MUNICH, Germany — BMW has confirmed that the new X1, its smallest crossover yet, will be assembled at the sprawling Leipzig plant in Germany.
In a statement Friday, the company said, "The exact time point of production start and the market launch of the X1 will be revealed at a later date."
European suppliers told Inside Line the X1 is scheduled to begin production in Leipzig in fall 2009. The X1 will share its basic underpinnings, including powertrains, with the 1 Series compacts, which are also assembled at Leipzig.
Inside Line has learned that a sister model, to be dubbed the X4, is also being readied for launch in spring 2010. While it may share some major mechanicals with the X1, its styling will be closer to that of the new X6, with a coupelike four-door body.
While the X1 will be aimed at the same buyers Audi wants to cultivate with its upcoming Q3, the X4 may attempt to carve out a new niche in the ever-expanding and still fragmenting premium-crossover market, both in Europe and North America.
What this means to you: Look for the premium Japanese brands to be well represented with new entry-luxury crossovers, too. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
In a statement Friday, the company said, "The exact time point of production start and the market launch of the X1 will be revealed at a later date."
European suppliers told Inside Line the X1 is scheduled to begin production in Leipzig in fall 2009. The X1 will share its basic underpinnings, including powertrains, with the 1 Series compacts, which are also assembled at Leipzig.
Inside Line has learned that a sister model, to be dubbed the X4, is also being readied for launch in spring 2010. While it may share some major mechanicals with the X1, its styling will be closer to that of the new X6, with a coupelike four-door body.
While the X1 will be aimed at the same buyers Audi wants to cultivate with its upcoming Q3, the X4 may attempt to carve out a new niche in the ever-expanding and still fragmenting premium-crossover market, both in Europe and North America.
What this means to you: Look for the premium Japanese brands to be well represented with new entry-luxury crossovers, too. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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