BMW to launch 8-series in upmarket strategy push

The new BMW 7 series car is pictured during the world premiere at the company’s headquarters in Munich, Germany, 10 June 2015 - Reuters/File photo

Frankfurt (Reuters): BMW said it will launch an 8-series model in 2018, reviving its upmarket coupe line as part of a broader strategic shift to focus on higher-margin sportscars rather than compact vehicles.

“The 8-series Coupe will debut next year,” Chief Executive Harald Krueger told shareholders at the company’s annual general meeting in Munich on Thursday.

“We are refreshing our entire product portfolio and strengthening the performance side. Our strategy will focus on the luxury segment, where there are margins to be earned,” Krueger said, adding that he aimed to increase revenues in the luxury segment “significantly” by 2020.