Source: Composites Manufacturing Magazine
According to a recent article from Reuters, BMW wants to “double down” on research and development of carbon fiber-based electric cars, which are supported by driverless technology. The company’s efforts will include a revamp of its electric car auto brand “i” that includes i3 and i8 sedans – both of which are considered trendsetters in automotive composite manufacturing.
In an interview at the company’s headquarters in Munich, BMW board member Klaus Froehlich, who is in charge of development, said he reorganized company-wide research and development in April.
“It is now in ramp-up stage,” said Freohlich. “We call it Project `i Next’.”
Last month, BMW announced the launch of its next electric car in 2021, which will support fully autonomous driving features. The “i Next” car will be a 7-Series sedan model. The company believes it is a “new innovation driver, with autonomous driving, digital connectivity, intelligent lightweight design, a new interior and ultimately bringing the next generation of electro-mobility to the road,” according to BMW chief executive, Harald Krueger. The company plans to launch i8 Roadster prior to that in 2018.
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