BMW has announced a substantial investment of 200 million euros in its component plant in Landshut, Germany, aimed at expanding production capacity. The focus of this expansion will be on producing the central housing for the electric drive unit of the Neue Klasse, a pivotal step in BMW’s commitment to electric mobility.
The new production facility, which will house component production for the Neue Klasse, will feature three levels and two production lines. BMW plans to utilize the “Injector Casting” process in this facility, ensuring that parts are cast with optimal mechanical properties. This process not only reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions but also minimizes the consumption of resources.
The investment will increase the annual production capacity for the fifth and sixth-generation aluminum housings by approximately 30 percent. This expansion will benefit current BMW models such as the iX3, i4, i5, i7, and iX, which use the fifth generation of BMW electric drives. The upcoming sixth generation, planned for Neue Klasse vehicles from 2025, will also benefit from this expansion.
The sixth generation of BMW electric motors will retain the same functional principle, utilizing separately excited synchronous machines (EESM). These motors combine the advantages of permanently excited synchronous motors with those of asynchronous motors, without the disadvantages of rare earth material procurement.
Thomas Thym, Head of BMW Group Plant Landshut, highlighted the importance of the investment, stating, “We are continuously expanding our site’s expertise in both the production of our cutting-edge components and the development of new technologies. This skill set provides us with the flexibility we are going to need in the future.”
The new production hall for electric drive housings will be constructed on the existing site. BMW acquired an additional plot of land adjacent to the Landshut plant for future production volumes, demonstrating its commitment to responding to future demand.
This investment represents a significant step in BMW’s internal supply chain for future electric models. Production of electric drives has been expanded and extended for the sixth drive generation, with other components being installed in the housings delivered from Landshut in Dingolfing.
