Report: BMW working on long wheelbase 3-Series for China

2011 BMW 3-Series

In the region where stretched long-wheelbase vehicles are popular, BMW is planning to expand its lineup with a long-wheelbase version of the BMW 3-Series. According to AutoCar BMW hopes that its stretched 3-Series will compete with the very successful Audi A4L.

The car will be built with BMW’s Chinese partner Brilliance at a new factory in Shengyang. The plant, which will be completed in 2012, will have the capacity to produce about 100,000 units a year. It will also produce the BMW X1 compact SUV for the German automaker.

Once the factory is pumping out vehicles, the alliance between BMW and Brilliance will account for 300,000 units a year in China, up 60 percent from the current figure.

BMW hopes to sell 120,000 units in China by 2012, doubling its sales in the country.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar