BMW Group he started with his Leipzig plant, production of the new electric MINI Countryman. The endothermic version of the new SUV was also produced at the same plant for several months. After saying goodbye to the BMW i3/i3S, the electric model returns to the production lines in Leipzig.
The plant currently produces four models with three drivetrain types from two brands, all on the same production line: BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (including plug-in hybrid version), BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé. and MINI Countryman in both versions: fully electric and with an internal combustion engine.
Increase the production capacity of the plant in Leipzig, reach the quota 350 thousand cars per yearThe BMW Group continued to invest in its expansion. Since 2018, for example, the body repair, painting, assembly and logistics departments have been updated.
In total, according to plant director Petra Peterhansel, approximately 1.6 billion euros have been invested in the Leipzig site in recent years. As for the new MINI Countryman, production is expected to reach almost 500 units per day in 2024, to which BMW models will be added (around 800 units per day).
Additional staff (up to 900 people) will also be hired to manage the increased production. By the end of 2024, the Leipzig plant will employ approximately 7,000 people. Works Council Chairman Jens Köhler says:
The Leipzig plant went into operation in 2005 and employs approximately 2,600 employees. 19 years later there are already more than 7,000 of them. Over the years, the factory has grown steadily and significantly. The start of night assembly shifts represents another important milestone in the success story of our plant and a clear demonstration of the confidence our company has in the Leipzig plant.
We remind you that the new electric MINI Countryman is available in Cooper E and Cooper SE ALL4 versions. The first can count on a unit with a power of 150 kW/204 hp. with a torque of 250 Nm, which allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 km/h.
The second, however, offers a powertrain consisting of two electric motors capable of delivering a total of 230 kW/313 hp. with a torque of 494 Nm. Top speed of 180 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. In both cases, there is a battery with a capacity of 66.45 kWh, providing a range of 462 km and 433 km, respectively, on the WLTP cycle. Prices in Italy start from 39,700 euros.
Source: HD Motori
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