BMW has purchased a 15.16 percent stake in SGL Carbon SE (SGL Gourp).  Currently, BMW and SGL Carbon operate a joint venture called SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers of which 51 percent is owned by BMW, while SGL Group owns the remaining 49 percent.

According to Friedrich Eichiner, the man in charge of finance on BMW’s Board of Management siad, ““Lightweight construction will play an increasingly important role in the automobile industry in the future. Our stake-holding in the SGL Group is a logical step that will further strengthen our successful cooperation.”  Even though BMW has now taken a stake in SGL Group, they will not pursue a seat on the company’s Supervisory Board.

SGL is now preparing to strengthen its focus on the use of carbon composites and carbon fiber reinforced plastics in cars.  The new BMW i3 and i8 will use carbon fiber reinforced body panels produced by the venture.  Due out in 2013, the i3 represents BMW’s first electric vehicle.

Source:  BMW