BMW Has 8,000 Preorders for the i3, Considering Boosting Production

Early demand of 8,000 preorders for the i3BMW i3Germany, 2014 > present is strong enough that BMWBMWGermany, 1918 > present87 models
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is considering boosting production before the car even goes on sale on November 16 in Europe. Its initial production plan had been to make 10,000 i3s next year.

“If demand holds, which is what it's looking like, we will soon have to invest more," said BMW Chief Financial Officer Friedrich Eichiner.

The strong early demand is seen as a major success. The technology and production of the i3 cost €2 billion, and that is before even considering marketing cost of the new sub-brand. The investment in the cars caused BMW’s operating profit margin to lower 2% in the second quarter of this year compared to a year agoIt will start at €34,950 in Germany.

Sales of the i3 in the US and China are due to start in 2014. Prices in the US will start at $41,350.

The i8 will be added to the sub-brand next fall, and BMW has trademarked all of the named from i1 to i9 for possible future models.

Source: Automotive News