German car maker BMW has confirmed it's planning to make more extensive use of lightweight carbon-fibre in future models.
A company spokesman says BMW has more carbon-parts models in the pipeline to join the new i3 electric runabout and the plug-in hybrid i8 sportscar.
The Munich manufacturer says orders for both cars are strong.
The news has boosted the value of shares in BMW partner company SGL Carbon which makes parts from carbon-fibre composite materials.
Although labour-intensive to produce, carbon-fibre is much lighter than steel and aluminium, enabling cars which weigh less and are more frugal on fuel.
A report in Germany's Handelsblatt economic daily says BMW and the SGL Group plan to invest more than 100 million euros ($A152.33 million) to double carbon-fibre production in the United States from 3000 to 6000 tonnes annually.
Spokesmen from BMW and SGL Carbon spokesmen say separately production is being expanded to tackle the expected higher demand for carbon fibres.
