The BMW Group’s central plant in Munich has entered a key phase of preparations for the future of electric mobility and the company’s new era. Namely, the first pre-series test vehicles of the new BMW i3 model came off the production line, which marks the beginning of the final phase of preparations for the full series production of the first car from the series called Neue Klasse. According to official plans, the start of serial production is scheduled for the second half of this year.
New model in new facilities
It is the first time that the new BMW i3 has been completely produced in the Munich plant. In the process, the most modern production technologies and digitally connected systems were used, which tested the readiness of all stages of production – from the modernized switchyard and the new body shop to the paint shop and the new assembly part.
Factory Director, Peter Weberhe pointed out that the production of pre-series vehicles enables the testing of logistics and production processes in real conditions. Although the quantities produced are currently small, every part and every step of assembly is subject to strict inspection. Special emphasis is placed on the digital integration of new tools and equipment with existing systems, thus ensuring maximum precision before the final launch.
Training of workers in VR
The specificity of this process in Munich lies in the fact that the local team has so far collaborated with the pilot plant at the Center for Research and Innovation to assemble the first vehicles. Now, with the completion of new production and logistics spaces in the factory itself, vehicles go through all production steps on site, optimizing material flows and checking equipment efficiency.
In parallel with technical testing, BMW conducts intensive employee training, through two phases: first through augmented reality, and then directly on new installations and machines. The goal is to ensure that the staff fully master the innovative systems that are part of the “iFACTORY” strategy, aimed at smart and sustainable production. All lessons learned will be applied to ensure a smooth increase in production capacity during the year, whereby BMW strives to maintain a high level of quality in the transition to a new generation of electric vehicles.
When it comes to the i3 model itself, several photos of it with camouflage have been published, so from them we can only get an impression of the vehicle’s body line and basic contours. The front fascia is deliberately and very carefully hidden, so that we cannot conclude anything about the “kidney” shape that will define the character of the entire Neue Klasse series.