Its not always easy to get people to adapt and accept advancements in technology and transport. While hybrid technology has been around for roughly 2 decades now, hybrid cars have always been regarded as weak and aimed more at the tree-hugger than the hot-blooded enthusiast. But with the launch of the i8, BMW hoped to change that sentiment and make hybrids a little more appealing in a sporty context.
Guests at The Peninsula Shanghai can now experience the excitement of the BMW i8 for themselves after the five-star hotel added the award winning, innovative sports car to its fleet. This is a further step in the BMW Group’s strategy to encourage sustainable mobility and is being fully supported by The Peninsula, Shanghai which has installed public charging stations compatible with all electric cars standardized for China.
The move is part of the BMW Group’s efforts actively to promote electric mobility in China and comes after the company handed over a BMW i3 to the Kempinski Hotel Beijing last year. The BMW Group also encourages the construction of public charging networks in China by working with major Chinese state and local enterprises such as the State Grid, Shanghai Electric Power, Expo Shanghai Group, Vanke Group and Swire Group. Private customers are also being assisted to make the change to electric driving, as free BMW i wall-boxes, including installation, are being offered to the first BMW i customers. BMW i authorized dealers are obliged to make sure all BMW i customers have adequate access to a charging point.
Rolls-Royce, BMW and MINI vehicles are used as limousine service cars at each of The Peninsula Hotels worldwide; the addition of BMW i to the line-up underlines the continuing successful partnership between BMW Group and the luxury hotel group.