BMW executives 'to join' Tencent-backed electric-car startup

(Agencies) Updated: 2016-04-20 07:58

Benoit Jacob.[Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Future Mobility, which also counts dealership group China Harmony New Energy Auto Holding Ltd as a shareholder, is one of the several electric-vehicle startups getting backed by technology companies in China as the government seeks more innovation within its auto industry. Policymakers have also earmarked new-energy vehicles, the government's term for plug-in and fully electric autos, as a strategic, emerging industry for support.

Michael Rebstock, a spokesman for BMW, declined to comment. A representative for Future Mobility, and Canny Lo, a spokeswoman for Tencent, did not respond to e-mailed requests for comment about the hires. Abendroth and Wenders said in e-mails that they're joining Future Mobility, while Benoit did not immediately reply.