No successor for BMW's two-wheeled hybrid

BMW has announced that its two-wheeled hybrid, the C1, is not to have a successor.

With this decision BMW is putting the lid on the speculations about the C1s future.

BMW says that analyses carried out with regard to the model decisions for the years to come, show that the necessary sales volume cannot be achieved.

Whiles sales of the current C1 were at 10,600 units in the year 2001, the sales figures for 2002 are still below expectations.

The German marque says that prognoses show that the total sales targets for the C1 will not be achieved.

The manufacturer is starting talks with its production partners about how production volume can be adapted to "the discernable reduced demand".

Here in Ireland the C1 only started selling a year ago. Due to its unique shape BMW had applied for a helmet exemption. The failure to get such an exemption has certainly curtailed sales.

Michael Nugent, general manager of sales and marketing at Motor Import, says that last year's sales estimates are 25 units and about 20 units have been sold to date this year, largely in cities.

According to Nugent, the C1 is increasingly attractive to commuters in towns and cities who want to get through traffic but, due to safety concerns many not be interested in buying a motorcycle.

The news does not spell the demise of the C1 as we know it and itwill remain a component in the product range of the BMW Group beyond 2003.