BMW AG's new front-wheel drive family of cars will be sold in the United States but the question is whether the U.S. market is ready to accept vehicles smaller than the 1-series coupe, said Ian Robertson, BMW AG board member for sales and marketing.
The new class is being called UKL-an abbreviation for lower compact class cars sold in Germany.
“It will be a relatively big segment because we have several body styles,” Robertson said in an interview Thursday at the Paris auto show.
The new class is being called UKL-an abbreviation for lower compact class cars sold in Germany.
“It will be a relatively big segment because we have several body styles,” Robertson said in an interview Thursday at the Paris auto show.
He didn't disclose what body styles BMW is developing but confirmed the vehicles will have a four-cylinder engine in the United States at launch. The new family of small cars is expected to be introduced in the next few years--before the launch of BMW's megacity electric car due 2013, he said.
According to media reports, BMW is planning at least three variants.
Robertson expects significant volume from the small car lineup, with sales of 100,000 vehicles worldwide a year, he said.
Robertson is convinced BMW can continue to command premium pricing on the front-wheel drive vehicles.
“No one has said to me the Mini isn't great to drive,” Robertson said, referring to the BMW-owned British brand which is also front-wheel drive.
According to media reports, BMW is planning at least three variants.
Robertson expects significant volume from the small car lineup, with sales of 100,000 vehicles worldwide a year, he said.
Robertson is convinced BMW can continue to command premium pricing on the front-wheel drive vehicles.
“No one has said to me the Mini isn't great to drive,” Robertson said, referring to the BMW-owned British brand which is also front-wheel drive.
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