OREANDA-NEWS. The BMW Group is partnering with logistics company SCHERM Group to deploy a 40-ton pure-electric truck in the city this summer and become the first automobile manufacturer in Germany to use an electric truck of this size to transport materials on public roads.

The innovative traction vehicle, which is licensed for use on public roads, will be deployed as of this summer for just-in-time material transport over short distances. The electric truck will drive between the logistics company SCHERM Group and the BMW Group Plant Munich eight times a day, covering a distance of almost two kilometres one-way. Thanks to its alternative drive train, the truck is quiet, CO2-free in traffic and generates virtually no particle pollution for the environment. This is also reflected in the vehicle’s overall assessment in comparison with a truck with diesel engine: The environmentally friendly truck will generate 11.8 tons less CO2 per year – equivalent to a BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics driving almost three times around the world.

“Just under two years ago, our BMW i brand put sustainable mobility on the road. This pure electric truck signals that we are constantly working on innovative solutions and tackling logistics challenges,” says Hermann Bohrer, director of BMW Group Plant Munich. “We are therefore delighted with the cooperation with SCHERM.”

The BMW Group and SCHERM Group are investing a six-figure amount in the pilot project, which will initially span one year. If the vehicle proves itself in everyday driving conditions, both partners will seek to expand the project.

“After a long search, we have found an electro-mobility solution for the transport sector,” explains Rainer Zoellner, “e-truck” project manager at SCHERM Group. “We are certain to gain valuable experience with the BMW Group from this pilot project.”

The BMW Group pursues a holistic approach focused on implementing sustainability throughout the value chain. In addition to future-oriented mobility solutions, issues such as corporate environmental protection, efficient use of resources and reduction of CO2 emissions are firmly rooted in company strategy. Since 2014, the BMW Group has sourced more than half its global electricity needs from renewables.

SCHERM Group is an international systems provider offering solutions for the logistics, transport, real estate and service sectors. As a provider of services for the entire value chain, the company employs a workforce of around 2,000 employees at 14 locations and on a mobile basis in around 500 company-owned trucks. Sustainability is an important factor the company has defined as a fundamental value.

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2014, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.118 million cars and 123,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2014 was approximately € 8.71 billion on revenues amounting to € 80.40 billion. As of 31 December 2014, the BMW Group had a workforce of 116,324 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.