BMW Group To Electrify Araquari Plant In Brazil
Facility To Produce First Premium Plug-In Hybrid In South America
The BMW Group announced the electrification of its Araquari plant in a strategic move to align with Brazil’s growing demand for electrified vehicles.
To cater to the surging interest in electric mobility, the renowned automaker will commence local production of the BMW X5, a significant milestone as the first premium plug-in hybrid model manufactured in South America.
This pioneering initiative not only underscores the BMW Group’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the region but also marks a crucial step in the evolution of the automotive industry in South America.
Michael Nikolaides, Head of Production Network and Logistics at BMW Group, said: “At the BMW Group, production follows market demand.”
This strategic approach has led to significant achievements, including a 25% share of electrified vehicles within its sales mix last year, demonstrating the BMW Group’s adaptability and responsiveness to market dynamics.
BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid
The logical progression towards producing the BMW X5 plug-in hybrid in Brazil is a testament to this, instilling confidence in the company’s strategic decisions.
Since 2014, the Araquari plant in Santa Catarina has been a pivotal manufacturing hub for the BMW Group. It has state-of-the-art facilities, including a Body Shop, Paint Shop, Assembly, Quality, and Logistics processes, and a dedicated BMW Group Engineering Office.
This comprehensive infrastructure exemplifies the company’s commitment to excellence in production and assures the audience of the quality of the BMW X5 plug-in hybrid.
The announcement of a 10% increase in production from 2024 further underscores BMW Group’s dedication to expanding its manufacturing capabilities in Brazil. This is a testament to the plant’s versatility and the company’s commitment to growth.
Nikolaides further highlighted the plant’s versatility, saying: “The BMW Group plant in Araquari has a flexible production line,” emphasising its unique capability to produce Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), and Flex-fuel models within the BMW Group production network.
With a workforce that is expanding and undergoing comprehensive training to accommodate the production of electrified vehicles, Araquari is poised to play a pivotal role in BMW Group’s electrification journey in South America.
This commitment to workforce development and job creation underscores the company’s dedication to the local community and its contribution to the region’s economic growth.
Technology Openness
Introducing the BMW X5 plug-in hybrid production in Araquari represents a significant step forward in BMW Group’s commitment to technology openness and sustainable mobility solutions.
Leveraging the plant’s adaptability and skilled workforce, BMW Group reaffirms its position as a trailblazer in the global automotive industry, pioneering innovative solutions to meet evolving consumer demands.
The Araquari plant, with its strategic location and advanced manufacturing capabilities, plays a crucial role in BMW Group’s global electrification journey. It contributes significantly to the company’s sustainability goals and mission to shape the future of mobility.
Featured image: Aerial view of the Araquari plant in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Credit: BMW Group
