BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) has marked the production of its seven millionth vehicle at its Shenyang Production Base, underscoring the importance of the Chinese market as the company prepares to begin local production of its next-generation Neue Klasse models later in 2026.
The milestone vehicle was a BMW 3 Series Horse Edition, produced at the joint venture’s manufacturing hub in Shenyang. BMW said the achievement reflects more than two decades of expansion since local vehicle production first began in China.
Milestone highlights BMW’s manufacturing footprint in China
BMW Brilliance started producing vehicles in Shenyang in 2003 and has since developed the site into one of the BMW Group’s largest production bases worldwide. The manufacturing complex now includes complete vehicle assembly operations, powertrain production facilities and localized research and development capabilities.
The seven-million-vehicle milestone comes as BMW continues to deepen its commitment to the Chinese market, which remains one of the company’s most important regions globally.
“For more than 30 years, we have been deeply rooted in China. The seven-millionth BMW vehicle from our plant in Shenyang is a significant milestone in this success story: it demonstrates the strength of our local production — and it reflects the high level of expertise, the great dedication, and the exceptional commitment of our Chinese team,” said Raymond Wittmann, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production.
Neue Klasse production set to begin
BMW said the milestone also marks a transition toward the next phase of its operations in China, with local production of Neue Klasse vehicles scheduled to begin later this year.
The Neue Klasse platform will underpin BMW’s next generation of battery-electric vehicles and introduce new technologies in areas including digitalization, vehicle architecture and battery systems.
“With the start of local production of the Neue Klasse later this year, we are opening the next chapter and starting a new era for BMW in China,” Wittmann added.
Growing customer trust in the Chinese market
BMW Brilliance executives highlighted that the production milestone reflects continued customer demand for BMW vehicles in China over the past two decades.
“Seven million vehicles are far more than just a number — they represent seven million times that Chinese customers have chosen and trusted BMW,” said Birgit Boehm, President and Chief Executive Officer of BMW Brilliance Automotive.
The company expects the launch of locally produced Neue Klasse models to further strengthen its position in China’s increasingly competitive premium electric vehicle market as automakers accelerate their transition toward electrification.