Update: BMW To Release More Than 200 Active E Protoypes Here In U.S., At Least 450 ComingUpdate: BMW To Release More Than 200 Active E Protoypes Here In U.S., At Least 450 Coming

 Word circulated around the car blogs a few days ago about the upcoming release of the next in line BMW ActiveE prototype electric vehicle.  Many reports, including our own, incorrectly stated the amount of ActiveE prototypes coming here to the states.  BMW has responded with a press release that does not give an exact amount of vehicles coming here, but does indicate that 200 vehicles is not even close.
According to BMW, the ActiveE will reach the states in at least the same capacity that the Mini E did.  This implies that we will get at least 450 ActiveE prototypes here.  Now that sounds a little better, but you can bet that the lines will still be long and BMW will be short on vehicles for all of those who may be interested in partaking in this unique driving experience.

Unlike the Mini E, the ActiveE will feature seating for four adults and a usable trunk.  The MiniE made do with just seating for two and virtually no luggage capacity.  It’s likely that the ActiveE’s versatility will lead to even higher demand than the Mini E had.  So our words of encouragement still stay the same.  If you want a chance to own the BMW ActiveE prototype, get in line early, make a few wishes, and hope for the best.  It’s sure to be a gone in no time.
 
Source:  BMW Press Release
 
BMW Group Commitment to Electric Vehicle Development Unwavering
Published reports create inaccurate impression of size of upcoming
BMW ActiveE field trial fleet
 
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 8, 2010… Recent published reports have incorrectly stated that the size of the fleet of BMW ActiveEs that will be deployed during the BMW Group’s second-phase field trial in the US will be limited to 200 vehicles.  While the exact size of the fleet has yet to be confirmed, it will be at least as large as the MINI E fleet which is currently in operation.  There are 450 MINI Es on the road in the US right now.  They are being driven by a dedicated group of individuals and select fleet users.
“I would hate for anyone to get the impression that we are backing away from our commitment to EV development or the Megacity Vehicle project.  Let me reassure you that nothing could be further from the truth,” said Rich Steinberg, Manager – Electric Vehicle Operations and Strategy. “With one of the largest fleet of electric vehicles in operation today, we are learning a great deal.  Those lessons have already been applied in our development work.  One example is the liquid heating and cooling capability for the batteries in the upcoming BMW ActiveE.  This will help to optimize operating range in conditions of extreme hot and cold climates. Others include the four-seat capacity of the BMW ActiveE and it seven cubic-feet of trunk space. More than anything we have been impressed with the dedication and enthusiasm that MINI E drivers have brought to this project.”
In preparation for the upcoming BMW ActiveE field trial, which will begin in 2011, the BMW Group announced at the North American International Auto Show in January that it will offer one-year lease extensions to current MINI E lessees.
The MINI E will be prominently featured at the New York International Auto Show from April 2 – 11. Information about the BMW Concept ActiveE can be found at www.bmwusanews.com.
 
BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes.  The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 91 MINI passenger car dealers, and 31 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

The BMW Group
The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands.  As a global company, the BMW Group operates 24 production facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
The BMW Group achieved a global sales volume of more than 1.43 million automobiles and over 101,000 motorcycles for the 2008 financial year.  Revenues for 2008 totaled EUR 53.2 billion, with earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of EUR 921 million.  The company employed a global workforce of approximately 98,000 associates as of September 30, 2009.
The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action.  The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.  As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last five years.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:
www.bmwgroupna.com

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