Bmw Brilliance sees China as key market in E-mobility

CEO Johann Wieland: Automaker supports end-to-end new energy supply chain

BMW Brilliance is firing the starting gun on the next year's product offensive with an extraordinary pageant, including the world premiere of the all-new BMW 5 Series plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, at the ongoing Guangzhou auto show.

The Sino-German joint venture's pavilion centers on its expanded luxury lineup that highlights the unrivalled emotional appeal with its renowned driving pleasure, inspirational design and trailblazing innovations.

The all-new BMW 530Le iPerformance is being showcased to Chinese customers as the company's most progressive and dynamic sedan produced in its state-of-the-art plant in Shenyang, capital of northeastern Liaoning province.

"The all-new BMW 530Le iPerformance represents a major technological advancement for the Chinese auto industry," said Johann Wieland, president and CEO of BMW Brilliance Automotive Co Ltd.

"It has achieved such a high level of intelligence across its drivetrain set up, dual-module design of the high-voltage battery and intelligent energy management system, as well as the digital interfaces with the drivers," he continued.

The new 5 Series plug-in hybrid will be launched early next year, as the second generation 5 Series plug-in hybrid built in China. By then, BMW Brilliance will have the experience of building five electric models.

Starting with the medium to large-size plug-in hybrid electric business sedan, BMW Brilliance is preparing more electrified products for the local market in the near future, since it recognizes China as the most important market as it heads toward an e-mobility future.

"Many Chinese people with mid-to-high incomes are really interested in sustainability, and willing to contribute their part to a beautiful China," Wieland told China Daily in an interview on Thursday in Guangzhou.

The class-leading plug-in hybrid model is equipped with a completely new battery concept tailored for this model, which is designed, developed and produced in BMW Brilliance's recently opened High Voltage Battery Center at Tiexi Powertrain Plant in Shenyang.

The center is dedicated to developing high-voltage battery technologies for use in premium new energy vehicles that are tailored to the Chinese market, according to Wieland.

Formally launching the assembly of power battery packs at the center in October, the Sino-German joint venture became the first premium automobile manufacturer to launch its own battery assembly line in China.

Battery production, research and development, quality control, laboratory, procurement and supply chain management functions are brought together at the center.

An integrated process management system for quality management leverages big data to trace battery cells and processes throughout production, including information as detailed as tightening torque.

Jochen Goller, senior vice-president of BMW Brilliance Automotive Co Ltd said: "The recent openings of our new BMW Brilliance research and development center and High-Voltage Battery Center in Shenyang will further enhance our leading position."

Thanks to BMW Brilliance's robust and flexible production process, faster product launches are enabled while delivering a battery product that combines optimal safety, durability and performance.

The two plants in Shenyang are highly flexible and capable of producing traditional combustion engine products and new energy vehicles on the same production line.

Having opened this year in July, BMW Brilliance's new R&D center is set up for new energy vehicles and bespoke solutions for models tailored to the Chinese market.

Goller said: "For many years now, we have worked very hard and heavily invested to build up our capabilities in new energy vehicle development, production, charging and the customer ecosystem."

As a pioneer in the field of new energy vehicles, BMW Brilliance is making great progress in developing China's new energy vehicle ecosystem, stimulating the innovative development of sustainable mobility in the future.

The completely new energy environment covers the entire industry value chain from R&D capabilities, battery solutions and technology leadership, to brands and product, charging and infrastructure, and e-mobility services.

Wieland said: "We are very proud that we not only produce very attractive products, but have also supported and contributed to the new energy vehicle supply chain buildup in China.

"I believe the new energy vehicle industry will benefit from the high quality standard we set jointly."

BMW Brilliance is also increasing its operating efficiency to minimize its environmental impact. In terms of supply chain management, BMW Brilliance has set up a cross-functional team to continuously review its suppliers' sustainability performance.

Based on its "in China, for China" brand positioning, BMW Brilliance is becoming involved in the whole lifecycle of new energy vehicles. Thus, together with battery producer CATL and battery recycling company Brunp, BMW Brilliance has established a holistic and healthy supply chain.

CATL started an electric vehicle battery business with BMW Brilliance in 2011, which has now has become a world-class innovator and business leader.

The new energy ecosystem also includes more than 200 BMW 4S and 5S stores and showrooms, with new energy vehicle service capabilities in China.

The fifth S adds sustainability to the traditional four: sales, spare parts, services and surveys. By the end of 2017, BMW customers will have access to a public charging network of 65,000 pillars across China. "BMW will continue to play a pioneering role in the industrial transformation toward new energy. Now is just the beginning," Wieland said.

haoyan@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 11/21/2017 page15)