New The Leipzig BMW plant is getting ready for more electrical designs

Leipzig. Next year, the brand-new Mini Countryman will roll off the assembly line at the BMW plant in Leipzig for the very first time, likewise in a totally electrical variation. This makes it possible for the plant to produce all possible drives on one line. “Cars of the most recent generation, i.e. a brand-new class,” states Factory Manager Petra Peterhänsel in a joint interview with Production Director Milan Nedeljkovic. There is complimentary area for suppliers around the plant.

Mr. Nedeljković, BMW changes Leipzig factory into iFactory. What do you anticipate from this?

We are transforming all our plants to iFactories. We wish to be more versatile, effective and sustainable. We are reacting to the shift in our market towards e-mobility with our holistic, green and digital method.

What function does the Leipzig area play in the worldwide production network?

Very essential. Leipzig is essential for vehicle production and as the location where we make the batteries for our electrical cars. We are investing 800 million euros in beginning production. Leipzig likewise plays a crucial function in the building and construction of our brand-new factory in Debrecen, Hungary. The Saxon factory is predestined since it was the very first area in the network where we provided an all-electric cars and truck with the BMW i3. Workers from Leipzig in Hungary pass this experience on to their associates.

All automobile types must be linked to one line in Leipzig. Not in Hungary. Why?

Debrecen is our very first plant where we will produce totally electrical cars of the most recent generation, a brand-new class, from2025 Other electrical plants will follow, for instance our primary plant in Munich. The Leipzig plant is presently getting ready for the all-electric Mini Countryman and will for that reason have the ability to produce all drivetrains on the very same line in the future.

Why is BMW going in this manner? Some manufacturers focus on their work, so various productions.

In this method, we can quickly respond to the boost in need for electronic styles and satisfy the condition of acceptable order. BMW will have 13 electrical cars on the marketplace next year.

Mrs. Peterhänsel, Can the New Class be developed on existing lines in Leipzig?

Petra Peterhänsel: We are getting ready for the start of production of the Mini Countryman, which will likewise be integrated in Leipzig as an electric-only variation. We can making lorries with internal combustion engines along with completely electrical automobiles and hybrid automobiles on the very same line. Even cars of the current generation, that is, a brand-new class, can in theory come off the assembly line on the exact same line as other drives. To allow this, BMW has actually invested more than 400 million euros because2018 This likewise increased capability in the factory. This crucial tactical growth allows us to produce as much as 350,000 automobiles annually. Formerly, the capability in Leipzig was 250,000 cars annually. To guarantee all this, we are still searching for certified personnel and we are likewise hiring externally. This year alone we have actually had the ability to invite more than 500 brand-new workers to our factory. We are presently trying to find electrical contractors, upkeep employees and maker operators. And more growth of electronic part production will consist of more employing in the triple-digit variety in the coming year.

Is there still totally free area in Leipzig for extensions?

Petra Peterhänsel: There is still totally free area on our 230 hectare factory website that can be developed. If a New Class style is prepared for Leipzig, we can quickly incorporate it into existing styles. This is possible thanks to the versatility pointed out at the start. There are still totally free locations near the plant where sellers can remain.

By 2030, every 2nd automobile produced by the BMW Group must be an electrical automobile. Is that possible?

Milan Nedeljkovic: That is our objective. And with the progressive change of our plants, we develop conditions for this. If the need for movement boosts, we can increase production. This high level of versatility is among our competitive benefits.

Has the combustion engine had its day?

Milan Nedeljkovic: Customers are presently extremely thinking about all-electric designs. BMW electrical cars remain in high need, they fulfill the taste of the times. The sticking point is the accessibility of basic materials. Another is that there can be development in this location if the facilities grows with it. Due to the fact that e-mobility just works where there suffice charging choices. The growth will not take place at the very same speed all over in Europe and in other places. That indicates there will be locations where designs with combustion engines will continue to remain in need in the future. Or automobiles with other kinds of driving.

Is artificial fuel a concern for BMW?

Milan Nedeljkovic: In basic, BMW is open to innovation. That is why we are associated with hydrogen innovation and are by no methods restricted to electronic energy. It would be incorrect to close among evictions too early. In combustion innovation in specific, we have actually constructed terrific competence in Europe and specifically in BMW. And by utilizing e-fuels, we would have the chance to establish this understanding more highly.

The Leipzig plant went with hydrogen previously. What is the usage for it?

Petra Peterhänsel: For several years, hydrogen-powered forklifts and tractors have actually been utilized in the supply of our plants in Leipzig. The very first hydrogen factory filling station started running in2013 Today there are 5 where roughly 130 of our fuel-efficient commercial trucks can be refueled. And now hydrogen is being utilized in a paint buy the very first time all over the world. We have actually mastered the innovation of running a paint store with hydrogen and are now acquiring important experience with a pilot plant in Leipzig.

Milan Nedeljkovic: In addition, we likewise see chances in long-distance truck transportation for this eco-friendly energy source. Together with partners, we are investigating using fuel cell innovation in trucks. We likewise operate in the automobile sector. In collaboration with Toyota, we will be putting fuel cell BMW X5 minivans on the roadway from completion of this year. We wish to get more experience with this innovation.

When will these cars enter into mass production?

Milan Nedeljkovic: As I stated, highly we have actually come a long method. What is missing out on is facilities, specifically hydrogen filling stations. Without much better facilities, no one purchases these cars. If the need grows more powerful, we can quickly react and develop cars in our plants.

The market is dealing with a lack of semiconductors. The number of times did the assembly lines at BMW in Leipzig stop this year?

Petra Peterhänsel: At the start of the year we frequently had problems. That has actually supported in current months. There are times when products are not available or insufficiently readily available. We can quickly respond to this.

Milan Nedeljkovic: Our versatile production system offers us a clear competitive benefit: we can make modifications to the factory’s production strategy approximately 6 days prior to the automobile is developed. If it appears that there is a product lack, or that a part is not readily available, then we can remember all lorries that require this part. Rather, we develop cars that do not require this part. If the part is offered once again, we will work with the production of cars that have actually been stopped.

How long do you still anticipate constraints?

Hard to anticipate. Absolutely in the middle of next year.

Interview: Andreas Dunte