Germany - BMW is investing an undisclosed amount in its Dingolfing plant in order to house the production of batteries for the all-electric Mini. The 'mid-double-digit-million-euro' amount will be used to construct a new assembly line and to implement 'extensive remodelling' measures.
"With the launch of new models and growing demand for electrified vehicles, we will be stepping up production of electric components significantly over the next few months and years," revealed Roland Maurer, head of planning and production e-powertrain at the BMW Group.
The plant has been making batteries and electric motors for BMW's plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) since 2015. However, the motors used in the Mini will come from the OEM's other plant in Landshut, which is located just a 30 minute drive away.
As well as batteries for the Mini, electric drive systems for upcoming models such as the iX3, the i4 and iNEXT will also be made at Dingolfing from 2020. The new Mini electric will be made at BMW's plant in Oxford, the UK, as well as in China.
The latter is part of the German OEM's partnership with Brilliance Auto - a company headquartered in Shenyang. The two have recently unveiled plans to spend over €3 billion (US$3.42 billion) in new and existing plants, doubling output at their facility in Tiexi and upping capacity at Dadong. They are also boosting battery production output at their Shenyang facility ahead of the launch of BMW's iX3 in 2020.
Despite its clear focus on China, BMW has vowed to enhance its production network in Europe, with the Dingolfing being one of many examples. It is planning to build a new assembly facility in Hungary, and is also in the midst of expanding its Leipzig plant.
