The BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) joint venture has celebrated a significant achievement with the production of their 6 millionth vehicle at Plant Dadong in Shenyang, China. This vehicle, a BMW i5 in Frozen Pure Grey, marks a milestone as the joint venture’s fully electric model. Achieving this production figure is a testament to the efficiency and effectiveness of the BBA’s operations, particularly noteworthy since the five-million mark was surpassed just last year in February.
Key Highlights
- Production of the 6 millionth vehicle: A BMW i5, emphasizing BBA’s shift towards electric vehicles.
- Rapid production pace: The last million vehicles were produced in just 15 months.
- Advanced quality assurance: Use of artificial intelligence in Automatic Surface Inspection to ensure top quality.
- Future preparations: Introduction of the Neue Klasse production line and development of high-voltage battery assembly facilities.
Advanced Quality Assurance Measures
At Plant Dadong, each vehicle, including the landmark BMW i5, undergoes stringent quality checks to maintain the highest standards. This process includes an Automatic Surface Inspection where each car is photographed 100,000 times. The use of artificial intelligence aids in detecting any flaws such as impurities or scratches with precise accuracy. Detected irregularities are then marked and corrected, ensuring that each vehicle meets BMW‘s rigorous standards.
Preparations for the Neue Klasse
As BBA gears up for the future, preparations are underway to commence production of the Neue Klasse at Shenyang. The BMW Group is expanding its capabilities globally, including the construction of five high-voltage battery assembly plants across three continents. The Shenyang facility alone, following a substantial investment of 10 billion RMB, is set to produce sixth-generation high-voltage batteries. With the physical structure completed last November and equipment installation ongoing, the plant is on track to begin pre-series battery production by year-end.
“The 6 millionth car is a symbol of the outstanding achievements here in Shenyang,” remarked Milan Nedeljković, a member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production. He further highlighted that the focus on competitiveness and innovation is a core aspect across all BMW plants globally.
Looking forward, the Neue Klasse is scheduled to launch worldwide in 2025, with China set to produce its models starting 2026. The expansion signifies a pivotal step in BBA’s ongoing strategy to accommodate a growing market demand for electric vehicles, with all three of its Shenyang plants, including Dadong, Tiexi, and Lydia, now equipped to manufacture fully electric cars.
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