BMW'S US chief has confirmed that the German manufacturer will build an upmarket off-road vehicle at its American factory. Speaking at the Detroit Motor Show, BMW USA chairman Henrich Heitmann offered few details about the new vehicle, but said it would hit the market in 1999.

A BMW UK spokesman said information about the newcomer was limited, but stressed that the manufacturer was developing a sports activity vehicle rather than a traditional off-roader. He said BMW was trying to create a new niche rather than compete head-on with Land Rover, and added that it was too early to say whether the new vehicle would be available in Britain.