MSNBC had a good article about BMW’s goal in “building a greener Bimmer”. They discuss the fuel efficiency gains achieved across the BMW model lineup (including MINI) that give hybrids like the Prius a run for their money. They also touch on BMW’s hydrogen research and the joint venture on a hybrid engine with DaimlerChrysler and GM.
If hydrogen doesn’t become the green fuel of choice in the future, or if global warming accelerates, BMW may have to switch gears. To hedge its bets, it’s investing $130 million to develop hybrid engines in a two-year-old joint venture with DaimlerChrysler and General Motors. The first hybrid Bimmer will be launched in 2009 รณ though the company won’t say which model it will debut.
I’ve always applauded BMWs more logical steps towards increased economy in their vehicles. They do it without sacrificing performance and not ot be a fashion statement but to make their vehicles more appealing to the consumer. BMWs always been a big supporter of hydrogen powered internal combustion engines since they offer a noticable performance benefit BMW can market. I just hope they don’t fall into Toyota’s current position of trying to sell themselves as environmental leaders since they offer one vehicle that gets significantly better economy than average. BMW needs to stay true to their ulitmate driving machine roots.