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Asked what growth rates he expects for BMW Group, which includes
the Mini brand, in China this year, Robertson said, "Overall we
think it will be 10ish percent."
Robertson also said he expected pricing to remain stable in
China this year as the carmaker prepares to produce a sixth
model locally.
BMW, together with its Chinese joint-venture partner BMW
Brilliance Automotive Ltd, is currently ramping up production of
its new 5 series sedan after starting Chinese assembly of the
BMW X1 compact sports utility vehicle and a 1-series sedan.
BMW has no need for additional joint venture partners to ramp up
sales expansion, Robertson said.
Robertson further said he expected Chinese authorities to tone
down plans for introducing a quota for electric cars starting in
2018. Policymakers have demanded car makers meet sales targets
for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid petrol-electric
vehicles of 7 percent in 2020 and 15 percent in 2025.
"Do we think it will come at that extreme level? It is
unlikely," Robertson said at a media roundtable.
"Discussions are ongoing with the Chinese government. We firmly
believe this market will have a very strong footing within
electric vehicles, whether it is as early as 2018, whether it
applies to all manufacturers in the same way, is open to
discussion."
The proposed mechanism will combine a corporate average fuel
consumption rating (CAFC) with a credit mechanism for New Energy
Vehicles, where electric vehicle credits can be used to offset
CAFC ratings or be traded.
(Reporting by Edward Taylor; Editing by Edwina Gibbs and
Christopher Cushing)
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