BMW Launching Chinese EV Brand Called Zinoro
BMW is launching a new Chinese brand called Zinoro in conjunction with its Chinese partner Brilliance Auto, specifically to develop and sell EVs.
The first vehicle to launch will likely be a crossover, according to People’s Daily Online, and may explain the mysterious spy photos of an electric X1 that we recently caught testing. Currently, the 3 Series, 5 Series, and X1 are all produced in China as part of the partnership, making the X1 the most likely candidate for electrification, as Olaf Kastner, president and CEO of the joint venture said the first vehicle to enter production would be similar to an SUV.
Introducing Zinoro into China is part of a rush from many automakers to build EVs specifically for the Chinese market. Others include the Denza electric car brand from Mercedes-Benz and partner BYD, and Venucia from Nissan and Dongfeng.
SEE ALSO: BMW X1 EV Spied Testing
Zinoro will be clearly separated from BMW, with its own distribution channels, and battery sources. BMW’s i cars may also be sold in China, but they will be very different from anything badged as a Zinoro. “They (Zinoro cars) may not be as dynamic as BMW cars, for example,” said Friedrich Eichiner, member of the management board at BMW.
[Source: People’s Daily Online]
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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