BMW expects strong sales in 2024 for the new 5 Series and new BMW i5, while the new MINI Countryman is arriving in March, says Helen Westby, Managing Director, BMW Group Ireland. ? What was the most significant car...
BMW expects strong sales in 2024 for the new 5 Series and new BMW i5, while the new MINI Countryman is arriving in March, says Helen Westby, Managing Director, BMW Group Ireland.
? What was the most significant car launch for BMW/MINI in Ireland over the past year?
2023 was a very exciting year in terms of car launches. We welcomed the iX1, X1, i7, 7 Series, XM, and M2, so it makes it difficult to choose the most significant one, but the launch of the new all-new BMW i5 and 5 Series marked a milestone for us a company.
With this launch it means the BMW Group now offers a fully electric model all major premium segments – small with the BMW iX1, medium BMW i4 and iX3, at executive level the BMW i5, and large with the BMW i7.
We also celebrated a major milestone for MINI with the biggest transformation of the brand and its product range since BMW Group acquired the brand in 2001.
The all-electric MINI Cooper and the new all electric MINI Countryman not only herald a new era for MINI but also indicate the brand’s clear intent to be a fully electric brand by 2030 and a leader in technology, sustainability, and personalisation.
? What has been BMW’s most popular model in Ireland through 2023?
The BMW 5 series embodies exceptional design, innovation, and comfort and has enduring appeal with Irish customers and has been most popular model in Ireland in 2023, even in its outgoing year.
As we welcome the new BMW i5 and 5 Series, the incoming orders have shown that this model meets our customer demand for electrification while at the same time luxury and an array of digital innovations.
This includes an illuminated Kidney Grille at the front of the car, a panoramic sunroof, vegan leather as standard, built in gaming console plus live streaming options and premium sound system options.
The most advanced driver assistance systems are now included that enhance comfort, safety and drives our ambition to the next level of autonomous driving.
? How far advanced is the move away from diesel/petrol into electric/hybrid?
We now have 15 fully electric models available and 50% of our sales in 2023 are electrified (pure EV and Plug-in Hybrid), but the focus should be about so much more than selling electric vehicles. How vehicle manufacturers perform in terms of overall CO2 reduction in the complete supply chain and move to circularity is crucial.
Every vehicle leaves a CO2 footprint throughout its entire lifecycle from procurement and production to usage and recycling or disposal of raw materials. This is why we are rolling out Climate Footprint Impact Reports on every car, firstly with the new BMW 5 Series.
? With recent model and investment announcements, BMW Group obviously sees a big future for electric MINIs. How is the market in Ireland responding?
MINI is about so much more than a car. Launched in 1959, the classic Mini was the ideal answer for contemporary issues of that time.
It was developed during the era of the Suez oil crisis and was primarily an economical car that took a creative approach to space, occupied a minimal amount of space on the road and fitted into mini parking spaces in urban centres.
The same is still as important today, having a small footprint in all senses of the word. We have just unveiled our next generation MINIs with the all-electric MINI Cooper and Countryman, and the feedback was incredibly positive, so we are really excited to see them on Irish roads in 2024.
? What is the significance of BMW Vision Neue Klasse in terms of where the BMW brand is headed?
The BMW Vision Neue Klasse is a concept car and design study and represents the future direction where the design, technology and sustainability of our cars will be. This car, moreover, defines the future of the whole BMW product line and sets new standards for digitalisation, electrification and circularity.
Helen Westby
? What new models are on the way from BMW/MINI in 2024?
The new 5 Series and the new BMW i5 will play a major role in sales for us in 2024. and we are looking forward the next generation of the BMW 5 Series Touring which is a perfect alternative to an SUV.
The new BMW X2 and its fully electric variant, the BMW iX2, will be launched in March 2024 and this second generation is stunning.
With MINI, the new MINI Countryman will arrive in March and this model combines the flexibility of a crossover with intelligent all-wheel drive and will offer noticeably more interior space. A highlight for me is a front ISO-Fix seat, making it very convenient for families.
Later in the summer we will see the new MINI Electric Cooper arrive on Irish roads and will be characterised by a modern, digital, and unmistakable design but with the traditional MINI DNA.
? What more should government do to encourage and incentivise the move away from ICE vehicles?
It is essential that government supports consumers and businesses by maintaining EV incentives. By doing this we can help secure a greater supply of EVs for the Irish market.
We need to increase new EV sales in the short term and create an active used EV market, which will make an electric vehicle affordable to a wider constituency of motorists.
In addition, if we want to speed up the removal of the oldest highest emitting vehicles from the national fleet, government should refrain from any further taxation increases. This would encourage activity in both the new and used car markets, allowing motorists to trade up to a cleaner new or newer more fuel-efficient cars.
Photo: Helen Westby, Managing Director, BMW Group Ireland. (Pic: Paddy McGrath)