BMW invests more in EVs to meet growing demand

BMW is ramping up spending on its electric-car rollout after the luxury-car maker’s battery-vehicle deliveries more than doubled during the first half of the year.

The level of buyer interest in EVs means BMW is "investing more than originally planned in the global ramp-up of e-mobility," Chief Financial Officer Walter Mertl said Thursday. During the second quarter, development spending jumped by nearly a fifth to 1.84 billion euros ($2.6 billion).

Battery-powered car sales made up about 13 per cent of group deliveries during the first half led by demand for models including the i4 sedan and iX3 SUV. Next year, the proportion of EV deliveries is set to rise to at least one-fifth, BMW said.

Incumbent carmakers are battling to catch up to Tesla, which is pulling away in the global EV sales race following aggressive price cuts.

In China, the most important market for Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, local manufacturers like BYD are increasingly dominating in EV sales.

BMW also increased its car sales forecast for 2023 to now expect solid gains with the new 5-Series sedan and its i5 electric sibling set to help boost volumes during the second half of the year.

While demand for its luxury cars remains strong, BMW warned Tuesday that increased costs for parts are reducing its cash flow while also citing logistics issues as a constraint.

The company will incur higher costs from increased inventories to ensure meeting customer demand, Mertl said Thursday in speech notes.

Several carmakers face new logistics constraints after a shortage of semiconductors eased, allowing them to produce more vehicles.

Volkswagen lowered its delivery outlook last week as shortages of trains and truck drivers left finished vehicles stranded at factories. Porsche had to restrict sales of its electric Taycan after grappling with sourcing certain components.

BMW group earnings before interest and tax increased 28 per cent to 4.34 billion euros compared to the second quarter of last year. Automotive returns rose to 9.2 per cent.