BMW unveils first BMW i Store to introduce electro-mobility

The BMW Group presented its first BMW i Store in London, unveiling a showroom that offers a completely new brand experience focused on sustainable mobility. BMW i Park Lane will officially open its doors on 25 July 2012.

The event to preview the new BMW i Store was hosted by Ian Robertson, member of the board of management of BMW AG. "BMW i Park Lane marks a completely new approach. Situated next to BMW Park Lane and MINI Park Lane, it gives people a perfect opportunity to learn more about electro-mobility and get close to our future electric and plug-in hybrid BMW i vehicles. This is a further demonstration of our commitment to electro-mobility," he said.

Robertson also presented an advanced version of the BMW i3 Concept with a revolutionary interior that uses sustainable natural materials. The BMW i3 Concept can be viewed at BMW i Park Lane, together with the BMW i8. The BMW i3 - the BMW Group's first fully-electric series production vehicle - will be available to customers from late 2013 and the BMW i8 in 2014.

Wallbox makes home-charging easy

The BMW Group also presented for the first time in public the new BMW i Wallbox charger which has been specially created for BMW i models. The BMW i Wallbox has been designed to make home-charging particularly easy and efficient. Wallbox installation together with vehicle charging will be offered via selected BMW i partners.

BMW i will support customers with a four-pillar package which includes services such as ConnectedDrive e-remote apps and future roadside services such as mobile recharging equipment; BMW i will partner with public charging providers in all countries where BMW i models are introduced; home charging with the BMW i Wallbox; and flexible mobility solutions - customers sometimes have mobility requirements which cannot be completely met by the range of an electric car. In such cases, BMW i will offer mobility options that enable longer distances to be covered - for example, through the loan on such occasions of a BMW powered by a conventional, fuel-efficient combustion engine.

In June, BMW i will kick off its "Born Electric" tour. This international communications roadshow will start shortly in Rome and touch down in Japan, then going to the USA before returning to London in early 2013. It will also visit France and China in the first half of 2013.