BMW has invested several hundred million euros in environmentally-friendly technologies in the past few years but chairman Norbert Reithofer does not see an alternative to the car for a few decades yet.
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People still want to decide for themselves when to travel, whom and what to take along, which road to take, when and how often to stop along the way and where to arrive, he said.
He told BMW’s annual accounts press conference that 2007 was the year in which the environmental message really hit home.
This year BMW customers will save 150m litres of fuel compared to two years ago, corresponding to a reduction in carbon emissions of 373,000 tonnes thanks to the company’s EfficientDynamics programme.
This is aimed at improving engine and vehicle technologies to make vehicles more fuel efficient, but Reithofer said that the company, and the automotive industry, needs help in terms of legislation.
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By GlobalData“There are limits to what physics can do, even for the ‘ultimate driving machine’. We expect decision-makers in Brussels to create long-term solutions.
“All industry sectors have to make a contribution to lowering carbon emissions and all car manufacturers have to do their part. Emissions have to be reduced for both small and large cars.”
Reithofer said BMW was doing its bit by introducing low-emission diesel cars in the United States this year.
“In 2009 we will launch the first BMW hybrid. It will require 20% less fuel than a comparable car with a combustion engine.”
He told the conference that BMW Group, including Mini and Rolls-Royce, plans to achieve record sales volumes for all three brands in 2008 although there were major challenges.
“This is because of the strong euro, a weaker US economy and continuing high raw material prices on top of the upcoming stricter emissions standards.”
