EEV tax breaks for BMW ActiveHybrids as well
If you’ve bought a BMW ActiveHybrid 3 or ActiveHybrid 5 recently and paid the launch prices of RM538,800 or RM648,800 respectively, you might want to skip the following piece. The rest of you who have not, however, might want to read on as both models will now enjoy special exemptions in the Government’s efforts to promote Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV).
The current framework in place offers hybrid-powered vehicles with engines displacing less than 2,000cc full exemption of taxes and duties, which means that the 3.0-litre N55 engine that forms the combustion half of BMW’s hybrid propulsion system actually does not qualify for the exemptions, regardless how efficient BMW says it is.
Most countries seeking to promote eco-friendly motoring offer incentives based on fuel consumption and/or carbon emission ratings. Ever since 2009, BMW has been lobbying hard for the Government to extend its eco-vehicle incentives to encompass its line-up of diesel models which are known to offer exceptional fuel economy that rival the best hybrids.
The company has been engaging the authorities in constant dialogue, continuously making the case for eco vehicles to be classified as such based on emissions and not displacement. Although the diesel models that the company remain so fiercely proud of remain excluded, some headway has been made, as the Government has agreed, on a special case basis, to grant the ActiveHybrid 3 and ActiveHybrid 5 reduction of import and excise duties by 50% each. (Lexus and Infiniti should consider trying their luck too.)
As a result, prices of both models have been slashed by RM140k and RM150k respectively, with the ActiveHybrid 3 now going for RM398,800 and the ActiveHybrid 5 now priced at RM498,800, both prices on-the-road without insurance. These prices are even lower than the 335i (RM488,800) and 535i (RM598,800), both operating the same 3.0-litre N55 engine, but without the electric motor’s boost.
In both vehicles, the N55’s 306hp and 400Nm combines with the electric motor’s 55hp and 210Nm to deliver a net system output of 340hp and 450Nm. The ActiveHybrid 3 consumes an average 5.9 l/100km in the European test cycle emitting 139 g/km of carbon dioxide. Meanwhile, the ActiveHybrid 5 puts out slightly bigger numbers of 6.8 l/100km and 160 g/km.
Dr. Gerhard Pils, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Malaysia said, “We are grateful that the Malaysian government have extended the Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV) incentives to include our BMW ActiveHybrid vehicles. This positive step will not only support the growing interest and demand for sustainable technology in the country, but encourage more early adopters of green technology in the automotive industry.”
“We hope that the steps taken towards encouraging the implementation of advanced green technology in the automotive industry will help the country to be on par with their neighbouring counterparts, and be more competitive on a global scale. The government’s long stated intention of introducing Euro IV specification for fuel for instance, is a critical step towards the country’s evolution into an actual green technology advocate. It is our hope that the government’s next focus will be to support alternative engine technologies that are readily available today.” said Dr. Pils.
BMW Group Malaysia also recently announced that they have delivered a grand total of 6,988 vehicles in the country as of 2012, an increase of 13% compared to the same period in 2011, thus cementing its position as the number one premium automaker in Malaysia. The BMW network of dealerships has also grown steadily to 24 dealerships throughout the country comprising of 16 BMW dealerships, four MINI dealerships and four BMW Motorrad dealerships.
“The solid performance in 2012 was a historic milestone for BMW Group Malaysia, having exceeded benchmarks in all areas of the business. As we enter our 10th year in Malaysia, we have recently launched our 4th locally assembled model- the BMW X3 at our Kulim plant facility. In light of this, and with other key activities lined up for this year, we are confident that we will continue to reinforce our number one position in the premium automotive segment.” said Dr. Pils.
Looking forward, BMW Group Malaysia is confident in its commitment to introducing the full range of its hybrid variants to Malaysian consumers, and the next phase of the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy will begin with the market introduction of the new BMW ActiveHybrid 7 later in the year.
