BMW Brilliance marks 1 millionth milestone

The milestone came 11 years and four months after the joint venture's first locally made vehicle was produced, the shortest time of any premium automaker in China, according to BMW. [Photo/China Daily]

BMW Brilliance marked the debut of its 1 millionth vehicle when a white BMW 328 Li rolled off the assembly line at the automaker's Tiexi plant in Shenyang, Liaoning province, on Jan 8.

The milestone came 11 years and four months after the joint venture's first locally made vehicle was produced, the shortest time of any premium automaker in China, according to BMW.

"More importantly, we set an example in terms of quality, efficiency and sustainable development in China's premium car making industry," said Olaf Kastner, president and CEO of BMW Brilliance.

BMW Brilliance was established in May 2003 and unveiled the first China-made BMW model in October that year.

During the past five years, the joint venture has invested more than 2 billion euro ($2.3 billion) in its production facilities.

Its Dadong and Tiexi plants, both in Shenyang, now have a combined annual capacity of 300,000 units, with the figure expected to grow to 400,000 in two years, according to the company.

BMW Brilliance has produced BMW's turbocharged engines since 2012. It established its own research and development center in 2013, which has more than 500 staff members.

BMW has introduced its advanced technologies into the joint venture. For example, BMW's latest foundry workshop for engine components will be put in place when a new engine plant starts operation in Shenyang in 2016.

The joint venture is accelerating its pace to localize production of BMW models. It now produces standard-wheelbase and long-wheelbase 3 Series and 5 Series cars as well as BMW's compact class SAV X1.

The long-wheelbase 3 Series and 5 Series models were specially designed for the Chinese market, according to the company.

In July, BMW announced that it would soon add another three models to the BMW Brilliance portfolio.

The joint venture's rapid development has boosted local economic development and helped nurture professionals in the auto industry.

Statistics showed that the company has more than 14,000 employees.

BMW Brilliance works with 280 suppliers, helping create more job opportunities and improve their partners' competitiveness in the global auto industry.