Certified CenterIf you keep up with the latest BMW news here on BMW Portland's blog, you may remember an earlier post in which we talked extensively about the innovative new BMW i3. This electric vehicle has been at the forefront of news from the Bavarian automaker, especially because the model just became available in the UK this month.
Originally, BMW has only plans to manufacture 10,000 models of the EV during its first year, however after over 8,000 reservations for the model were made prior to BMW i3's European launch, the brand decided to expand worldwide production to 30,000 units.
This only means positive things for when the i3 makes its debut in showrooms around the United States. In fact, in a recent statement, BMW North America CEO, Ludwig Willisch declared that the brand anticipates that each of the models that make the trip across the pond to BMW dealerships will be sold.
While no specific figure as how many models would be arriving in North America was mentioned, Willisch did declare that it would be a few thousand. Another perk for the U.S. is that out of the brand's 330 dealerships, 285 of them have been authorized to sell the electric i3, boosting availability to as many interested consumers as possible.
Production of the i3 for the U.S. will commence in March of 2014 and expected to arrive in showrooms during the second quarter of next year. The electric i3 will begin at $42,275 and the range-extended variant will start at $46,125, with the $925 destination fee factored into both prices.
If you're interested in learning more about the i3 or another new BMW that is currently available on our lot, visit our Portland, OR showroom at 2001 SW Jefferson St.