Shaping the Future. Fascination Innovation - Technology - Motorsport

1. Preface by Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Board Member BMW AG: Individual
Mobility, Dynamic Cars, Responsible Use of Resources - an Inevitable
Contradiction in Terms? 4 2. Shaping the Future. Fascination -
Innovation - Technology - Motorsport. (Summary) 6 3. Magnesium ? a
Material with Great Perspectives. BMW Group Developing the World's First
Composite Magnesium/Aluminium Crankcase. 10 4. CFP - another Material
with Great Perspectives. 15 5. Formula 1 Technology Cast in One Mould.
19 6. Lightweight Technology: Achieving the Right Ecological Balance.
23 7. Bringing Together Reality and the Virtual World: Augmented Reality
Setting New Horizons. 24 8. Keeping Your Distance the Comfortable Way:
ACC Active Cruise Control. 26 9. ACC Stop & Go: Active Cruise
Control for the Low Speed Range. 28 10. Talking Cars: Intelligent Cars
Exchanging Information by Themselves. 30 11. Efficient Dynamics: Up to
1,000 Nm Torque on 15% Less Fuel. 33 12. Miniature Head-Up Display:
Innovations in Formula 1 and Sailing. 35 13. BMW Motorsport: A Whole
Series of Victories - to the Benefit of Series Production. 37 14. A
Heritage of Innovation. 41 1. Individual Mobility, Dynamic Cars,
Responsible Use of Resources - an Inevitable Contradiction in Terms?
The automotive industry is facing a huge global challenge: to reduce
fuel consumption and minimise CO2 emissions accordingly. And
lightweight technology plays a key role in this context. The BMW Group
is developing new technologies, materials and processes in order to
further improve the efficiency and ecological balance of its cars,
whilst naturally maintaining the highest standard of customer benefits.
Following this underlying objective in our development activities, we
are able in the process to acquire valuable development, production and
process-related know-how. Strategic partnerships are of great
significance in this context, allowing us to use the most advanced and
latest technologies. And since there is no such thing as the
"ideal" all-round lightweight material, the BMW Group,
focusing on process dependability, product quality and economy, is
looking for intelligent combinations of metals and synthetic materials.
A good example of this development is the new BMW 5 Series Saloon with
its low-weight aluminium front section, another equally good example is
the roof of the BMW M3 CSL made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic. The
result in each case is greater fuel economy and enhanced driving
dynamics. And taking an entirely new approach also in engine
construction, we are introducing the world?s first composite
magnesium/aluminium crankcase. Preserving the individual's personal
mobility is just as important for a car maker, especially with traffic
volume growing the world over. Seeking to offer our customers BMW's
proverbial sheer driving pleasure also in future, we realise that we
must capitalise on the existing transport routes and network.
Accordingly, we are working on cars incorporating a multitude of
different sensors in order to detect current driving conditions and
exchange this information independently and directly with other
vehicles. Detecting traffic congestion or local hazards efficiently and
in good time in this process, these systems provide extra comfort,
greater efficiency, and enhanced safety on the road. We also derive
valuable synergies for developing new technologies from our broad-scale
involvement in motorsport, with the additional advantage of a positive,
dynamic image not only for the Company and our sporting success but
also for our customers. And last but not least, we are able to look back
at a long tradition of achievements full of success: BMW has always
stood for progress in technology and leadership in innovation. So that
now, resting on this stable foundation, we are able to look into the
future full of confidence and optimism: Through its innovative power,
the BMW Group is perfectly prepared to master the challenges of a
successful future also in the long term. Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Board
Member BMW AG.