BMW highlights sustainable luxury at summit

The fourth BMW Group China Sustainability Summit was held in Beijing on Thursday, which focused on color, material and finishing design to highlight the German premium automaker's commitment to responsible luxury and sustainable practices.

Experts from BMW's research and development, production and after-sales services elaborated on how the company creates value for customers with reduced environmental damage through innovative methods at this year's summit.

On the day prior to the summit, the carmaker released the China Sustainability Report 2023, which is in its 11th consecutive year.

The report underscores BMW's commitment to green development, detailing progress in sustainable initiatives across areas such as product innovation, customer services, intelligent manufacturing, low-carbon supply chains and corporate social responsibility.

One example is that the carmaker has significantly enhanced its water resource efficiency.

Its Chinese joint venture BMW Brilliance has reduced per-unit water consumption in production for six consecutive years to 1.72 cubic meters per unit, down from 2.47 cu m in 2018.

Sean Green, president and CEO of BMW Group Region China, said that despite market pressures, its environmental aims endure. He affirmed BMW's commitment, alongside its dealerships, to promote sustainable development.

In response to the recent announcement by BMW dealers to increase product prices following a significant drop, Green said that these pricing adjustments were decided by the dealers in reaction to market shifts.

The previous price decline had resulted in decreased profits for dealers, prompting their decision to withdraw from the ongoing price war in the Chinese auto market and focus on ensuring BMW's sustainable and resilient long-term growth, he added.