Tag Archives: Leipzig

BMW

Production launch of the MINI Countryman Electric at BMW Group Plant Leipzig

Leipzig. Electrification continues at BMW Group Plant Leipzig: Four months after launching manufacturing of the combustion-engined MINI Countryman, the all-electric model is now rolling off the strains at Leipzig as nicely. After phasing out manufacturing of the BMW i3, the birthplace of electrical mobility on the BMW Group has welcomed one other absolutely electrical automobile to its vary. It now manufactures 4 fashions with three drive varieties by two manufacturers, all on a single manufacturing line: the BMW 1 Series, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (together with the plug-in hybrid model), the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and the MINI Countryman in each its absolutely electrical and combustion-powered variations.

The MINI Countryman Electric represents a significant step within the MINI model’s transition to full electrification by 2030 and combines an electrified go-kart really feel with zero native emissions mobility. It is available in two absolutely electrical variants: the Countryman E (150 kW, 204 hp | electrical energy consumption 17.4 – 15.7 kWh/100 km | CO2 emissions 0 g/km) and the extra highly effective all-wheel Countryman SE ALL4 (230 kW, 313 hp | electrical energy consumption 18.5 – 16.8 kWh/100 km | CO2 emissions 0 g/km).  

Consistent plant upgrades and versatile manufacturing system

To allow manufacturing of as much as 350,000 items a 12 months – 100,000 greater than beforehand – Plant Leipzig has been constantly upgraded since 2018, with intensive additions and upgrades to the bodyshop, paintshop, meeting and logistics. “Our cars and components are very much in demand. In recent years the BMW Group has invested around 1.6 billion euros in the Leipzig site to produce additional vehicles and electric components, and now we’re increasing vehicle volumes too – which is great news for our plant,” stated Petra Peterhänsel, Plant Director.

The important driver behind the quantity enhance is the MINI Countryman. During the course of 2024, output will rise to virtually 500 items a day – on high of the 800 or so BMW autos the plant is producing. What’s extra, due to its versatile manufacturing system, Plant Leipzig is able to reply rapidly to buyer demand, for instance by rising the share of absolutely electrical autos.

Flexible meeting constructions additionally meant the MINI Countryman Electric might be built-in seamlessly into manufacturing. The state of affairs is analogous with the completely different drive items, that are all produced on one and the identical line in mixture meeting and ready for what’s generally known as “marriage” with the physique. The e-drives, transmissions and management electronics (collectively generally known as the extremely built-in electrical drive topology, or HEAT) for the 2 all-electric fashions are linked straight within the plant. A brand new manufacturing line was required just for the management electronics.

More employees and nightshifts for elevated manufacturing quantity

Higher manufacturing quantity means safe employment and as much as 900 extra staff in car manufacturing alone. By the tip of 2024, Plant Leipzig will make use of round 7,000 BMW employees. Working hours will have to be adjusted in all applied sciences, with nightshifts in meeting beginning for the primary time in September of this 12 months and vehicles being produced around the clock in three shifts.

“Plant Leipzig first went on stream in 2005 with about 2,600 employees in production. 19 years later there are over 7,000. Over the years, the plant has grown steadily and considerably. The start of nightshifts in assembly represents another important milestone in the success story of our plant and is a clear show of confidence by our company in our site here in Leipzig,” emphasised Works Council Chairman Jens Köhler.

Made at Plant Leipzig: high-voltage batteries for the MINI Countryman Electric

With the manufacturing launch of the MINI Countryman Electric, all three phases of the Gen 5 high-voltage battery manufacturing course of are actually represented at BMW Group Plant Leipzig: cell coating, module manufacturing and battery meeting. Operations in all three are at the moment ramping up, with 5 cell-coating, three module-production and two high-voltage battery-production strains now in place.

“We are in the middle of the transformation to e-mobility,” stated Markus Fallböhmer, Head of Battery Production on the BMW Group. “Starting this year, Plant Leipzig will carry out every stage of our in-house high-voltage battery production process. It’s our next great step forwards.”

Plant Leipzig’s e-component manufacturing capability has been rising since 2021. It will now manufacture not simply the high-voltage batteries for the MINI Countryman Electric but in addition e-components for the BMW iX1, BMW iX2, BMW i4, BMW i5 and BMW iX made at different websites. The e-component manufacturing unit at Leipzig at the moment employs some 1,000 folks.

To allow manufacturing of high-voltage batteries, areas beforehand used for the BMW i3 and BMW i8 have been transformed and new buildings added. One of them is a brand new corridor with a footprint of about 61,000 m2. This homes two strains able to producing as much as 300,000 high-voltage batteries a 12 months. The BMW Group has invested over 900 million euros in e-component manufacturing at Plant Leipzig to this point.

Resource-saving portray processes

At launch, the absolutely electrical MINI Countryman is available in three extra physique colors: British Racing Green, Chili Red and Blazing Blue – and with MINI’s trademark distinction roof, if desired. This is painted utilizing a brand new overspray-free technique that saves sources and is at the moment being readied for collection operation. The time period “overspray” refers back to the mist of extra paint particles that kinds when our bodies are painted the traditional approach. With the brand new approach, this mist not happens. This makes it simpler to color in a number of colors because the laborious technique of masking is not required. Overspray-free portray additionally helps save CO2 emissions, as exhaust from the cabin requires much less cleaning. In addition, it requires significantly much less conditioned air, i.e. air that is dropped at the precise temperature and humidity required for portray. As a outcome, much less power is required to mood air and deal with exhaust.

The burner know-how used to dry the paint on distinction roofs was additionally transformed for the beginning of MINI Countryman manufacturing and now consists of a bivalent system. The fuel-flexible burners can run on hydrogen (H2) in addition to gasoline (methane, CH4) and even change between the 2 whereas in operation. Five such bivalent hydrogen-capable burners are used to supply the distinction roofs for the MINI Countryman.

Further burners within the paintshop can even regularly change to bivalent operations, with the following six hydrogen-capable burners simply put in. This makes Leipzig a pioneer within the automotive trade and takes it ever nearer to decrease CO2 emissions. “Our vision at Plant Leipzig is to decarbonise production as far as possible by replacing fossil fuels with green hydrogen,” stated Petra Peterhänsel, explaining the long-term focus of the power. This would require adequate inexperienced hydrogen from a grid. A regional hydrogen grid is at the moment in planning, with Plant Leipzig set to profit.

MINI Countryman E

Electricity consumption mixed: 17,4 – 15,7 kWh/100 km in keeping with WLTP
CO2 emissions mixed in keeping with WLTP: 0 g/km
CO2 Class: A
Electric vary in keeping with WLTP: 462 – 423 km

MINI Countryman SE ALL4 

Electricity consumption mixed: 18,5 – 16,8 kWh/100 km in keeping with WLTP
CO2 emissions mixed in keeping with WLTP: 0 g/km
CO2 Class: A
Electric vary in keeping with WLTP: 432 – 399 km

BMW

BMW Photo Award Leipzig 2024: Inaugural award by BMW and Museum der bildenden Künste Leipzig. Margit Emmrich, Susanne Keichel and Stephan Takkides honoured.

Munich/Leipzig. The new BMW Photo Award Leipzig will assist artists each two years who both have a biographical connection to Leipzig and the area or who consciously interact with town and its environment of their creative work. The prerequisite is figure within the medium of pictures or associated visible media. The three winners are chosen by a altering, worldwide jury consisting of artists, curators, artwork academy professors and different consultants. Each jury member proposes three positions. The prize is endowed with €5,000 per artist and is linked to a joint exhibition together with a list on the Museum der bildenden Künste Leipzig (MdbK). The BMW Niederlassung Leipzig and the BMW Group have recurrently supported the MdbK with purchases and exhibitions since 2005.

BMW and the MdbK pursue a number of goals with the awarding of the prize. Firstly, it’s a few basic strengthening of Leipzig as a centre for pictures and the photographers working there. Particularly younger positions and people which, within the jury’s view, haven’t but been adequately recognised in public, ought to be highlighted. In addition, the award is an expression of the excessive worth positioned on pictures on the MdbK and the museum’s collaboration with BMW on this subject, which has been ongoing for over 20 years. Finally, the exhibition of the prize-winning works is meant to make a creative contribution to social self-assurance concerning the historical past and current of town and potential views for its future.

The award ceremony will happen on 6 June 2024 as a part of the opening of the exhibition (7. June – 15. September 2024).

The jury
The jury for the primary BMW Photo Award Leipzig met on the MdbK in early December. Its members consisted of Ines Schaber (Professor of Photography and Media, Academy of Fine Arts Leipzig), Inka Schube (Curator of Photography, Sprengel Museum Hannover), Andrzej Steinbach (artist, Berlin), Christoph Wiesner (Director of Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles) and Philipp Freytag (Curator of Photography and Media Art on the MdbK). The three prize winners have been chosen by the jury with a unanimous vote.

Award winner 2024
Margit Emmrich: Born in Chemnitz in 1949, grew up in Leipzig | 1969-1974 studied pictures on the HGB underneath Heinz Föppel and Joachim Jansong | 1976-1978 trainee on the HGB | 1974-1979 labored as a freelancer in Leipzig and Berlin | 1979-1980 political imprisonment | 1981-1987 employed in Freiburg/Breisgau | 1987-1994 household work in Erlangen | 1994 returned to Leipzig and has labored there as a freelancer ever since.

“Margit Emmrich’s work has a considerable significance for the visual memory of the city of Leipzig as well as East Germany and united Germany as a whole. This applies to the social conditions and developmental psychological circumstances she has documented as well as to her photographic approach. Her humanistic social documentary photography combines high artistic standards with concrete sociological questions. This makes her exemplary for the tradition of Leipzig photography in the last third of the 20th century.” (Philipp Freytag, curator for pictures and media artwork on the MdbK)

Susanne Keichel: Born 1981 in Dresden | 2000-2003 coaching as a photographer with Stefan Thurmann in Hamburg | 2003-2005 freelance picture assistant in Hamburg | 2006/2007 visitor scholar in Jitka Hanzlová’s seminar on the HFBK Hamburg | 2013 diploma in pictures on the HGB | 2016 grasp scholar graduate with Tina Bara. Susanne Keichel lives and works in Dresden.

“In her work, Susanne Keichel deals with questions of racism, classism and social justice. In doing so, she creates pictorial spaces that question stereotypes and test visualisation.” (Ines Schaber, Professor of Photography and Media, Academy of Fine Arts Leipzig)

Stephan Takkides: Born 1981 in Canterbury | 1999-2000 Foundation Studies, Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts, London | 2002 Universität der Künste Berlin | 2000-2003 BA, Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts, London | 2010-2012 MFA, Transart Institute, University of Plymouth, USA/UK | 2018-2021 Master scholar on the HGB with Joachim Brohm. Stephan Takkides lives and works in Leipzig.

“Stephan Takkides is a British-Cypriot photographer and artist who has been naturalised in Germany. In his multi-channel video work ‘Naturalization’, he explores the relationship between nature and national identity, interweaving different perspectives and narrative strands.” (Ines Schaber, Professor of Photography and Media, Academy of Fine Arts Leipzig)

The BMW Group and the MdbK
The BMW Group and the MdbK have been linked by a profitable partnership for 18 years. The basis was laid in 2005 with the donation of the great picture assortment ‘AutoWerke: European and American Photography’ with over 70 works – together with works by Thomas Demand, Thomas Struth, Rineke Dijkstra and Candida Höfer – on the event of the opening of the brand new museum constructing and the commissioning of the BMW plant in Leipzig. Since then, the BMW Niederlassung Leipzig and the BMW Group have recurrently supported the museum with acquisitions and exhibitions. In 2023, the 2 companions have agreed on a long-term collaboration with the purpose of BMW supporting the MdbK’s initiatives for modern pictures. In addition to the award, this consists of the assist of exhibitions – similar to the present Evelyn Richter. A Photographer’s Life – and purchases.

The BMW Group’s Cultural Engagement, with unique updates and deeper insights into its world initiatives may be adopted on Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.

BMW

Leipzig loves MINI: BMW Group Plant Leipzig celebrates production launch of MINI Countryman

Leipzig. The MINI Countryman production launch is a significant event, as it is the first MINI to be manufactured in Germany. It will share the production line with the BMW 1 Series and 2 Series, offering combustion-powered, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric options.

The special event celebrating the launch of the MINI Countryman brought together important figures such as BMW AG Board Member for Production, Milan Nedeljković; the Minister President of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer; the head of the MINI brand, Stefanie Wurst; Mayor and Alderman for Business, Work and Digital Affairs, Clemens Schülke; as well as guests from politics, media, and plant employees. The production lines were stopped for almost 45 minutes so that everyone in the plant could witness the live broadcast of the celebration.

The production of the largest MINI model to date is a significant step forward for the future of BMW Group Plant Leipzig. An investment of around €700 million has been made since 2018 to increase capacity and enable the production of the MINI Countryman. Additionally, the third generation of the vehicle will also be available with a fully electric drive. Plant Director Petra Peterhänsel stated, “Leipzig remains electrified.”

Nedeljković stressed the importance of skill and flexibility in the transformation process and highlighted the role of Plant Leipzig in advancing change. He mentioned that all BMW Group plants are capable of producing different models with different drives on a single production line, but what makes Plant Leipzig special is its flexible production system being used for multiple brands for the first time.

Michael Kretschmer, Minister President of Saxony, emphasized the significance of the BMW Group plant in Leipzig for the region and the federal state. He stated, “The BMW site in Leipzig is a success story of modern industrial production and the launch of the MINI Countryman reaffirms the company’s commitment to ‘Autoland’ Saxony.”

Clemens Schülke, Mayor and Alderman for Business, Work and Digital Affairs of the city of Leipzig, expressed his positivity about the event and the impact of the MINI Countryman being produced in Leipzig, calling it a genuine success story.

Stefanie Wurst, head of MINI, discussed the characteristics of the new MINI Countryman, emphasizing its environmental credentials and versatile, powerful, and efficient drives.

Plant Director Petra Peterhänsel highlighted the historical importance of the MINI Countryman for the future of Plant Leipzig, stating that the plant’s headcount will increase by over 1,000 by the end of 2024 as the production of the MINI Countryman ramps up.

Works Council Chairman Jens Köhler spoke about the importance of the plant in Leipzig for the production network and expressed gratitude to the BMW Group for their trust.

The event was hosted by the radio and television presenter Roman Knoblauch, and in addition to the MINI Countryman, a digital friend named Spike was introduced as the Intelligent Personal Assistant to support drivers of the new MINI model family.

MINI Countryman SE ALL4 (combined electricity consumption: 18.5 – 17.0 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km).

MINI Countryman with combustion engine (combined fuel consumption according to WLTP: 8.3 – 4.8 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 188 – 125 g/km)

*All technical data is provisional.

BMW

One line – two brands – three drives: BMW Group Plant Leipzig launches production of the MINI Countryman

Leipzig. The BMW Group Plant Leipzig has achieved significant milestones as it commences the production of the MINI Countryman. This marks the first time a MINI model is being manufactured in Germany, alongside the BMW 1 Series and 2 Series, demonstrating the plant’s flexibility and adaptability. The BMW Group has invested €700 million over the past five years in preparing the plant for increased production and MINI-specific requirements. The workforce in production is expected to increase by over 900 by the end of 2024. The new MINI Countryman also drives innovations towards sustainable production.

“By launching production of the MINI Countryman here in Leipzig, we are introducing multibrand operations to our flexible production system,” explained Milan Nedeljković, Board Member for Production. “Plant Leipzig also offers a number of highlights in terms of resource conservation in production, providing further evidence of the successful rollout of our long-term masterplan: the BMW iFACTORY.”

Seamless integration through flexible structures 

The BMW Group is leveraging the flexibility of Plant Leipzig to seamlessly integrate the production of the new MINI Countryman alongside the BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé, and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. The plant’s flexible assembly structures enable the production of two brands with three different drives – combustion, plug-in-hybrid, and fully electric – all on the same production line. The third-generation MINI Countryman will be available with a petrol, diesel, or fully electric powertrain, with the high-voltage batteries for the MINI Countryman Electric also being made in Leipzig, and it’s scheduled to reach dealerships on 17 February 2024.

Investments and recruitment to increase production volume

The BMW Group has made substantial investments in Leipzig to ramp up production volume for new models. This includes expansions and upgrades to the bodyshop, paintshop, assembly, and logistics. Production capacity has been increased from 250,000 units previously to up to 350,000 units a year at present. The investment of around €200 million to adapt the production system to MINI-specific requirements is expected to result in a production capacity of 500 MINI Countryman cars a day during the course of next year, creating up to 900 new jobs in vehicle production alone.

Electromobility and MINI production drive development

Plant Leipzig is transitioning to electromobility, with plans to produce the next fully electric car, the MINI Countryman Electric, and manufacture high-voltage batteries in-house. The plant will run the entire production process for the current fifth generation of high-voltage batteries, with capacity for e-component production increasing since 2021. This makes Plant Leipzig an important supplier across the BMW production network, and it currently employs over 800 people in e-component production, with plans to further develop and invest in this area.

Sustainable materials and production 

The MINI Countryman Electric reflects the MINI brand’s responsible approach to materials and production, with innovations in sustainability. The model features a range of sustainable materials, including the use of recycled textiles in the interior, reducing CO2 emissions along the value chain and requiring less water to manufacture. The model also incorporates a new, resource-friendly painting method for the contrast roof, known as overspray-free painting, which contributes to saving CO2 emissions and energy.

Plant Leipzig – Built for sustainability

Plant Leipzig has a strong focus on efficient processes and a long-term strategy for energy generation and consumption. The plant has four wind turbines that generate electricity, delivering approximately 25 GWh/year, and a battery storage farm equipped with up to 700 second-life high-voltage batteries from BMW i3 vehicles. There are also plans to decarbonize production by replacing fossil fuels with green hydrogen, with a regional hydrogen grid in the works, from which Plant Leipzig is set to benefit.

MINI Countryman SE ALL4 (combined electricity consumption: 18.5 – 17.0 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km).

MINI Countryman with combustion engine (combined fuel consumption according to WLTP: 8.3 – 4.8 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 188 – 125 g/km)

*All technical data is provisional.

BMW

BMW Group Plans to Construct Logistics Centre for High-Voltage Batteries near Leipzig

In a commitment to e-component production and the future of Plant Leipzig, the BMW Group has signed a leasehold contract for land adjacent to the existing facility on the northern industrial estate. The plot covers a total area of 12 hectares, with the first stage of construction taking up eight hectares. The initial phase will involve the construction of a logistics hall for fifth-generation high-voltage batteries and an office building. The completion of these buildings is expected by mid-2024.

To mark the beginning of the construction of the new Supply Centre North, the Plant Director, Works Council Chairman, Head of Production for High-Voltage Batteries, Mayor and Alderman for Business, Labour and Digital in the City of Leipzig, and the Director of the Office for Economic Development of the City of Leipzig participated in the symbolic turning of the first sod.

The Mayor of Leipzig, Clemens Schülke, expressed his enthusiasm for the development, highlighting the eco-friendly nature of the expansion and its significance for Leipzig as a base for electromobility. Plant Director Petra Peterhänsel emphasized the importance of the transition to electromobility for the plant’s growth, noting its role as a pioneer in electromobility through the production of the BMW i3 and the upcoming launch of the MINI Countryman.

The first phase of construction will include the creation of a warehouse, a two-storey office building, and a loading tunnel with a combined gross area of 38,000 m2. Furthermore, there are plans for a second construction phase, bringing the total investment to around 100 million euros. Once all construction is complete, the Supply Centre North will provide jobs for approximately 500 employees.

With a goal of having at least one in three new cars fully electric by 2026, the BMW Group anticipates an increased need for high-voltage batteries. Plant Leipzig is already a vital supplier of e-components for the production network, providing one in three battery modules for the BMW Group’s fully electric vehicles, including the BMW iX1, BMW i5, and BMW iX. The new logistics centre at Plant Leipzig will further strengthen its role by being equipped to handle high-voltage components.

When planning the logistics hall, the team prioritized stringent environmental standards that go beyond legal requirements. The buildings will be powered by renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic systems on the roof of the hall and a heat pump for heating. The office building will have a green roof, and strategic placement of trees on the façade will help regulate indoor temperatures. The outside space will be landscaped with thousands of new shrubs and trees, contributing to the green surroundings of the plant. Insect-friendly lighting will illuminate the outdoor areas, and electric charging points for cars and trucks will be installed in the parking spaces.

E-component production is a driving force behind the expansion of Plant Leipzig, with measures in place to protect existing jobs and create new ones. Currently, over 800 employees work in e-component production in Leipzig, and this number is expected to grow to over 1,000 by 2024. Additionally, more jobs will be created through service providers.

Starting from next year, BMW Plant Leipzig will oversee all three stages of high-voltage battery production: cell coating, module production, and high-voltage battery assembly. The capacity for e-component production has been steadily increasing, with battery cells currently being coated and assembled into modules at the plant. One in three battery modules for BMW Group’s fully electric vehicles already comes from Leipzig, and a battery assembly system is under construction and set to begin operations early next year. The BMW Group is investing up to 1 billion euros in expanding e-component production at Leipzig.

In 2024, Plant Leipzig will launch its next fully electric model, the new MINI Countryman, following the discontinuation of BMW i3 production. The MINI Countryman will offer a choice of combustion engines or a fully electric drive, with the high-voltage batteries for the latter being manufactured directly in Plant Leipzig’s workshops.