The global trend of falling prices for oil and oil products may be the most serious barrier to the development of the electric segment of the market. Such concerns were shared in an interview with Bloomberg, Vice President of BMW sales and marketing Ian Robertson, explaining that if the current trend continues, sales of electric cars in some countries may not only stop growing, but also be reduced.
First of all, of course, the top Manager was referring to the US, where at the moment the retail price of gasoline has fallen to less than $ 2 per gallon (about 34.5 rubles per liter at today's exchange rate). This is 40% less than a year ago, and, of course, considerations of fuel economy begin to play for Americans increasingly lesser role when choosing a car.
Robertson believes that possible scenario, diametrically opposite the oil crisis 1973 year: then, embargo, Arab countries and a fourfold increase in oil prices put an end to an entire American civilization engines. Now, he says, we are seeing a shift of the demand towards cars with large engines. It is interesting to note, by the way, that the recently announced Infiniti electrical project collapsed LE for the same reason — because of lower oil prices.
However, BMW is not going to refuse neither the electricity from the ruler i nor from other developments (for example, the planned hybrid X 5). Robertson recalled that apart from oil conjuncture there are increased environmental regulations, and the obligation to respect them will force car manufacturers to continue to green development. It seems we are witnessing a strategy by hook or by crook in action: If the world wants to buy electric cars just have to take his choice.