Alpina could launch a hybrid model, according to the firm’s CEO - but only when BMW makes a suitable car on which to base it.
The small Bavarian manufacturer, whose cars are built on the main BMW production line, has enjoyed sales success with diesel models recently. However, the increasing success of hybrids and pure electric vehicles such as the Tesla Model S has forced Alpina to consider introducing a hybrid model.
Speaking at the firm’s recent 50th birthday celebrations, CEO Andy Bovensiepen said: “Hybrid technology is advancing quickly. We’re now seeing what I’d call ‘second-generation’ hybrids and EVs, like the BMW i8, and it’s becoming more interesting.
“The thing we have to remember is that our customers like to drive quickly and they also buy our cars to be used daily. And hybrid technology hasn’t been good enough for that up to now. The danger is that the car is terrific for 200 miles, but then the small battery runs out and for the rest of the journey you have a disappointing drive.
“If we have a good technical base of a car from BMW and we also see the sales figures taking off, then we could have a car ready within two years.”
Bovensiepen also said Alpina would continue to look at alternative fossil fuels, including LPG, as well as hybrid applications.
“We can’t forget our six-cylinder petrol engine,” he said. “Sure, we have strong demand for diesel, but the gains in petrol engines have been very strong as well.”
Read more:
Celebrating 50 years of Alpina
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