BMW scouting location for ‘driving park’ and racing circuit

BMW Group Korea is going to build a “driving park” featuring a racing circuit in the country, Kim Hyo-joon, CEO and president of the company, said yesterday in Seoul.

Kim said the company will build the facility spanning 132,000 square meters (32.6 acres) with straight courses as long as 1 kilometer (3,280 feet). It is currently looking for sites, he added.

The venue will operate 50 vehicles, including BMWs and Minis, giving visitors the chance to take them for a spin, Kim said.

When asked about the Fair Trade Commission’s probe into the pricing structure of import cars, Kim said, “The questions relating to the distribution and pricing of foreign automobiles and components will be answered through the investigation. This will be an opportunity to solidify customers’ trust in our brand.”

The FTC recently requested information over pricing decisions in different distribution channels for imports of vehicles made by BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen and Lexus. Kim’s press meeting was held after the launch of the new BMW 3-Series sedans. He said the company aims to sell 33,000 cars and motorbikes this year in Korea, up 15 percent from 2011.

Kim said there is a waiting list of 1,000 people for the new 3-Series and the company can import 5,000 units this year. It will introduce its i8 and i3 electric cars to Korea this year, followed by the i3 in 2014, it said.