BMW 2010 Annual Report Download - page 195

13
JOHANN WOLF ON THE COUNTDOWN TO THE MEGACITY VEHICLE
Test production of some of the Megacity Vehicle’s CFRP components is due to
start in just a few months. Aren’t you nervous? Not at all. We’ve been testing, im-
plementing and continuously optimising the innovative production processes we’ll
belaunching in series volumes next year on a smaller scale for quite some time now.
We’ve slashed cycle times for CFRP components from several hours to just a few minutes,
for instance. One of the good things about the MCV is that it can be built in a relatively
small space. We are quite certain that series production and our new processes will get
o to a smooth start.
There are quite a few e-mobility concepts out there now. What is so special
about the Megacity Vehicle? Everything. Our mission is to refi ne the concept of sus-
tainable mobility in all of its ecological, economical and social components. We de-
signed the Megacity Vehicle not just with clean production in mind, but also specifi cally
with regard to its recyclability. We always think in complete cycles. The result is a car
that is unmatched, whether you look at the details or the big picture.
What part does the high-tech material CFRP play in all this? An essential, and
therefore decisive, factor in achieving broad acceptance for electro mobility will be range.
One thing is certain: vehicles with a conventional aluminium or steel body, where
thecombustion engine has simply been switched for an electric motor, are not a real
solution. That is why we have opted for an entirely new concept. The Megacity Vehicle
is the fi rst electric car worldwide that is specially designed for this kind of drive tech-
nology. With its LifeDrive architecture and passenger compartment made of CFRP, the
Megacity Vehicle has two unique components which make it vastly more e cient.
But, like any electric car, there is no engine noise or gear changes in the MCV.
What does that mean for BMW’s “sheer driving pleasure”? Don’t worry – our MCV
will be a true BMW. It will still deliver our brand’s signature “driving pleasure”. Electric
motors produce their maximum torque right away – combined with its innovative
lightweight construction, this guarantees extreme responsiveness and a high fun factor.
The car also accelerates continuously up to its top speed. The Megacity Vehicle does not
mean giving up “sheer driving pleasure” – it’s just an exciting new way to experience it.