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BMW ‘i’ Brand 46 dealer network for i3 & i8

Each i-Brand centre will have specialist technical capabilities so they can work on the i range of cars and their high-voltage batteries, and BMW say there will also be a wider network for servicing and maintenance of their electric cars. The first of the -Brand cars to go on sale from BMW will be the city car i3 (which will also come with the option of a range extender engine to make it truly useful) later in 2013 followed by the i8 supercar. Prices are yet to be confirmed even for the i3, but we’re expecting the i3 to start around the £35k mark and the i8 – when it does arrive – costing something closing in on £100k.

Why carmakers say no to battery swapping

There's a strange disconnect surrounding Better Place, the company best known for its plan to extend the range of electric vehicles by relying on speedy battery swaps. Automotive executives are nearly unanimous in dismissing the idea. With the conspicuous exception of Nissan-Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn, rarely does an executive express interest.

Lancia to unveil its Chrysler-based flagship and a new Ypsilon

Lancia's Chrysler-based flagship likely will be called the Thema, company sources said. The sedan will debut alongside a new version of Lancia's best-selling model, the Ypsilon, at the Geneva auto show in March. The Ypsilon is key to Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne's plan to nearly triple Lancia sales in the next four years.