Frequent personnel changes in the auto industry: Once Every 2 Days on Average

On September 17, BMW announced in a statement that it will begin production of its iX3 electric vehicle model at its new factory in Debrecen, Hungary's second-largest city, at the end of next month. BMW stated that after the new model goes into production, the production capacity will be gradually increased in phases. The first mass-produced vehicle is planned to roll off the production line by the end of 2025, and sales in Europe will commence in March 2026. Industry analysts believe that BMW hopes to regain ground in the electric vehicle competition with Chinese car manufacturers by leveraging the iX3 model.

Image source: BMW

Milan Nedeljković, the Board Member for Production at BMW Group, stated: "The commencement of mass production of the iX3 marks the beginning of a new era in BMW automotive manufacturing. Our new plant in Debrecen is designed and constructed entirely according to the 'BMW iFACTORY' strategic vision. From the very beginning of its construction, the plant has achieved full-process digitalization, creating a new paradigm of efficient production with zero fossil fuels."

Hans-Peter Kemser, head of BMW Group's Debrecen plant, stated: "Our challenge is to produce the first all-new model in a brand new plant as efficiently and streamlined as possible. To this end, we have simplified processes, reduced complexity, digitally validated every procedure, and systematically leveraged our expertise from the global production network."

As the first model of BMW's "Neue Klasse" platform, the iX3 showcases the latest design and technological innovations of the BMW brand, which will define its entire future lineup of models. The company stated that from now until 2027, technologies related to the "Neue Klasse" platform will be integrated into 40 new and revamped BMW models.

The BMW iX3, a pure electric mid-size SUV, reportedly has a maximum range of up to 800 kilometers and is equipped with four high-performance computers. These computers collaboratively integrate computing power and are responsible for the comprehensive enhancement of vehicle dynamic control, autonomous driving, infotainment systems, and basic comfort functions.

Notably, in the context of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban promoting the establishment of Chinese electric vehicle and battery factories in Hungary, BMW's Chinese competitor BYD is also constructing a factory in Debrecen, Hungary.