UPDATE 4/15/13: According to
Leftlanenews, a leaked document reveals that the official English name of this new joint brand is called "
Zinoro" (which, not surprisingly, sounds like an English variation on "Zhi Nuo" (the Chinese name of the new brand)). The Zinoro models are expected to be green entry-level vehicles which will slot in under the MINI brand.
We recently reported on a new joint venture between BMW and China's Brilliance car company, called "Zhi Nuo" (which translates into "The Promise") [
more details]. This new brand name will be introduced at the Shanghai auto show later this month and will build its cars in China upon the E90 3 Series and X1 platform. Under Chinese law, foreign automakers wishing to manufacture cars in China must partner with a domestic company.
Under the joint venture, BMW has the right to export cars produced under the co-brand. According to
Autonews, BMW is now considering exporting the Zhi Nuo built models outside of China, and not just to emerging markets. Mature markets such as Europe have not been ruled out, says Ian Robertson, head of sales and marketing of BMW Group.
No specific target export markets have yet been announced, but it will be interesting to see if these Chinese produced cars indeed make it to leading markets such as Europe and/or North America.