BMW i Sets The Pace for the Future of Automobility

BMW announces a sub-brand called "BMW i" on February 21, 2011. In the event, sketches of the i3 and i8 models were showcased, expected to be launched on 2013.

“BMW i represents a new movement in premium mobility. With the introduction of this new sub-brand, the BMW Group reaffirms its leadership as the most innovative and sustainable premium car company. The products and services have been conceived around a revolutionary approach: purpose designed and purpose built for sustainable, premium mobility. It’s a new day in our industry; a new era for individual mobility. This is BMW i – Born Electric.” said Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Sales and Marketing, in Munich.

For customers, the BMW i is a package of premium products and services putting under one umbrella the eco-models of BMW including all-electric and hybrid models. The scope, of course, goes far beyond the actual cars themselves.

Ian Robertson adds, "What’s truly groundbreaking is that we’ll begin offering car-independent premium mobility services. BMW i aims to provide customized mobility solutions across a seamless network of premium products and premium services.” The focus is on solutions which will improve usage of existing parking spaces, as well as intelligent navigation systems with local information, intermodal route planning, and premium car-sharing.

BMW i Ventures, BMW Group's venture capital company under the BMW i sub-brand, has the goal to expand the range of products and services offered by BMW i in the long term by taking stakes in highly innovative service providers. New York-based My City Way is its first partner.

Find BMW i on Facebook and on YouTube.