Engle: BMW i electronic car waiting for license subsidy policy

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai, JUNE 2) - On May 29, BMW (China) Automobile Trade Co. Ltd., will build pure electronic popularity area in Shanghai Expo Site with Shanghai Grid and Shanghai Expo Development Group. It will build about 50 charging piles.

Army provision moves before army. Before BMW I series marketing performance, relative infrastructure is initialed already. It shows BMW long-term strategy in China.

Engle, the president and CEO of BMW China is very excited when China Grid announces to open charging investment for mass public. “I’m glad to see the message. I did not expect the development like this. It is no doubt the movement will stimulate market development. The more infrastructure investment, the more willing people will purchase electronic cars.” He says.

BMW has already discussed about the charging piles investment with some big estate companies, which includes Shanghai GLC Group. From the perspective of Engle, estate developer understands the important of charging pile. It will increase the image of their estate sales.

“We do not have any dispute with invest charging pile in new developed buildings. In general, estate developer is positive on this point. We find that some developers write letter to the project they’re developed before, and urge them to build charging support facilities.”

According to its plan, BMW I3 and I8 will launch market this Sept. both cars cannot share government subsidy because they are not local made. However, BMW hopes to get more support from government for license.

“We see that government has its long term vision. It will support China made electronic vehicle development. It is under our expectation.” Engle says, “as for government subsidy and policy support, we do not have any advantages.” However, Engle believes it is more important to get license support from government than cash subsidy. “Shanghai government supports 3 thousands licenses for electronic cars, which include foreign brands. We shall share the policy with fair. We do not look forward cash subsidy, but license support will benefit electronic cars consume as well. We expect other cities will follow up, and publish some good news for license support.”

During interview, Engle is asked to compare I series with Tesla. “It is not convenient to take any comment over Tesla. But we’d like to see the success of Tesla, and welcome more and more competitors participant the segment, which will benefit the infrastructure development for sure, and benefit us all.” Engle says.