Manufacturing Today Issue - 226 July 2024 | Page 17

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Interview
We are strongly committed to our Paris Agreement
leap is now imminent : from 2025 onwards , there will be a Neue Klasse that will set new standards for digitalization , electrification and circularity . The Neue Klasse stands for the ongoing further development of the entire company : in production , in factory planning , and in the use of new materials and processes .
“ We are strongly committed to our Paris Agreement climate goals and electric vehicles are at the core of that strategy . Last year , we had more than 375,000 purely electric vehicles sold to our customers globally . Only Tesla sold more electric vehicles than us , and if you consider the premium market in which we operate , that is no mean feat .”
Likewise , BMW Group continues to explore new alternative technologies and the next generation of driving is already within view thanks to the latest global pilot project of the iX5 Hydrogen . Consisting of 100 vehicles , the fleet has been deployed across the globe with the purpose of demonstration and
trialing , giving the public a rare opportunity to experience the huge potential of hydrogen for themselves . Hydrogen is a versatile energy source that has a key role to play in the energy transition process and therefore in climate protection . The hydrogen fuel cell system is further proof of BMW Group ’ s leading development expertise in the field of electric drive technologies . BMW Group is systematically pushing forward with development of hydrogen fuel cell technology as an additional option for locally emissionfree individual mobility in the future .
“ Alongside being open to new technology ,” Michael concludes , “ I am strongly convinced that the key to success is flexibility and the ability to react to a changing marketplace . In this way , resilience and better change management are fostered . Over the course of a couple of years , market demands might change completely , and if you ’ re able to pivot accordingly , then that is indicative of a successful future .” ■
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