BMW welcomes UK Government’s renewed commitment to supporting the take-up of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles.

BMW UK welcomed the UK Government’s announcement yesterday of £500 million in additional funding between 2015 and 2020 to accelerate the shift to Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs).

The wide-ranging package of measures includes the continuation of the existing subsidy until at least 2017 for customers purchasing new fully electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. Investment has also been earmarked for the creation of a network of rapid chargepoints for electric vehicles in the UK.

BMW UK Managing Director, Tim Abbott said “The UK Government’s commitment to supporting the transition to lower-emission vehicles comes at a crucial phase in the development of the electric car market.

“The Government’s funding commitment provides certainty that the UK is serious about embracing these new technologies and complements the very substantial investments being made by industry to introduce innovative lower-emission technologies that are not only exciting for customers but also good for the environment,” said Mr Abbott.

“The development of rapid charging infrastructure, together with the continuation of the Plug in Car Grant, is particularly important in giving potential electric vehicle owners the additional confidence some of them might need to make the switch” he said.

Since its launch in November last year, BMW already has a strong bank of well over 1,000 sales and confirmed orders for its revolutionary, fully-electric BMW i3 model. The BMW i3 has also won critical acclaim from the media, being named 2014 World Green Car of the Year as well as 2014 UK Car of the Year among many other industry and consumer accolades.

The BMW i3 is the first model to launch within the BMW i range.  Two BMW i cars are confirmed for production, the fully-electric BMW i3 megacity vehicle and the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 sports car. The BMW i3 is BMW’s first fully-electric production car and is priced from £369 a month* or £25,680** OTR. First deliveries of the BMW i3 were made to customers in the UK in February 2014, meanwhile the BMW i8 will go on sale in the UK in July 2014 priced at £99,845 OTR, with 2014 production having already sold out in the UK.

 Ends

*Finance based on a 36 month Personal Lease agreements for models stated. Initial payment £2,995.00 inc VAT and contract mileage of 24,000 miles. Figures shown incorporate Government plug-in car grant.  Excess mileage and vehicle condition charges apply. Subject to status and available to over 18’s in the UK only (not the Channel Islands or Isle of Man). Retail customers only. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Prices are correct at the time of going to print (July 2013) and are subject to change without notice. Lease is provided by BMW Financial Services, Europa House, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire RG27 9UF. Participating dealers only.

**With £5,000 OLEV Government grant.

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is the leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2013, the BMW Group sold around 1.963 million cars and 115,215 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2012 was €7.82 billion on revenues amounting to €76.85 billion. As of the 31st  December 2012, the BMW Group had a workforce of 105,876 employees.

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.

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Krystyna Kozlowska            BMW Media Relations Executive

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Gavin Ward                           BMW Media Relations Manager

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