The Bavarian automaker will reduce the number of modifications and trim levels provided, and discontinue a number of less popular options in an effort to finance the transition to EV production.
CFO Nicholas Peter let it slip in an interview that developing electric cars takes too much money to afford it without cutting corners elsewhere. Less popular powertrains and premium options will be the first to go.
Aside from this, the company intends to change the way it implements its software solutions to simplify software development and attract customers. It quotes China as a good example in this regard: apparently, two out of three car buyers in that country will readily switch brands as long as the brand being switched to offers a larger or better set of electronic features.
Other than that, BMW plans to assemble 250,000 more electrified cars in 2021 through 2023 than originally planned. This will lead to EV sales constituting up to 20% of the marque’s total international sales, as opposed to the current 8%. Nine new EV models are scheduled to emerge in the coming decade under BMW and MINI banners.