BMW Group (BMWG:XETRA Level 1)

BMW Group has given the approval to a project to produce a super-luxury version of the MINI Cooper, at its Goodwood factory. The company's management will approve the MINI-Rolls-Royce collaboration in the coming weeks.

Bavarian Motor Works AG is delaying the United States launch of its new X3 Sports Utility Vehicle. The X3 was to arrive at United States dealerships in late 2010 as a 2011 model. The automaker is delaying the launch of the model because of a new custom ordering system the company is launching with the X3.

BMW and its partner Brilliance Automotive Holdings are set to invest around EUR 560 million or $840 million to increase capacity at their BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture in China. The companies reported that they had signed a memorandum of understanding for a new plant at the JV's existing Shenyang site. Construction work is set to begin in 2010, with production at the facility finally due to start in early 2012. The JV also confirmed that it will raise capacity at its current facility from 41,000 units per annum to 75,000 upa. Following completion of the second facility, the JV's total production capacity in the country will rise to 100,000 upa. This additional capacity will require the creation of a further 1,000 jobs at Shenyang, lifting the JV's overall headcount to around 4,300.