Subscribe
Newsletters

BMW limits carbon fiber use to protect profits

Carbon fiber is used in the passenger frame for the BMW i3 electric car, pictured, and BMW i8 plug-in hybrid supercar. (BLOOMBERG)
ET
By:
Edward Taylor and Alexandria Sage
October 28, 2016 05:00 AM

LANDSHUT, Germany -- BMW Group is limiting its use of costly carbon fiber and turning to cheaper lightweight materials such as aluminum and steel for its biggest-selling cars to keep profit margins high.

Featured Stories

Manufacturing
Tariffs explained: How Trump’s duties affect the global auto industry

Tariffs that the Trump administration has imposed over the past few months have shaken the auto industry, pushing manufacturers to rethink strategies and supply chains. Automotive News breaks down everything you need to know about the tariff impact on the industry.

Tariffs explained: How Trump’s duties affect the global auto industry
Sales
Hyundai, Kia post more U.S. sales gains as retail volume holds steady in wake of tariffs
DP
By:
David Phillips
Hyundai, Kia post more U.S. sales gains as retail volume holds steady in wake of tariffs
Toyota
Toyota, Akio Toyoda make $33 billion bid to take key group supplier private
HG
By:
Hans Greimel
|
NO
By:
Naoto Okamura
Toyota, Akio Toyoda make $33 billion bid to take key group supplier private
Mobility
Waymo leads autonomy race, but Tesla could quickly close gap in competition of ‘heavyweights’
PB
By:
Pete Bigelow
Waymo leads autonomy race, but Tesla could quickly close gap in competition of ‘heavyweights’

Latest News

Toyota, Akio Toyoda make $33 billion bid to take key group supplier private
Hyundai, Kia post more U.S. sales gains as retail volume holds steady in wake of tariffs
Tariffs explained: How Trump’s duties affect the global auto industry
Tesla’s Europe sales slump continues but new Model Y boosts Norway deliveries
Staying current is easy with newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.

See More in Newsletters

Register for the Automotive News Congress, Sept. 10-11, in Detroit
Register for the Automotive News Europe Congress, June 11-12, in Turin
Guest commentary: For Akio Toyoda’s sake, he must listen to Toyota’s dissatisfied shareholders and reform strategy
Top 5 stories of the week: Women in auto; Birchwood’s latest buy; GM improves profit; more
Staying current is easy with newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.