BMW’s CEO Norbert Reithofer is considering reorganising production in Germany.
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According to the Handelsblatt newspaper, Reithofer is planning for Leipzig to focus on the 1-series in future. All versions of the model would be produced there alongside the planned X1 SUV. Meanwhile, all 3-series production would move back to Regensburg and Munich. Leipzig opened in 2005 assembling 3-series sedans.
No timeline was given for the changes, although it is believed this is a long-term objective.
Reithofer confirmed last month that the X1 would be built in-house, although a planned Mini off-roader would be outsourced to a third party. Magna Steyr is considered to be front-runner for this contract given that it has already successfully produced the larger X3.
Magna Steyr’s expertise in four-wheel drive technology means it would also be capable of carrying out some of the development and production engineering, as it did with the X3.
