BMW confirms Hams Hall to produce new hybrid engine
BMW is to use its Hams Hall plant to produce engines for its latest i8 hybrid petrol-electric supercar.
Ian Robertson, sales and marketing director for the German company, said: “Our Hams Hall engine plant, which last week celebrated production of the three-millionth engine since the plant was opened in February 2001, will make an important contribution to the future success of the new BMW i brand and the company’s strategy for achieving sustainable mobility.
“The new three-cylinder petrol engines will enable our future BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car to set new standards for dynamic performance in combination with industry-leading fuel-efficiency and low carbon emission levels.”
Business Secretary Vince Cable said the decision was further good news for the UK automotive sector and underlined its growing competitive strength.
“It is yet another indication that international companies see the UK as one of the best places to develop and manufacture low emission vehicle technologies,” he said.
The BMW i8 Concept, below, is a contemporary sports car boasting an innovative eDrive plug-in hybrid concept combining an electric drive system with a high performance three cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine producing 349hp/300Nm.
It will be capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in under five seconds, combined with the fuel consumption of around 78mpg.
The engine will enable the car to make most daily journeys in the zero-emission, all-electric mode with an electric range of approximately 20 miles. The 2+2 seater configuration provides enough space for four people.
During his keynote address to the SMMT Summit in London, Mr Robertson said BMW welcomed continuing joint government-industry initiatives to re-balance the UK economy, strengthen the manufacturing sector and improve the industry’s standards of training and skills.
He also emphasised the importance of the emerging markets for creating export-led economic growth and employment opportunities.
He also welcomed the UK Government’s incentives to help stimulate the early market for ultra-low carbon emission vehicles. He emphasised the need for continued support in developing the market for electric vehicles.
