BMW may launch an environmentally focussed brand separate to its BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce marques.

Stefan Kraus, BMW sales and marketing director, told Automotive News: "We cannot take the blue out of BMW and change it to green. Maybe we could add a fourth brand."

BMW already has its Efficient Dynamics programme which includes engine stop/start, regenerative braking and aerodynamic aids which it could include on the new models. But BMW may be considering more extreme efficiency technologies and vehicle types for its new green brand which would not sit within the BMW or Mini brands.

The new brand, which is currently unnamed, will help improve BMW’s average carbon dioxide emissions for its entire portfolio of models.