The Straßkirchen community overwhelmingly voted for establishing BMW Group’s new high-voltage battery assembly site. With a substantial 75% favoring the motion, 77% of the residents participated in this pivotal decision.
Why It Matters
The approval signals the Bavarian region’s commitment to e-mobility‘s future, leveraging opportunities presented by this transformation. This facility will be an asset to Straßkirchen and pivotal in fortifying the operational future of Bavarian vehicle plants in Dingolfing, Regensburg, and Munich.
Milan Nedeljković, from the BMW AG Board of Management, emphasized that these plants would now be reliably supplied with the crucial high-voltage batteries essential for electric vehicles. On a broader scale, the positive vote underscores German citizens’ support for forward-looking technologies and jobs.
Key Points
- Support for E-Mobility: The new facility accentuates Bavaria’s journey toward e-mobility.
- Future Employment: Approximately 1,600 people will find employment at this site once the initial construction phase concludes. Around 70% will be from other BMW Group sites, bringing their expertise to the table.
- Business Tax: Since August, BMW Group’s establishment in the municipalities of Straßkirchen and Irlbach has contributed to business tax, which is projected to escalate with the plant’s development.
- Site Selection Process: 20 potential sites were examined in Bavaria. Criteria such as proximity to BMW’s Bavarian plants, environmental concerns, and employee accessibility played decisive roles.
- Expansion Plans: In February 2023, BMW acquired a 105-hectare plot, with rights to another 29 hectares.
Bottom Line
The approved BMW battery assembly plant in Straßkirchen is more than just a production site. It’s a commitment to Bavaria’s future in car manufacturing e-mobility and a testament to the region’s dedication to embracing innovative technologies. With more than 36,000 employees in vehicle plants across Munich, Dingolfing, and Regensburg, this strategic move will preserve existing jobs and foster new ones in the burgeoning e-mobility sector.
