Power generation from in-house wind energy and the use of green hydrogen are just two of the many things that make the BMW Group plant in Leipzig particularly sustainable. In the future, the new MINI Countryman – with both electric and combustion engine options – will be produced at this automotive factory, which is one of the most modern and eco-friendly ones worldwide. Therefore, the locally emission-free all-rounder is an excellent fit for that production site. As the company's pilot project for establishing a "green plant," a long-term, sustainable strategy for energy generation and consumption comes into play here. "The new all-electric MINI Countryman demonstrates what the brand stands for: an electrified go-kart feeling and a strong focus on a minimal environmental footprint," says Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI. 

As mentioned above, sustainability is in the genes of Plant Leipzig. Part of the energy required for automotive production can be generated by four wind turbines 190 meters high directly on the Leipzig plant site. In 2021, 21.9 GWh of electricity was generated from wind power, which is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of over 5,000 3-person households. "Our Leipzig vision is the complete decarbonization of production by replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen. At the BMW Group plant in Leipzig, we are the first automotive plant in the world to use a newly developed burner technology in our paint shop that can use green hydrogen instead of natural gas," says plant director Petra Peterhaensel. Hydrogen has already been used in plant logistics since 2013. Today, five hydrogen filling stations provide energy for over 130 fuel cell-powered industrial trucks, the largest fleet in Germany. The perfect conditions to build cars for a green future here.

The plant in Leipzig not only focuses on the manufacturing of vehicles but also pushes the production of e-components forward. Therefore, the BMW Group is expanding its capacities for e-component production at the Leipzig site by adding eight production lines by 2024, and investing more than 800 million euros. The future production area of 150,000 square meters, where e-components will be manufactured, represents a sustainable investment in the future viability of the Leipzig plant.

Leading the transformation of the production plant in Leipzig towards more electromobility and sustainable production of both e-components and entire vehicles are plant director Petra Peterhaensel, and Sonja Hengstler, project manager for the new MINI Countryman. A core workforce of 5,600 employees produces around 1,000 vehicles daily, including the new models of MINI Countryman. Its particularly flat high-voltage battery, which offers additional space and greater comfort, will be produced at the at the BMW Group Plant Leipzig as well.