BMW UK has announced the network of dealers that will sell and service its new i sub-brand using electric drive systems and offer ‘premium mobility services’.
From launch, 46 sales agents across the UK will offer the i range. Each will have specialist technical expertise allowing them to carry out repairs to the vehicles’ high voltage batteries. A wider service network is planned to offer extended coverage for the general service, maintenance and repair of i vehicles.
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Initially, two i cars have been confirmed for production, the fully-electric i3 ‘megacity vehicle’ (with optional two cylinder petrol range extender engine) and the plug-in hybrid i8 sports car.
The i3 is BMW’s first all-electric production car and is due to go on sale in the UK in late 2013. Like the i8, the i3 has an all-aluminium chassis combined with a passenger cell made entirely from lightweight carbon fibre reinforced plastic.
BMW Group UK managing director Tim Abbott said customer enquiries about i are already “extremely high” with more than 6000 people registering their interest in the new brand.
“With the announcement of our retail network we are open for business and taking deposits,” he said.
“Our i dealerships are located in the areas of the UK with the highest concentrations of population.”
The BMW i brand will also offer premium mobility services aimed at optimising the use of parking spaces, recharging infrastructure, ‘smart’ navigation systems, intermodal route planning and access to other BMW vehicles on an ‘on-demand’ basis.
BMW claims to be the first premium vehicle manufacturer to offer such a comprehensive ownership package surrounding electric mobility.
“With BMW i, we are offering game-changing technology that will revolutionise the way we move through a completely new driving and ownership experience,” said Abbott.
