German OEM BMW is ramping up production of test vehicles for its Neue Klass BEV range, with the first near-series fully-electric X models now leaving the production line. The final preparation phase for the start of series production in late 2025 has thus now begun.
“The production of the first test vehicles in Debrecen is an important milestone in commissioning the new plant,” says Milan Nedeljkovic, BMW management board member for production.
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The integration of new models in a plant starts with the production of near-series vehicles. As part of this process, test vehicles cycle through all production steps. This also means that all logistics processes, manufacturing equipment and operations performed by employees at the plant must already have to function smoothly.
And these operations are just as complex as in actual series production, BMW says. Despite the limited number of parts involved, they must still be made available in appropriate logistics processes.
Materials and vehicle parts are now delivered daily to the Debrecen plant, with test vehicles coming off the production line on a continuous basis. Every part and every production step will now be “closely scrutinised”. Special attention will be paid to validation of production systems and tools, including their digital connectivity, the OEM promises.
And running system tests for the future vehicle model should help identify further potential for optimisation. In the coming months, BMW’s focus will be on refining processes, based on the insights gained. Such optimisation could be crucial, as BMW is aiming for Neue Klasse BEVs to reach margin parity with its ICE vehicles as they step up to full production.
During the test phase, new staff will also undergo intensive training on the installations and machinery. Close co-operation across all areas of production will ensure operations are seamlessly integrated for a smooth and successful series launch, the firm promises.
While the first Neue Klasse models will be made in Hungary, its supply chain will encompass other BMW facilities, such as its Landschut plant in Germany that will make the central housings of electric drive units for the new vehicles.
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