Lars Nielsen's move to Singapore some nine months ago coincided with an exciting sea change in the motoring scene. For many years now, local motorists have been used to seeing plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), especially BMW's iPerformance models. But after a slow start for fully electric vehicles (EVs), car owners began to embrace this new future in earnest last year in tandem with our government's bold move to have all vehicles on the roads powered by cleaner energy by 2040.
From end-2020 to end-2021, the EV ownership rate here had more than doubled, growing from 1,397 to 3,713 vehicles. At BMW Group Asia, which includes the MINI brand, sales of electrified vehicles increased threefold from 2020 to 2021. In the first four months of 2022, sales of PHEVs and EVs increased more than 360 per cent in the same period in 2021.
As carmakers began announcing their new line-up of all-electric vehicles and sustainability plans, the BMW Group had already established itself as a frontrunner - by virtue of its foresight in producing a concept electric car for the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics, and taking the interim years prior to founding the BMW i brand in 2011 to further develop its expertise and technology.
In Singapore, BMW Group Asia was one of the first automotive companies to launch a fully electric vehicle: the BMW i3, in 2014. As of April 2022, four EV and five PHEV models are available across BMW and MINI in Singapore, with more to come by the end of the year. Globally, the BMW Group aims to sell more than 200,000 fully electric vehicles in 2022 at least double its sales in 2021.
Denne historien er fra June 2022-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 2022-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sailing Into A Dream
Scenes from the fantasy feature Game of Thrones come to life in the otherworldly landscapes of the Arctic Circle.
Here Come The Sun Seats
Italian furniture has long held the crown for blending luxurious, sophisticated design with impeccable craftsmanship.
ABSOLUMENT FAB
France's premier fair for fine-art and antiques returns for its third edition inside its new home in the Grand Palais.
Through the Director's Lens
Filmmaker JIA ZHANGKE and his protégé RAFAEL MANUEL share their perspectives on life, cinema and their current projects.
THE CUTTING EDGE
Having long played quiet supporting roles in the gem industry, gem cutters are finally having their day in the sun. Four acclaimed independent master gem cutters share more about their love of the craft and the creation of their best pieces.
Spheres of Power
Following up on the gold- and titanium-focused Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams launch collection, the superstar now turns to pearls for a softer, but no less striking, second act.
Horological Masterpieces Reimagined
Beyond the wrist, these timekeepers transcend all traditional boundaries.
WILD IMAGINATION
Cartier's latest category-spanning Panthère de Cartier novelties showcase the endless ways in which the panther continues to inspire.
READY FOR ACTION
The latest watch to come from the celebrated Richard Mille and McLaren partnership looks set to be another trailblazing timepiece.
THE RIGHT ANGLES
Twenty-five years after the launch of its last new collection, Twenty-4, Patek Philippe introduces the Cubitus range.
