According to the China Car TImes, "Zhi Nuo" translates into
"The Promise", which will be the name of a new joint venture between BMW and China's Brilliance car company.
They expect the new Zhi Nuo cars to be based on existing BMW platforms, namely the E90 3-Series. Chinese media are basing their reports on registration data about a new brand which was established jointly composited with simultaneously floating rumors about an E90 3-series and X1 platformed car to be used by a new joint brand. No official announcement has been made as of yet, but all eyes are on the upcoming Shanghai autoshow for more details.
BMW has apparently already revealed the plans for its sub brand to dealers in China in order to gain feedback on the idea and with a hint that they would try to sell the cars through an independent sales network.
Source:
China Car Times