Last week, BMW North America chairman and chief executive officer, Jim O'Donnell, told the Detroit News that – among other anti-electric vehicle comments:
Sounds like someone reminded him that you shouldn't be criticizing things your own company is working on. You can read all of O'Donnell's letter after the jump (click on "Show Press Release").
[Source: BMW via Plugin Cars]
Ouch. That sounds like it will require an apology letter. And so it did. O'Donnell said that his words were not carefully chosen and that, "I want to stress I am 100% behind our company's plans to design, develop, lease and sell electric vehicles. We are confident we are on the right path with the range and flexibility of the all-new BMW ActiveE and the forthcoming BMW i3."[EVs] won't work for most people. For at least 90 percent and maybe more of the population, [an EV] won't work [at the current battery range].
Sounds like someone reminded him that you shouldn't be criticizing things your own company is working on. You can read all of O'Donnell's letter after the jump (click on "Show Press Release").
[Source: BMW via Plugin Cars]
BMW's Support for Electric Vehicles
On April 18th, I had a conversation reported in the Detroit News that has caused a great deal of concern over the past week. I realize I could have been clearer in my comments and I sincerely apologize if I have offended the strong network of electric vehicle advocates whose support has been deeply meaningful to us at BMW.
First I want to stress I am 100% behind our company's plans to design, develop, lease and sell electric vehicles. We are confident we are on the right path with the range and flexibility of the all-new BMW ActiveE and the forthcoming BMW i3.
We also understand that we are a country of diverse living and driving conditions and that electric vehicles may not be the natural choice for all drivers, many of whom will want to choose other advanced technology vehicles. That's why BMW Group is investing in the broadest possible range of future innovation – gas and diesel engines that significantly improve performance, cleanliness and efficiency; hybrids; BEVs, and even hydrogen. We strongly believe all these technologies have a role to play in a sustainable future.
In this context, it is still too early for governments to pick winners and losers, which is why incentives should be aimed at a range of innovative actions that can meet diverse needs, rather than only one or two technologies. This is what I was trying to convey with my comments – consumers are smart enough to decide the best vehicle for their particular needs, so if incentives are applied, we should be mindful of market dynamics.
I am sorry for the confusion and concern I have caused. While I clearly should have chosen my words more carefully, rest assured, BMW is fully behind electric vehicles and all of the ongoing innovation in this area. We live in a diverse world and our company is working very hard on meeting the needs of our wide range of customers all over the world.
Sincerely,
Jim
On April 18th, I had a conversation reported in the Detroit News that has caused a great deal of concern over the past week. I realize I could have been clearer in my comments and I sincerely apologize if I have offended the strong network of electric vehicle advocates whose support has been deeply meaningful to us at BMW.
First I want to stress I am 100% behind our company's plans to design, develop, lease and sell electric vehicles. We are confident we are on the right path with the range and flexibility of the all-new BMW ActiveE and the forthcoming BMW i3.
We also understand that we are a country of diverse living and driving conditions and that electric vehicles may not be the natural choice for all drivers, many of whom will want to choose other advanced technology vehicles. That's why BMW Group is investing in the broadest possible range of future innovation – gas and diesel engines that significantly improve performance, cleanliness and efficiency; hybrids; BEVs, and even hydrogen. We strongly believe all these technologies have a role to play in a sustainable future.
In this context, it is still too early for governments to pick winners and losers, which is why incentives should be aimed at a range of innovative actions that can meet diverse needs, rather than only one or two technologies. This is what I was trying to convey with my comments – consumers are smart enough to decide the best vehicle for their particular needs, so if incentives are applied, we should be mindful of market dynamics.
I am sorry for the confusion and concern I have caused. While I clearly should have chosen my words more carefully, rest assured, BMW is fully behind electric vehicles and all of the ongoing innovation in this area. We live in a diverse world and our company is working very hard on meeting the needs of our wide range of customers all over the world.
Sincerely,
Jim
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