BMW cuts ribbon on upgraded R&D center in Incheon

BMW has opened an $8.7 billion expansion of its research and development center in Incheong, Gyeonggi.

From left, Bernd Korber, senior vice president of brand and product management for BMW, Jean-Philippe Parain, senior vice president at BMW Group Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa, Oh Sang-ho, head of Korea Land & Housing Corporation Cheongna Yeongjong office, Lee Yong-woo, a lawmaker-elect representing Incheon’s Seo-B constituency, Jochen Goller, member of the BMW Group Board of Management for customer, brand and sales, Yoo Jung-bok, mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City, Yun Won-sok, commissioner of Incheon Free Economic Zone, Daniel Bottger, senior vice president of development total vehicle of BMW Group, Han Sang-yun, CEO of BMW Group Korea, Suk Sang-woo, president of Dongsung Motors, an authorized dealer of BMW, participate at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of BMW's opening of an upgraded R&D center in Cheongna, Incheon, on Monday. [BMW KOREA]

INCHEON — BMW has opened an upgraded research and development (R&D) center in Incheon on Monday, with a pledge to better cater to the taste of Koreans, its fifth biggest market in the world.

Korea is also one of only five countries outside of Europe where BMW operates a research facility. The German automaker invested a total of 12 billion won ($8.7 million) to expand the center, previously built in its driving center in Incheon in 2015.

BMW's upgraded R&D center in Incheon [BMW KOREA]

"When it comes to cutting-edge technology, Korea plays a leading role," said Jochen Goller, member of the BMW Group Board of Management for Customer, Brand and Sales, during an opening ceremony in Cheongna, Incheon on Monday.

"As Korea stands out as a key market for the BMW Group, ranking as the fifth largest market last year, we will continue to invest in providing top-notch products and services tailored to our Korean customers."

The upgraded center on a 5,296-square-meter (57,000-square-foot) site includes testing laboratories that can accommodate up to 16 cars and a certification space to monitor compliance with Korea's car regulations and policies. It is also equipped with office space for 50 employees and a testing area that develops the best infotainment system and EV charger for Korean drivers.

BMW's upgraded R&D center includes a laboratory that tests up to 16 vehicles. [BMW KOREA]

BMW aims to cooperate with various tech startups and universities for technological development and prototypes design for future models.

For instance, the automaker recently introduced a Korea-exclusive navigation service co-developed with TMAP, the most favored navigation app for Korean drivers.

"The BMW Group R&D Center in Korea will play a pivotal role in enhancing the products and services offered to our Korean customers, developing future technologies and supporting the collaboration between the BMW Group and its Korean partners, as well as bolstering the expansion of local homegrown ventures on the global stage," said Daniel Böttger, senior vice president of development total vehicle of BMW Group. “We are looking forward to your keen interest in the various efforts that BMW Group Korea is undertaking for the Korean market."

A hydrogen fuel cell-powered prototype is displayed at the R&D center. [BMW KOREA]

In 2023 alone, the auto group purchased components worth 6.5 trillion won, up 25 percent on year, from Korean suppliers including Samsung SDI, Samsung Display and Hankook Tire.

BMW sold a total of 74,608 units in Korea last year, becoming the No. 1 imported brand as it beat Mercedes-Benz for the first time in eight years.

The country was the fifth largest market for BMW after China, the United States, Germany and France. In terms of sales of its 5 Series, Korea is the No. 1 market while it is second for 6 Series cars.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]