The joint venture became the first-mover in China's premium e-mobility market. The local brand's first product, the fully-electric compact SUV Zinoro 1E, has been available through a high-end rental business model since 2013.

Wieland said: "BMW Brilliance is the only car manufacturer with experience of building four premium new energy models, covering both battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. We are at the forefront of China's electric future.

"Undoubtedly, BMW Brilliance is playing a pioneering role in shaping the future of e-mobility."

E-mobility eco system

After localizing the production of five BMW models, peerless in their categories in terms of both quality and sustainability, the premium carmaker expanded its research and development center in China with a view to taking new energy vehicle and battery development to new levels. Wieland noted: "BMW Brilliance will become the first premium manufacturer to own a high-voltage battery assembly line in China this year."

BMW Brilliance has made significant investments with lithium power battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd to design and produce battery cells with cutting-edge Industrial 4.0 technologies.

Putting itself at the forefront of battery technology production and manufacturing, BMW Brilliance is also fully committed to the Chinese new energy vehicle industry, and takes great pride in making new and valuable contributions to the sector, according to Wieland.

BMW Brilliance is also the first premium manufacturer to heavily invest in charging infrastructure and plans to increase its number of networked public charging pillars from the current 1,500 to 2,500 nationwide in 2017.

The e-mobility eco system not only covers crucial battery research and development and a constantly enlarged charging network, but also makes battery recycling a critical part of BMW Brilliance's plan for full sustainability, thanks to its collaboration with Hunan Brunp Recycling Technology Co.

"BMW Brilliance shows its total commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development through its focus on recycling," said Yu Haijun, vice-president of Brunp Recycling.

"We are currently the industry leader (for recycling) in China," he added, as Brunp and BMW Brilliance have achieved a 98.5 percent recycling rate, well above the national standard of 95 percent.

Despite being a relatively new player, Zinoro has already achieved a lot in promoting a green city lifestyle, said Martijn Oremus, head of brand management for Zinoro and new energy vehicles at BMW Brilliance.

Yu Xinmin, a new energy vehicle expert, told the audience at the launching event: "It is BMW Brilliance who led the establishment and development of the new energy vehicle industrial chain. And only an extremely responsible company shoulders the duty of building a complete eco system."

The Zinoro 60H

Size: 4,582/1,820/1,609 mm, 2,780 mm wheelbase

Front engine: 1.5L turbocharged petrol, 6-speed automatic transmission, 100 kW, 220 Nm

Rear electric motor: 10.7 kWh net capacity, 70 kW, 165 Nm

Power: 385 Nm peak torque, 170 kW max output

Speed: 0-100 km/h in 7.4 secs, 190 km/h top

Economy: 1.8 liters/100 km

Cruising range: 60 km full electric, 630 km combined with 35 liters of fuel

Recharge: Fully charged in 3.7 hours with 220V/16A wall-box, 80 percent in under 3 hours

Energy management: Auto EV, Max EV, Save Battery modes

Driving control: Sport, Comfort, Eco-Pro modes, intelligent All-Wheel-Drive

Exterior: Panoramic sunroof, automatic LED headlights, 17-inch wheel rims

Comfort: Dakota leather seats, heated seats for driver and front passenger, leather-covered multi-function steering wheel, automatic rear door, High-Efficiency Particular Air filter, dual-zone air conditioning

Entertainment: Zinoro Control dial, 6.5-inch display, 6 speakers, hi-fi system

Connectivity: Navigation system, connected driving services and online news, real-time traffic information, trip consultant services, emergency calls, teleservices

Services: 8-year or 120,000 km worry-free warranty for battery, free wall-box and installation, 1,000-yuan BMW ChargeNow prepaid card