BMW to Build Electric Car in Leipzig, Germany

MUNICH, GERMANY - The BMW Group announced Feb. 22 the company plans to build its Megacity electric vehicle in a plant in Leipzig, Germany. 

Other plants in Germany will produce parts for the vehicle as well. Locations include Landshut and Wackersdorf. 

"The BMW Group will build the car of the future in Leipzig with high-tech innovations from Bavaria," said Norbert Reithofer, chairman of BMW AG. "The main reasons behind this decision are the qualities that Germany has to offer: We have a tried-and-true production network here and high levels of education and outstanding competencies at our disposal." 

A commercial launch for the electric vehicle is expected in 2012 or 2013. The Megacity EV is designed to appeal to urban commuters.