German luxury automaker BMW is already world-famous for its ability to consistently deliver beautiful and technologically innovative cars. But recently, it added yet another feather to its cap when Kevin Coon, Vice President, BMW Group Importer Office – Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan handed the keys of an all-new BMW 740e plug-in hybrid to Dieter Lamlé, German Consul General to Hong Kong & Macau at an exclusive ceremony in the brand’s Wan Chai showroom.
Following a round of celebratory photo-taking, we sat down with Coon and Lamlé to find out more about Germany’s legendary automotive industry and Hong Kong’s own love affair with their beautifully manufactured vehicles.
What do you think is the reputation of German cars in Hong Kong?
German Consul General Hong Kong & Macau Lamlé: I believe Hong Kong absolutely loves German cars, especially when you look at the figures. 75% of all premium cars found in the city are German. I think Hongkongers feel a connection to our innovative designs, precision engineering and, of course, the high build quality.
What made you decide on the BMW 740e Plug-in Hybrid as your new car?
Lamlé: As the German Consul, I have to showcase German products and our country’s latest technological developments. The automotive industry is the backbone of the German economy, and we are the third largest automaker in the world, behind China and the US.
Having said that, my predecessor also previously owned a BMW, a i3 electric car, but as my family moved to Hong Kong with me, I needed a bigger car. I wanted to stay within the BMW family as an outstanding German automotive brand, and so I opted for the new BMW 740e plug-in hybrid. (The Federal Government uses the full range of German automobiles for their embassies and consulates world-wide.)
Why did you opt for a plug-in hybrid instead of a non-electric car?
Lamlé: Honestly, when you’re driving the electric car, you can barely tell the difference in performance as compared to a more traditional model. But going electric is not just the environmentally-friendly choice, it also promotes a lifestyle that is linked with the interconnectivity of a ‘Smart City’, which is where the future is heading.
Do you think electric cars are the way of the future?
Kevin Coon, Vice President, BMW Group Importer Office – Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan: Absolutely. In terms of BMW, itself, last year we sold a little over 100,000 electrified cars – which includes both full-electric and hybrid motors. This year we’re looking at an increase up to 150,000 units, which by the end of 2019 is forecast to reach over half a million electrified cars around the world.
What do you think is the next step forward for BMW?
Coon: In response to the rise of electric cars and the Smart City, BMW has invested significant resources to developing what we call ACES (Autonomous, Connected, Electric, Shared) technologies. Already, cars have become giant mobile devices, connected to satellites and the internet for up-to-date information relay, and it will only continue to be more and more so. We hope to remain at the cutting edge of that transformation.
BMW has also just unveiled its iNext concept car, which is a prototype autonomous vehicle that’s currently touring the world, which is very exciting. We’ve also launched the new 5 series which now has some of these autonomous driving features, and are currently working with the government to bring more of these technologies to the city since automated driving hasn’t really taken off here yet.
Thank you.
Interview by: Tenzing Thondup