Photograph shows delivery of the BMW i3 (94Ah) to the Thailand Automotive Institute, where it was presented to Dr. Somchai Harnhirun (3rd left), Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, by Mr. Krisda Utamote (4th left), Director Corporate Communications, BMW Group Thailand. The delivery is in support of national electric vehicle technological development, a partnership between BMW Group Thailand and Thailand Automotive Institute under the ‘Technology and Innovation Learning Centre for Electric Vehicle Industry Development’ project.

From left:
1. Dr. Prachin Eamlumnow, Director of Thailand Automotive Institute and Founder and President, Grand Prix International PCL
2. Dr. Atthawit Techawiboonwong, General Manager, Governmental Affairs, BMW Group Thailand
3. Mr. Somchai Harnhirun, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry
4. Mr. Krisda Utamote, Director Corporate Communications, BMW Group Thailand
5. Mr. Kwanchai Paphatphong, President, Inter-Media Consultant Co., Ltd.
6. Mr. Visit Dusadeepraves, Manager Corporate Sales, BMW Thailand

Samut Prakan – BMW Group Thailand has reinforced its leadership in electric vehicle (EV) technology with the delivery of BMW i3 (94Ah) to the Thailand Automotive Institute, in support of national electric vehicle technological development. The delivery sealed the partnership between BMW Group Thailand and Thailand Automotive Institute under the ‘Technology and Innovation Learning Centre for Electric Vehicle Industry Development’ project and marks another milestone in sustainable mobility in Thailand.

Mr. Krisda Utamote, Director Corporate Communications, BMW Group Thailand, said: “One of our key missions is to create premium, eco-friendly mobility, bolstered by cutting edge innovations and designs. To further enhance Thailand’s EV development, BMW has been working hand-in-hand with the public and private sector to continuously reinforce EV-related development efforts. It is our utmost pleasure to collaborate with Thailand Automotive Institute under the ‘Technology and Innovation Learning Centre for Electric Vehicle Industry Development’ project in this journey to drive Thailand forward to a sustainable future.”

The BMW i3 (94 Ah) has a capacity of 33 kilowatt hours (kWh) thanks to the higher storage density of the lithium ion cells. The battery dimensions remain unchanged with a more than 50-percent range increase in the standard NEDC cycle (New European Driving Cycle) which equals 300 kilometres instead of 190 kilometres. Even in everyday use, in bad weather conditions and with the air conditioning or heating turned on, a range of 200 kilometres can be achieved on one full battery charge. The driving performance figures of the 125 kW/170 hp hybrid synchronous electric motor remain virtually unchanged. The motor propels the BMW i3 from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. This makes the BMW i3 both the sportiest and most efficient electric vehicle in its premium compact segment with an electricity consumption of 12.6 kWh/100 km (NEDC). The Range Extender, the 2-cylinder petrol engine, keeps the charge level of the battery constant while driving provides an additional range of 150 kilometres.

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. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2016, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.367 million cars and 145,000 motorcycles worldwide. As of 31 December 2015, the BMW Group had a workforce of 122,244 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

BMW Group Thailand

BMW Group Thailand, a subsidiary of BMW AG, Germany, was established on the 3rd October 1998. The three entities of BMW Group Thailand include BMW (Thailand) Co., Ltd. with responsibility for wholesales & marketing of BMW Group products, BMW Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. with responsibility for BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad local production, and BMW Leasing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. with responsibility for financial services offerings to both wholesale and retail customers.

In 2016, BMW Group Thailand delivered 7,923 BMW and MINI vehicles to customers. For BMW Motorrad Thailand, a new record has been set in 2016 with 1,819 motorcycle deliveries.

In 2017, BMW Group Thailand has seen the best-ever start to the year with 745 BMW and MINI car deliveries, achieving an impressive +22% growth year-on-year. For BMW Motorrad Thailand, the growth of +22% in January 2017 compared to the same month last year set a new record high after its achievement as the third fastest growing market for BMW Motorrad worldwide in 2016.

On the production side, the BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand plant was founded on BMW Group’s strong belief in the growth potential of Asian markets and Thailand in particular, with its unique location, strong manufacturing base, and ready supply of skilled automotive labor, being an automotive hub for ASEAN. An investment of over 4.6 billion Baht year-to-date 2016 has gone into the expansion of plant Rayong in terms of assembling processes, aiming to meet growing customer demand. In addition, with approximately 4 billion Thai Baht representing the amount of annual purchasing in Thailand, the BMW Global Purchasing office has been established in Thailand. This is to source various components from local suppliers in Thailand and the broader ASEAN region, in order to supply the entire BMW production network of 31 production and assembly facilities, located in 14 countries worldwide.

As of 2016, BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand produces the following 19 models: BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, BMW 5 Series, BMW 7 Series, BMW X1, BMW X3, BMW X4, BMW X5, and MINI Countryman. For BMW Motorrad the BMW F 800 R, BMW F 800 GS, BMW F 700 GS, BMW R 1200 GS, BMW R 1200 GS Adventure, BMW F 800 GT, BMW S 1000 R, BMW S 1000 RR and BMW S 1000 XR are also locally assembled at the plant. In addition, BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand now assembles two BMW plug-in hybrid models; BMW 330e and BMW X5 xDrive40e.

Starting from May 2016, BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand’s assembly line capability has been expanded for the purpose of exporting the BMW X3 and BMW X5 to China as well.

For further information, please contact:
BMW Group Thailand
1-800-269-269
www.bmw.co.th
www.mini.co.th
www.bmw-motorrad.co.th

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