The aggressive fleet fuel economy average standards the Federal government has set for each auto manufacturer is something each is aggressively addressing. Starting with 2011 models, manufacturers must achieve a fleet average of 27.3 mpg, 30.1 mpg for 2012 models, and increasing each year until it reaches 35.5 mpg for 2016 models. So how will BMW reach these MPG goals for each model year? By the use of technology and smaller models and engines to the lineup. Via
Autonews:
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BMW: 8-speeds, smaller lineup
(2010: Trucks, 23.6mpg; Cars, 28.7mpg)
BMW has spent nearly $1.6 billion this year on fuel-saving technology. And it's about to get a complete makeover with multispeed transmissions, smaller crossovers and downsized engines.
Edmunds.com reports that BMW will have seven models with eight-speed transmissions in the 2011 model year, up from two in the 2010 model year. It also will increase the number of turbochargers from six in the 2009 to 15 this year.
BMW also is adding smaller products and engines. It will bring a new front-wheel-drive family of cars in a class known as UKL, a German abbreviation for lower-compact-class cars.
"It will be a relatively big segment because we have several body styles," Ian Robertson, BMW AG board member for sales and marketing, told Automotive News last fall.
The vehicles will be launched in the next few years, and will come to the United States with four-cylinder engines.
And BMW will concentrate on small crossovers in the next 18 months with a redesigned X3 and the new X1.
Both are based on the redesigned 3-series sedan, which will arrive in 2012 with a twin-turbocharged, direct-injection, four-cylinder gasoline engine which it has used in other markets besides North America.
In 2013, a new sub brand of electric and hybrid vehicles being developed by BMW's Project i group will debut.
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