BMW makes electric debut

BMW   ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Global - BMW has launched two electric models the i3 and i8, playing catch up to other automakers who had a headstart in the growing segment.

The fully-electric i3 is targeted at the urban car market, while the hybrid i8 is catered to high-performance auto enthusiasts for longer distances, AFP reported.

Both have been equipped with a lightweight aluminum chassis and a reinforced carbon-fiber body.

The models are expected to hit dealerships in 2012 and 2014 respectively, setting a new milestone for the luxury carmaker, CEO Norbert Reithofer said.

The launch comes as the European Union tightens up its guidelines on emission levels next year.

With models created in a plant in Leipzig, BMW is also planning to invest about 400 million euros (US$575 million) and create 800 jobs by 2013.

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