BMW Takes 15% Stake in SGL Carbon to Strengthen Use of CFRP in i-series

BMW has taken a 15.16% stake in SGL Carbon SE to stregthen its supply of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the future. 

BMW and SGL Group already have a joint venture that develops carbon fiber for automotive applications. They operate a factory in Moses Lake, Washington that will produce some of the CFRP components for the i-series. 

“Lightweight construction will play an increasingly important role in the automobile industry in the future. Our stake-holding in the SGL Group is a logical step that will further strengthen our successful cooperation,” said Friedrich Eichiner, member of the Board of Management.

BMW plans to have the i3 available in 2013 with the i8 coming shortly after.