Damascus, Syria – 22^nd September 2026: BMW Group Middle East has officially announced the appointment of “ Citadel Premium Motors”, established through the joint venture of Habib Djaroueh LLC, Abu Khader Group, and Alfardan International, as the official importer of BMW and MINI vehicles in Syria. The appointment represents an important milestone in BMW Group Middle East’s regional development and signals the beginning of a new chapter for the BMW and MINI brands in Syria.

The announcement reflects BMW Group Middle East’s confidence in the long-term potential of the Syrian market and its commitment to delivering the renowned standards of BMW and MINI to customers in the country. With a strong appreciation for premium motors engineering, expressive design, innovation, and individuality, Syria represents a meaningful opportunity for BMW Group Middle East to reconnect with customers and build a sustainable presence for the future.

“This appointment marks a moment of significance for BMW Group Middle East,” said Karim-Christian Haririan, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East. “The response to our return to Syria has been exceptionally encouraging, reflecting the deep connection that customers and enthusiasts in the market have with the BMW and MINI brands. That enthusiasm reinforces our responsibility to re-enter the market with the right partner, the right standards, and a clear commitment to long-term success.”

“We congratulate Citadel Premium Motors on this important appointment and warmly welcome them as our official partner in Syria. This milestone reflects a shared ambition to build a strong and sustainable presence for BMW and MINI in the market, establishing a strong foundation for delivering exceptional premium experiences to customers across the country.” Haririan added.

“We are proud to begin this new chapter as BMW and MINI official partner in Syria,” said Malak Djaroueh, Chairman, Citadel Premium Motors. “Our commitment is to build a trusted and sustainable business that reflects the strength of the BMW and MINI brands while responding to the expectations of customers in Syria. By combining our local knowledge and long-standing automotive experience with BMW Group’s global standards, we look forward to developing local talent and delivering premium sales and after-sales experiences across the country.”

Through this appointment, BMW Group Middle East and Citadel Premium Motors, will work to introduce the BMW and MINI portfolios, customer-centric retail experiences, and after-sales standards to customers in Syria. The partnership will be focused on delivering the brands’ hallmark combination of Sheer Driving Pleasure, distinctive design, pioneering technology, premium craftsmanship, and uncompromising ownership experience.

Beyond the introduction of vehicles, facilities, and services, BMW Group Middle East’s vision for Syria is rooted in long-term value creation. Together with Citadel Premium Motors, the company aims to contribute to the development of local capabilities by nurturing Syrian talent, creating employment opportunities for highly skilled women and men, and supporting knowledge transfer across sales, after-sales, customer experience, and operational functions. This approach reflects a broader commitment to contributing positively to the local economy while building a sustainable premium motors ecosystem in the country.

Further details on the official launch event and the opening of BMW and MINI Retail.Next facilities in Syria will be announced in due course.

• BMW brand achieves 10% sales growth over an already outstanding 2024
• BMW M High Performance set an all-time regional record with 38% growth
• MINI posts a remarkable 16% increase, reaching a new high in the Middle East
• BMW 7 Series maintains strong performance in the luxury segment
• BMW Motorrad achieves record year in sales
• Electrified vehicles gain significant momentum in Q4, paving the way for 2026
• Corporate Sales achieves highest-ever performance with 28% year-on-year growth

Dubai, UAE – 15 January 2026 – BMW Group Middle East has closed 2025 with another year of robust and sustainable growth across its portfolio (BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad), building on the exceptional results recorded in 2024. The region’s strong demand for innovation and performance has propelled the BMW brand to a 10% year-on-year increase in sales further cementing the Middle East as a key growth market.

In the luxury segment, the BMW 7 Series continued its strong performance, posting a 1.3% year-on-year increase, underscoring sustained demand within the upper premium segment. Meanwhile, BMW M High Performance vehicles experienced a landmark year with a 38% surge in sales, an all-time regional record, driven by growing customer enthusiasm and an expanding M portfolio.

The MINI brand also upheld its upward trajectory, achieving a 16% increase in sales and reaching an all-time high in the Middle East. This growth was powered by strong demand for John Cooper Works (JCW) models and the rising popularity of MINI’s battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Corporate Sales (BMW and MINI) reached its highest performance ever in 2025, with an impressive 28% year-on-year growth. This achievement reflects the solid and close collaboration between BMW Group Middle East and its importer partners in the region. Having now established a strong foundation for this segment, BMW Group Middle East is committed to maintaining this momentum into 2026.

Electrified vehicles gained notable traction in the fourth quarter of 2025, laying a strong foundation for the upcoming year. The introduction of the “Neue Klasse” BMW iX3 later in 2026 is set to mark a new era in BMW’s electric vehicle strategy in the Middle East.

Beyond vehicle sales, BMW Group Middle East’s Customer Support Services recorded an 8.2% growth compared to 2024, underscoring the enduring trust customers place in BMW’s authorized service network. The Group has further enhanced the ownership experience through innovative initiatives such as the ConnectedDrive platform, BMW and MINI Proactive Care, and the “Relax. We Care” program. Together with multiple digital touchpoints, these initiatives position BMW as a leader in delivering convenient, high-quality aftersales services in the region, offering customers with uncompromising, proactive care.

BMW Motorrad also concluded 2025 on a high note, delivering the highest ever recorded sales result in the Middle East, driven by a 9% increase in private customer sales strengthening its position in the premium motorcycle segment.

This strong performance is supported by the ongoing transformation and expansion of the BMW Group Middle East Retail Network. The rollout of the new Corporate Identity, “Retail.Next” introduces a customer-centric concept that creates an open and flexible environment, delivering the most convenient and engaging customer journey in a welcoming space closely connected to BMW Group products.

In 2025, BMW Group Middle East, in collaboration with its local importer partners, successfully entered new markets and inaugurated several Retail.Next facilities, achieving significant milestones in regional retail expansion and transformation. These state-of-the-art Retail.Next facilities, infused with regional character, have also succeeded in captivating enthusiasts of BMW M and luxury products alike.

Through this expansion, BMW Group Middle East is not only growing its network within the region but also significantly enhancing the customer experience. Beyond infrastructure, these advanced facilities serve as hubs for nurturing local talent, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to developing skilled professionals who uphold BMW’s standards of excellence. This comprehensive approach to sales channel development plays a vital role in sustaining growth and strengthening BMW’s leadership position in the Middle East.

Commenting on the results, Karim-Christian Haririan, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East, said: “2025 marks another outstanding milestone for BMW Group Middle East, with double-digit growth building on the exceptional performance of the previous year. This achievement is a testament to the strength and resilience of our strategic vision, the breadth of our portfolio, and, most importantly, the invaluable partnership with our importer network across the region. Their dedication and operational excellence have been instrumental in driving sustainable growth and expanding our market presence.

We are deeply grateful to our customers for their continued trust and loyalty, which inspire us to relentlessly pursue excellence across all facets of our business. Together with our partners, we remain committed to advancing innovation and delivering unparalleled premium experiences.”

Looking ahead to 2026, BMW Group Middle East remains confident as it continues to focus strategically on luxury, high-performance, and electrified vehicles, supported by ongoing investments in customer experience and retail development. The Group is also preparing to expand its regional footprint with plans to enter the Syrian market, with official details on importer appointments to be announced in due course.

• BMW Group Middle East posts a 15.3% year-on-year increase in BMW overall sales
• BMW M models soar with 31.6% growth
• MINI records impressive 20% growth, driven by strong demand for the MINI Countryman and JCW models
• BMW Motorrad posts nearly 20% growth year-on-year
• Customer support services grow by 7%, reflecting customer loyalty and trust

Dubai, UAE - 03 July 2025 - BMW Group Middle East has reported an exceptional performance in the first half of 2025, achieving a 15.3% increase in BMW sales compared to the same period in 2024. This growth underscores the continued strength of the brand in the region, driven by unwavering customer demand, importer excellence, and strategic investments across key markets.

The UAE remains the leading market in the Middle East, with strong contributions also coming from MINI, BMW M, and BMW Motorrad. The premium automotive brand witnessed remarkable momentum across its product portfolio particularly in high-performance models.

While BMW 7 Series remains the flagship in the BMW premium segment, the BMW X7 experienced a strong 18.6% increase in the first six months of the year. BMW M models gained significant traction, growing by 31.6% in the same period – in addition, and notably, M High-Performance models experienced exceptional growth of 46%, underscoring the region's strong appetite for high-performance driving experiences.

The BMW 5 Series also delivered a strong performance, recording a total 23.8% year-to-date increase as of June 2025 – solidifying its position as a key pillar in BMW’s premium sedan portfolio.

BMW Middle East achieved outstanding growth in corporate and special sales with an increase of 38.5% in the first half of the year compared to the same period from the previous year. The Corporate Sales Conference held in Oman in the 2^nd quarter this year marked a significant milestone for the region, laying the groundwork and setting the foundation for continuous business growth.

MINI continued its upward trajectory, with 20% growth over the same period in 2024. The MINI Countryman emerged as the top-selling model with a 40% share, while the John Cooper Works (JCW) variant saw a surge in sales, rising by 63% and accounting for 14% of overall MINI sales.

BMW Motorrad experienced impressive retail sales, posting nearly 20% growth in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This remarkable increase reflects the brand's strong appeal, the growing enthusiasm for motorcycle riding in the region, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.

The results are also a reflection of the BMW Group Middle East Retail Network development. The ongoing transformation to the new Corporate Identity “Retail.Next” introduces a customer-centric concept with an open, flexible environment designed to deliver personalized experiences across sales and service - all in one space surrounded by BMW and MINI products. This concept enables a seamless "phygital" journey, leveraging the best aspects of both the physical and digital worlds to exceed each customer's individual needs.

Customer Support remains a cornerstone of BMW’s success in the region. BMW Group Middle East recorded a 7% increase in Customer Support Services in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Moreover, 76% of BMW customers with vehicles aged up to 10 years are serviced within the authorized service network, which is a true testament to sustained customer loyalty and trust.

Through the ConnectedDrive platform, the BMW and MINI Proactive Care initiative, and the “Relax. We Care” program, BMW Group Middle East has strengthened the customer ownership experience. Additionally, with various digital customer touchpoints, BMW remains an industry leader in providing a convenient service journey and an excellent execution of aftersales services in the region.

Karim-Christian Haririan, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East , commented: “Despite regional uncertainties, we have continued to deliver excellence to our valued BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad customers. I’m especially proud of the surge in M sales in general and M High-Performance in particular, which confirms the strong emotional connection our customers have with the brand and especially with models like the M5 and the new M5 Touring. I extend my sincere appreciation to our importer network and partners for their dedication and to our customers for their trust. Together, we look forward to building on this success in the second half of 2025.”

• Third-strongest growing region for BMW brand worldwide with a +15.4% growth over 2023
• MINI achieves its highest-ever sales with +16% growth vs. 2023
• Strong demand across BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad portfolios
• Electrified BMW (BEV) sales grow by +2.7%, BMW Motorrad by +4.6% compared to 2023
• Positive outlook on 2025 focusing on the upper premium segment, M Performance vehicles, and electrified models
  
  

Dubai, UAE – BMW Group Middle East is proud to announce a historic achievement, setting new sales records across BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad brands in 2024 with a remarkable +15.4% growth for BMW, +16% increase for MINI and +4.6% increase for BMW Motorrad over the previous year.

The Middle East region now ranks as the third-strongest growing market globally for BMW. This milestone reflects the unwavering demand for the Group’s innovative vehicles, including a growing interest in electrified vehicles (+2.7% over 2023). The BMW 7 Series, a flagship model in the upper premium segment, achieved an impressive +12.8% growth in sales.

Karim-Christian Haririan, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East, said: “This record-breaking achievement in 2024 is a testament to the Middle East’s passion for innovation, luxury, and performance. With a strong growth compared to last year, we have not only reached new heights but have also strengthened the bond with our valued customers across the region. This success inspires us as a team to continue delivering exceptional experiences and offer a wide range of emission-free vehicles. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all our importers for their unwavering commitment to delivering excellence, their contributions have been instrumental in driving this success.”

The BMW Group Middle East has also reported positive results with a strong growth of +11% in aftersales business in 2024 compared to 2023. Customers have demonstrated their loyalty towards the authorized BMW service network, with over 12% retention of cars in the 7-10 year age segment.

The remarkable achievement last year was a testament to the strong performance by the authorized BMW Group importers in the Middle East. These importers have invested in several new Retail.Next facilities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other locations across the region. These state-of-the-art showrooms provide customers with an unparalleled brand experience.

The BMW Group Middle East remain positive for 2025, with a focus on the upper premium segment, M Performance and electrified vehicles. The company is well-positioned to build on the successes of the past year and deliver even greater value to customers in the region.

Attached please find the BMW Group Report 2023.

The BMW Group Annual Conference will be held on 21 March 2024 at 09:00 am (CET).
The event will be broadcast on our website.

Dubai. BMW Group Middle East, the iconic premium automotive manufacturer, is delighted to unveil its partnership with Nigma Galaxy, one of the biggest esports teams in the MENA region. This exciting collaboration underscores BMW Group Middle East's involvement in the esports community, further supporting the rapidly growing local gaming scene.

Nigma Galaxy, a global esports brand, emerged in 2019 through the merger of Team Nigma and Galaxy Racer, and has quickly risen to prominence in the gaming world.

Founded by four of the most successful players in the esports realm, Nigma Galaxy boasts 6 esports teams competing across different games, including popular titles such as League of Legends, Dota 2, PUBG Mobile, and more. At the forefront of developing esports infrastructure and nurturing local talent in the MENA region, Team Nigma has a very active presence in the gaming arena in the region and beyond, participating in top events such as Gamers8, currently taking place in Riyadh until August 31, 2023.

BMW Group Middle East has been steadily expanding its presence in the esports landscape the last few years, following a number of exciting partnerships with Publicis Groupe. The Nigma Galaxy partnership, which was defined and driven by Publicis Groupe together with BMW Group Middle East, will further accelerate the automotive brand’s presence in esports, elevating the gaming experience for enthusiasts around the world.

Dr. Hamid Haqparwar, Managing Director at BMW Group Middle East, said, "As a gamer myself, I am very thrilled to join forces with Nigma Galaxy, a leading player in the esports domain. BMW Group Middle East will continue to play an active role in the gaming community as part of its commitment to encourage and foster talents in the region. As we embark on this partnership, we aim to engage with gaming enthusiasts and create unforgettable experiences that reflect both Nigma Galaxy's and BMW's community values."

Emphasising the shared values that underpin this partnership, Christoph Timm, co-founder of Nigma Galaxy said, "This collaboration with BMW Group Middle East resonates deeply with our vision and values. BMW's passion for excellence and constant innovation aligns seamlessly with our commitment to pushing the boundaries of esports. Together, we aim to inspire and empower a new generation of gamers, supporting their dreams and aspirations in this exciting world of competitive gaming while creating unforgettable experiences that bridge the gap between the virtual and physical worlds."

The partnership between BMW Group Middle East and Nigma Galaxy is also sound when viewed around the latter’s core values of passion, innovation, people and sportsmanship. Both brands embody a relentless passion for what they do, striving to exceed expectations and elevate their performance to new heights. Innovation is deeply ingrained in their DNA, with BMW's commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology aligning with Nigma Galaxy's pioneering spirit in the esports industry.

The human element is central to their operations, as both organisations recognise the crucial role played by their teams and communities. Finally, sportsmanship serves as the foundation of their competitive spirit, whether it's while pushing the limits on the road or dominating the esports arena.

To announce the partnership, the brands unveiled a collab video featuring two of Nigma Galaxy’s top names, Hamody and LORD. The gamers put their skill and focus to the test while in the backseat of a BMW M5 Competition, demonstrating their exceptional abilities as they engage in esports while on the move in the dashing sports saloon at the Dubai Autodrome.

As Nigma Galaxy furthers its pursuit of nurturing local talent and promoting esports on a global stage, BMW Group Middle East is committed to supporting this mission through its extensive expertise and resources. With its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, Nigma Galaxy is uniquely positioned to develop talents in the Middle East, creating a stronger bond between the international esports league and the MENA region, while simultaneously opening doors for local talent to flourish.

The BMW-Nigma Galaxy partnership marks an exciting chapter in the esports industry, combining the legacy and innovation of the automotive brand with the talent and ambition of the esports team. Together, they strive to elevate the esports experience, create unforgettable moments for fans, and inspire the next generation of gaming enthusiasts.

• BMW Group posts significant second-quarter sales growth (+11.3%)
• Deliveries of fully-electric BMW vehicles more than doubled again: BMW Group +117.5%; brand BMW +150.7% 
• BMW brand continues to be No. 1 in worldwide premium segment
• Sales increase across all key regions
• Pieter Nota: “We have the right products on the market. The BMW Group will continue its successful electromobility ramp-up in the second half of the year.”
  
  

Munich. The BMW Group delivered a total of 88,289 fully-electric BMW and MINI vehicles to customers in the second quarter of 2023 – and once again succeeded in more than doubling its BEV sales from the same period of last year (+117.5%). All major regions saw significant sales growth for fully-electric models – underlining the wide appeal of these models to customers worldwide.

“Strong sales development in general and especially for our fully-electric vehicles, shows that we have the right products on the market at the right time. The BMW Group will continue its successful ramp-up of electromobility at a high pace in the second half of the year,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales. “We are winning over customers worldwide with our young and attractive product line-up. Due to our diverse offering – ranging from highly efficient combustion engines to fully electric models – we are addressing the wide variety of customer needs around the globe in an ideal way,” Nota added.

The BMW Group delivered a total of 626,726 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles to customers in the second quarter, achieving significant year-on-year growth of +11.3% for the company. For the first half-year as a whole, BMW Group sales climbed to 1,214,864 units (+4.7%).

BMW remains No. 1 in global premium segment

In the second quarter, the BMW brand delivered 553,369 vehicles to customers worldwide – an increase of +11.5% compared to the same period of the previous year. Thanks to its attractive product line-up, the brand enjoyed strong demand and confirmed its position as No. 1 in the global premium segment again.

The BMW brand's fully-electric vehicles performed particularly well in the second quarter, once again more than doubling deliveries from the same period of 2022 (+150.7%). Between April and June, 77,948 fully-electric BMW vehicles were delivered to customers worldwide.

The new 7 Series models, with the fully-electric BMW i7* and the new BMW X7, proved especially popular, as did the BMW 4 Series, and particularly the fully-electric BMW i4*. There is also strong demand for the BMW X5, for which production capacity was greatly expanded last year. Since April 2022, the globally successful luxury-class model has been manufactured at Plant Dadong for the Chinese market, as well as at the US plant in Spartanburg.

The company has also received very positive customer feedback on the new BMW 5 Series range and especially the fully-electric BMW i5*. The world’s most successful business sedan, which will be released in October 2023, is more dynamic than ever, with a wealth of digital innovations and, for the first time, also fully-electric. With the launch of the BMW i5, the BMW Group will have a fully-electric offer in each of its core segments.

Furthermore, the BMW Group will become the first automotive manufacturer in Germany to offer a system for partially automated driving at speeds up to 130 km/h in the new BMW 5 Series. The new Highway Assistant allows the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel while driving and put them in a comfortable position. The latest version of the BMW Highway Assistant, available for the first time in the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, will also be complemented by a world first: the Active Lane Change Assistant with eye confirmation.

The market introduction of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan also marks a new chapter in customer service. The new Proactive Care platform uses artificial intelligence to identify the vehicle’s service needs and offer the customer solutions proactively.

BMW M on growth path with M2* and XM* sales launch 

With 48,257 units sold in the second quarter of 2023, BMW M GmbH posted year-on-year growth of +14.5% and consolidated its position in the high-performance automotive sector. The recently released BMW M2 is receiving very positive feedback from customers. In addition, the BMW XM appeals to customers through a combination of ultimate driving pleasure and expressive design. BMW M GmbH’s top model is currently being rolled out across markets worldwide. Two more fully-electric BMW M Perfomance models, the BMW i5 M60* Sedan and the BMW i7 M70*, are also in the starting blocks for the second half of the year.

MINI posts significant second-quarter sales growth

The MINI brand delivered 71,816 vehicles to customers in the second quarter – an increase of +10.2% year-on-year. During the same period, sales of the brand’s fully-electric vehicles were up +8.8%. Since last year, its most popular model has been the fully-electric MINI Cooper SE*. The MINI product line-up now also includes the first fully-electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible.

Rolls-Royce demand remains high

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has reported sales of 3,181 cars in the first half of 2023

(-0.3%), in which production of Wraith and Dawn was ceased. Demand remains strong: the fully-electric Rolls-Royce Spectre super coupé, in particular, has exceeded high expectations, with an order book that already reaches to the end of 2024. The first client deliveries of Rolls-Royce Spectre will occur in the fourth quarter of 2023. By the end of 2030, Rolls-Royce will offer only fully-electric vehicles.

BMW Motorrad: Second-quarter 2023 sales confirm high customer demand

BMW Motorrad delivered a total of 64,936 motorcycles to customers between April and June of its 2023 centenary year (+8.0%). Building on the previous all-time high it posted for the first three months of the year, strong customer demand for BMW Group motorcycles and scooters continued in the second quarter. The attractive product range, with the successful market launch of new models, like the Power Roadster M 1000 R, lays the foundation for BMW Motorrad’s success.

BMW & MINI sales in the regions/markets

In China, the BMW Group sold a total of 197,807 BMW and MINI vehicles in the second quarter and sales were thus +16.2% higher than for the same period of last year.
In the US, 95,533 BMW and MINI vehicles were delivered to customers between April and June of this year – an increase of +13.7%.
In Europe, sales of BMW and MINI vehicles totalled 232,706 units for the second quarter (+9.0%).
In Germany, 76,962 BMW and MINI vehicles were registered during this period.

BMW Group sales in Q2/YTD June 2023 at a glance

¹BEVs and PHEVs

BMW & MINI sales in the regions/markets

²Provisional registration figures

The delivery figures reported in this press release are provisional and may change up until the quarterly statement to 30 June 2023 is published. Notes on how delivery figures are prepared can be found in the BMW Group Report 2022 on p. 67.

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2022 was € 23.5 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.6 billion. As of 31 December 2022, the BMW Group had a workforce of 149,475 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

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Munich. From the heart of the BMW brand – fully-electric on the road: The first BMW i4 vehicles were delivered at the BMW Welt last weekend. Bernhard Kuhnt, Senior Vice President BMW Group Market Germany, is delighted: "It is a very special moment for us when we hand over brand new models to customers for the first time. The BMW i4 shows in an emotional way how well fully-electric mobility and sporty driving dynamics fit together. For us, it is therefore clear: the BMW i4 will offer our customers a whole new dimension of driving pleasure."

On this special occasion, the BMW Group did not miss the opportunity to invite the customers of the first BMW i4s to an accompanying programme around the fully-electric Gran Coupé in Munich.

Customers are excited

Stefan Ballin, owner of an electrical contracting company and one of the first customers, was delighted to take delivery of his BMW i4: “It wasn’t possible, at the time I placed the order, to take a test drive, but I knew the BMW i4 was exactly the right car for me! I was impressed by the concept – the symbiosis of range, elegant design and unmistakeable BMW sportiness. I also wanted a car that would show how we, as an innovative company, can comfortably integrate electromobility into both our private and working environments. I’m also looking forward to sporty driving pleasure with zero emissions in the i4 – because the electricity I need to run it will come from our own photovoltaic system.”

Bernhardt Kuhnt confirmed: “With the BMW i4, we have absolutely struck a chord. You can see this from the very high demand for this car. We are delighted to be expanding our electrified product line-up with this sporty, fully-electric Gran Coupé at exactly the right time and to present the first vehicles to our customers today – three months earlier than originally planned. The first delivery of a BMW i4 today, and the first BMW iX in about a week, are further milestones for the BMW Group on the road to electromobility.”

One in four BMW Group vehicles in Germany electrified

Kuhnt goes on to explain: “One in four BMWs delivered in Germany today already comes with a fully-electric drive train or is a plug-in hybrid. By the end of the third quarter, around 41,900 electrified BMWs and 8,820 electrified MINIs had been delivered to customers this year. The fully-electric MINI Cooper SE alone already accounts for about 20 percent of MINI brand sales. The BMW Group has almost doubled its sales of electrified models in Germany compared with the previous year, at around 25 percent.”

Impressive driving dynamics thanks to model-specific chassis technology and electric drive train

The BMW i4 combines characteristic sportiness with elegant design – and brings electromobility to the traditional core of the BMW brand. The four-door Gran Coupé is the first fully-electric BMW consistently geared towards driving dynamics. Impressive driving dynamics and high range are combined by harnessing the power of efficient drive technology and intelligent lightweight construction.

Range and innovative technology were also purchasing considerations for Ronny Scharschmidt, whose firm implements regional construction projects with renewable energies: “I decided on the i4 because of the range and the many new driving functions and on-board sensors that make driving safer and more comfortable. My first long drive in the BMW i4 will be from Munich directly home to Saxony-Anhalt: In the meantime, there are enough fast chargers that you don’t have to worry about charging anymore.”

Convenient charging

When BMW Group customers buy an electrified vehicle, it comes with a BMW or MINI Charging Card that gives them access to one of the world’s largest charging networks. BMW also offers two options for convenient charging at home: the BMW Wallbox and the Smart Wallbox from BMW Group partner NewMotion. For example, this wallbox also enables company car drivers to precisely record charging processes for accounting purposes.

BMW Group electro-offensive continues

In addition to the two main innovation flagships, the BMW iX and BMW i4, the BMW i3, MINI SE* and BMW iX3* are already on the market. These will be followed in the coming years by fully-electric versions of the BMW 7 Series, BMW X1 and the high-volume BMW 5 Series. Every plant in Germany will produce fully-electric cars from 2022 onwards. A fully-electric successor to the MINI Countryman and the all-electric Rolls-Royce Spectre will also be released onto the market. By 2023, the BMW Group will have at least one fully-electric model on the roads in about 90 percent of its current market segments. The BMW Group expects fully-electric vehicles to account for at least 50 percent of its global sales in 2030.

London/Munich/Stuttgart. bp has become the third shareholder of Digital Charging Solutions GmbH (DCS) following the successful closing of the M&A transaction. bp gained a 33.3% stake as part of a capital increase. BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG remain shareholders owning a 33.3% stake each.

Electrification is at the heart of bp’s approach to mobility. All three shareholders of DCS share an ambition to drive electrification forward and pave the way for sustainable mobility.  bp is rapidly growing its charging businesses around the world and aims to have over 70,000 public charge points by 2030.

DCS’s services are essential for the electrification strategies of the automotive industry. The company works with premium and high volume OEMs to integrate its charging solutions into the vehicles’ operating systems and the OEMs’ digital ecosystems. Digital Charging Solutions GmbH stands behind the CHARGE NOW brand in the YOUR NOW Joint Ventures of BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG and operates charging services such as “Mercedes me Charge”, “BMW Charging” and “MINI Charging”.

DCS already provides unrivaled access to charging infrastructure with a coverage of more than 85% in 29 European countries.

Following the successful transaction, EV drivers can look forward to enhanced coverage and charging convenience as they gain access to an additional 9,000 rapid and ultra-fast charging points (more than 150kw) through bp’s European charging network - Aral Pulse in Germany and bp pulse in the UK. Both bp and DCS will provide access to advanced charging services such as Plug & Charge which enables a seamless charging experience reducing the need for apps or charging cards – initially available on Aral Pulse ultra-fast chargers in Germany from Q1 2022.  

And to support the transition of businesses and fleets to electric mobility, business customers can expect access to a 360° solution for electric and hybrid fleets that includes new and innovative charging services beyond fueling, tolling and washing offers.

Richard Bartlett, bp senior vice president, future mobility & solutions said: “Our aim is to make charging as convenient as refuelling at the pump – fast, reliable and highly integrated with the vehicle operating system to provide a great customer experience. We're excited to have completed this transaction and look forward to working with our partners to continue to provide EV drivers with access to convenient charging where they need it.”

„We are pleased to welcome bp as a strong partner who shares our vision to push electrification. By forming this strategic collaboration with one of the biggest energy companies in the world, we will provide drivers with increasing access to a convenient and seamless charging ecosystem wherever and whenever they need it, contributing to the electric transformation of our society”," said Gero Götzenberger, Director for Strategy and Digital Mobility Solutions, Daimler Mobility AG.

“This collaboration brings our leading charging network a huge step forward. Especially the electrification of fleets and fleet management will see a comprehensive boost – we will jointly drive innovation, increase our customer focus and accelerate CO₂ reduction. We welcome bp as a strong and progressive partner”, adds Rainer Feurer, Senior Vice President of Investments at the BMW Group. 

Jörg Reimann, CEO Digital Charging Solutions GmbH: “We are really excited to have bp as strategic partner and shareholder at the same time. Our business models are highly complementary. We provide access to the largest network of charging points in Europe – now we are designing and delivering superior services for our current and future customers.”

Daimler Mobility at a Glance

In addition to Mercedes-Benz AG and Daimler Truck AG, Daimler Mobility AG is one of the three business divisions of Daimler AG. It has about 11,650 employees and specializes in financial and mobility solutions. Its products range from leasing, financing, and insurance products to innovative fleet management systems and app-based mobility services. As a financial services provider, the business division supports the sales of the Daimler Group’s automotive brands worldwide. In Germany, Mercedes-Benz Bank AG, part of the Daimler Mobility division, is one of the country’s leading automotive banks. It provides around one million customers with financial leeway as well as call-money and fixed-interest-rate accounts in the direct banking business. The product range is supplemented by flexible mobility services such as Mercedes-Benz Rent and EQ subscriptions, which enable an uncomplicated and flexible entry into electro mobility. Through its subsidiary Athlon, Daimler Mobility is represented in the commercial fleet management segment as well as in vehicle leasing in Europe. The company manages more than 400,000 vehicles in total. As a strategic investor, Daimler Mobility also participates in the business potential of digital mobility solutions through its holdings. The focus is on its involvement in the YOUR NOW joint ventures, which are grouped into three pillars: FREE NOW & REACH NOW, SHARE NOW, and PARK NOW & CHARGE NOW. These pillars combine ride-hailing, carsharing, and parking services with multimodal platforms and the charging of electric vehicles. Daimler Mobility’s portfolio also contains holdings in the limousine ride-hailing service StarRides in China and the chauffeur and concierge service provider Blacklane. In 2020, Daimler Mobility financed or leased around 50 percent of the vehicles sold by Daimler worldwide. This corresponds to a contract volume of €150.6 billion. In 2020, the business division generated revenue of €27.7 billion and achieved EBIT of €1.4 billion. Daimler Mobility operates in 39 countries.

BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2020, the BMW Group sold over 2.3 million passenger vehicles and more than 169,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2020 was € 5.222 billion on revenues amounting to € 98.990 billion. As of 31 December 2020, the BMW Group had a workforce of 120,726 employees. The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.
bp

bp’s purpose is to reimagine energy for people and our planet. It has set out an ambition ‎to be a net zero company by 2050, or sooner and help the world get to net zero, and a ‎strategy for delivering on that ambition. Electrification is at the heart of bp’s convenience and mobility strategy and the company aims to grow its network of public EV charging points by 2030 to over 70,000 worldwide. They currently have around 9,000 charging points in Europe and its UK network bp pulse is already the most used EV charging network in the UK. The company is also rapidly growing its network of ultra-fast chargers and plans to have around 250 ultra-fast chargers operating at bp retail sites in the UK and 500 ultra-fast charging points across its Aral retail sites in Germany by year end.. Its customer and products division has over 20,000 branded retail sites in 21 countries and more than 11.5 million customer touchpoints per day. For more information visit bp.com.‎

About Digital Charging Solutions GmbH

Digital Charging Solutions GmbH (DCS) develops charging solutions for automobile manufacturers and fleet operators, making it one of the world’s most important drivers of the transition to electromobility. The full-service white label solutions of DCS allow OEMs and fleet operators to realize their electromobility strategies, because with integrated digital solutions, the company makes charging at charging stations easy, safe and comfortable. With  more than 300,000 charging points in 30 markets and cross-border charging, Digital Charging Solutions GmbH offers access to the largest charging network in Europe. Since the beginning of 2019, Digital Charging Solutions GmbH has been part of the mobility joint venture between the BMW Group and Daimler AG. CHARGE NOW is a brand of DCS and part of this joint venture, which aims to strengthen sustainable mobility worldwide together with the other verticals FREE NOW, SHARE NOW and REACH NOW.

• Daimler Mobility AG and BMW Group significantly strengthen the customer offering of Digital Charging Solutions GmbH (DCS) by adding bp as the third shareholder with a stake of 33.3%.
• DCS is a leading developer of digital charging software for automotive manufacturers and vehicle fleet operators. Its in-car software integration provides EV drivers with seamless access to one of Europe’s largest charging networks.
• DCS already offers access to 228,000 charging points in 32 countries. The addition of bp is expected to provide DCS customers access to an additional 8,700 charging points across Europe including ultra-fast charging (more than 150kw) and develop new integrated offers for fleets (including fuel and charge) as a first step
• The partners intend to drive forward the transition to electrification. 
  
  

London/Munich/Stuttgart. bp agreed to join BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG in their drive to extend and significantly improve electrification, making electric vehicle charging more convenient, simpler and seamless for drivers.

Under their agreement, bp will become a 33.3% partner alongside BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG in Digital Charging Solutions GmbH (DCS), one of Europe’s leading developers of digital charging solutions for automotive manufacturers and vehicle fleet operators. bp’s acquisition of the stake in DCS will be subject to regulatory approval. The terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

DCS’s services are important for the electrification strategies of the automotive industry. The company works with OEMs to integrate its charging solutions into vehicle operating systems. The BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG operate mobility services under the umbrella of the YOUR NOW Joint Ventures. Digital Charging Solutions GmbH stands behind the CHARGE NOW brand and operates charging services such as “Mercedes me Charge”, “BMW Charging” and “MINI Charging”. DCS already offers access to 228,000 charging points in 32 countries giving OEMs, fleet customers and EV drivers extensive access to charging infrastructure across Europe.

This collaboration allows additional access to a growing network of chargers across Europe

As part of the agreement, bp’s European charging networks will be integrated into the DCS’s network as well as fuel and charge for fleet customers, as a first step. Electrification is at the heart of bp‘s convenience and mobility strategy and the company aims to grow its network of public EV charging points by 2030 to over 70,000 worldwide. They currently have around 8,700 charging points in Europe and its UK network bp pulse is already the most used EV charging network in the UK¹. The company is also rapidly growing its network of ultra-fast chargers and plans to have around 250 ultra-fast chargers operating at bp retail sites in the UK and 500 ultra-fast charging points across its retail sites in Germany by year end. DCS customers will gain access to these additional charging points and bp will gain access to a wider customer base.

Richard Bartlett, bp senior vice president, future mobility & solutions said: “Our aim is to make charging as convenient as refueling at the pump – fast, reliable and a great customer experience. Joining forces with BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG in DCS, combined with the expansion of our ultra-fast charging network, will help provide drivers access to convenient charging where they need it. It also gives us access to a much wider customer base and will ultimately drive up utilisation rates on our network.”

“Together with the BMW Group, we are consistently driving forward the transition to electric mobility. With bp, we are gaining a strategic partner who will help us to further strengthen the customer offering of DCS. bp's large network of retail sites offers ideal conditions for the expansion of charging infrastructure – precisely where customers of electric vehicles need and expect them. We also see great potential in combining tank and charging solutions for the growing customer group of plug-in hybrids. bp's commitment will help DCS accelerate the implementation of its ambitious plans,” says Stephan Unger, Chief Financial Officer of Daimler Mobility AG, responsible for Finance and Controlling, Risk Management and Digital Mobility Solutions.

“A sufficient charging infrastructure is key to wider acceptance of electrification. With bp, the BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG have on board a partner who offers a strong brand and customer focus with an extensive European ultra-fast charging network, as well as retail sites. We strongly support an open and full-coverage charging network, as this is a clear benefit for our customers,” adds Rainer Feurer, Senior Vice President of Investments at the BMW Group. 

“Our cooperation with bp opens up completely new possibilities for expanding our product portfolio making charging even more comfortable for our customers. We know that combined charging and fueling offers are pivotal for our fleet customers. We look forward to adding bp’s retail sites to our network and being able to jointly create innovative integrated services,” adds Jörg Reimann, CEO of Digital Charging Solutions GmbH.

This collaboration will help to get more EVs on the roads and, ultimately, help us move towards more sustainable mobility.

¹ The Zap-Map database includes charge point data on c.95% of UK public charge points and records live charging sessions on approximately 70% of these charge points. From these live charging points on the Zap-Map database, in Q3 2020, bp pulse recorded the largest number of charging sessions and the largest aggregate charging minutes. Zap-Map cannot guarantee that all the charging sessions from all the live networks have been recorded as from time to time network connections fail which may result in charging sessions not being recorded.

Contact:

Daimler Mobility AG:
Michael Kuhn, +49 160 861 4768, michael.m.kuhn@daimler.com

BMW Group:
Dr. Britta Ullrich, +49 151 601 18 364, britta.ullrich@bmw.de

bp:
bp press office London, +44 7831 095541, +44 7919 217511, bppress@bp.com

Digital Charging Solutions GmbH:
Gina Klute, +49 151 605 249 43, gina.klute@digitalchargingsolutions.com

Daimler Mobility at a Glance

In addition to Mercedes-Benz AG and Daimler Truck AG, Daimler Mobility AG is one of the three business divisions of Daimler AG. It has about 11,650 employees and specializes in financial and mobility solutions. Its products range from leasing, financing, and insurance products to innovative fleet management systems and app-based mobility services. As a financial services provider, the business division supports the sales of the Daimler Group’s automotive brands worldwide. In Germany, Mercedes-Benz Bank AG, part of the Daimler Mobility division, is one of the country’s leading automotive banks. It provides around one million customers with financial leeway as well as call-money and fixed-interest-rate accounts in the direct banking business. The product range is supplemented by flexible mobility services such as Mercedes-Benz Rent and EQ subscriptions, which enable an uncomplicated and flexible entry into electro mobility. Through its subsidiary Athlon, Daimler Mobility is represented in the commercial fleet management segment as well as in vehicle leasing in Europe. The company manages more than 400,000 vehicles in total. As a strategic investor, Daimler Mobility also participates in the business potential of digital mobility solutions through its holdings. The focus is on its involvement in the YOUR NOW joint ventures, which are grouped into three pillars: FREE NOW & REACH NOW, SHARE NOW, and PARK NOW & CHARGE NOW. These pillars combine ride-hailing, carsharing, and parking services with multimodal platforms and the charging of electric vehicles. Daimler Mobility’s portfolio also contains holdings in the limousine ride-hailing service StarRides in China and the chauffeur and concierge service provider Blacklane. In 2020, Daimler Mobility financed or leased around 50 percent of the vehicles sold by Daimler worldwide. This corresponds to a contract volume of €150.6 billion. In 2020, the business division generated revenue of €27.7 billion and achieved EBIT of €1.4 billion. Daimler Mobility operates in 39 countries. 

BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2020, the BMW Group sold over 2.3 million passenger vehicles and more than 169,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2020 was € 5.222 billion on revenues amounting to € 98.990 billion. As of 31 December 2020, the BMW Group had a workforce of 120,726 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.
www.bmwgroup.com

bp

bp is an integrated energy company with operations in Europe, North and South America, Australasia, Asia and Africa. Its purpose is to reimagine energy for people and our planet. It has set out an ambition to be a net ‎zero company by 2050, or sooner, and help the world get to net zero, and recently announced its ‎strategy for delivering on that ambition.

Its customer and products division has over 20,000 branded retail sites in 21 countries and more than 11.5 million customer touchpoints per day.

Digital Charging Solutions GmbH

Digital Charging Solutions GmbH (DCS) develops charging solutions for automobile manufacturers and fleet operators, making it one of the world’s most important drivers of the transition to electromobility. The full-service white label solutions of DCS allow OEMs and fleet operators to realise their electromobility strategies, because with integrated digital solutions, the company makes charging at charging stations easy, safe and comfortable. With 228,000 charging points in 32 markets and cross-border charging, Digital Charging Solutions GmbH offers access to the largest charging network in Europe. Since the beginning of 2019, Digital Charging Solutions GmbH has been part of the mobility joint venture between the BMW Group and Daimler AG. CHARGE NOW is a service of DCS and part of this joint venture, which aims to strengthen sustainable mobility worldwide together with the other verticals REACH NOW, FREE NOW, PARK NOW and SHARE NOW.

Munich. With yet another new sales record, the BMW M GmbH continued to grow also in the 2020 fiscal year. Despite the effects of the Corona pandemic on the market, it was possible to increase the number of BMW M automobiles sold by 6 percent to 144,218 units. Thanks to this result, the subsidiary company of the BMW Group with the status of an independent company has significantly strengthened its market leadership within the competitive environment first gained in 2019. “The fact that we were able to conclude this exceptionally challenging year with yet a further record is great validation of our consistent growth strategy,” says Markus Flasch, chairman of the board of the BMW M GmbH. “We can be particularly proud of the fact that we were able not only to defend our market dominance as the most successful provider of performance and high-performances automobiles, but also to have even expanded it.”

The further increase in sales figures was due, inter alia, to the successful market launch of the models BMW X5 M (combined fuel consumption: 13.1 – 12.6 l/100 km according to WLTP, 13.0 – 12.8 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO₂ emissions: 298 – 287 g/km according to WLTP, 296 – 287 g/km according to NEDC) and BMW X6 M (combined fuel consumption: 13.4 – 13.1 l/100 km according to WLTP, 13.1 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO₂ emissions: 305 – 300 g/km according to WLTP, 301 g/km according to NEDC). With V8 power units delivering up to 460 kW/625 hp, BMW M automobiles from the Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupe segment offer a particularly characteristic high-performance experience. Likewise, the special edition model BMW M2 CS (combined fuel consumption: 10.1 – 9.2 l/100 km according to WLTP, 10.4 – 9.4 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO₂ emissions: 229 – 210 g/km according to WLTP, 238 – 214 g/km according to NEDC), which serves as the basis for a new competition vehicle from BMW Motorsport, has also received a positive response. In the high-performance model sector alone, it was possible to increase the number of worldwide deliveries by 4 percent vs. the year 2019.

Moreover, it was predominantly the performance automobiles developed for the new BMW 3 Series and the new BMW 4 Series that helped boost the sales of the BMW M GmbH so decisively. With powerful straight six-cylinder petrol and diesel power plants, specific suspension tuning and stand-alone design features, the top-of-the-range offer for the BMW 3 Series Sedan, the BMW 3 Series Touring and the BMW 4 Series Coupe also guarantees that characteristic M experience in the premium mid-range segment, coupled with unrestricted suitability for everyday use and long distances.

Growing demand in all relevant markets.

Technology transferred from motor racing, precisely coordinated features in the areas of drive systems, suspension, aerodynamics, interior design and operation as well as the resulting authentic character of BMW M automobiles, create a fascination, which continued in 2020 to captivate an increasing number of performance-oriented customers throughout the world. For example, in the USA, the most important market for BMW M automobiles, as well as in China, new records were achieved. In both Russia and Korea, it was possible to increase sales by more than 60 percent, and in Italy by 47 percent. And in the UK, too, the number of vehicles delivered exceeded our expectations. “We notice a steadily growing demand in all relevant markets for BMW M automobiles,” explains Thomas Felbermair, head of Sales and Marketing at BMW M GmbH. “Because of this and thanks to the engagement of our strong dealer network, we have been outstandingly successful in coping with the challenges posed by the pandemic.”

Ready to go: BMW M5 CS, BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe.

Looking towards the future, the initial focus shifts to the world premiere of the BMW M5 CS, which will take place in January 2021. A special edition of the BMW M5 will then be available for the first time – with outstanding performance and exclusive motorsport characteristics. Following that, the main focus will be on the market launch of the new BMW M3 Sedan starting in March 2021 (combined fuel consumption: 10.6 – 10.3 l/100 km according to WLTP, 10.8 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO₂ emissions: 241 – 236 g/km according to WLTP, 248 g/km according to NEDC) and the new BMW M4 Coupe (combined fuel consumption: 10.5 – 10.3 l/100 km according to WLTP, 10.8 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO₂ emissions: 240 –  235 g/km according to WLTP, 248 g/km according to NEDC). The two high-performance automobiles represent the essence of that unmistakable M feeling. Immediately after their world premiere, the new model generation aroused keen interest around the globe.

In future, the wishes of the M Community will be fulfilled by extraordinary diversity: Each variant with classic manual shift will be complemented by a Competition model featuring an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. Moreover, in the summer of 2021, the four-wheel drive system M xDrive will be added for the first time to the drive portfolio for the BMW M3 and the BMW M4. And the BMW M4 Convertible will also be launched in time for the warm season. On the other hand, the first BMW M3 Touring is still undergoing the series development process.

A glance into the future: continued growth, new M feeling through electrification, and an anniversary. 

“It is remarkable that it was possible to achieve the new sales record even before the launch of our most important models,” says Markus Flasch. “The new BMW M3 and BMW M4 generation offers us the promise of dynamic growth in 2021 as well.” Moreover, he now also looks forward to presenting a completely new manifestation of the distinctive M feeling. Electrification will provide the basis for this. During the year 2021, the BMW M GmbH will be presenting an electrically powered performance automobile for the first time.

With this setting of agenda with which the “Power of Choice” strategy has been realised within the model range of the BMW M GmbH, and an exceptionally strong product range, the company is heading full of optimism for the forthcoming anniversary year. 2022 will be the year in which the BMW M GmbH celebrates 50 years of its existence. Markus Flasch has already announced “a year full of surprises”: “If I mention the keyword special edition models, it should be clear what our customers can look forward to during the anniversary year.”

Munich. An eye-catching digital campaign presents the BMW M2 Competition as a record breaker with very unusual tools: a high-power laser and a precision blade. The impressive films will be shown in BMW and BMW M social media channels.

Highlight clip "Laser":

The BMW M2 Competition is out to break records. To deliver on this promise, the BMW M2 is drawing inspiration from world records set by humans. At first glance, these appear to have nothing to do with cars: cutting through more than 87 straw mats with a blade within a minute and popping over 63 balloons in 60 seconds with a laser beam.

Uwe Dreher, head of Brand Communications BMW, BMW i, BMW M: "The BMW M2 Competition showcases BMW M genes in their purest form. It is an exceptional car with outstanding dynamic performance, presence and handling. With our digital campaign, we capture the heart of our target audience right where they live and inform themselves: in social media. We provide the BMW M2 Competition with the perfect stage to demonstrate its qualities in impressive style."

For these spectacular challenges – attempted for the first time worldwide – a slightly modified BMW M2 Competition was brought to Cape Town. It comes with the same technology as the series-production vehicle, plus the additional features required for attempting the records: a high-energy laser installed into the front of the vehicle and a blade attached to the rear.

Following meticulous planning and testing, the course was set out and everything was ready: Rolled-up bamboo mats were arranged in semi-circles so that they could be cut by the blade on a drift; the balloons were set up in long straight lines angled sharply towards each other for quick turns. Fans will instantly recognise the shape of the letter M, the most powerful letter in the world.

Behind the scenes:

Technically, the BMW M2 Competition already has everything it takes to be a genuine record-breaker: At its core is a new engine based on the power unit used in the BMW M3 and BMW M4. The inline six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology produces 410 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds.  For the first time, BMW M2 drivers will be able to use two selector switches in the central console to directly adjust various characteristics and settings for the engine, steering and Drivelogic functions, if M DCT is available. Optically, the BMW M2 Competition also shows its most expressive side: The revised front apron with a bigger, redesigned high-gloss black BMW kidney grille and the exclusive new Hockenheim Silver metallic finish give the BMW M2 Competition an even stronger presence.

“This is a very tricky bit of driving, it is virtually impossible,” says stunt coordinator Marc Higgins, talking about the set-up. “The demands on the BMW M2 Competition are immense. Every drift has to be performed with absolute precision; there is no room for error. A strong presence and agility naturally help a lot.”

“This challenge is now reaching its finale, after months of preparation. The driver is an expert in his field, but he needs the car to respond precisely to the slightest feedback from him. If the car does not respond, we will not break this record,” explained director Oison Tymon.

And the BMW M2 Competition kept its promises: Despite the complexity of the challenge, the high-performance sports car broke both records. After just a few attempts, 117 bamboo mats were cut and 79 balloons burst – both in precisely one minute.

To proof the authenticity of the stunts, real-time drone footage was captured of the BMW M2 Competition performing the stunts.

The Proof:

The BMW M2 Competition’s record-breaking attempts are part of the “Same street. Different game.” launch campaign and fit the tonality of the campaign perfectly. The extroverted motifs also reference the world of gaming, with high scores and record-breaking runs. That makes sense: From the start of communications, millions of fans worldwide were able to experience the new BMW M2 Competition virtually, within just a few hours of its world premiere at the Beijing Motor Show, in the popular mobile racing game CSR Racing 2.

Agencies: Jung von Matt, Hochkant Film

Munich. Smartphone users can experience the first ever BMW X2, anywhere and even before market launch – thanks to BMW and Snapchat. BMW is the first brand worldwide to leverage the potential of the new Snapchat “Augmented Trial” Lens.

Starting today, fans all over the world can use augmented reality technology to view and configure a realistic 3D model of the latest addition to the BMW X family. At the start of communications in late October, BMW already reached an audience of millions across Europe with the BMW X2 Face Lens in Galvanic Gold.

Through Snapchat, BMW is expanding its marketing activities through an innovative and playful medium that is especially popular with creative, tech-savvy individuals. As the newest member of the BMW X family, the BMW X2 (with a combined fuel consumption of 6.3 – 4.5 l/100 km and combined CO2 emissions of 144 – 118 g/km*) appeals to the young and young-at-heart, extroverted and active customers who value individuality and lifestyle. Innovative apps like Snapchat are an integral part of their digital world.

The BMW X2 campaign “Be the one who dares” is using a range of new digital communications channels to reach BMW fans around the world, in line with the brand’s new focus on a more youthful “Sheer Driving Pleasure”. BMW communications are taking a noticeably younger, fresher approach, with a new tonality that explores unexpected channels.

“Snapchat is young and modern – which suits BMW and the BMW X2 perfectly. We are enriching Snapchat users’ digital experience through content they find appealing, with a high recognition value. We wanted to insert ourselves in an organic way into the Snapchat environment and its users’ world. That is the most meaningful way to address our fans in a style that fits the channel and the target group,” explains Jörg Poggenpohl, head of Digital Marketing BMW.

With the BMW X2 experience, the BMW becomes the first brand to use the Snapchat Augmented Trial Lens, enriching reality with digital content. A brief clip shown between user stories or in the “discover” area, directs Snapchat users’ attention to the new BMW X2. If the user accepts the invitation to “swipe up”, their phone camera is activated. The app automatically integrates a 3D model of the BMW X2 into the camera’s field of vision. In this way, users can already experience the new BMW X2, virtually, anywhere in the world, before it even reaches BMW showrooms. The 3D model is realistically integrated into its surroundings and users can walk around the vehicle to admire it from all angles. They can also use the app to change the paint colour.

A special Face Lens for “selfies”, which colours the face with the exclusive BMW X2 Galvanic Gold finish, was available to Snapchatters in Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK at the start of the BMW X2 communications campaign in early November and proved a huge success: The lens was seen over 40m times by over 13m Snapchatters. Snapchatters also chose to play with the BMW Lens for on average almost 24 seconds and created over 2.5 million Snaps with the BMW X2 Galvanic Gold Face Lens.

In addition to Snapchat, the BMW X2 “Be the one who dares” campaign is using many other digital marketing channels. At the start of communications in October, prospective customers and fans were able to experience the BMW X2 in an innovative mixed reality application with the Microsoft HoloLens. BMW is also the first automotive brand to use augmented reality in the popular Shazam app. Further partnerships with popular apps and internet services will follow between now and the market launch in March 2018.

Agency: Lead digital – Jung von Matt

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2016, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.367 million cars and 145,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax was approximately € 9.67 billion on revenues amounting to € 94.16 billion. As of 31 December 2016, the BMW Group had a workforce of 124,729 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

Home: www.bmwgroup.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview
Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

Munich. BMW and Microsoft are transforming part of the “Be the one who dares” campaign for the new BMW X2 into a fun high-tech experience. In a unique mixed reality application, the two partners are weaving physical reality and digital content into an experience exclusively available on Microsoft HoloLens.

The BMW X2 Holo Experience and Microsoft HoloLens immerse users in the world of the BMW X2, where they can get to know the new model in an interactive way. Fun challenges alternate with creative elements. For example, the BMW X2 must be guided out of a maze or can be given a new colour in a paint tank. The BMW X2 Holo Experience revisits elements of the campaign to ensure high recognition value and ends with a holographic selfie for the user’s own social media channels. Prospective customers can then take the BMW X2 for a test drive.

“The X2 will appeal to a relatively new, young and digitally-savvy target group that is also looking for unique and contemporary experiences from communications”, according to Uwe Dreher, head of Brand Communication BMW. “The Holo Experience delivers the desired technical wow-effect, which we hope will maximise our appeal to this target group in a fun and entertaining way, using innovative technology.”

“Mixed reality enables companies to take the next step in the process of digitalisation”, explains Michael Zawrel, Senior Product Manager Mixed Reality & HoloLens Germany. “The BMW X2 Holo Experience shows how companies can bring their products to life by blending the physical and the digital world in a totally new way.”

The BMW X2 Holo Experience, based on Microsoft HoloLens and Windows Mixed Reality, will be available internationally at selected BMW dealers, in exclusive “closed rooms” and formats such as the Brand Experience Centre.

Visitors can already experience the BMW X2 in digital form at the BMW branch in Berlin, the BMW branch in Munich and the Automag München or the Brand Experience Centre in Zurich.

The BMW X2 Holo Experience fits seamlessly into the “Be the one who dares” campaign for the new BMW X2, which will accompany the newest and most extroverted member of the X family from the start of communications in late October 2017 to its market launch in March 2018.

The BMW X2 (with a combined fuel consumption of 6.3 – 4.5 l/100 km and combined CO2 emissions of 144 – 118 g/km*) is more than just another BMW X model. With its distinctive design and sporty urban genes, it makes a bold statement in its class and within the BMW X model family. Its unique character especially appeals to the young and young-at-heart, extroverted and active people who value individuality, genuine driving pleasure and lifestyle, without having to give up functionality. They live in urban settings, lead an active life and are highly connected to the digital world.

Based on in-depth data analysis, BMW is reaching out to its fans, customers and prospects in their respective digital lives – with highly relevant customised content. An affinity for film and music, as well as gaming and new technologies, are an essential aspect of the urban, cosmopolitan target group that the BMW X2 Holo Experience appeals to in an optimal way with highly relevant content.

Further components of the campaign will be revealed over the coming months as “Be the one who dares” reaches out to new digital target groups on diverse social media platforms in an unusual way.

Further Links:

http://news.microsoft.com/de-de/mixed-reality-bmw/

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Julian Hetzenecker

Communications BMW Group Sales and Marketing Germany and BMW Group Marketing

BMW Group Business and Financial Communications

Telephone: +49 89 382 39229

Email: julian.hetzenecker@bmw.de

Micaela Sandstede

Press Spokesperson BMW Group Sales and Marketing Germany and BMW Group Marketing

BMW Group Business and Financial Communications

Telephone: +49 89 382 61611

Email: micaela.sandstede@bmw.de

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Email: presse@bmw.de

Die BMW Group

Die BMW Group ist mit ihren Marken BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce und BMW Motorrad der weltweit führende Premium-Hersteller von Automobilen und Motorrädern und Anbieter von Premium-Finanz- und Mobilitätsdienstleistungen. Als internationaler Konzern betreibt das Unternehmen 31 Produktions- und Montagestätten in 14 Ländern sowie ein globales Vertriebsnetzwerk mit Vertretungen in über 140 Ländern.

Im Jahr 2016 erzielte die BMW Group einen weltweiten Absatz von rund 2,367 Millionen Automobilen und 145.000 Motorrädern. Das Ergebnis vor Steuern belief sich auf rund 9,67 Mrd. €, der Umsatz auf 94,16 Mrd. €. Zum 31. Dezember 2016 beschäftigte das Unternehmen weltweit 124.729 Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter.

Seit jeher sind langfristiges Denken und verantwortungsvolles Handeln die Grundlage des wirtschaftlichen Erfolges der BMW Group. Das Unternehmen hat ökologische und soziale Nachhaltigkeit entlang der gesamten Wertschöpfungskette, umfassende Produktverantwortung sowie ein klares Bekenntnis zur Schonung von Ressourcen fest in seiner Strategie verankert.

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview

Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

Cologne. Today, Electronic Arts and the BMW Group debuted the all-new BMW M5 (fuel consumption combined: 10.5 l/100 km [26.9 mpg imp]*; CO2 emissions combined: 241 g/km*) in Need for Speed^TM Payback, the action driving blockbuster releasing this fall. This marks first time BMW has revealed a car through a videogame partnership, unveiling the new BMW M5 at gamescom, Europe’s biggest trade fair for interactive games and entertainment. The new BMW M5 builds on the traditional concept of a luxurious four-door business sedan by appealing to drivers with a taste for high speed and adrenaline. Need for Speed^TM Payback players will be among the first to experience the new M xDrive all-wheel drive as they tear through the city streets and diverse landscape of Fortune Valley this fall.

“The new BMW M5 is a stunning car,” said Marcus Nilsson, Executive Producer at Ghost Games. “With immense horsepower and torque combined with gorgeous design, our players are going to love getting behind the wheel of the new M5. Whether it’s pulling off intense heist missions, or outrunning cops in epic pursuits or just cruising the open world, this car embodies performance, speed and desire, making it one of the pinnacle rides in Need for Speed^TM Payback.”

The M5 takes the BMW M-series into new territory, with 441 kW/600 hp, peak torque of 750 Nm and 10.5 l/100 km fuel consumption combined/ 241 g/km CO2 emissions combined, which promise supreme propulsive power and formidable performance. The new M xDrive developed by BMW M GmbH is the most engaging all-wheel-drive system yet to grace the high-performance segment and will be on display across various terrains in Need for Speed^TM Payback.

“The M is not only synonymous for the world’s most powerful letter, but has also become a synonym worldwide for the prototype of the Ultimate Driving Machine. Take a look at the new BMW M5: its power output, torque and acceleration, the M specific all-wheel drive system M xDrive and its stunning design make our all-new toy the perfect feature for Need for Speed,” said Frank van Meel, President BMW M Division. “While the M5 won’t be officially released until next spring, Need for Speed players can drive it first and exclusively in Need for Speed^TM Payback. We at BMW M are really proud of this collaboration.”

“Young, enthusiastic and 100% devoted to their passion: This is not only true for BMW M fans but also for millions of gamers around the globe, who love Need for Speed^TM. BMW is joy and excitement for cars, whether it is in real life or digital,” said Hildegard Wortmann, Senior Vice President Brand BMW. “With this cooperation BMW can reach out to a new audience that is truly digital. This is a perfect example for a fruitful cooperation in modern marketing with benefits for everyone and a new milestone after the BMW M2’s debut in 2015’s Need for Speed^TM.”

BMW and Need for Speed^TM share a long tradition together. Already in 1999 the BMW M5 was part of the first Need for Speed^TM. BMW was part of the history of Need for Speed^TM ever since: Whether it was the BMW M3 in 2005’s Need for Speed^TM Most Wanted, the BMW M3 GTR in Need for Speed^TM Shift in 2009, and many other appearances of BMW M4, M6 and many alike. Just recently the new BMW M2 entered the stage in 2015’s Need for Speed^TM.

Need for Speed^TM is one of the world’s bestselling video game franchises.

Its latest instalment, Need for Speed^TM Payback, will be available worldwide on November 10th for Xbox One, PlayStation®4, and Origin™ for PC. Need for Speed^TM Payback Deluxe Edition owners will get their three-day early access starting Tuesday, November 7th. Players can also get into the action before launch through EA Access and Origin Access, where members can play for up to 10 hours starting Thursday, November 2nd with the EA Access and Origin Access Play First Trial.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

BMW Group Corporate Communications.

Benjamin Titz
Spokesperson M GmbH, BMW and MINI Driving Experience
Product Communications BMW Automobiles
Phone: +49 89 382 22998
E-Mail: benjamin.titz@bmw.de

Julian Hetzenecker
Communications BMW Group Sales Germany and BMW Group Marketing
BMW Group Business and Finance Communications
Phone: +49 89 382 39229
E-Mail: julian.hetzenecker@bmw.de

Bernhard Ederer
Spokesperson BMW Group Sales Germany and BMW Group Marketing
BMW Group Business and Finance Communications
Phone: +49 89 382 28556
E-Mail: bernhard.ederer@bmwgroup.com

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en
E-Mail: presse@bmw.de

Electronic Arts.

Jino Talens
Sr. PR Manager
650-628-9111
jtalens@ea.com

Danica Stanczak
Publicist
650-628-3722
dstanczak@ea.com

The BMW Group.
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2016, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.367 million cars and 145,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax was approximately € 9.67 billion on revenues amounting to € 94.16 billion. As of 31 December 2016, the BMW Group had a workforce of 124,729 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

Home: http://www.bmwgroup.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview
Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

About Electronic Arts.
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 300 million registered players around the world.

In fiscal year 2017, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.8 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster brands such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, Battlefield™, Need for Speed™, Dragon Age™ and Plants vs. Zombies™. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.

EA SPORTS, Origin, Need for Speed, The Sims, Dragon Age, Plants vs. Zombies, Battlefield,are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. and its subsidiaries. John Madden, NFL, UFC and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission.

Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. "PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Knudt Flor, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing Co

Governor McMaster,

Senator Graham,

Ambassador Wittig,

Distinguished Guests,

BMW Associates,

Good morning and welcome to BMW Plant Spartanburg!

Each and every one of you here today is important to the United States, the state of South Carolina and to Plant Spartanburg, so I would like to begin by taking a moment to recognize all elected officials. Please be kind enough to stand for us so you may be acknowledged. On behalf of the BMW Group, I would like to thank you for twenty-five years of continued support and personal commitment to this plant’s success. Thank you!

Governor McMaster, thank you for your continued efforts in promoting this partnership, as many governors – especially the late Governor Carroll Campbell - before you have done. We’d also like to say a special “thank you” to Bobby Hitt, the Secretary of Commerce, who has been instrumental in the tremendous growth of Plant Spartanburg.

From the BMW Group, I would like to introduce Mr. Harald Krueger, Chairman of the Board of Management, and Mr. Oliver Zipse, Member of the Board of Management, responsible for Production worldwide. We welcome the national and international press, as we celebrate 25 Years Spartanburg and the All-New BMW X3!

Also, please join me in welcoming our valued dealers and suppliers from the U.S., our managers from Munich, and last, but certainly not least, I am delighted to welcome all of our associates here on site - the heart and soul of Plant Spartanburg!

25 years ago, our company reached an historic agreement with local government to build our first U.S. BMW plant in the great state of South Carolina. It was the start of something very special - a wonderful friendship and a new beginning. As BMW’s Chairman, Mr. Eberhard von Kuenheim stated back in 1992: “Seldom in the history of our company, has a community extended such a warm welcome to us as here in Spartanburg, in the state of South Carolina, USA. We have felt at home here from the first day on.”

In 1994, Spartanburg began operations with 570 associates, under the motto of “Welcome to the Future”. Today, we are proud to have over 9,000 associates here! Spartanburg has grown to become the largest plant in the BMW Group’s worldwide production network. That, in itself, is a very strong statement about our commitment to South Carolina and to the U.S.

It is our global competence center for our very successful BMW X vehicles. Currently, the plant produces X3, X4, X5 and X6 models, as well as M and hybrid variants. We are looking forward to starting production of the BMW X7 in late 2018. Today, we are delighted to give you an exclusive world premiere of the All-New BMW X3. The BMW X3 is without a doubt, the best vehicle in its segment. More on that shortly!

Of course, the success story of Plant Spartanburg wouldn’t have been possible without people. People have made and continue to make the difference.

We are proud of the people who work here – they are highly skilled and dedicated to building premium quality vehicles for our customers. I am proud to be the leader of such an incredible team at such a remarkable time. World class products are built here every single day. It’s thanks to you, our associates that BMW feels very much at home here in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

We are honored to have so many friends here and immensely proud to call South Carolina “our home away from home”. It is our goal, and our commitment, to remain a strong and reliable partner for our associates, our customers, South Carolina, and the United States.

Of course, a picture is worth a thousand words – here’s a film to remind us of a few highlights from the past 25 years.

Thank you!

Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG

Governor McMaster,

Senator Graham,

Ambassador Wittig,

Honored guests,

It’s great to be back in Plant Spartanburg again!

The film we just saw underscores the BMW Group’s strong commitment

• to the United States of America,
• to South Carolina,
• and to all our associates and partners here in the U.S.

All of this shows that the U.S. is clearly our home away from home.

We are proud to be responsible for around 70,000 jobs in this great nation – including dealer network and suppliers. The effect of that employment multiplies to a total of more than 120,000 jobs nationwide. This is according to a new study from the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. Furthermore, our purchasing volume in America is now at 5.7 billion US dollars.

25 years ago, we made a crucial and forward looking decision. We decided to build our first full production plant outside of Germany in the U.S. – right here, in South Carolina. The BMW Group’s success in America would not be possible without the open arms and warm hearts of the people and elected officials in the great state of South Carolina and the surrounding region.

Senator Graham, it is an honor to have you with us here today. We greatly appreciate your ongoing support over the years.

Our relationship with South Carolina has been built upon decades of mutual trust and respect – and goes far beyond just building cars. Governor McMaster, as you have kindly said – we have become part of the very fabric of this great state. And David Britt, we were deeply touched by your words when you said: “BMW is the gift that keeps on giving”.

I am extremely proud of the highly skilled people who work here for the BMW Group. Their passion for excellence ensures that BMW vehicles built in the U.S. excite and inspire customers all over the world. Some of my fondest memories are from my time here at the plant as a manager. Since then, one thing has never changed – the unique spirit that makes BMW Plant Spartanburg so special: It’s all about People, Performance, Passion and Pride.

Today, I would like to thank all of our associates here, at Plant Spartanburg, for their strong commitment. You bring this plant to life – with your work, every single day. Thank you for your outstanding dedication! I am sure you all would agree that our associates deserve a round of applause.

Governor McMaster,

Senator Graham,

World-class people build world-class products. Today, Spartanburg is our largest plant worldwide. It is the global competence center for our X family vehicles, including the BMW X3. The BMW X3 is the most successful vehicle in its segment worldwide. Today, we are very proud to present you the third generation – “Built by BMW in the U.S. for the world”!

About 70% of our production from Spartanburg is exported to more than 140 countries. Thanks to our great, hardworking team here in the U.S., BMW was once again the leading U.S. automotive exporter by value in 2016 - a title we hold with pride.

Free trade has made our joint success story in South Carolina and the U.S. possible. A story, we want to continue, together with all of you. I firmly believe in free trade and open markets. It is essential for global businesses and economies around the world to flourish.

Altogether, the BMW Group has invested eight billion US dollars in Plant Spartanburg to date. I am delighted to say, we are investing a further 600 million US dollars in our manufacturing infrastructure here, up to 2021. This is for future generations of our X models. In the next four years, we will also create 1,000 new jobs, taking our workforce here to over 10,000.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Training and qualifying our associates is key to our future success. We believe in education! That’s why the BMW Group will invest $200 million over the next five years – solely for the training and further education of associates at Spartanburg. In addition to this, we will begin to roll out a nationwide training program. We work together with local universities and colleges to offer a combination of training on the job and earning a degree. We will keep investing in our people and in our business in the U.S. This underscores our enduring commitment to the people of this great state and nation.

Therefore, I remain confident: Our footprint and commitment will continue to grow – not only in the Great State of South Carolina but also in the United States in the years to come.

(Unveiling of new BMW X3)

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The new BMW X3!

I can tell you, it’s really amazing to drive. Over two generations, the BMW X3 has been delivered to more than 1.5 million customers worldwide. I’m certain: This new generation will raise the bar even higher! Thanks to the team in Spartanburg for your great contribution. “Built by BMW in the U.S. for the world”!

Governor McMaster, Senator Graham, Ambassador Wittig, Oliver, Knudt, dear Associates – please come and join me on stage.

Thank you!

Munich/Spartanburg. The BMW Group has been a committed “local player” in the US market for a quarter-century: On 23 June 1992, the BMW Group announced its decision to build its US plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Continuous expansion of the plant with extensive additions and the decision to build the successful BMW X models in Spartanburg have made the plant the largest manufacturing facility in the BMW Group production network within the space of 25 years. During the ceremony to mark the anniversary, the all-new BMW X3 rolled off the production line in Spartanburg. More than 1.5 million BMW X3 vehicles have been delivered to customers worldwide since it was first launched at the end of 2003. The new BMW X3 will be launched in fall 2017.

Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, stated at the ceremony: “The BMW Group’s success story in the US would not have been possible without the open arms and warm hearts of the people and elected officials in the great state of South Carolina and the surrounding region. Our relationship with South Carolina has been built upon decades of professionalism, mutual trust and respect – and goes far beyond just building great cars.”

The BMW Group has invested eight billion US dollars in the production location to date and produced around 3.9 million vehicles since going online on 8 September 1994. “From 2018 to 2021 we will invest further 600 million US dollars in manufacturing infrastructure for future generations of the BMW X models,” said Harald Krüger. At present, the plant is getting ready for production of the all-new BMW X7, which will be launched onto the market in late 2018.

The BMW Group produces BMW X models in Spartanburg for the US and global markets. With record production of more than 411,000 units in 2016, Spartanburg is the largest BMW Group plant worldwide. Around 1,400 BMW X3, X4, X5, and X6 vehicles come off the assembly line every working day. Maximum production capacity is 450,000 vehicles per year.

Around 70 percent of the vehicles produced in Spartanburg are exported to more than 140 countries worldwide. According to the US Department of Commerce, the BMW Group is the largest vehicle exporter from the US in terms of monetary value. In 2016, 287,700 BMW vehicles with a total value of more than 10 billion US dollars were exported from Spartanburg: 86 percent were shipped from the Port of Charleston, with the remaining 14 percent dispatched from five other ports in the Southeastern United States.

The BMW Group has 235 local suppliers in the US. In 2016, 80 percent of the BMW Group’s purchasing volume in the NAFTA area originated in the US. The US is the company’s second-largest purchasing market, after Germany, and accounts for 5.2 billion euros.

Harald Krüger: “Free trade has made this success story in the US possible. I firmly believe in free trade and open markets. It is essential for global businesses and economies around the world to flourish. We will keep investing in our people and in our business in the US. Therefore, I remain confident that our footprint and commitment will continue to grow not only in the great state of South Carolina, but also in the United States in the years to come.”

The Spartanburg plant employs more than 9,000 people. “By 2021we will create further 1,000 jobs,” stated Harald Krüger. “Training and qualifying our associates is key to our future success.” Training at the plant is based on the German dual apprenticeship training system that combines classroom learning with practical experience. In the past ten years, the BMW Group has invested more than 220 million US dollars in vocational and continued training at its Spartanburg facility, with another 200 million US dollars planned over the next five years. The training programs are run in cooperation with local colleges. The “BMW Scholars” apprenticeship program launched in 2011 is currently preparing around 100 apprentices for their careers within the plant.

According to an independent study of University of South Carolina (Moore School of Business), the nationwide economic impact of BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is 38.5 billion US dollars annually.

US sales market

In the first five months of 2017, the BMW Group delivered 137,916 BMW and MINI vehicles to customers in the US (-4.8%). Sales of Sports Activity Vehicles rose 13.8% and accounted for 46.8% of total US sales in the year to the end of May (56,233 vehicles). 37.1% of the vehicles sold in the US over the same period were produced at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg. The BMW Group retail network in the USA comprises 657 dealerships. In total, the company supports approximately 70,000 direct and indirect jobs in the US. According to an independent study of University of South Carolina (Moore School of Business), the multiplier effect results in even more than 120,000 jobs, if further 50,000 jobs outside the automotive industry are also taken into account.

Current photo material from the ceremony to mark the “BMW Group Plant Spartanburg 25^th anniversary” can be found under http://www.spartanburg.bmwpictures.de/.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Saskia Eßbauer, Business and Finance Communications, Saskia.Essbauer@bmw.de

Telephone: +49 89 382-18364

Glenn Schmidt, Head of Business and Finance Communications, glenn.schmidt@bmwgroup.com

Telephone: +49 89 382-24544

Sandra Schillmöller, Communications Production Network, Sandra.Schillmoeller@bmw.de

Telephone: +49 89 382-12225

Frank Wienstroth, Head of Communications Production Network, Frank.Wienstroth@bmw.de

Telephone: +49 89 382-54459

Media website: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Email: presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2016, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.367 million cars and 145,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax was approximately € 9.67 billion on revenues amounting to € 94.16 billion. As of 31 December 2016, the BMW Group had a workforce of 124,729 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview

Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

Munich. BMW honoured its 36 best dealers worldwide during the Excellence in Sales awards ceremony in Munich. The awards were presented by the programme’s patron, Ian Robertson, BMW AG Management Board member for Sales and Brand BMW, Aftersales BMW Group. 2016 was a record year for BMW Group sales and these awards recognise the outstanding contribution made by the company’s dealers.

The awards programme was the fifth time BMW celebrated the efforts of its global dealer body and it underlines the BMW Group’s appreciation of the role the dealers play in the company’s success. It also recognises the long-term efforts of the BMW Group and the dealer body to set new benchmarks in sales around the world and strengthens the dealer’s leading position in their home markets.

“The international dealer body is one of the most important elements in the BMW Group’s ongoing success,” commented Ian Robertson. “By inviting these outstanding dealers to Munich, we are saying thank-you to our partners who helped us achieve new record results in 2016. Now we’re working together to achieve even better figures this year. That ambition will be supported by the introduction of the new BMW 5 Series and by our model offensive, with 40 new and updated models due onto the market in the next two years.”

The six categories of Excellence in Sales awards are awarded in the BMW Group’s six sales regions worldwide. From these 36 regional winners, six global winners are selected, one in each category. These recognise exceptional achievement in the areas “Sales”, “Conquest and Loyalty” and “Customer Care” as well as outstanding sales results regarding the brand’s flagship “BMW 7 Series” and – reflecting the BMW Group’s leadership in electrification – “BMW i & iPerformance” cars. The final category is awarded to the “Manager of the Year”.

An impressive jury including Ian Robertson, his first-line management team, and representatives from BMW Group Corporate Quality decided on the award winners. They had a wealth of choice: 3,000 entries were received from 80 different countries.

The 36 regional winners from 22 countries were then invited to a three-day visit to Munich, with a programme designed to deepen the participants understanding of the brand’s home town. In addition to the gala evening event, the winners drove some of the brand’s most iconic classic cars through the city centre and enjoyed a craft beer seminar as part of a Bavarian lunch. The focus remained firmly on business, however, as the group caught a glimpse of the future of retail in the Trendjourney and experienced new concepts of Luxury in the BMW Welt.

The BMW brand is represented by around 4,400 dealers in 150 countries. 2016 was the first year in the brand’s history it sold more than 2 million vehicles with 2,003,359 delivered to customers around the world, an increase of 5.2% on the previous year. The brand offers the world’s broadest range of premium electrified vehicles; over 62,000 units were sold last year.

The winners:

# Category: Best Dealer in Sales.

• Dusseldorp Apeldoorn, Netherlands
• Barigui, Brazil
• Balcom BMW, Japan
• Peformance Motors, Singapore
• Shanghai Baozen, China
• Becker-Tiemann, Germany

# Category: Best Dealer in Conquest & Loyalty.

• Pelras, France
• Tulley BMW, USA
• Eurosib Lahta, Russia
• Borusan Otomotiv, Turkey
• Shangyu Jinchang Baoshun, China
• Heermann-Rhein, Germany

# Category: Best BMW 7 Series Dealer.

• BMW Centrauto, Belgium
• South Bay BMW, USA
• Bavarian Motors, South Korea
• Abu Dhabi Motors, UAE
• Beijing Yan De Bao, China
• Euler, Germany

# Category: Best Dealer in BMW i & iPerformance.

• Bilia Skøyen, Norway
• South Bay BMW, USA
• Deutsch Motors, South Korea
• Abu Khader Automotive, Jordan
• Chengdu Zhongbao, China
• Procar Automobile, Germany

# Category: Best Dealer in Customer Care.

• Lloyd Blackpool, United Kingdom
• Auto Welt, Mexico
• Sime Darby Auto Bavaria, Malaysia
• Astra Sunter, Indonesia
• Weifang Shengbao, China
• Kruft, Germany

# Category: Manager of the Year.

• Antonio Amoros García, Móvil Begar, Spain
• Boris Said, BMW of Murrieta, USA
• Luke E. Dreyer, Auto Bavaria, South Africa
• Shachar Shemesh, Delek Motors, Israel
• Zuming Zhang, Shaoxing Baoshun, China
• Björn Heilmann, Hansa Nord, Germany

If you have any queries, please contact:
Corporate Communications.

• Emma Begley, Business and Finance Communications (Global Sales) emma.begley@bmwgroup.com, Telephone: +49 89 382 72200

• Bernhard Ederer, Business and Finance Communications (Sales Germany) bernhard.ederer@bmwgroup.com,Telephone: +49 89 382 24418

The BMW Group.
With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2016, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.367 million cars and 145,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax was approximately € 9.67 billion on revenues amounting to € 94.16 billion. As of 31 December 2016, the BMW Group had a workforce of 124,729 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

Home: http://www.bmwgroup.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview
Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

Munich. Saturday saw the launch of the new BMW 5 Series sedan. At the same time, BMW Welt is devoting an exclusive special exhibition to the world’s most success business sedan. Visitors have the opportunity not only to see two models up close but also to experience the new technical features at interactive stations. And film fans have the chance to view the new BMW film “The Escape” and see the actual car used in the film along with several props.

“The Escape” – the new BMW film.

In the latest release from BMW Films, “The Escape”, the new BMW 5 Series sedan plays the leading role. Clive Owen, the Hollywood actor and cult driver from “The Hire” films, plays a mysterious hired driver and rising star Dakota Fanning plays Lily, a clone, in an action-packed short featuring thrilling chase sequences and breathtaking stunts. From now till February 25, visitors to BMW Welt have a unique opportunity to experience the original BMW 5 Series model from the film “The Escape”. Other film props and exclusive insights into the making of the short make this special exhibition a one-off experience – and not just for cineastes.

“The Escape” is an homage to the legendary “The Hire” series of BWM films on its 15th anniversary. A total of eight of those films were made in two series in 2001 and 2002. Each of the films featured Hollywood greats both in front of and behind the camera. Playing alongside Clive Owen as the hired driver, were stars such as Forest Whitaker, Mickey Rourke, Madonna, Gary Oldman and James Brown. Cult directors including Guy Ritchie, Ang Lee, David Fincher and Ridley Scott took the BMW shorts to Hollywood level, which did not go unnoticed at international film festivals. In addition to the Titanium Lion in Cannes, “The Hire” won just about every other award for the creative arts.

The new BMW 5 Series exhibition.

Sporty, elegant and stylish, the seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series sedan had its market launch worldwide in February 2017. An unprecedented array of high-tech features and improved handling make the new BMW 5 sedan an extremely attractive package. The new BMW 5 Series sets new standards in connectivity and driver assistance, offering BMW customers perfect support in their day-to-day driving. The dynamic nature of this new premium car is also reflected in the exhibition in BMW Welt.

Since the start of February, visitors have been able to inspect the latest generation of the BMW 5 Series sedan in a special display opposite the BMW Welt Lifestyle Shop. Multimedia elements are used to illustrate the innovative key features of the new BMW 5 Series for visitors, including new controls and displays, the digital BMW Connected mobility assistant, and the various diver assistance systems. Various touch screens provide visitors with a comprehensive insight into the dedication and innovation that has gone into developing this vehicle. One of the three walls focus on the multi-sensual experience. Among other things, visitors can find out about the Ambient Air Package. This package is an optional extra on the new BMW 5 Series. At the push of a button, the Ambient Air Package fills the interior of the car with a subtle, pleasant fragrance. Visitors can test two of the eight available fragrances at the exhibition. Ambient light creates a relaxed, cozy atmosphere in the interior, underlining the luxurious feel of the vehicle and serving as a functional light source. A backlit “5” at the exhibition demonstrates the variety of lighting options and the moods they create.

The seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series.

With around 7.9 million vehicles sold by the end of 2016, the BMW 5 range is one of BMW’s core series. The sixth generation alone recorded sales of more than 2.1 million, making it the global leader in the premium segment of the upper mid-range. The seventh generation of the new BMW 5 Series has now arrived to defend this lead with an impressive array of innovative features. Intelligent voice control, gesture control and a 70 percent larger head-up display in combination with the networked services of BMW Connected, together with features such as on-street parking information and remote 3D view are just some of the many highlights of the new BMW 5 Series sedan.

The new BMW 5 Series sedan will be on show throughout 2017 in the special exhibition. “The Escape” set will be on display only until the end of February. On Monday, February 14, the first customer will drive away their new BMW 5 Series sedan at a BMW Welt handover.

If you have any queries, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communication

Corporate Communication

Bernhard Ederer

Spokesperson BMW Welt

Phone: +49-89-382-28556

mailto: bernhard.ederer@bmwgroup.com

Internet: www.press.bmw.de

BMW Welt – at the heart of the brand, on the pulse of the city

The BMW Welt welcomes over 3 million visitors per year. With its pioneering architecture, BMW Welt is the heart of all the brands in the BMW Group – BMW, the sub-brands BMW M and BMW i, MINI, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and BMW Motorrad, which are impressively presented in their own worlds of experience. But it is not only the exhibitions and the collection of new vehicles that are highlights for car lovers from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy a year-round program of varied events covering culture, art and entertainment as well as a popular event location for over 400 external events per year. The various restaurants of the BMW Welt offer a variety of culinary delights up to star gastronomy. In the BMW Welt Junior Campus, children and youngsters can enjoy exciting guided tours and workshops on the themes of mobility and sustainability.

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2016, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.367 million cars and 145,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2015 was approximately € 9.22 billion on revenues amounting to € 92.18 billion. As of 31 December 2015, the BMW Group had a workforce of 122,244 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview

Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

Munich / Woodcliff Lake. The new short film “The Escape”, featuring Clive Owen, Dakota Fanning, Jon Bernthal and Vera Farmiga, will premiere on BMWFilms.com on 23 October. The film continues in the tradition of “The Hire”, a series of unique short films released between 2001 and 2002 that created a stir on the international marketing scene and beyond: The eight films, aired in two seasons, realised a totally new approach.

David Fincher, who was already well-known as the director of films such as “The Game” with Michael Douglas and “Fight Club” with Brad Pitt, executive produced the first series. Renowned authors, directors and actors brought gripping stories to life. In each film, British actor Clive Owen played the lead role alongside a BMW. The supposedly most popular film of the first season titled “Star” featured Madonna as Clive Owen’s “passenger” in a BMW M5. The second series, which was released in 2002, was executive produced by cult Hollywood producers Ridley and Tony Scott.

15 years on, BMWFilms.com returns with a tribute film, once again featuring Clive Owen behind the wheel and also starring Dakota Fanning (“War of the Worlds,” “I am Sam”), Jon Bernthal (“The Punisher,” “Daredevil”) and Vera Farmiga (“The Departed,” “Up in the Air”). The film was directed by South African director and Academy Award® nominee Neill Blomkamp (“District 9”, “Elysium”) and realised for BMW North America by Geisel Productions, New York.

“The Escape” will premiere on Sunday, 23 October 2016, at 12.00 CET on BMWFilms.com.

“I firmly believe that 'Sheer Driving Pleasure' can be communicated effectively through emotional stories and that, by this, we can strengthen our BMW brand’s core values. With a Hollywood-quality realisation, global stars, an Academy Award® nominated director and a consistent 'online first' approach, we are once again setting new standards for content marketing,” explained Hildegard Wortmann, Senior Vice President Brand BMW. “The new short film 'The Escape' is designed as an homage to the 15th anniversary of 'The Hire'. Clive Owen was keen from the start when he heard of our plans. We are delighted to have Clive on board again – with his style and coolness he is perfect for the role.”

“The Hire” – the original BMW short-film series with eight unique episodes

Season 1 of “The Hire” premiered on BMWFilms.com on 26 April 2001 with John Frankenheimer’s “Ambush,” followed by “Chosen” from Ang Lee, who would go on to win Academy Awards® for “Brokeback Mountain” and “Life of Pi.”  The third film in the series, “The Follow,” was directed by Wong Kar-wai and featured Forest Whitaker, Adriana Lima and Mickey Rourke. Completing Season 1 was Guy Ritchie’s “Star,” featuring pop icon Madonna, and “Powder Keg,” starring Stellan Skarsgård and directed by then up-and-comer and current multiple Academy Award® winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Season 1 was executive produced by David Fincher (“The Social Network,” “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) and was viewed over 11 million times in four months.

Season 2 of “The Hire” was executive produced by Tony and Ridley Scott and debuted in October 2002 with Tony Scott’s “Beat the Devil”, starring soul legend James Brown, with Gary Oldman as the devil. John Woo’s “Hostage” featuring Maury Chaykin, and Joe Carnahan’s “The Ticker”, with Don Cheadle, completed the series.

Acclaim for “The Hire” series

“The Hire” was released exclusively online at BMWFilms.com and received more than 100 million views prior to the proliferation of high-speed internet connectivity and introduction of YouTube.

After the first two films in “The Hire” series premiered online, Wong Kar-wai’s third film, “The Follow,” made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2001 to critical acclaim. The media also praised “The Hire”. The New York Times wrote that the films “tingle with zest”, while Time magazine added that it “deserves the attention of discerning movie watchers”.

“The Hire” inspired the Cannes International Advertising Festival to create the Titanium Lion in 2003, to honor creative ideas that point to a new direction for the industry and redefine the creative landscape. Besides taking home the inaugural Titanium Lion, the films went on to win the top honour in virtually every creative competition. They were named “The Best of the Digital Decade” by The One Show in 2011 and accepted into the Clios Hall of Fame in 2009. “The Hire“ series was inducted into the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in 2003.

BMWFilms.com online

“The Escape” will premiere on Sunday, 23 October 2016, at 12.00 CET on BMWFilms.com. Already today, you can see the sneak peek on BMWFilms.com.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Bernhard Ederer, Business and Finance Communications, Marketing Telephone: + 49 89 382-28556, Fax: + 49 89 382-24418 Bernhard.Ederer@bmwgroup.com

Ralph Huber, Head of Product Communications BMW Telephone: +49 89 382-68778 Ralph.Huber@bmwgroup.com

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2015, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.247 million cars and nearly 137,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2015 was approximately € 9.22 billion on revenues amounting to € 92.18 billion. As of 31 December 2015, the BMW Group had a workforce of 122,244 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview

Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

Munich. To coincide with the market launch on 16 April, BMW released its “digital-first” campaign for the new BMW M2 Coupé. Stars of the campaign “Eyes on Gigi” are the new BMW M2 Coupé and American supermodel Gigi Hadid, who is appearing in front of the camera for an automobile brand for the first time.

The dynamic performance and agility of the first-ever BMW M2 Coupé and the sensuous beauty and elegance of Gigi Hadid inspired renowned film producer and screenplay author Marc Forster, who directed films such as “James Bond – Quantum of Solace”, “Monster’s Ball” and “World War Z”, to create a highly unusual spot.

Eyes on Gigi.

The exciting film, which will initially be released exclusively on YouTube and Facebook from 14 April, invites viewers to play a very different kind of “shell game”: The film starts with supermodel Gigi Hadid climbing into one of three parked BMW M2 Coupés; from then on, the viewer tries to keep track of Gigi and her BMW M2 Coupé.
Within a short space of time, two more BMW M2 Coupés join in and a fast-paced vehicle choreography begins – making the task virtually impossible.
At the end of the drive, all five M2 Coupés come to a halt and the viewer has to identify which car Gigi Hadid is in.

The spectacular one-shot stunt – captured in a single uncut tracking shot – was filmed at an airfield in California’s Mojave Desert under the direction of Oscar-winning cameraman Mauro Fiore (“Avatar”, “The Equalizer”).

The interactive resolution of the game takes place on the campaign microsite EyesOnGigi.com, where the viewer can also follow the fast-paced vehicle choreography from a 360-degree perspective.

“Eyes on Gigi” is the first time the top model from Los Angeles has officially worked with an automobile brand. “We are delighted to win Gigi Hadid as the face of our global campaign for the new BMW M2 Coupé,” commented Uwe Dreher, head of International Brand Communications BMW, BMW i and BMW M. “Gigi and the M2 are the perfect match: Both are strong personalities with fascinating charisma.”
Hadid was immediately impressed: “BMW is such an iconic brand. The fact that I get to be the face of this campaign is definitely a career highlight for me. The M2 is such a cool, fun car.”

Campaign adopts “digital-first” approach for the first time.

The digital spot kicks off an integrated campaign for global rollout through TV, digital, social media and CRM channels, starting 14 April. The “digital-first” approach preferred for the first time for “Eyes on Gigi” also benefits from Hadid’s strong social media presence. With 16.1 million subscribers on Instagram, nearly 1.9 million followers on Twitter and aprox. 2.6 million fans on Facebook, Hadid is extremely successful in this area.
If the player picks the right BMW M2 Coupé, the campaign’s sophisticated digital architecture leads into the digital BMW M2 Coupé showroom of the BMW sales company in the player’s country.

Hadid liked the unusual campaign idea: “When they came to me with this concept, I loved it, and was honoured to be a part of it. I had a blast working on this project.”

To guarantee the new “fan of the brand” continued driving fun over, BMW will provide the top model with her own BMW M2 Coupé for six months.

Agencies responsible:

KBS (New York) / Serviceplan (Hamburg)

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Dr. Gesa Prüne

Press spokesperson BMW Lifestyle

BMW Group Innovation and Design Communications

Telephone: +49 89 382 940 81

Email: gesa.pruene@bmw.de

Bernhard Ederer

Press spokesperson BMW Marketing

BMW Group Business- and Finance Communications

Telephone: +49 89 382 28556

Email: bernhard.ederer@bmwgroup.com

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Email: presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2015, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.247 million cars and nearly 137,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2015 was approximately € 9.22 billion on revenues amounting to € 92.18 billion. As of 31 December 2015, the BMW Group had a workforce of 122,244 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview

Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

Munich. The BMW 2 Series Coupe takes brand-typical driving pleasure to a new dimension. The sportiest vehicle in the premium compact segment fascinates with powerful drive technology and exceptionally agile handling characteristics. The BMW M235i Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 8.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 189 g/km), which offers the extremely intensive experience of superior dynamics, recently put on a spectacular performance in the centre of the South African metropolis Cape Town. The city’s streets became a stage for a “drift mob show” featuring the BMW M235i Coupe, professional stunt drivers and a Hollywood film crew that documented the sensational happening in a video clip. On 30 July 2014, the drift mob video starring the BMW M Performance automobile will celebrate its online debut on the new communication platform www.bmw.com/BMWstories.

Munich. The latest generation of the BMW X5, which founded the segment for Sports Activity Vehicles and is global market leader in its class, stars in a new TV commercial with a sense of humour. The ad features a series of follow-on scenarios that show in a slightly ironic way how a BMW X5 earns respect.

The television commercial shows the new BMW X5 driving through a deserted landscape to a crossroads, where it encounters a large gang of leather-clad bikers – who promptly come to a stop and give way. The camera then cuts to the BMW X5 driving through a busy city by night, where a colourful parade of dancers and fire-eaters also respectfully makes way. Following an impressive flight over the mountains, the camera catches up with a train the new BMW X5 is travelling parallel to – until the powerful locomotive slows to a halt to allow the car to pass. The BMW X5 finally reaches a stretch of rapids: since the water obviously refuses to stop for it, the BMW X5 ultimately ploughs right through. An off-screen voice remarks: “Respect isn’t commanded. It’s earned.”

The third generation of the BMW X5 raises the bar for powerful design, luxurious interior comfort, modern versatility and high efficiency. The striking new design and enhanced sportiness of the new BMW X5 in both urban and off-road settings are portrayed very effectively in the commercial.

The TV spot can be viewed online at: www.bmw.com/x5/gallery

And at the BMW YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLOOjyn4KrU&list=UUBSVw6f8KBFLn7r1cQsFhLw&feature=c4-overview

The commercial will be shown in the following countries: Italy, the United States of America, Canada, Japan and South Africa.

The ad was realised by the agency kbs+, New York.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Daria Gotto-Nikitina, Corporate Communications, press spokesperson for Marketing and BMW Welt

Daria.Gotto-Nikitna@bmw.de, Tel.: +49-89-382-14908, Fax: +49 89 382-24418

Nikolai Glies, head of Business, Finance and Sustainability Communications BMW Group
Nikolai.Glies@bmw.de, Telephone: +49 89 382-24544, Fax: +49 89 382-24418

Media website: www.press.bmw.de

Email: presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is the leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2013, the BMW Group sold around 1.963 million cars and 115,215 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2012 was € 7.82 billion on revenues amounting to € 76.85 billion. As of 31 December 2012, the BMW Group had a workforce of 105,876 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview

Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

Base price of 34,950 Euros in Germany

Robertson: A compelling offer for premium electromobility

Munich. BMW Group today announced the base price of 34,950 Euros for the BMW i3 in Germany, the company’s first all-electric series production vehicle. The BMW i3 will be available to customers in Germany in November 2013.

Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing BMW, stated in Munich: “The BMW i3 heralds the dawn of a new era for individual mobility and for the BMW Group. True to a genuine BMW, the BMW i3 has strong emotional appeal, outstanding product substance and a guarantee of sheer driving pleasure. With this leading-edge vehicle and attractive price, we will provide customers with a compelling offer for electromobility.”

The BMW i3 will celebrate its international premiere on 29th July at parallel events on three continents in the megacities of London, New York and Beijing.

BMW i3 products and services will be sold via a multi-channel sales model, comprised of authorized BMW i partners, a Customer Interaction Center (CIC) as well as an online platform. All sales channels will be fully networked and customers will be able to personalize their entire purchasing process to suit their needs. Some markets will also introduce a mobile sales force, a sales team which will be available to customers outside the traditional showroom.

With the holistic approach of „360 ° ELECTRIC“, BMW i provides the customer with an extensive product and service offer which covers the needs of drivers for electromobility. 360 ° ELECTRIC is based on four pillars: Charging at home (BMW i Wallbox), charging at public charging stations, assistance services as well as innovative mobility services, which include comprehensive maintenance services and warrantees, flexible car-sharing offers, as well as useful BMW Apps for the computer and Smartphone.

About BMW i. BORN ELECTRIC.
BMW i stands for visionary vehicles and mobility services, inspirational design and a new interpretation of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability across the entire value chain. With BMW i, the BMW Group redefines the concept of individual mobility. The BMW i3 is the world’s first premium car designed from the ground up to be powered by an electric drive system with revolutionary lightweight construction. The result is hallmark BMW driving pleasure in undiluted form, delivered with zero emissions and an engaging intensity unmatched by any electrically powered vehicle.

If you have any queries, please contact:

 

Corporate Communications

Linda Croissant, Business and Finance Communications

Linda.Croissant@bmw.de, Telephone: +49 89 382-35617, Fax: +49 89 382-24418

Birgit Hiller, Business and Finance Communications

Birgit.Hiller@bmw.de, Telephone: +49 89 382-39169, Fax: +49 89 382-24418

Wieland Bruch, Spokesperson BMW i

Wieland.Bruch@bmw.de, Telephone: +49 89 382-72652, Fax: +49 89 382-24418

Alexander Bilgeri, Head of Business, Finance and Sustainability Communications

Alexander.Bilgeri@bmw.de, Telephone: +49 89 382-24544, Fax: +49 89 382-24418

Media website: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Email: presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is the leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2012, the BMW Group sold about 1.85 million cars and more than 117,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2012 was euro 7.82 billion on revenues amounting to euro 76.85 billion. At 31 December 2012, the BMW Group had a workforce of 105,876 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last eight years.

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview

Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

The stage is set for the BMW X3 Games in Geneva
Thrilling multi-sport competition for amateur sportsmen and women gets underway. Winning team can look forward to three BMW X3 cars 

Munich/Geneva. An international line-up, featuring entrants from 19 European countries, is itching to get the BMW X3 Games started in Geneva (SUI). Following the official registration, the first events are scheduled for Thursday. The BMW X3 Games sees BMW organise a multi-sport event for ambitious amateur sportsmen and women for the first time. A spectacular prize awaits the winning team of three: each team member will receive a new BMW X3.

From mid November 2010, sportsmen and women have had the opportunity to register for the BMW X3 Games. Over 15,000 registrations are proof of the huge interest in this competition. A draw determined the 52 teams who will now do battle for overall victory until Saturday.

Versatility is the trump card at the BMW X3 Games: six challenging disciplines await the competitors. On Thursday they must demonstrate their talent running and on the golf course. Skiing and driving ability tests at the wheel of the BMW X3 are scheduled for Friday. On the final day, mountain biking and sailing will ultimately decide the overall winners.

The competitors must also demonstrate their creativity. In cooperation with Samsung, a partner of the BMW X3 Games, they must take photos dealing with the subjects of joy, dynamics, challenge and aesthetics as part of their “creative task”. The jury will reward the most impressive image in each field.

However, the attractive prize is not all the competitors in the BMW X3 Games can look forward to. The event also features some captivating venues. Whether skiing on the slopes of Mont Blanc or sailing on Lake Geneva: the BMW X3 Games is guaranteed to offer the lucky sportsmen and women an experience to remember.

Partners of the BMW X3 Games are: Sixt, K2, Kempinski, Peak Performance and SAMSUNG.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Press and Public Relations

Business and Finance Communications, Marketing
Martina Daschinger
Phone: +49 89 382-14908
Email: Martina.Daschinger@bmw.de
https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Sport Communications
Nicole Stempinsky
Phone: +49 89 382 51584
Email: Nicole.Stempinsky@bmw.de
www.press.bmwgroup-sport.com

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 24 production facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

During the financial year 2010, the BMW Group sold 1.46 million cars and more than 110,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for 2010 was euro 4.8 billion on revenues amounting to euro 60.5 billion. At 31 December 2010, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 95,500 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last six years.

Munich. The election of the Creative Use of Space Award, initiated by MINI and Burton, is getting more and more exciting. Since January internet users around the world are invited to watch the most creative runs from the Burton Global Open Series (BGOS) events and select their personal favourite on www.facebook.com/MINI. The two outstanding riders from the Burton European Open in Laax/Switzerland have been chosen: the community made its decision and chose Sven Thorgren from Sweden and the female rider Ty Walker from USA. Both are now nominated for the global voting in April.

From now on, MINI fans can rate the most creative runs of the Burton Canadian Open online. The BGOS Judges panel nominated Caden Michnal (USA), Eric Beauchemin (USA) and Scotty James (Australia) as best male riders and Cilka Sadar (Slovenia), Silvia Mittermüller (Germany) and again Ty Walker (USA), who has already shown an impressive riding at the European Open in Laax, as best female riders. MINI fans can watch their creative runs as web clips on Facebook. Anyone wishing to participate in the vote can do so via the MINI Facebook site: simply select your favourite by using the “Like” option. After the election at the Canadian Open, the most creative runs at the Burton US Open (March 7-13 at Stratton, Vermont) are up for voting. The global online voting starts in April.

It’s not only the snowboard scene profiting from the award. Among all Facebook voters, MINI will raffle off a trip for four people to one of the forthcoming BGOS events in New Zealand, Switzerland, Canada or the USA – flight, accommodations and lift passes included.

On site at the Burton US Open in March, interested spectators will have a chance to test-drive the MINI Countryman. MINI shuttles will be ferrying there the athletes to their events.

MINI offers not only the Creative Use of Space Award. In addition to the Burton purse of US $50,000, the male and female champion with the most BGOS points for the 2010/2011 series will each receive a new MINI Countryman.

Munich. The snowboarding stars of the Burton Global Open Series (BGOS) are about to come in for even closer scrutiny: internet users around the world are invited to watch each individual jump and select their personal favourite at http://www.facebook.com/MINI. The two snowboarders who are voted the ultimate winners will be presented with the Creative Use of Space Award, which MINI is awarding for the first time this year in its capacity as BGOS partner. The award is worth a total of 50,000 US dollars and will be shared by the best male and female rider.

A panel of experts has already drawn up a shortlist of the most innovative runs in the BGOS event in Laax, Switzerland. They have nominated Jamie Anderson (USA), Ty Walker (USA), Yuki Furihata (Japan), Xaver Hoffmann (Germany), Sven Thorgren (Sweden), Peetu Piiroinen (Finland) and Markus Keller (Switzerland). MINI fans can watch their course runs and complete jump sequences as web clips on Facebook. Anyone wishing to participate in the vote can do so via the MINI Facebook site: simply select your favourite by using the “Like” option. It’s worth a shot, as all Facebook voters will automatically be entered in a prize draw. MINI will present the winner with a trip for four to one of the forthcoming BGOS events in New Zealand, Switzerland, Canada or the USA – flight, accommodation and lift pass included.

Among the snowboarders themselves, the Creative Use of Space Award is designed to lend a further boost to creativity and the courage to develop a truly individual style. Entirely in keeping with the MINI philosophy of using limited space as creatively as possible, the athletes are encouraged to fully exploit their own element – while leaping through the air.

After Laax, the most creative performances from the forthcoming BGOS events will be added to the selection: the Burton Canadian Open (1 to 6 February in Calgary) and the Burton US Open (7 to 13 March in Stratton). Once again, MINI shuttles will be ferrying the athletes to their events. Interested spectators will have a chance to test-drive the MINI Countryman on site.

Munich/Laax. Carmaker MINI marks the launch of its partnership with cult snowboard brand Burton at one of the world’s major snowboarding events – the Burton European Open in Laax. Both brands will focus on providing their customers with plenty of riding fun as they join forces for the Burton Global Open Series (BGOS), with the Burton Canadian Open (1 to 6 February in Calgary, Canada) and the Burton US Open (7 to 13 March in Stratton, USA) still to come.

“MINI and Burton are the benchmark in their respective segments. This is a partnership between two very strong and emotional brands, both of which promote individual riding fun coupled with creative design,” says Dr. Wolfgang Armbrecht, Senior Vice President Brand Management MINI. “Snowboards and cars are more than just means of locomotion – they represent a lifestyle.”

Creative Use of Space Award for the most inventive run.
Both MINI and Burton believe it is important that not only the best technical tricks are rewarded, but that recognition should also go to displays and jumps that reflect maximum creativity, interaction with the environment and personal style. “Using limited space as creatively as possible” – what could be more in keeping with the MINI philosophy?

When the semi-final and final runs in the halfpipe and slopestyle competitions start tomorrow, camera teams will be filming the performances of riders taking part in the “Creative Use of Space” challenge. From 21 January, the most inventive displays will be posted as web clips on http://www.facebook.com/MINI. After each event, users can view the various clips and select their personal favourites using the “Like” option. The most popular clips from the BGOS events in Laax, Calgary and Stratton will be eligible for the global vote as event winners. The two overall winners of the Creative Use of Space Award will be named at the end of March. MINI will reward the most creative female and male rider with a cash prize of US$25,000 each.

Anyone participating in the online voting will automatically be entered into a prize draw for a trip for four to one of the Burton Global Open Series events in the 2011/12 season.

For further information on this collaboration and the Creative Use of Space Award please go to:
http://www.facebook.com/mini
http://www.minispace.com/burton
http://www.youtube.com/mini (from 14 January 2011)

Munich. Next year, BMW is offering amateur sportsmen and women from throughout Europe a unique stage to demonstrate their versatility, skill and ability to work in a team. Sixty teams, each consisting of three members, will go head to head in six challenging disciplines at the BMW X3 Games. Sailing, mountain biking, skiing, golf, running and driving are in store for the international competitors when they test themselves from 27th April to 1st May 2011 in Geneva (CH). The teams must also successfully complete a creative task. The winning team can look forward to a sporting all-rounder: each team member will receive a new BMW X3.

“The BMW X3 Games are aimed at amateur sportsmen and women from all age groups,” says Ralf Hussmann, Head of BMW Sports Marketing and Brand Cooperation. “Each competitor can bring their own personal strengths to this multi-sport event, thus working with team-mates to achieve the big goal. However, the BMW X3 Games are about more than three spectacular main prizes. Teams from 18 European countries will assemble in Geneva, where they will not only compete against each other in an exclusive environment, but will also line up together. We can look forward to thrilling duels in a unique atmosphere.”

From 15th November 2010 to 28th February 2011, anyone interested can either register individually online at www.bmw.com/X3games or as a complete team of three. The teams to appear at the BMW X3 Games in Geneva will then be drawn and receive a notification concerning their participation by mid-March 2010. Each entrant will compete in two of the six sports. All three team members will work together to master a creative task. A points system will be in place to determine the overall score.

The BMW X3 Games are scheduled to start with a sailing regatta on Lake Geneva. The contestants will sail on Beneteaus First Class 7.5 yachts. They will then move on to a challenging course in nearby “Juragebirge”, which they will tackle on BMW Cross Country Mountain Bikes. The ski competition will be held in Chamonix Mont-Blanc, close to the Swiss metropolis, before the participants must demonstrate their ability behind the wheel of the BMW X3. A round of golf in Gross Stableford format and a 14-kilometre run round off the sporting challenges at the BMW X3 Games.

The overall winners can look forward to an impressive vehicle. The new BMW X3 celebrated its world debut at the “Mondial de l'Automobile Paris 2010” in October. Featuring greater sportiness, driving comfort, interior space and versatility, the X3 is significantly increasing the lead in the segment founded by its predecessor.

First to the destination, last to refuel: When it comes to efficiency, the two engine variants available as the car is launched are setting new benchmarks. The Auto Start Stop function is combined with an eight-speed automatic gearbox for the first time. No other manufacturer in the world can boast such a comprehensive range of measures for reducing consumption and CO² emissions as BMW. High-performance engines and a sporty driving style need not conflict with the environment and resources. BMW X3 xDrive20d with automatic gearbox: combined consumption 5.6 litres/100 km, combined CO² 47 g/km. BMW X3 xDrive35i with automatic gearbox: combined consumption 8.8 litres/100 km, combined CO² 204 g/km. The new BMW X3 is also the first BMW X model, which has an EPS Electric Power Steering and optional Performance Control as standard. The choice of driver assistance systems offered by BMW ConnectedDrive is unique in the segment. The new BMW X3 can be equipped, inter alia, with Adaptive Cornering Headlights, Head-up Display and reversing camera including Top View.

If you have any questions regarding this press release, please contact:

BMW Group Sport Communications
Nicole Stempinsky
Phone: +49 89 382 51584
Email: Nicole.Stempinsky@bmw.de
www.press.bmwgroup-sport.com

Business and Finance Communications, Marketing
Martina Daschinger
Phone: +49 89 382-14908
Email: Martina.Daschinger@bmw.de
https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

The BMW Group.
The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 24 production facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries. 

The BMW Group achieved a global sales volume of approximately 1.29 million automobiles and over 87,000 motorcycles for the 2009 financial year. Revenues totalled euro 50.68 billion. At 31 December 2009, the company employed a global workforce of approximately 96,000 associates.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last six years.

Attached please find the specifications of the BMW X6, 09/2009

"Expression of Joy" Creative Built upon Unique Artistic
Collaboration * Artistic collaboration between BMW, contemporary
artist Robin Rhode and filmmaker Jake Scott * 30-minute documentary to
air on Discovery HD Theater on May 10 * Online first with MSN.com
homepage takeover on May 11 * 8-page Vanity Fair insert in June issue
written and photographed by Dennis Hopper Woodcliff Lake, NJ - May 8,
2009... BMW sought an innovative approach for the launch of the all-new
BMW Z4 Roadster, and had to look no further than its rich legacy of
commitment to art for inspiration. The result, an aesthetically
powerful marketing campaign entitled "Expression of Joy,"
rolls out in early May. The campaign, which relies heavily on vibrant
video content, includes an MSN.com homepage takeover on May 11 with
which BMW will be the first advertiser to make use of the Web site's
new feature - an expandable video unit that will allow users to view
the BMW Z4 spot in full-screen mode. Also, the conventional 30-second
spot is complimented by a 30-minute documentary. At the heart of the
campaign, created by BMW's Austin, Texas-based agency GSD&M Idea
City, is an artistic collaboration between BMW, contemporary artist
Robin Rhode and filmmaker Jake Scott. Rhode choreographed the movements
of two BMW Z4 Roadsters mounted with special paint dispensers behind
the wheels to create a football-field size painting, while Scott
captured all the action with 40 simultaneous camera angles. The final
Rhode piece and video elements form the foundation of the campaign's
creative treatments. "BMW has a long history of collaborating
with contemporary artists," said Jack Pitney, Vice President of
Marketing, BMW of North America. "Through this latest
collaboration with Robin and Jake, we've extended our tradition of
engaging leading talents in the art community for the introduction of
the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster." A 30-minute documentary that
offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Rhode piece, as it
was directed by Scott at Downey Studios in Los Angeles last November,
forms the centerpiece of the campaign. The documentary will air on
Discovery HD Theater at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on May 10, with subsequent
multiple airings on the network through May and June. Additionally, a
tie-in with TiVo will extend the reach of the documentary by allowing
TiVo users to preview and record it for later viewing. The BMW Z4
campaign's online presence will rely exclusively on video-based assets,
to bring the performance art to life online. Video banners will run
from May 8 - June 30 on leading news, business and lifestyle Web sites,
including CNN, CNN Money, Dow Jones, Yahoo!, Condé Nast and
Wired. National print pieces, many with unique creative treatments,
will be published in May and June issues of art, lifestyle and design
magazines, including Art & Antiques, ArtNews Esquire, W, and Elle
Décor. Notably, an eight-page, photo feature-style insert,
written and photographed by actor Dennis Hopper, will run in the June
issue of Vanity Fair, and a cover page takeover is slated for the June
issue of Dwell magazine. An out-of-home component is planned for the
nation's busiest airports in ten key markets for BMW. The airport
billboards feature representations of the Rhode piece alongside images
of the BMW Z4 with headlines that read, "Expressionism meets
Exhilarationism," "Not all artists are depressed" and
"Rarely does the paintbrush rival the painting," or the
succinctly stated "Art Movement" and "Muse."
While the core of the campaign breaks in May, some elements that laid
the groundwork for the campaign began to appear as early as late-March,
including: a public art installation featuring the Rhode/Scott
collaboration at New York City's Grand Central Terminal from March
25-April 6; an iPhone application that lets users replicate Rhode's
experience of creating artwork with the BMW Z4 as
"paintbrush;" and the launch of the BMW Z4 micro-site
www.expressionofjoy.com. Additionally, special video spots are now
running in mainstream and independent movie theaters nationwide - a
30-second spot prior to the house lights going down and a two-minute
cinematic piece as a lead-in to the feature presentation. The new BMW
Z4 Roadster goes on sale May 9 with a base MSRP of $46,575. For more
information about the BMW Z4, please visit www.bmwusa.com or
www.expressionofjoy.com. BMW and Contemporary Art BMW has a
long-standing commitment to contemporary art starting with Gerhard
Richter's 1972 commission of three large-scale paintings for the foyer
of the company headquarters in Munich. Karl Schwanzer's architectural
post-war icon, the "four-cylinder" building, marked the
beginning of the company's emphasis on an innovative, dynamic style of
construction which was extended in 2005 with the central building of
the BMW Leipzig Plant, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and the BMW
Welt designed by COOP HIMMELB(L)AU. The BMW Art Car program was
originally conceived by French racecar driver Hervé Poulain in
1975. Since then, prominent artists throughout the world have joined
the elite cast of Alexander Calder, Frank Stella, Andy Warhol, Roy
Lichtenstein and Robert Rauschenberg, and have created sixteen BMW Art
Cars, based on both racing and regular production models. The most
recent contributors to the BMW Art Car Collection are David Hockney
(1995), Jenny Holzer (1999) and Olafur Eliasson (2007). New artists are
chosen by a prestigious panel of international judges, and BMW is
currently in discussions for the development of the seventeenth Art
Car. BMW Group In America BMW of North America, LLC has been present
in the United States since 1975. Rolls- Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began
distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has
grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations
for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI
brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a
strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in
Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW
Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global
manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all
X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW
Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of
338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,
142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 83 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30
Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's
sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New
Jersey. Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers
via the Internet at: www.bmwgroupna.com www.bmwusa.com
www.bmwmotorcycles.com www.miniusa.com www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com
# # # Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its
products is available to journalists on-line at the BMW Group PressClub
at the following address: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en Broadcast quality
video footage is available via The NewsMarket at www.thenewsmarket.com.
# # # GSD&M Idea City GSD&M Idea City is a leading marketing
communications and advertising company that has helped grow some of the
world's most successful brands. For more information, go to
www.IdeaCity.com. GSD&M Idea City is part of Omnicom Group, Inc.
(NYSE:OMC). # # # Contact Information. Shawn Ticehurst E-Mail:
shawn.ticehurst@bmwna.com Telefon: +1-201-594-3360

BMW of North America Banking on Dynamic Hologram of World's First Sports
Activity Coupe to Reach Target Consumers in Financial Community
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - April 29, 2008... BMW of North America and its
advertising agency GSD&M Idea City are rolling out a 3-D virtual
vehicle tour to herald the arrival of the first-ever BMW X6. Going
direct to target consumers with a hologram of the vehicle, the world's
first sports activity coupe will be featured in prominent buildings in
New York City's financial district over a four-week period. Employing
patented technology from Dutch advertising company viZoo, the 2008 BMW
X6 will be projected in three dimensions, appearing as a hologram,
inside a ten-foot square, BMW-branded enclosure. Inside the
light-controlled space, an animation suggesting the vehicle's unique
combination of coupe agility and sports activity vehicle versatility
runs on a loop. "Busy finance executives represent an important
sampling of the target consumers for the new BMW X6," said Jack
Pitney, Vice President, Marketing, BMW of North America. "Since
these prospective buyers rarely have time to visit a dealer showroom,
our virtual tour allows them to 'experience' the performance, agility
and utility of the X6 by bringing the showroom to them." An
interactive touch-screen inside the enclosure will allow people to
manipulate the vehicle hologram to view different angles, experience the
interior, explore the vehicle features, and get a sense of the generous
cargo space. "The BMW X6 doesn't look like anything BMW has
ever produced - you have to see it to believe it," said Duff
Stewart, President and COO of GSD&M Idea City. "Our goal was
to put this amazing vehicle in front of its best prospects and stop
them in their tracks." The BMW X6 virtual tours will be open in
each New York City location on Monday through Friday during regular
office hours, and will be staffed by brand ambassadors during peak
times. The building locations and dates are as follows: * World
Financial Center (225 Liberty St.) from April 21st - April 25th * 245
Park Ave. from April 28th - May 2nd * 1 Liberty Plaza from May 5th -
May 9th * 1 New York Plaza from May 12th - May 16th. A media
partnership has been forged with CNBC-TV to help further the BMW X6's
reach among members of the financial and business community. On the
television news network, the new BMW X6 will drive across the top of
the screen as part of a reverse stock ticker - a first for any
advertiser. Additionally, BMW is the first automotive company to
sponsor a taping of CNBC-TV's "Power Lunch," on location
recently at The Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City, where
real-life power lunches take place everyday. The new BMW X6 was on
display. On the West Coast, a media partnership with Variety will
introduce the BMW X6 to target consumers in the entertainment industry
as part of the latest installment of the "10 to Watch"
series, "10 Innovators to Watch," in both print and online
editions dated May 5th. To extend the partnership with the leading
entertainment industry trade, BMW will join Variety in supporting the
Consumer Electronics Association's Digital Hollywood Conference in Los
Angeles from May 5th-8th. BMW will be the exclusive automotive
sponsor of the conference, will stage an X6 display in front of the
conference venue and, along with Variety, a Digital Hollywood media
partner, will host a "10 Innovators to Watch" panel
discussion followed by a cocktail party. Aggressively styled print ads
telegraph the attitude of the new vehicle with bold taglines like
"Coupe's evil twin" and "What is it? What isn't it"
set in a heavy typeface. The ads will appear in April, May, and June
issues of national business/financial, lifestyle and automotive
enthusiast magazines, including: Forbes, The Economist, Condé
Nast Portfolio, Robb Report, The New Yorker, Cigar Aficionado,
Automobile, and Road and Track. A national cable television spot,
directed primarily at viewers of business, news and sports networks,
supplements the campaign. The 30-second piece, entitled
"Clay," shows a lump of clay morphing between a variety of
vehicle shapes, evoking the BMW X6's performance-based roots, until
finally landing on the distinctive form of the sports activity coupe.
The clay model is replaced by a Vermillion Red Metallic BMW X6, and a
voiceover says, "The coupe has been reshaped. The all-new BMW
X6." The spot will appear on such national cable television
networks as Bloomberg, MSNBC, CNBC, CNN, Fox News, ESPN, NFL Draft on
NFL Network, The Golf Channel, NBA Playoffs on TNT, and the Speed
Channel. Other highlights of the comprehensive ad campaign for the 2008
BMW X6 include: * Spots on the Captivate Network, which delivers news,
entertainment, and advertising to digital screens in the elevators of
premier office towers in North America's top 23 markets. * A specially
designed BMW X6 web site for Apple iPhone users, and the ability to
drive information direct to other "smart phone" devices in
response to a text message inquiry from the user. * A prominent banner
ad on the Bloomberg Terminals relied on by members of the financial
community for real-time and historical stock information. * A BMW
sponsorship of Morningstar.com's premium subscription content that will
make it available to users free of charge from April 29th - June 7th,
and will feature an animated BMW X6 that will drive across the screen
when users submit stock information inquiries. * An online presence
through financial page takeovers of business and financial web sites
like LinkedIn.com, Forbes.com, TheStreet.com, and Morningstar.com.
Also, online creative will appear in Variety.com and select in-market
automotive web sites. * Airport billboards that proclaim "After
you land, fly" and "The goose bumps begin at deplaning"
are slated to appear in 15 airports covering 10 domestic markets. A
virtual design studio tour on the BMW web site will allow visitors an
inside look at the design and development of the BMW X6. Modeled on
the BMW design studio in Munich where the world's first sports activity
coupe was conceived, the interactive piece will be available at:
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/AllBMWs/FutureVehicles/X6/X6TeaserExplore
.aspx#studio BMW Group in America BMW of North America, LLC has been
present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA,
LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United
States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service
organizations for the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce
brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in
California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other
operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South
Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the
exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models and X5 Sports Activity
Vehicles and the upcoming X6 Sports Activity Coupe. The BMW Group
sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338
BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142
BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30
Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's
sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. Information about BMW Group products is
available to consumers via the Internet at: www.bmwgroupna.com
www.bmwusa.com www.bmwmotorradusa.com www.miniusa.com
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com # # # Journalist note:
Information about the BMW Group and its products is available to
journalists online at the BMW Group PressClub at the following address:
https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en Broadcast quality video footage is available
via The NewsMarket at www.thenewsmarket.com. # # # About
GSD&M Idea City Through 36 years of helping grow some of the world's
most successful brands, GSD&M Idea City has become a leading
national marketing communications and advertising company using the
power of Purpose-based Branding and Dynamic Collaboration to create a
destination for visionary ideas that make a difference for our people,
our clients, our country and the world. For more information, go to
www.IdeaCity.com. GSD&M Idea City is part of Omnicom Group, Inc.
(NYSE: OMC) # # #

+++ BMW presents the X6 in a dynamic online Visualiser +++ Munich. On
the road in the new BMW X6: Customers will be able to share in a
completely new vehicle experience when they visit the online Visualiser
at the BMW X6 microsite. For the first time, customers will not only be
able to configure their vehicles in their dream colours with their
favourite wheel rims; they will also be able to watch the vehicle
driving through the city, in a setting they have chosen, with
personalised film clips. The trip starts in the middle of the Double
Cone at BMW Welt and continues through ultra-modern virtual
architectural landscapes. Before the trip starts, the special shapes of
the BMW X6 will be highlighted in a 360° rotation. Its design
combines the sporting elegance of the larger BMW coupés with the
powerful presence of a BMW X model. No other automobile can offer
anything like the combination of fascinating features and capabilities
provided by the world's first SportsActivity Coupé. The BMW X6
is getting ready to change traditional perceptions. The X6 will be
available from German dealers from 31 May 2008. The Visualiser will be
available for around three years on the national BMW web sites. The
microsite was developed by OgilvOne from Frankfurt and
Mackevision/Polychrom. To open the Visualiser click on
www.bmw.com/X6_Visualizer. Screenshots of the X6 Microsite and
additional material on the BMW X6 are available in the BMW Group
PressClub https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en If you have any queries, please
contact: Corporate Communications Micaela Sandstede, Business and
Finance Communication, Marketing Telephone: +49 (0)89 382-61611, fax:
+49 (0)89 382-24418 Marc Hassinger, Business and Finance Communication
Telephone: +49 (0)89 382-23362, fax: +49 (0)89 382-24418 Internet:
https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en e-mail: presse@bmw.de

Annual capacity to be increased to over 200,000 vehicles+++ Currency
risks will be reduced by this step+++ Munich. The BMW Group sees
further growth potential in the USA and will therefore expand its
activities in its largest single market. "We will expand the
production capacity of our US plant in Spartanburg in the medium term
from the current 140,000 to well over 200,000 vehicles per annum",
stated Norbert Reithofer, the Chairman of the Board of Management of
BMW AG at the Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday in Munich.
"This is one element of our future strategy. Taking this step will
help to lower our US dollar currency risk", he added. The adverse
impact for the BMW Group from the weak US dollar and Japanese yen in
the last financial year alone totalled euro 666 million. The group
currently manufactures the Z4 and X5 in the USA. The X6, as well as a
possible successor to the X3, are to be built there in the future.
Earnings and sales volume outlook for 2007 reaffirmed The BMW Group
remains on course in terms of the targets it has set for the current
financial year: "Adjusted for the gain on the Rolls-Royce
exchangeable bond, we wish to improve on the record pre-tax profit
result achieved in 2006", Reithofer reaffirmed. All three brands
are also forecast to achieve new sales volume records. The BMW Group
aims to increase sales volume for 2007 in the high single-digit
percentage range to over 1.4 million vehicles. The aim remains to
achieve an annual sales volume of approximately 1.6 million vehicles by
2010. Performance in the first quarter 2007 was influenced by adverse
currency factors, high raw material prices and high start-up costs for
new models. The change in reported earnings was also affected by a
significant "base effect" of euro 375 million, namely the
one-off non-cash gain arising on the partial settlement of the
exchangeable bond on shares in the British aero engine manufacturer,
Rolls-Royce plc. that was recognised in the first quarter 2006. Group
revenues increased by 2.9% to euro 11,951 million (first quarter 2006:
euro 11,618 million). The pre-tax profit fell by 34.3% to euro 852
million (first quarter 2006: euro 1,296 million). Excluding exceptional
items, group earnings fell by only 11.7%. The first-quarter profit
after tax, at euro 587 million, was 38.1% lower than the previous
year's figure of euro 948 million. Despite model changes during the
first three months of the year, the number of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce
brand cars sold edged up by 0.1% to 333,276 units (first quarter 2006:
332,923 unit). The sales volume is expected to rise noticeably in the
coming months thanks to new models. BMW Group achieved record earnings
in 2006 Despite the difficult conditions facing the worldwide
automobile industry, the BMW Group can look back on a successful
financial year 2006, achieving new high levels for sales volume,
revenues and earnings. The number of vehicles sold increased by 3.5% to
1,373,970 units (2005: 1,327,992 units). All three brands headed the
market in their own segments. Thanks to sales volume growth, a more
favourable model sales mix and efficiency improvements, the BMW Group
was again able to a large extent to offset the impact of adverse
exchange rates and high raw material prices amounting to more than euro
1 billion. The profit before tax rose by 25.5% to euro 4,124 million
(2005: euro 3,287 million). This includes the one-time gain on the
exchangeable bond referred to above. At an operating level (i.e.
excluding the exceptional gain), the pre-tax profit improved by 3.0%.
The net profit climbed by 28.4% to reach a new all-time high level of
euro 2,874 million (2005: euro 2,239 million). Earnings per share rose
to euro 4.38 (2005: euro 3.33) per share of common stock and to euro
4.40 (2005: euro 3.35) per share of preferred stock. Group revenues
improved by 5.0% to euro 48,999 million (2005: euro 46,656 million) on
the back of a strong sales volume performance and continued strong
growth in financial services business. Car sales volumes above
previous year's level in virtually all markets The USA continued to be
the market with the largest sales volume for the BMW Group, with a
total of 313,921 cars sold in 2006, up by 2.1% on a year-on-year basis.
A total of 816,829 cars was sold in Europe, 1.7% more than in the
previous year. Germany remained by far the most important European
market. However, due partly to the restricted availability of the MINI,
the sales volume on this market was down by 2.8% to 287,715 vehicles.
The BMW Group recorded its largest growth rates in Asia. The sales
volume there rose by 13.0% to 142,084 units. Japan is the largest
single market for the BMW Group in this region, with the number of cars
handed over to customers up by 5.6% to 62,115 units. Sharp increase in
dividend proposed In the light of the high level of profitability and
the positive outlook, the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board
are proposing a significant dividend increase at the Annual General
Meeting. BMW AG's unappropriated profit available for distribution,
totalling euro 458 million, will be used to pay a dividend of euro 0.70
for each share of common stock (2005: euro 0.64) - an increase of 9.4%
over the previous year - and euro 0.72 for each share of preferred
stock (2005: euro 0.66) - an increase of 9.1% over the previous year.
Including the share buy-back, BMW AG's shareholders will therefore
participate in the success of the BMW Group by receiving an aggregate
amount in excess of euro 700 million. New authorisation for share
buy-back proposed The Board of Management and the Supervisory Board of
BMW AG are also proposing a resolution at the Annual General Meeting to
authorise the buy-back of up to 10% of the Company's share capital. The
authorisation will again be valid for a period of 18 months. The
buy-back authorisation passed in the previous year is valid until 15
November 2007. It has not yet been decided whether or to what extent
that authorisation will be applied to buy back further shares. BMW
Welt set to open in mid-October The BMW Group will open its new
delivery centre, BMW Welt, on 17 October. The public will have the
opportunity to visit this architecturally unique building for the first
time on open days on 20 and 21 October. * * * Norbert Reithofer's
speech at the Annual General Meeting can be downloaded from the
BMW Group website at www. bmwgroup.com/ir. For questions please
contact: Press and Public Relations Mathias Schmidt, Finance
Communications Telephone: (+ 49 89) 382-24118, Fax: (+ 49 89) 382-24418
Marc Hassinger, Business and Finance Communications Telephone: (+49 89)
382-23362, Fax: (+49 89) 382-24418 Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en
e-mail: presse@bmwgroup.com

Munich. BMW is using spectacular internet adventures to get the new BMW
X5 off the ground. The campaign is the first step in the marketing
activities in support of the market launch. "Extreme
Sightseeing" is the name of the eight adventure tours online,
which not only test the driving dynamics and functionality of the
Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). Video cameras accompany a protagonist on
his trips through Europe and the USA. On his journey in the X5, by
bicycle or on foot, he faces a number of challenges - cycling on the
roof of the Olympic Stadium in Munich, a dizzying walk across the
pillars of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, a frantic trip
through the caverns of the London Underground or racing the BMW X5
against a powerboat on the idyllic Amalfi coast in Italy. On the
Mediterranean near Valencia, the X5 adventurer tested what kind of
experience the BMW brand could offer on board the America's Cup racing
yacht owned by BMW ORACLE Racing. These sketches of ideas intrigued the
German entertainer Klaus-Jürgen "KJ" Deuser. He became
involved in the adventures - and the risk of maybe failing. His
experiences during the preparations for the "Extreme
Sightseeing" trips can already be viewed online. In the BMW X5,
Deuser set off to search for fascinating stories and new horizons. With
this approach, he discovers some surprising aspects of familiar sights
and experiences and conveys the first impressions of the most important
characteristics of the new SAV. The videos will come online to coincide
with the world premiere of the BMW X5 at the Los Angeles Motor Show at
the beginning of December 2006. Brief introductions show the new BMW X5
in action and introduce the next part of "Extreme
Sightseeing". New episodes will appear online at regular intervals
until April 2007. For BMW brand boss Torsten
Müller-Ötvös, the internet campaign will allow the brand
and the X5 product to be experienced more easily: "The innovative
Extreme Sightseeing Tour offers exciting entertainment in a new style
of premium reality TV. It provides unique, exclusive insights into the
world of the new BMW X5." With this strategy, BMW is reacting, in
the words of Müller-Ötvös, to the change in media
behaviour, where the internet is becoming increasingly important.
People are looking not only for a pure depiction of the product, but
also for the creation of innovative platforms which process information
dynamically and allow messages to be accessed actively. "Today,
consumers are deciding quite deliberately what information they wish to
absorb. With 'Extreme Sightseeing', we want to make a further
contribution towards establishing BMW as an attitude to life and a
world of experience", said Müller-Ötvös. The
internet, he continued, was now way ahead of other media when customers
want to find out about automobiles. "The X5 online campaign is a
perfect example of how a brand can use the wide range of opportunities
offered by the virtual world to appeal emotionally to customers and
others who are interested", continued the BMW brand director:
"The emotional link with our customers is becoming more and more
important. A brand - and this applies particularly for BMW - must be
able to offer exciting experiences." BMW has been successfully
using the interactive possibilities of the internet for some years to
acquire customers and increase customer loyalty. For the market launch
of the BMW 1 Series, the new communication platforms outshone the
classic channels in advertising by 60 percent. Vodcasts and postcasts
with stories about BMW are moving dynamically: the stories were
downloaded more than 1.5 million times within just a few months
(www.bmw.com/vodcast und www.bmw.com/podcast). At
www.bmworacleracing.com/blog, sailing enthusiasts can explore the
sailing world of BMW ORACLE Racing, including the 2007 America's Cup,
and follow the team's activities. Around 30,000 visitors make use of
this opportunity each month. BMW started a revolution in the internet
with the short film series "The Hire". The eight films made
by famous Hollywood directors, starring Clive Owen, and featuring
Madonna, James Brown, Mickey Rourke and other blockbuster stars could
only be viewed online - and attracted more than 100 million viewers
between 2001 and 2005. The action-packed films with a BMW automobile as
their focal point gave the marketing trend of "branded
entertainment" a totally new face. With the current internet
campaign, "Extreme Sightseeing", BMW is supporting the market
launch of the second version of the BMW X5, the successful founder of
the Sports Activity Vehicle segment. The BMW X5, first presented in
1999, has sold around 580,000 vehicles, and has now become a successful
model that is popular throughout the world. With its strategy of
offering a spacious, luxuriously equipped yet robust premium vehicle
which, thanks to its four-wheel drive and increased ground clearances,
provides superb driving performance both on and off-road, BMW has
triggered a completely new trend in the global automobile market. The
advantages which made the world's first Sports Activity Vehicle so very
attractive are even more apparent in the new BMW X5. It embodies a
successful concept which has been consistently developed so that it now
offers a wide range of additional qualities that meet the sophisticated
demands of this still young segment.

Munich / Rome. Following an audience with the Pope, the BMW Group
yesterday handed over a BMW X5 to the Holy Father. Dr. Michael Ganal,
Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, and Marco Saltalamacchia,
President of BMW Italy, represented the company at the official
reception. Michael Ganal: "We are proud to be able to provide Pope
Benedict XVI with a BMW car." The BMW X5 increases the number of
BMW vehicles owned by the Vatican: in addition to a fleet of BMW C1
two-wheelers, the official Vatican vehicle fleet has two more BMW
automobiles: a BMW 525ix and a BMW 740i.

Munich/Frankfurt am Main. The BMW Group received one gold and five
silver awards at the 7th AutoVision International Automobile Film and
Multimedia Festival. Filmservice International from Munich and Vienna
presented the coveted "OttoCar" awards on 15 September 2005,
the opening day of the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt am
Main. From 260 projects submitted, the international jury selected 52
entries, and awarded prizes in the five main groups of advertising
spots (TV and cinema), TV programmes, websites/multimedia, information
films and product presentation films. The world's largest automobile
film and multimedia festival is a showcase for the best international
films and interactive applications. "Every silver and gold award
winner can be certain that he has achieved something
extraordinary", said jury member Andreas Wegler, Client Service
Director of the Publicis Communications Agency in Munich. The following
BMW Group projects convinced the jury: OttoCar Gold in the category
Product Presentation Films/ Motorcycles: BMW Motorrad "BMW R 1200
RT" Experience shows - and so the loving couple in the best years
of their lives drive a BMW R 1200 RT for touring. On their trip through
Norway, they drive through a breath-taking landscape full of natural
theatrical effects. In the midst of craggy fjords, wide vistas and
winding roads across mountain passes, the harmonious pair enjoy one
thing above all: the ultimate driving experience. Agency: lucie_p GmbH
Munich for BMW AG, BMW Motorrad OttoCar Silver in the category
Websites/ Multimedia/ Corporate Websites: "Relaunch of the
international BMW Website" www.bmw.com The ultimate driving machine
- the relaunch of the international BMW website offers visitors an
adventure centre online. With a Corporate Identity that has been
revised down to the last detail, high-quality 3D animations combined
with films, sound, interactive interfaces and opportunities for
downloading, the range of facilities online provides an exciting
backdrop for the BMW brand products and services. Facts and information
are presented in the highest quality and in a fascinating way. The BMW
brand home page has established itself as a benchmark in the area of
automobile websites. Agency: Interone Worldwide Hamburg for BMW AG
OttoCar Silver in the category Websites/Multimedia/Brand Websites:
"BMW WilliamsF1 Team Website" www.bmw.williamsf1.com On this
BMW web site, fans and specialist visitors can navigate at close
quarters through the 2005 Formula 1 season: Reliable information about
racing engineering and the events of the season is presented using
high-end multimedia content and interactive interfaces, and the site is
continuously updated throughout the year. Separate sections describe
every Grand Prix separately, so that fans can closely experience the
work of the BMW WilliamsF1 Team. There are more interactive events in
the "pitstop", where users can navigate via hotspots.
Agency: Phase 4 Communications GmbH Munich for BMW AG OttoCar Silver in
the category Websites/Multimedia/Brand Websites: "MINI Relaunch
/Showroom" www.mini.com/showroom At the international web site
which has been designed according to the strict requirements of the
brand Corporate Identity, the latest techniques for online
communication encourage visitors to find out about the MINI product in
an entertaining way. With high-quality photos, films and flash
animations, 3D simulations, dynamic sound and expanded interactivity,
the user-friendly navigation guides visitors through the complete
presentation of all the MINI models. An extensive model comparison
makes a difficult choice easier. Fans can put together their ideal
model using the configurator. Agency: Interone Worldwide Hamburg for the
BMW AG OttoCar Silver in the category Streaming/ Web Only Films:
"The new BMW 3 Series - the sports saloon experience "
www.bmw.com/3erlimousine The internet special developed for the new BMW
3 Series sports saloon invites visitors to take a very unusual test
drive. Film sequences with seamlessly integrated 3D animations,
sequences using intensely detailed bullet-time technology, all
accompanied by energetic sound, turn the dynamism and agility, superb
format and convincing safety features of the new BMW 3 Series into a
real experience. In addition to providing clear information about the
unique features of the product, the motto is, above all: "Feel the
drive". Agency: Interone Worldwide Hamburg for BMW AG OttoCar
Silver in the category Special Internet Advertising: The internet game
"Cool Flame - The Game" www.be-the-first-one.com In the
online ad game for the launch of the BMW 1 Series in 2004, star reporter
Harley Flame searches for film producer Seymour Deville, who has
suddenly disappeared, through the virtual Montano Beach. The five
episodes are accompanied musically by singer Gina Lopez. The game
integrates voiceover dialogues, adventure passages, jump and run
sequences and racing elements. Downloads of useful gadgets and graphics
as backgrounds or screensavers round off the contents available.
Agency: Interone Worldwide Hamburg for BMW AG If you have any
questions, please contact: Corporate Communications Jörg
Schweizer, Public Relations, Film. Placement. Entertainment. Telephone:
+49 89 382 23250, fax: +49 89 382 20697 Michael Kirsch, General Manager
Public Relations Telephone: +49 89 382 25111, fax: +49 89 382 26972
Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en e-mail: presse@bmw.de