KUALA LUMPUR: German automaker BMW Group Malaysia is committed to further grow its BMW X presence locally with the introduction of the all-new BMW X3.
Managing director and chief executive officer Harald Hoelzl said the all-new BMW X3 would be locally assembled.
"This demonstrates our commitment to growing our investments locally, a move that further emphasises Malaysia as the hub for the BMW Group in South East Asia," he said during the launch of the all-new BMW X2 here today.
BMW’s existing X variants comprising the BMW X1, X2, X4, X5 Hybrid and X6.
Hoelzl pointed out the locally assembled all-new BMW X3 will offer customers a wider choice and availability of products as well as a differentiation, option and a mix from BMW Group Malaysia’s offering of fully imported models in the premium sports activity vehicle (SAV) segment.
Hoelzl said the new generation of the BMW X3 derived from the marquee’s premium automotive history of creating the mid-sized premium (SAV) segment in 2003.
"With over two generations of the BMW X3, we have delivered more than 1.5 million vehicles to lead the segment all over the world.
"Today, the all-new BMW X3 is set to continue to write the next chapter in BMW’s success story in the premium segment,” he added.
Hoelzl said the BMW X family recorded a significant 39 per cent sales growth in Malaysia, driven by the BMW X5 Hybrid and the first-ever BMW X2 with over 1,000 units delivered to date.
Meanwhile BMW Malaysia head of corporate communications Sashi Ambi said the company will begin exporting the BMW 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series to Vietnam and Philippines in the third quarter this year.
"Malaysia is an important hub for BMW Group in South East Asia. We see potential in those emerging markets with a combined about 100 vehicles exports. The decision has been made from our headquarter to develop Malaysia's local assembly capability," he said.
Sashi said the export plan is fuelled by trade agreement between Asean countries and supported by Malaysia International Trade and Industry via the Malaysia Automotive Institute.
"We currently produce eight models with over 11 variants," he said, adding that the plant in Kulim, Kedah has over 8,000 vehicles capacities for 2018.
The all-new BMW X3 is introduced in xDrive30i Luxury variant with on the road price sans insurance at RM320,000.
The third generation X3 is available in four colours including Terra Brown, Black Sapphire, Glacier Silver and Alpine White.
Powered by BMW TwinPower Turbo 2.0 in-line four-cylinder
petrol engine, the all-new BMW X3 is also paired with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, churning out 252hp and 350Nm of torque.
With the lightweight construction, the all-new BMW X3 is up to 55kg lighter than its predecessor, and is capable sprinting from 0-100km in 6.3 seconds with a top speed of 240 km/h.
The all-new BMW X3 will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from Wednesday, April 25th, 2018, with deliveries commencing in July, 2018.
The all-new BMW X3 also comes with BMW premium ownership experience programmes including BMW five-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service, BMW two-year or 24-month run-flat tyre warranty, BMW roadside assistance and accident hotline.
For the first-quarter (Q1) of 2018, the company posted a 15 per cent growth, delivering 3,000 BMW, MINI and Motorrad vehicles from 2,600 vehicles sold in the same period last year.
BMW brand recorded a 18 per cent growth in Q1 of 2018, registering over 2,500 new vehicles from 2,100 vehicles sold in the same period previously.
MINI grew six per cent with over 220 vehicles sold for the period, compared to 200 vehicles sold in Q1 2017. BMW Motorrad grew two per cent in Q1 2018, registering close to 260 motorcycles.
