BMW X1 delayed in the U.S. until late 2012
BMWBLOG reported in early January that BMW’s entry-level SAV, the X1, will miss its original launch target in early 2011 and be postponed until late 2011. The delay was related to production capacity at the Leipzig plant and a high demand for the vehicle. But new information come to confirm an even later date than the previously one reported.
Automotive News reports that BMW will not offer the compact X1 crossover in the United States until the end of 2012 because of strong demand for the redesigned version of the larger X3. Jim O’Donnell, CEO of BMW of North America said BMW planned to bring the X1 this year, but now the target date has moved again.
For Auto news, O’Donnell said the X1 “was always going to be a niche vehicle” in the United States with forecast sales of less than 5,000 units annually. The strong sales of the new X3 may have an influence on the delay. The X3 sales could reach 25,000 units this year, with 5,710 vehicles sold already in the first quarter.
The Canadian market will receive the X1 starting in June and the base price for the xDrive28i model is $38,500. The X1 will be equipped with the new N20 four-cylinder turbocharged engine. BMWBLOG had the opportunity to drive the car back in April.
We anticipate that BMW of North America will re-evaluate the status of the X1 at the end of this year when the X3 sales will give them a more accurate picture in terms of X3 sales and profit.
[Source: Automotive News ]
Author: Horatiu Boeriu
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/05/04/bmw-x ... late-2012/