BMW’s head of product management for front-wheel drive vehicles, Frank Niederlaender, told Automotive News Europe that the company estimates around 75 percent of BMW 2 Series Active Tourer customers will be first-time BMW buyers.
“We are expecting the Active Tourer will have a conquest rate of around 75 percent,” said Frank Niederlaender, head of product management for BMW’s lower model range.
BMW’s first minivan and front-wheel drive vehicle will help lure to the marque younger families, who often stay customers of the brand as they get older. BMW also forecasts demand for luxury compact cars like the Active Tourer will grow faster over the next 10 years than for the overall premium market.
BMW will offer three gasoline and three diesels engines to European customers for the model. The 2-series Active Tourer will go on sale in Europe in September with prices starting at 27,200 euros in Germany. The model launches in China in January and in the United States early next year.
TEST DRIVE: BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
The topic of a BMW-like feel and drive has come up during the interview. Niederlaender said developing a minivan that is sporty enough for the brand despite the lack of rear-wheel drive was significantly easier because of the know-how gained from group’s smaller Mini brand. “Through Mini we have more than 10 years experience with front-wheel-drive cars,” Niederlaender said.
The five-seater 2 Series Active Tourer launched in Austria this month is the first of its kind. A seven seater 2 Series Active Tourer will be unveiled at the Paris Auto Show in October.
BMW will offer three gasoline and three diesels engines to European customers for the model. The 2-series Active Tourer will go on sale in Europe in September with prices starting at 27,200 euros in Germany. The model launches in China in January and in the United States early next year
