BMW is considering developing more special versions of its cars specifically for the Chinese market, the company has said.
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“There are various ways to approach this,” a spokesman told Reuters, noting that BMW already offered a lengthened version of its top 7-series car in China. But he added: “Adjustments to our product offerings are not on the cards at the moment.”
The news agency said the spokesman was responding to a report in the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper quoting a management source as saying BMW planned to launch a 5-series model in China later this year with a longer wheel base and more luxury features than the European model – it said BMW’s Chinese partner Brilliance would make the car.
Reuters noted China has become an important outlet for high-priced BMWs. In the first quarter, BMW sold 1,680 7-series cars there, making the country the second-largest market for the model after the United States.
China has a higher proportion of chauffeur-driven cars than in established western markets and several manufacturers there already produce models with more rear-seat room and additional equipment.
Toyota’s local joint venture makes a small sedan with a higher specification ‘leather and wood’-trimmed cabin than would be offered to western market buyers.
