BMW Won't Build Concept CS

Thanks in no small part to disappointing third-quarter earnings and turbulent economic trends, BMW canceled plans to put the stunning Concept CS sedan in production.

The CS, originally shown at the 2007 Shanghai motor show, would have been a premium luxury sedan like the 7-series, but with a sportier touch. Had it reached production, it possibly could have spelled the revival of the 8-series moniker (dead since 1998) and competed with other sports-luxury sedans like the Maserati Quattroporte and the Mercedes-Benz CLS.

Yet in an effort to further reduce its overhead costs and aim for profitability, the CS program was nixed, mostly because management felt it would be near-impossible to make money on such a vehicle.

"At the moment we do not need that kind of brand shaper," said BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer.

Instead, money that could have pushed the CS into factories and showrooms is instead being used on investing in future technologies. One example lies with the Project i, which has birthed the Mini E electric vehicle and promises to spawn ecologically-friendly city cars.

Posted in: BMW