providers including Ansys, Siemens and Dassault Systèmes.
“SimOps has the potential to revolutionize how companies design complex, breakthrough products by letting teams iterate and test their ideas in the time they were previously forced to waste waiting for simulations to be completed,” said Baris Guzel, Partner, BMW i Ventures. “SimOps gives engineering teams the power to explore more options faster, and at lower cost. As manufacturing continues to evolve towards more digital and simulation-driven development processes, Simr is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in this transformation.”
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“Simr lets engineers design better products by giving them the ability to design and validate literally anything they can conceive of at previously unimaginable speed,” said Burak Yenier, Co-Founder & CEO, Simr “As demonstrated by the traction we have with the world’s top companies and the support of our investors, there is a strong need for these unique innovations. SimOps is the much-needed new engine of manufacturing simulations.”
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About BMW i Ventures.
BMW i Ventures is the independent venture capital firm of BMW Group. From offices in Silicon Valley and Munich, BMW i Ventures invests in early to growth-stage companies defining the future of automotive, sustainability, manufacturing, and supply chain. Since starting in 2011, the firm has $800M under management and has invested in over 75 startups, including Bcomp, Boston Metal, CelLink, ChargePoint, GaN Systems, Motorway, Tekion, and Xometry. For more information: https://www.bmwiventures.com/

About Simr.
Simr is on a mission to help companies thrive by embracing SimOps, the practice of automating simulation processes. Founded by engineers to help engineers, EVERYTHING we do enables engineers to bring new ideas to life rapidly. Compatible with any compute platform, our self-service high-performance platform allows engineers to quickly and securely design and test their product ideas using familiar workflows and simulation tools within their environments, granting them complete and exclusive control over their simulation workflows and data. At Simr, we’re committed to making SimOps a new manufacturing design standard. For more information, please visit https://www.simr.com/
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• BMW Charging, Powered by Shell Recharge Solutions, Enables Streamlined Charging Experience for BMW EV Drivers. 
• Through a New Agreement with Shell Recharge Solutions, BMW Electric Vehicle Drivers Can Find, Access, and Pay for Charging at More Than 100,000 Public Chargers Through the My BMW App.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 13, 2024… BMW of North America announced today the addition of Shell Recharge Solutions as a second eMobility provider, giving customers easy access to Shell Recharge, ChargePoint, EVgo, EVConnect, and Blink charging stations via the My BMW App. BMW drivers can now find, access, and charge at all affiliated locations via their My BMW app, with payments for all five providers automatically processed via the app. With this new agreement, BMW Charging now offers electric vehicle drivers easy and convenient access to one of the largest charging networks in North America with over 100,000 public charging points in the U.S. and Canada.

Shell Recharge Solutions’ virtual Mobility Service Provider (vMSP) not only streamlines the charging experience for BMW customers, but also eliminates the need to create separate accounts, and use separate apps, for each individual charging provider. Through the My BMW app, customers can now enjoy the benefits of both complimentary charging with Electrify America, and the networks of multiple providers across North America with Shell Recharge Solutions.

“Charging is an important part of creating a positive customer experience for the owners of electric vehicles,” said Shaun Bugbee, Executive Vice President, Operations, BMW of North America. “As a premium automaker, BMW’s goal is to also create a premium ownership experience for our customers, which means making the charging process as simple and convenient as possible.”

Shell Recharge is a pay-as-you-go program, so signing up is easy; customers simply need to add a credit card to their account.  Charging at all locations is easy as well; park in front of the charging station, open the My BMW app, click ‘Charge Here’, and all relevant information for the specific charging station will be displayed, including ratings, reviews, and photos provided by Plug Share.

BMW’s current electric vehicle lineup includes the BMW i4 Gran Coupe, BMW i5 Sedan, and BMW i7 Sedan, as well as the BMW iX Sports Activity Vehicle.  The company also offers five plug-in hybrid electric models including the BMW 330e Sedan, BMW 550e Sedan, BMW 750e Sedan, BMW X5 xDrive50e Sports Activity Vehicle and the BMW XM. 

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BMW Group in America       

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 349 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,145 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

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Investment Further Strengthens Industry Momentum of Skylo’s Standards-Based Solution for Direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity.

Mountain View, Calif. – February 13, 2024… BMW i Ventures today announced an investment in Skylo Technologies, the leading direct-to-device satellite connectivity service provider.   The $37 million financing round was co-led by Intel Capital and Innovation Endeavors and joined by BMW i Ventures, Samsung Catalyst Fund, Seraphim Space, and Next47. 

This new investment expands Skylo’s scale and business operations to better support smartphones, wearable OEMs, IoT devices, and mobile network operator customers. This is a major step in Skylo's commitment to making standards based non-terrestrial networks (NTN) more accessible and efficient for numerous sectors, including consumer, automotive, agriculture, energy, transportation, and beyond.

“We were impressed with Skylo’s global connectivity solution that enables ‘always-on, always-connected’ communication for the automotive industry,” said Kasper Sage, Managing Partner at BMW i Ventures. “Skylo has a proven solution and team that is going to make satellite connectivity a new standard for the next generation of vehicles while keeping people safe and making their experiences seamless wherever they may go.”

With this new capital, Skylo will grow its team with the brightest minds in the industry, enhance its marketing efforts and technological developments to bring online new capabilities, reach new verticals, and further its global footprint.

"We’re immensely proud to lead this new chapter in direct-to-device satellite connectivity, supported by an incredible consortium of investors. Their commitment helps make Skylo’s  standards-based service the default choice for the NTN ecosystem," said Parth Trivedi, CEO and Co-Founder of Skylo. "This round accelerates our carrier partnerships and supports all top device makers adopting our standards-based solution.”

Skylo has launched its initial service across US, Canada, and Europe, in partnership with major chipset makers including Qualcomm, Samsung, MediaTek, and Sony, together with the world’s leading device OEMs and mobile carriers, such as Deutsche Telekom. Skylo has successfully partnered with satellite operators to enable the service on dedicated, fully licensed spectrum and existing satellite assets. This allows terrestrial mobile carriers to take advantage of the most economical, scalable solution for direct-to-device connectivity, without sacrificing their own spectrum or changing their behavior in any way since Skylo’s network integrates as a standard roaming partner. Skylo has built a strong ecosystem of OEMs, carriers, and supply chain partners that have brought the service to market.

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About BMW i Ventures

BMW i Ventures is the independent venture capital firm of BMW Group. From offices in Silicon Valley and Munich,  BMW i Ventures invests in early to growth-stage companies defining the future of automotive, sustainability, manufacturing, and supply chain. Since starting in 2011, the firm has $800M under management and has invested in over 75 startups, including Bcomp, Boston Metal, CelLink, ChargePoint, GaN Systems, Motorway, Tekion, and Xometry.

More information can be found at: https://www.bmwiventures.com.

About Skylo Technologies 

Skylo Technologies is a global NTN service provider based in Mountain View, CA, offering a service that allows smartphone and IoT cellular devices to connect directly over existing satellites. Devices connected over satellite are managed and served by Skylo's commercial NTN vRAN, featuring a 3GPP standards-based cloud-native base station and core. Skylo works with existing satellite operators, network operators, and device makers to provide subscribers an anywhere, anytime connectivity solution that seamlessly roams between terrestrial and satellite networks. Skylo's focus is on enabling connected services for people outdoors and connected workflows for machines at work across critical industries such as agriculture, maritime, logistics, mining, and others, in addition to mass-market consumer devices. For more information, visit www.skylo.tech, contact info@skylo.tech, or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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• Joint venture by seven major automakers receives approval from regulatory agencies.
• IONNA plans to deploy a minimum of 30,000 chargers with the first charging stations expected to open in the U.S. in 2024, followed by Canada.
• Seth Cutler, formerly of EV Connect, appointed as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1.

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 7, 2024 – Announced in July 2023, IONNA, the joint venture to build a high-powered EV charging network across North America, has received approval from regulatory authorities, and is now officially commencing operations. IONNA is a joint venture of seven of the world's foremost automakers: BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis. With Seth Cutler, newly appointed as the Chief Executive Officer, IONNA targets to become one of the most accessible and reliable high-powered charging networks in North America with plans to deploy at least 30,000 chargers.

Seth Cutler to lead IONNA.

Cutler brings a wealth of experience in electric mobility and charging to shape the joint venture right from the start. In his role as Senior Vice President of Technical Operations at EV Connect, Cutler drastically expanded the network of charging station manufacturers. Most recently serving as the President and Chief Operations Officer, he started several initiatives to transform the company from a ‘start-up’ to a ‘scale-up’ phase. Before joining EV Connect, Cutler took the lead in engineering, orchestrating the development and implementation of a high-powered charging network as Chief Engineer in the early phase of Electrify America. He started his career at General Electric (GE), where his versatile roles included that of General Manager of EV infrastructure. In this capacity, he focused on the development, manufacturing, and deployment of charging stations, contributing significantly to GE's footprint in the electric mobility sector.

“I am honored to lead IONNA and work alongside these esteemed automakers in shaping the future of electric mobility. Our shared commitment to creating an extensive, high-powered charging network reflects our dedication to revolutionizing the entire EV charging experience and helping to drive widespread EV adoption” said Seth Cutler, CEO IONNA.

Elevating the Customer Experience.

IONNA’s charging network will be accessible to all electric vehicles with NACS or CCS connectors and aims to provide a seamless, vehicle-integrated, best-in-class charging experience. This will be realized by providing various amenities, such as restrooms, food service, and retail operations nearby or within the same complex, digital integration and appealing locations. Customers can expect convenient locations that will come with canopies wherever possible to even further focus on unprecedented customer comfort and charging ease. The network's functions and services will facilitate seamless integration with participating automakers' in-vehicle and in-app experiences, encompassing reservations, intelligent route planning and navigation, payment applications, transparent energy management, and additional features.

IONNA’s charging stations are intended to be powered by renewable energy, and backed by the combined quality, reliability, and resources of the world's leading automakers. IONNA targets to establish a minimum of 30,000 high-powered charging stations strategically positioned throughout North America. The joint venture anticipates opening its first charging stations in the United States in 2024, with plans for expansion into Canada at a later stage. Each site will feature multiple high-powered chargers to facilitate long-distance journeys, aligning with the sustainability strategies of all seven automakers.

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About IONNA

IONNA LLC is a limited liability company formed by BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis. By the close of this decade, IONNA aims to become a leading force in providing convenient, accessible, and reliable North American fast-charging infrastructure to significantly enhance the appeal of zero-emission driving for millions of customers.

Press Contact:

IONNA: Christoph Karkoszka (christoph@ionna.com)
www.ionna.com

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• Growing range of apps for the ConnectedDrive Store.
• Innovations in video streaming and in-car gaming for current models.
• Insights into development projects for the digitalized mobility of the future.
• Integration of augmented reality devices, remote-controlled parking.
• Generative AI for the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 8, 2024…BMW’s presence at CES 2024 is dedicated to the digital customer experience. The company will present new infotainment features for its current model line and offer visitors a lively insight into development projects that demonstrate BMW’s leadership in the digitized mobility of the future. Visitors will be able to drive a BMW iX remotely across the Silver Lot at the exhibition grounds, discover the potential of augmented reality glasses as passengers, and experience the power of BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant as a vehicle expert enhanced with generative artificial intelligence.

New gaming highlights for the ConnectedDrive Store in BMW Operating System 9 for 2024.

In conjunction with the optional BMW Digital Premium offer, owners of BMWs with Operating System 9 have access to a BMW ConnectedDrive Store extended with third-party apps. This app store offers a constantly growing range of apps for music, news, and gaming. In the future, more games will be added via this channel, including games that can be played with full-fledged gaming controllers. BMW is presenting such a gaming experience for the first time at CES 2024 with “Beach Buggy Racing 2” offering customers an action-packed racing game experience that is reminiscent of the major console classics. In split-screen mode, two players can compete against each other in the vehicle with their gaming controllers. Common, Bluetooth-enabled gaming controllers can be connected to the infotainment system in just a few steps. The controller connection will be available over-the-air for BMW Operating System 9 over the course of 2024.

With the AirConsole app, BMW and MINI customers can already play single and multiplayer games in the vehicle today. The games are easily accessible to everyone, as the smartphone becomes a controller and enables simple, easy-to-learn operation. The range of games on the AirConsole app in the vehicle is constantly being developed.

BMW models with BMW Operating System 9 come with a 90-day free trial of BMW Digital Premium, after which it can be added via the ConnectedDrive Store on the web, in the My BMW app, or directly in the vehicle. BMW Digital Premium also includes extended navigation functions and additional customization options, for example through additional My Modes.

Top entertainment — with the Video App in BMW Operating Systems 8.5 and 9.

In addition to the BMW Theatre Screen with Amazon Fire TV built-in in the rear compartment of the BMW 7 Series, BMW customers are now able to watch a variety of video content on the central display*. BMW developers worked with XPERI, Inc. to optimize the TiVo Operating System - which has already been successful in the Smart TV sector - for in-vehicle video streaming, integrating the DTS AutoStage Video Service powered by TiVo. The entertainment offerings include both live channels and on-demand media libraries of news, sports, entertainment for children, movies, and TV series.

The platform was first introduced in the new BMW 5 Series and is now being rolled out over-the-air to other luxury class models**. Owners of vehicles with BMW Operating System 9 have also had access to the video app in conjunction with BMW Digital Premium since the end of 2023, with other vehicles following in 2024, such as the BMW X2 and all models in the new MINI family.

The video app is now available in the USA, UK, South Korea, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and soon will be coming to Japan. The portals available across countries include Pluto TV, Bloomberg, TED, Yahoo! and Chili. There are also country-specific streaming offers:

• Germany: JOYN, ZDF, Tagesschau, Deutsche Welle
• Italy: RaiPlay
• France: TF1
• USA: Tubi, Gusto TV, Journy
• Japan: Hulu Japan, NHK Plus, NTV NEWS NNN, TVer, WOWOW

The video streaming platform's portfolio will continue to develop and gradually roll out to other countries.

Ready for the wearables of the future — extended driving experience with “XREAL Air 2” augmented reality glasses.

At CES, BMW will show for the first time how augmented reality (AR) glasses could enrich the driving experience in the future. Visitors will experience the uses of AR glasses on a trip through Las Vegas. In doing so, they see how navigation and hazard information, information on points of interest and entertainment content are perfectly embedded in the real environment through the “XREAL Air 2”. AR and MR (mixed reality) devices will steadily gain in popularity in the coming years due to technological advances and more accessible entry-level models. These devices have the potential to provide both drivers and passengers with extended information and content — as a supplement to the displays installed in the vehicle.

Since 2008, BMW has been following the development of AR/MR technology and has been investigating the possible uses of head-mounted displays as part of research projects. Through the resulting development collaborations, BMW engineers have succeeded for the first time in displaying stable augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) content to passengers in a moving vehicle. Even in challenging driving situations, for example when the vehicle turns, drives over bumps, or accelerates, the displayed image remains stable. To achieve this, the tracking system of the respective AR/MR device must be connected to the vehicle's sensor data.

BMW has continuously expanded its experience with AR/MR devices over the years and presented it to the public, starting with theMINI Augmented Vision project (2015), the collaboration with Meta Reality Labs (2022 & 2023), the ConnectedRide Smartglasses from BMW Motorrad, and the M Mixed Reality Driving Experience. In current BMW and MINI models, the “Augmented View” function offers the driver a live video stream on the display for the best possible orientation when navigating, which is expanded with additional, augmented information.

BMW has already successfully pioneered digital technologies such as vehicle access based on the BMW Digital Key and has driven forward the standardization of such innovations in the industry. When it comes to AR/MR, the company is also open to cooperation with other partners to achieve the goal of creating an industry standard for connecting XR devices in the CE industry with vehicles.

Development demo: Voice assistant becomes the ultimate vehicle expert with the help of Amazon Alexa Large Language Model (LLM).

BMW and Amazon are showcasing voice assistant LLM capabilities based on a current development project the companies are working on for a potential series rollout. This makes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant the ultimate vehicle expert enabled by generative AI, powered by the Alexa LLM. Visitors will experience how the voice assistant provides quick instructions and answers about vehicle functions in a much more human, conversational manner, while at the same time being able to control some vehicle functions.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has been using artificial intelligence for speech processing for a long time, and this demo is the latest proof of the continued innovation BMW and its partners are bringing to customers. Complex processing capabilities, which enable human-like interactions and dialogs, had not yet been integrated into the existing Intelligent Personal Assistant. Such capabilities are now made possible by LLMs (Large Language Models), which are AI models designed to process human language at a high level and generate responses accordingly. The BMW Group is also taking careful steps to build a safe and trusted experience for customers, and continues to test and iterate these LLM capabilities over time with its partners.

Since the introduction of the first BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant in 2018, language interaction has been an essential part of BMW iDrive. Today, the voice assistant gives customers control over many vehicle functions so that they can keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. Leveraging Amazon’s Alexa Custom Assistant — a solution based on Alexa technology that enables companies to create their own customized voice assistant — the next generation of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant will soon become more powerful over the course of the year in vehicles with BMW Operating System 9.

Joint development project with Valeo enables remote-controlled valet parking.

BMW and Valeo are working in a strategic partnership on the joint development of next-generation automated Level 4 parking solutions. This also includes the development of solutions for automated valet parking (AVP). The customer leaves the vehicle at a defined drop off point. From there, the vehicle automatically searches for a parking space, performs the necessary maneuvers to enter the space, and can return to the pick-up point. The underlying technology can be either an autonomous driving system or a remote-controlled valet system.

At CES 2024, visitors can try out remote-controlled valet parking for themselves. Remote control provides control in situations where fully autonomous systems may face major challenges, such as complex or unknown environments.

The remote control uses modern technology and live camera images to navigate and move the vehicle in order to park and return in a controlled manner. Possible areas of application for this technology in the future could include parking for events, at airports, or in logistics.

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BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 145 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

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Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line atwww.bmwusanews.com, www.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com.

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• Advanced R&D facility is one of seven BMW Group offices located in key technology hotspots around the world focused on emerging technologies, user-centered thinking, and product design to envision the future of BMW Group products.
• BMW Group Member of the Board of Management, Development, Frank Weber to headline a panel discussion entitled “Humanizing Tech,” moderated by David Pogue.
• BMW Group Technology Office USA opens its doors to media, stakeholders, industry leaders, and partners for a series of immersive workshops, exclusive product previews, and mixed reality, multi-sensory interactive driving experiences. 

Mountain View, California – December 7, 2023… The BMW Group Technology Office USA is celebrating 25 years in Silicon Valley with an invitation-only event featuring immersive workshops, exclusive technology demonstrations, and exciting mixed reality, multi-sensory driving experiences at Levi's Stadium. The celebration will be highlighted by the North American debut of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse design concept and a panel discussion entitled “Humanizing Technology,” with insights from BMW Group Member of the Board of Management, Development, Frank Weber. Weber will be joined by Neuroscientist & Technologist Poppy Crum, Head of Trust & Safety, AI Strategy, Product Management & ML Operations at Airbnb, Naba Banerjee, and Head of Product at Meta for Work Micah Collins. The conversation will be moderated by renowned technology expert, David Pogue.

“Cutting-edge technological ideas with a lot of potential, developed in the world’s beating heart of high-tech, and perfected in our worldwide innovation network. This is how our BMW Tech Office in Mountain View works,” said Weber. “I am very excited to see what visionary impulses for our ground-breaking innovations our team will keep on creating in the future.”

As an advanced R&D facility, BMW Group Technology Office USA is focused on emerging technologies, user-centered thinking, and product design to envision the future of BMW Group products.  A team of creative thinkers, visionaries, and engineers are charged with exploring what’s possible, and pushing the envelope to create the best, and most innovative experiences for BMW Group customers. For the first time the BMW Group Technology Office USA opens its doors to media, stakeholders, industry leaders, and partners for a look “under the hood” and showcase of some of their past, present, and future projects.

“For the past 25 years, the BMW Group Technology Office USA has relentlessly pushed boundaries to explore possibilities, shape the future, and deliver automotive technology that exceeds expectations,” said ​​Claus Dorrer, Vice President, BMW Group Technology Office USA. “Our team from diverse backgrounds takes great inspiration from living and working in the heart of Silicon Valley, in close proximity to where so many of our partners are based, and technology trends are born.  We’re proud that the work we do here helps inform, inspire, and improve BMW Group products and customer experiences around the world.”

Global Network. 

BMW Group Technology USA became the first BMW Group technology research and development office located outside of Munich when it first opened in Silicon Valley in 1998. Originally based in Palo Alto, the office moved to its current location in Mountain View in 2011. 

Today, BMW Group Technology Office USA it is part of a global network of BMW Group technology offices, which are strategically based in key technology hotspots around the world and a critical aspect of the company’s open innovation approach. In addition to Silicon Valley, and Munich, locations include Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Tel Aviv, and Tokyo.

The goal and collective mission of this expansive network is to collect local insight, identify emerging technologies, and work with key partners to envision the future of BMW Group products and customer experiences.

The North American Premiere of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse. 

First shown at the International Auto Show (IAA) in Munich in September, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse vehicle will make its North American debut on Thursday, December 7.  Built on the three pillars of electrification, digitalization, and circularity, the Vision Neue Klasse represents a “New Class” of BMW vehicles which will begin arriving in 2025.

Immersive Workshops.

In a series of workshops, participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the past and present projects developed at the facility, including:

• The AR/VR Journey and its Evolution: Explorations in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), and potential future applications -- including hands-on demonstrations of early product prototypes.
• Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA):  A preview of BMW Group’s next generation in-vehicle voice assistant technology.
• Innovation Mindset: Insight from the office’s team of explorers, creators, and builders, and how being located in the U.S. and Silicon Valley impacts their work, featuring a rare look at some previously unreleased projects.
• Electric Vehicle Battery Development: A discussion on future electric vehicle battery technology with BMW Group’s independent venture capital firm, BMW i Ventures, focused on their strategic investments in this space and collaboration with BMW Group Technology Office USA.

Interactive Driving Experiences.

A series of interactive driving experiences at Levi’s stadium -- from a mixed-reality driving experience and a multi-sensory dynamic scent journey, to a first-ever in-car demonstration of Meta’s Quest headset.

• Mixed Reality Driving Experience: A demonstration of howBMW can use mixed reality technology to bring real cars onto virtual racetracks. In this interactive experience, participants will get behind the wheel of a BMW M4 and drive on a closed course while wearing a VR headset to experience the merging of the virtual and physical worlds.
• Innovation Mindset – Intelligent Dynamic Scent Journey: Attendees will go on a dynamic scent journey during this demonstration of project developed at BMW Group Technology Office USA, that went unreleased.  Passengers will enjoy a multisensory experience that is shaped by the context of the drive and the world around them. 
• Mixed Reality Meta Quest Driving Experience: BMW Group and Meta are pioneering research and exploring potential use cases for extended reality devices within the digital vehicle ecosystem. This is a first-time, in-vehicle demonstration of the ability to accurately display stable virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) content to passengers in a fast-moving car, even when making turns, going over speed bumps, and accelerating. This was accomplished by incorporating IMU data from a BMW car’s sensor array in real-time into the tracking system of Meta’s Project Aria research glasses. After transferring the tracking system to a Meta’s Quest 3 device, the researchers enabled a series of stable “car-locked” gaming, entertainment, productivity, and meditation experiences.

• Digital Key Demonstration: This session will discuss BMW’s critical role in developing an early proof of concept for using smartphones as a digital vehicle key, which has enabled an industry standard and opened the door for additional vehicle-related smartphone functionality.

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BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 349 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,146 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Online: www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview

Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com, www.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com.

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Mountain View, Calif. / Stuttgart – November 15 , 2023… BMW i Ventures announced today an investment in the innovative German software company Ascon Systems, which is enabling the transformation to the industrial metaverse with digital twins and low-code software solutions. With this commitment, BMW i Ventures is supporting the next stage of digital production, the potential for the industrial metaverse, and digital shopfloor management in the automotive and supplier industry. The common goal is to increase flexibility and efficiency in these important industries.

“Jens Müller and his team at Ascon Systems have impressed and convinced us with their forward-looking technologies,” said Marcus Behrendt, Managing Director at BMW i Ventures. “With its digital twin technology, Ascon Systems is opening up completely new and, above all, more efficient ways for shopfloor management in the industrial metaverse. As an Omniverse Partner of NVIDIA, Ascon is very well positioned. We at BMW i Ventures aim to actively support this development to ensure that the next stage of digitalization in production can be widely adopted.”

Ascon Systems paves the way for companies to achieve a data-driven digital factories and provides support by combining low-code software and high-tech in four steps: automate, simulate, model and flexibilize. The real shopfloor is connected to virtual digital twins. Decisions in the real company environment have an impact on the digital twins and vice versa. Ascon Systems thus enables the continuous optimization of industrial production processes, necessary maintenance work and training across different locations.

"We are delighted to have BMW i Ventures as a new partner,” said Jens Müller, CEO of Ascon Systems. “With our platform, we make it easy for companies to create a digital twin of their physical factory. This allows them to optimize processes, identify and correct errors - but above all, they can digitally simulate various scenarios for planning and determine the next steps for implementation based on this. We are currently expanding Ascon Systems and developing further high-tech solutions - also in cooperation with our partners - to pave the way for the factory of the future. With the support of BMW i Ventures, we are taking a big step towards these goals."

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About BMW i Ventures

BMW i Ventures is the venture capital fund of the BMW Group and is one of the most relevant venture capital investors in the automotive environment. Since 2011, BMW i Ventures has been supporting innovative and rapidly scaling start-ups in the automotive environment. The focus is on sustainable hardware and software solutions from start-ups in the transport, manufacturing and supplier industries. The fund successfully invested in sustainable industrial solutions (such as Boston-Metal, Natural Fiber Welding or BComp) and is involved in the success stories of over 60 companies (including Chargepoint (IPO), GaN Systems (Acquired), Motorway, Our Next Energy, Solid Power (IPO), Tekion and Xometry (IPO)). BMW i Ventures is characterized by a high degree of agility and independence and offers young companies a high degree of flexibility. Marcus Behrendt and Kasper Sage are the Managing Partners. The company is headquartered in Mountain View, Silicon Valley, with offices in San Francisco and Munich. More information: https://www.bmwiventures.com/

About Ascon Systems Holding GmbH

Ascon Systems Holding connects the digital world with the real world. The company develops model-based no-code software and digital twin solutions that enable companies to achieve the digital transformation towards Industry 4.0 and industrial metaverse. The goal is to automate industrial manufacturing, make it more flexible and achieve this independently of IT programming. Customers include BMW, Mercedes, Bürkert, Drees & Sommer and Läpple. Other customers are market-leading companies from the automotive, mechanical engineering, aviation, and logistics sectors.

Ascon Systems is a member of the NVIDIA Inception funding program. One of the investors is BBA Partners. Ascon Systems Holding GmbH is the parent company of Ascon Systems GmbH, which was founded in 2017. The CEO is Jens Mueller. There are 110 employees working in the team. Ascon Systems is headquartered in Stuttgart, with additional locations in Berlin, Mainz, Munich, Heilbronn and Stade.

https://ascon-systems.de

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• All BMW North America EV and PHEV customers in the contiguous 48 states are now eligible to earn cash incentives for optimizing their charging
• Program could enable significant carbon emission reductions from electric vehicle charging

Woodcliff Lake, NJ. - November 14, 2023… Today, BMW of North America announced the national expansion of its smart charging service, ChargeForward, in conjunction with the launch of the first all-electric BMW 5 Series, the BMW i5. With enrollment kicking off today, all BMW battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) model years 2018 and up will be eligible to enroll in ChargeForward throughout the lower 48 states. The innovative smart charging feature provides customers with incentives for aligning their vehicle charging with times when renewable energy is highest on the grid.

While ChargeForward is already available in some states across the U.S. through partnerships with various utility providers, it will now be accessible to all electrified vehicle customers by utilizing carbon data specific to the electric grid in each region. This allows BMW drivers to reduce their carbon footprint and support fluctuations in the electric grid, all while earning cash incentives. The program is completely free and digital, utilizing the Connected Drive system to communicate to the vehicle the best times to charge. Drivers can enroll online and do not need to install any hardware to participate.

“The national expansion of BMW ChargeForward is yet another step in our endeavor to provide customers with the best possible charging experience,” said Thomas Ruemenapp, Vice President, Engineering, BMW of North America, LLC. “Empowering our drivers to play an active role in reducing carbon emissions and increasing their renewable energy usage is an innovative way to use vehicle charging to further the environmental benefits of electric vehicles.”  

This expansion marks the next phase in the company’s ChargeForward program, which leads the sector in testing groundbreaking ways to use EV’s as a flexible grid resource.

As another example of this effort, earlier this year BMW announced plans for the joint venture ChargeScape together with two additional automakers. This joint venture will support BMW’s ChargeForward program and connect to even more utilities as a single point of contact. This will allow the program to scale-up and integrate with the respective utilities.

BMW ChargeForward Customer Incentives: Here’s How it Works

ChargeForward intelligently sets a schedule that charges the vehicle during optimal times of the day. Charging is aligned to the times with the lowest carbon intensity in a customer’s city or region. Drivers earn incentives when they agree to shift their EV charging to times when renewable energy is plentiful and away from times when electricity is in high demand.  The vehicle will complete its charging prior to a set departure time, ensuring that customers can meet all their driving needs for the day ahead.

There are two types of incentives customers can earn:

• Cash incentives, by participating in up to 10 smart charging events per month.
• Quarterly Carbon Dividend incentives, that are cash incentives which are paid out based on total customer participation and total carbon reductions.

Our Partners

BMW is partnering with UC Berkeley’s Transportation Sustainability Research Center (TSRC) to evaluate the company’s smart charging programs and quantify the carbon emission reductions, in an effort to track the impact of ChargeForward.

BMW will also use carbon data provided by WattTime, a tech non-profit organization that analyzes the electric grid to determine the carbon emissions caused by electricity use in various locations throughout the U.S.

This expanded national program will co-exist with current ChargeForward utility partners in specific regions: PG&E in Northern/Central California; Duke Energy in Charlotte, North Carolina; DTE in Detroit, Michigan; Xcel Energy in Colorado; and SMUD in Sacramento, California. BMW will continue to expand to new utilities to offer added benefits and incentives to our drivers through our ChargeScape joint venture.

BMW’s commitment to the BEV ecosystem

The national expansion of ChargeForward further demonstrates BMW’s dedication to the BEV transformation. This program is one of several charging infrastructure initiatives the company has recently announced, including its joint venture with six other OEMs to build a high-powered charging network across North America. In addition, BMW recently launched the Plug & Charge feature for its vehicles on the Electrify America network. This will make the individual charging session more convenient for customers by eliminating the need for an app or charger interaction. Simply plug-in and walk away, BMW will do the rest. Finally, to give customers access to more public chargers in North America, BMW will introduce Shell Recharge as additional public charging partner. With this, customers will gain access to more than 100,000 additional chargers, everything fully integrated into the myBMW App and vehicle head-unit.

BMW takes a holistic approach to environmental responsibility that goes beyond the vehicle alone. From design, engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, charging, and recycling, the company is taking steps to help lead the world to a more ecologically balanced future.

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BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 349 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,146 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Online:www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter:http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview

Google+:http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line atwww.bmwusanews.com,www.miniusanews.com andwww.press.bmwna.com.

• BMW Group to Adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for its Battery Electric Vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, Starting in 2025.
• Drivers of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Electric Vehicles in the U.S. and Canada Will Gain Access to Designated Tesla Supercharger Stations in Early 2025.
• New Agreement Comes in Addition to BMW’s Commitment to Develop a New Charging Network in North America with Six OEM Partners. 

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – October 17, 2023…. In a continued effort to provide the best possible electric vehicle charging experience for its customers, BMW of North America and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA announced today that drivers of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Combined Charging System (CCS) battery electric vehicles (BEV) in the U.S. and Canada will gain access to designated Tesla Supercharger stations in early 2025.

“With six fully electric BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce models now available in the U.S. market, and more to come, it is our top priority to ensure that our drivers have easy access to reliable, fast charging,” said Sebastian Mackensen, President & CEO, BMW of North America. “This agreement is the latest in our longstanding and continued effort to expand charging options for our customers as we continue on the road to electrification.”

The companies will work together in the coming months to create a seamless customer experience enabling BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce drivers to find and access available Superchargers on their vehicle’s display, and make payments through their respective vehicle’s brand app.

As part of the arrangement, the BMW Group will also adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for its battery electric vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, starting in 2025.

This agreement is independent of BMW NA’s recently announced commitment, with six other automakers, to create a joint venture company that will build a new, high-powered electric vehicle charging network in North America. The new joint venture will build at least 30,000 new chargers in metropolitan areas and along major highways, which will be accessible to drivers of all battery electric vehicles from any automaker using CCS or NACS charging standards. The joint venture is expected to be established this year, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

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BMW Group In America

BMW (US) Holding, Corp. is the shareholder of BMW of North America, LLC, which has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; DesignWorks/USA.Inc, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 349 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

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Munich. The BMW Group is accelerating its ramp-up of e-mobility and increasingly relying on regional supply chains, in line with the principle “local for local”. The company aims to source components like battery cells close to vehicle production and gradually localise the supply chain for primary materials.

New partner to supply primary material for battery cell production 

Belgian company Umicore has now been recruited as a further partner for establishing a local supply chain in North America. Umicore will supply our battery cell supplier AESC with cathode active battery materials from a new plant in Ontario, Canada. This is an important step in strengthening the BMW Group's regional supply chains and securing the ramp-up of e-mobility.

In accordance with the “local for local” principle, our partner AESC is currently building a battery cell factory in Florence, South Carolina. With an initial capacity of 30 GWh/a, the facility will produce the innovative cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells specifically developed for the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology. Electricity for production of the battery cells and cathode raw material will come exclusively from renewable sources.

“The BMW Group pursues a globally balanced procurement strategy in the three main geographical regions of the world. Our battery cell supplier in the US will source key primary materials from Canada going forward. We are pleased that Canada is playing a strong role in establishing a robust and efficient battery cell supply chain for the BMW Group in North America,” said Joachim Post, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network.

Further BMW Group investment in South Carolina

Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, already announced an extensive investment of 1.7 billion US dollars in expansion of the US production site back in October 2022. This includes 700 million US dollars to build the BMW Group’s new assembly centre in Woodruff, which will provide high-voltage batteries for the fully-electric BMW X models in the future. In the initial phase, the roughly 93,000 sq. m. facility will produce sixth-generation battery modules. The assembly centre will also create about 300 new jobs.

Sixth-generation battery cell technology for better performance and sustainability 

The new sixth-generation battery format will increase energy density by more than 20 percent and improve charging speed and range by up to 30 percent. At the same time, CO₂ emissions from cell production will be reduced by up to 60 percent: on the one hand, by cell suppliers relying on energy from renewable resources; on the other, by using a percentage of secondary material for the raw materials lithium, cobalt and nickel.

• Formant’s platform delivers the data backbone that powers large-scale robotic fleets.

Mountain View, Calif. – October 11, 2023… BMW i Ventures today announced an investment in Formant, a leading robotics data and operations platform. The $21 million round was led by BMW i Ventures, with participation from new investors Intel Capital, GS Futures, and previous investors, including SignalFire, Hillsven, Goodyear Ventures, Pelion Ventures, Holman, Ericsson, PICUS Capital, and Thursday Ventures. 

This latest fundraising round comes after a year of record growth for Formant, during which revenuie increased by more than 500% year-over-year. The company will use the new funds to expand its hiring across all departments, introduce new products and features, and accelerate growth in 2023 and beyond.

"Autonomous robotic systems have broken free from R&D departments and are now being deployed at scale to drive business outcomes and resilient operations,” said Kasper Sage, Managing Partner at BMW i Ventures. “Their proliferation across mission-critical functions as well as support tasks for humans in various industries underscores the urgent need for seamless data management and orchestration across robotic endpoints. Formant is the operating system underpinning the future of the automated enterprise.”

In 2023, Formant expanded its focus to the enterprise, taking advantage of the accelerating adoption of intelligent robots across large organizations. Formant delivers a secure data platform to operate fleets of robots at any scale through a single pane of glass. The company’s rapid growth has been supported by a flurry of new product introductions and integrations, including enterprise-grade tools and account management features to empower enterprise customers. Earlier this year, the company launched Theopolis, the AI language interface that enables non-technical users to interact directly with robot data and build visualizations inside Formant. 

“Formant is uniquely positioned to meet the business objectives and technical requirements of large enterprise companies operating at global scale looking to expand their robotics footprint,” says Jeff Linnell, CEO and Founder of Formant. “Our platform now powers tens of thousands of production robots around the world across dozens of different industries.”

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About BMW i Ventures

BMW i Ventures is the independent venture capital firm of BMW Group, investing in startups defining the future of mobility, supply chain, and sustainability. The firm has made many successful investments over the years in companies such as Blackmore, ChargePoint, CelLink, Fox Robotics, GaN Systems, Plus One Robotics, Our Next Energy, Tekion, Xometry, and many more. BMW i Ventures invests in all stages from seed to growth with a focus on Series A/B. More information can be found at: https://www.bmwiventures.com.

About Format

Formant is a cloud platform that helps robotics companies easily deploy, scale, and manage their fleets. Founded in 2017 by former roboticists at Google and Savioke, Formant’s platform powers tens of thousands of field-deployed robots from leading companies such as Knightscope, Scythe, and Burro.

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• New service promises more convenience for BMW owners.
• Helpful predictive service enhanced through AI.
• New digital-first approach to customer contact.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – September 26, 2023…BMW is unveiling a new data- and AI-driven offering in customer service. Proactive Care includes new tools and information that allow the vehicle to identify existing and predictable service requirements, so that in many cases it can anticipate the customer’s needs and proactively offer solutions. The first applications for existing and upcoming vehicles are already in operation and will be continuously enhanced with further innovative functionalities in the coming years. 

A new level of convenience for BMW customers.

BMWs have been sending service-related data directly to the customer’s preferred BMW center (with the permission of the customer) for many years, thereby enabling targeted interaction between customers and BMW centers. Until now, the customer then had to approach their BMW service center themselves. But with the introduction of Proactive Care, BMW will proactively reach out to the customer. The result is the next stage of evolution in connected vehicles and customer service.

The number of dealer service options within the portfolio is growing constantly and, where it makes sense, augmented with the benefits provided by the broad field of artificial intelligence. Digital tire diagnosis, fault messages, maintenance requirements – individualized recommendations are made possible through data analyses and records of customer preferences.

The digital-first approach means, depending on what is needed, the customer may be notified via a message in the My BMW app, via an in-car notification, via email from their preferred service center, or by a call from Roadside Assistance. Proactive Care improves the customer’s service experience in the long term – from self-help tips (e.g., how to solve a problem via a Remote Software Upgrade), to flexible support to guarantee mobility, or by suggesting the right service center if a visit to the workshop cannot be avoided. Online appointment scheduling and a personalized service video including online payment handling are just some of the possible options.  A description of the work performed, the associated costs (if any), and expected completion time are always available to the customer in a transparent manner.

Proactive Care is available for all BMW models with BMW Operating System 7 or later (as of version 07/2019). Customers must have an active BMW ConnectedDrive contract, and to register their vehicle in the My BMW app or in the My BMW portal on bmwusa.com with their BMW ID and store their contact details. For data collection to be possible, the customer must accept the Privacy Policy in the vehicle, enable push notifications in the My BMW app, and consent to be contacted by BMW or their BMW service center.

Data protection and transparency are paramount for BMW.

BMW of North America takes data privacy and the data security of our customers very seriously. We provide our customers with comprehensive data privacy notices regarding the collection of their personal information and allows vehicle drivers to make granular choices regarding the collection and processing of their personal information. Further, we allow our customers to delete their data whether on their apps, vehicles or online. BMW NA does not sell our customer’s in-vehicle personal information and provides our customers the opportunity to opt out of BMW targeted behavioral advertising on the Internet. 

BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 349 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,146 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

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Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com, www.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com. 

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