KEY POINTS:
The BMW Group has announced four new models ready to bolster its already comprehensive line up over the next four years.
The new cars are the Rolls-Royce Coupe, a Mini SUV, the BMW X1 and a range-topping four-door based on the CS concept car, which was debuted at the Shanghai motor show.
Known as the GrandTurismo, the BMW-badged four-door will be underpinned by the new 7 Series platform, as will the baby Rolls-Royce Coupe. Both are due in 2008.
The Mini SUV will be the first of the new models to go into production, we're told by summer next year, but it won't be built at the Oxford plant alongside the rest of the Mini range.
BMW Chairman Norbert Reithofer also put paid to rumours that BMW is interested buying Volvo from Ford.
"There is no synergy between rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive car companies" he said.
However, Reithofer did go on to imply that BMW could look at creating a fourth brand, as an alternative to making further acquisitions, with a view to expand the company into new areas of the market.
- REUTERS
