BMW Ponders Venture with China’s Great Wall Motor

BMW AG is studying the idea of launching a carmaking venture in Changshu, China, with Great Wall Motor Co., sources tell Reuters.

The venture apparently would be created to build electric vehicles. BMW declined to comment but emphasized that the development of its existing venture with Brilliance China Automotive Holdings will “continue as planned.” That partnership (BMW Brilliance Automotive) currently makes only piston-powered vehicles.

Carmakers are under intense pressure from China’s central government to dramatically increase their sale of plug-in hybrid and all-electric cars to 25% by 2025. Several companies, including Daimler, Ford and Volkswagen, have already formed EV ventures in the country.