BMW Announces Megacity Hybrid-Electric Vehicle

We had been hearing rumors about a new hybrid-electric vehicle from the BMW Group for several months, but now it has been officially confirmed by the company's Chairman of the Board of Managment, Dr. Norbert Reithofer. During the BMW Group's Annual Accounts Press Conference that took place in Germany on March 18, Reithofer revealed initial details on the so-called, "Megacity Vehicle" which is part of the firm's "i project, created to develop a range of near-zero emission city cars.

"This vehicle will be the first of a range of near-zero emission vehicles. Customers will have the choice between a fully electric drive and a high-efficiency combustion engine. Large-scale production could start in the first half of the next decade," said Reithofer.

"With the Megacity Vehicle, we are also pursuing a radical approach toward establishing a truly sustainable value chain—from development to production and sales," he added.

As for what type of vehicle the Megacity will be, other than making assumptions based on its name, we'll just have to wait to find out.

The Megacity Vehicle will be the second specific car to come out of the "i project" after the all-electric MINI E that is currently being tested by 500 customers in California, USA, in everyday city life. Customers in Berlin and Munich will also get the chance to lease the MINI E in the forthcoming months -read more about the electric MINI hatchback by clicking here.

While there had been speculation that BMW may create a fourth marque for its near-or -zero emission vehicles, Reithofer noted in his speech that the group will continue in the future with three brands - BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce.