In a year marked by notable achievements, BMW has made significant strides in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The Munich-based automaker, after securing three awards at the 2023 Fleet News Awards in March, has seen a reshuffle in its UK fleet leadership, expanded its electric car portfolio, and previewed its upcoming generation of vehicles.
June witnessed Matt Collins assuming the role of General Manager of Corporate Sales in the UK, succeeding Steve Roberts, who transitioned back to Mini as Head of Sales. This change is part of several executive adjustments within BMW’s UK sales division.
Collins, a BMW veteran since 2006, has a diverse background within the company, especially in strategy and product marketing. His experience includes leading BMW’s sales and marketing in the western USA from 2014 and recently aiding in strategic projects in the UK, aimed at shaping the company’s future.
Under Collins’ leadership, sustainability has become a core focus, aligning BMW’s expanding electric vehicle range with the fleet industry’s needs for tax-efficient and environmentally friendly models. Despite developing both electric and internal combustion engine vehicles, BMW has recently adopted an electric-first approach in its new model launches.
A pivotal launch in 2023 was the BMW i5, an electric iteration of the popular 5 Series. This launch, prioritising electric powertrains, underscores the company’s commitment to zero-emission vehicles, as per Collins. The i5 complements BMW’s electric offerings, such as the iX1, iX3, iX SUVs, i4, and i7, catering to key segments in corporate sales.
At present, BMW Group ranks second in the UK’s EV sales for the year, trailing only Tesla. Notably, 70% of BMW’s EV sales stem from the true fleet channel, with the i4 being the most favoured model among corporate clients.
Collins reveals that 75% of BMW’s current corporate orders are for pure electric models, with plug-in hybrids constituting most of the remainder. BMW plans to continue this electric-first approach, launching the iX2, an electric version of the second-generation X2, in early 2024.
Beyond powertrains, BMW’s sustainability efforts extend to a new initiative, Vehicle Footprint, offering a comprehensive CO2 emissions report for each new EV, spanning from raw material extraction to recycling at life’s end. This transparency, Collins notes, could significantly influence fleet selections and be a critical factor for residual value setters and data providers.
Responding to strong demand, BMW has introduced more accessible versions of its EVs, such as the iX1 and i4, to cater to a broader range of company car drivers. Collins acknowledges the challenge of aligning the higher prices of electric cars with existing banding structures, noting adjustments in trim grades by customers to ensure model eligibility.
The iX1 eDrive20, with a single motor, and the i4 eDrive35, with a modestly reduced battery and power output, are newer, more affordable variants expected to gain traction among fleet customers in 2024, along with the upcoming iX2.
Looking beyond 2024, BMW is set to revolutionise its fleet with the Neue Klasse models, transitioning away from internal combustion engines to bespoke electric platforms. The first of these models, including an all-new 3 Series, promises enhanced range, faster charging, and greater efficiency, setting a new standard for BMW’s electric fleet as the decade progresses.
