BMW are to export China made 5-Series cars
BMW are planning to export the 5-Series, made in China by Brilliance-BMW, to neighbouring Asian countries.
When you think about luxury cars in China, you think of big imports from the West at premium prices for newly wealthy Chinese. But BMW are planning to turn that on its head.
BMW’s China CEO has revealed that before the end of 2011 we’ll see Brilliance-BMW 5-Series cars being exported to neighbouring Asian countries, as BMW seeks to cash in on its low cost, low duty China manufacturing facility.
At present, BMW build the 3-Series and 5-Series in China, with the new X1 about to launch. But there are also China-specific BMW cars which aren’t made anywhere else, like the LWB 5-Series.
The LWB 5-Series has become the car to have for newly wealthy Chinese who want to display their status by having a driver. So more room in the back for the ‘boss’ to lounge was a must. And BMW were happy to oblige.
They’re now happy to oblige the desire for more ‘affordable’ BMWs in neighbouring regions by delivering Chinese-built BMWs instead of imports from the West. Which does make a lot of sense.
What also makes sense is exporting these Chinese Beemers further afield. Markets in Africa and the rest of Asia, South America and Russia could all see BMWs made in China on sale in their local showrooms. But it’s extremely unlikely Europe or the US will be seeing Chinese made BMWs.
For now, at least.
Have your say - leave a comment