Hello everyone!

A very warm welcome to the world premiere of the BMW iX3.

At BMW, we have always been at the forefront of sustainable mobility. We continue to push forward at a fast pace – always focusing on the needs of our customers.

Already back in 2007, we began a new era of sheer electric driving pleasure with “project i”. And around 180,000 customers of the fully electric BMW i3 are proof of this. Today, with our broad range of plug-in hybrids, customers can enjoy electrified driving in all of our model segments.

Now we are rapidly expanding our line-up of pure electric vehicles: Just think of the very cool MINI Electric – and now our first pure electric Sports Activity Vehicle, the BMW iX3. Next year you can look forward to the BMW i4 and the iNEXT. And I promise you, there will be many more to come.

Our timing is perfect, because customer demand is rising.

And with convenient charging solutions at home or at work, we will boost demand even more.

At BMW, we think well beyond the vehicle itself. For us, it's all about making a true difference. And that's why we have decided to implement a completely new and even more comprehensive strategy for sustainability.

We will focus on three areas:

1. To further strengthen our position as a role model when it comes to sustainable, resource-saving production.
2. Creating a sustainable, CO₂ neutral supply chain.
3. The utilization phase of our vehicles concerning CO₂ emissions. We will further reduce our CO₂ emissions, even beyond the EU target.

All of this shows: We consistently take a sustainable approach across the entire value chain. This is what sets us apart.

Here are a few examples which underline this:

In production, we reduced our CO₂ emissions per vehicle by 25 percent last year, compared to 2018. We are sourcing all of our external power from renewable energy.

And we are working hand in hand with our suppliers to reduce our CO₂ footprint in the supply chain. For example, the production of high-voltage batteries is very energy-intensive. We have signed contracts with all our cell suppliers: They will only use renewable energy to produce our fifth-generation battery cells. This will save around ten million tons of CO₂ within the next ten years. This is roughly the amount of CO₂ that a city like Munich - with almost one and a half million people – emits each year.

We are strongly committed to climate protection. And we put words into action: We have greatly reduced the CO₂ footprint of our vehicle fleet. In 2020 alone, we will cut it by more than twenty percent. We are achieving this by offering a wider range of electric models, and also by increasing the efficiency of our conventional engines.

In Europe we are making excellent progress: Next year, 25 percent of our fleet will be electrified. In 2025, we will reach 33 percent. And in 2030, 50 percent of our sales will be electrified.

Ultimately, it's all about the Power of Choice. Our customers will always be able to choose the right drivetrain for their particular needs.

The BMW X3 clearly embodies our strategy of intelligent and flexible vehicle platforms. We can fit this model with any drivetrain we need – and produce them on the same production line. Whatever our customers demand, we deliver. And I promise you: All variants will have the same high level of functionality, comfort and quality.

Customers can choose from a range of drivetrains, such as highly efficient diesel engines with 48 Volt Mild Hybrid support. This is an important technology for customers who drive long distances. And of course they fulfill the highest regulatory standards of real-driving emissions.

We also offer the X3 with petrol engines in four different performance levels, right up to the sporty X3 M. With the new particle filters and 48 Volt support, they are the cleanest conventional engines we have ever built.

The X3 is also available as a plug-in hybrid, making it a great choice for commuters who desire a very low CO₂ footprint.

Today we are presenting the BMW iX3, our first fully electric Sports Activity Vehicle. It is also our first model to feature our self-developed and self-produced Gen5 electric drivetrain. It is highly integrated, without any rare earth materials, and extremely efficient. The Cobalt and Lithium we use originates from only trusted suppliers.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please enjoy the world premiere of the fully electric BMW iX3!

This car has taken Efficient Dynamics to the next level. When we engineered this vehicle, our focus was on achieving an attractive range. At the same time, we are setting the benchmark in terms of efficiency.

The iX3 offers a range of more than 500 km in the New European Driving Cycle. And 460 km according to WLTP. And of course it drives like a BMW.

This creates a sweet spot for our customers: The balance of its low energy consumption and 150 Kilo-Watt fast-charging is perfect for every distance, also for long journeys. Our advanced battery technology makes all of this possible.

For us, it’s always about simplifying our customers’ lives. That’s why we created BMW Charging. In Europe, that means access to well over 150,000 charging points – and worldwide, at least double that amount. This is the most comprehensive charging network available.

We have also included a new App that recommends charging stops on long routes – showing the estimated charging time required. BMW Charging is one of the many digital innovations that we have developed for our customers.

The BMW iX3 features our latest BMW Operating System 7. This enables secure and convenient over-the-air updates. This means your system is always up to date.

Last but certainly not least, let´s talk about sound. Together with one of the world's most famous music composers – Hans Zimmer – we are developing BMW Iconic Sounds for our electric vehicles. The iX3 already features a first composition from this cooperation: Just press the start / stop button, and you will be surrounded by the full emotional thrill of electro-mobility. What a sound! I really like it. And you can look forward to even more BMW iconic sounds in the future.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At BMW, we are fully committed to climate protection and sustainable mobility. Our aspiration is to provide sustainable driving pleasure for our customers, no matter where they are around the world.

I promise you there will be many more exciting emission-free vehicles to come. So, stay tuned. Thank you for joining us today!

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!

Olaf Kastner, President and CEO, BMW Group Region China

Good morning!

Both of these cars show the innovative power of the BMW Group.

They demonstrate our expertise in electromobility, which began 45 years ago.

Back in 1972, the all-electric BMW 1602 prototype allowed for emission-free mobility at the Olympic Games in Munich.

Today, our commitment to sustainable mobility is stronger than ever.

I am delighted to present the World Premiere of the BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition. This very striking, limited edition i8 will come to China in September.

Trends come and go. Icons remain. These cars are proof of that.

In China, our New Energy Vehicles have been well-received. We were the number one brand in electrification leadership according to an external consumer study last year. And this year looks set to build on that success with a strong start in electromobility. We are heavily involved in developing the NEV eco-system with our ChargeNow brand, which will see nearly 50% growth in publicly available charging and a total of 2,500 charging pillars in 15 cities by the end of this year.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have entered a new phase of localization in China. We have just launched the BMW 1 Series Sedan especially designed for China. Two weeks ago, we delivered the three millionth car. In a few weeks, we will open a new production facility in Shenyang.

In line with ‘Made in China 2025’, we will bring more state-of-the-art Industry 4.0 technology to the New Plant Dadong. With our increasing local R&D development, which will soon include High Voltage Battery production, we are well-prepared for China’s NEV development.

All of this demonstrates our commitment to shape the future of premium mobility.

Thank you for joining us today.

Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, MINI, Rolls-Royce, BMW Motorrad, Customer Engagement and Digital Business Innovation BMW Group

Riding, driving, and being driven is not just about going from A to B. It is also about freedom, luxury, comfort and excitement. For more than 100 years, our company has been providing emotional mobility. Buying a BMW Group vehicle is not only a rational decision, it’s a highly emotional one.

And all of our brands are emotional to the core, each in its own unique way.

BMW stands for sheer driving pleasure. Innovative mobility services and connectivity features complement the premium experience. And there is more to come. For example, we will start our car-sharing service ReachNow in Chengdu this year with a fully electric fleet.

BMW is also known for its emotional products on “two wheels”:

BMW Motorrad makes your life an extraordinary ride. Whether it be through sheer speed, adventure, cruising, or even silent electric riding.

Rolls-Royce is the very pinnacle of luxury. You can see that for yourself – and take a look at the new darker side of this brand at the Rolls-Royce press conference at 11:40 h CST.

And MINI? Well, if you want to experience one of the most emotional cars – in my opinion you should get inside a MINI, and give it a spin. For an extra dose of adrenalin and passion you should try out a MINI John Cooper Works.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, I have brought along the latest member of this family:

What a great MINI! This is a car for those who want the extraordinary. Versatility, off-road excitement, MINI typical performance on the road: the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman combines all these characteristics.

This is the second generation MINI Countryman. And John Cooper Works takes it into a league of its own. Inspired by its racing heritage, John Cooper Works creates the sharpest and most powerful MINIs.

The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is a truly exceptional vehicle:

-      The Countryman offers the most space of any car in the MINI line-up

-      It is the most versatile MINI

-      And the John Cooper Works model features the brand’s most powerful
       engine

China is already a strong market for MINI. Last year we achieved a ten percent increase. And we achieved double-digit growth in the first quarter of this year as well.

That’s because MINI offers one-of-a-kind fascination and emotion.

Now let’s talk about BMW Motorrad. We started selling motorcycles here in China only five years ago. Since then, sales have been growing significantly. We nearly doubled sales from 2014 to 2015 and last year we grew sales by more than 50%.

The Chinese market is becoming more and more important, and we expect substantial growth in the future. You can look forward to further fascinating models soon. Here’s a great one to start with …

This must surely be the most stunning BMW Motorrad ever. This is the exclusive BMW HP4 RACE. RACE – you can take that literally. In terms of technology, the new HP4 RACE is in the same category as current superbike racing machines.

The HP4 RACE is the first motorcycle with a carbon fibre main frame produced industrially using the RTM process. Only the BMW Group has this competence. The wheels are also made of this ultra-light but rigid material. Ready to race, this bike has a dry weight of just 146 kilograms! That means, same performance as a World Championship bike, but lighter!

Any customer lucky enough to take this bike on the racetrack will experience pure emotion. They’ll be among a select few: production will be limited to just 750 units of the BMW HP4 RACE.

And BMW Motorrad really is all about the experience, as I know well.

My personal highlight of 2016 was a bike tour through Tibet – and I want to share a few impressions of that trip with you. What a fantastic landscape for going off-road on a BMW Motorrad.

So you’ve heard a lot about “power” this morning - and there’s more to come.

Dr. Ian Robertson (HonDSc), Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Brand BMW, Aftersales BMW Group

I just can’t get enough of that sound! Now – Peter’s been talking about performance, power and exclusivity. Here’s the answer from BMW:

The world premiere of the all-new BMW M4 CS!

M – the most powerful letter in the world – is once again celebrating performance with a special edition model. After the success of the BMW M4 GTS, this is the second limited edition model of the M4 Coupe. This car starts a new tradition of CS cars positioned between the Competition variants of the M models – and the models used in club and motor sport.

The new CS will be powered by the M4 six-cylinder-engine. It boasts 460 horsepower, with a maximum torque of 600 Nm. Suspension is designed for exceptional sportiness, and Cup tyres come as standard.

And this car breaks the “4-second-barrier” – needing just 3.9 seconds from nought to a hundred. To reach that speed, lightweight construction was essential: many parts are made from carbon fibre.

Customers can look forward to exclusive colours and the BMW M specific OLED rear lights with their 3D effect. Production begins in July, so if you’re a fan – you won’t have to wait much longer!

Of course, BMW M is something very special. For more than four decades, it has played an integral role in shaping the BMW brand. And now let’s get another listen to that great sound!

Here in Shanghai, we are bringing the BMW brand even closer to our customers. We opened the new BMW Experience Center here last month. With over 45,000 m² and a Dynamic Driving Area, I invite everyone to come to the Center and experience the range of our brand – from BMW M to BMW i.

This is just one more facet of our engagement in China. And the vehicle we’re about to see is the perfect example of how we respond to the desires and wishes of our customers in China:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The World Premiere of the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase, created exclusively for Chinese customers!

Manufactured here in China at the new Dadong Plant facilities, the wheelbase has been extended by 13 cm – compared to the standard 5 Series Sedan. That extra space goes to the passengers in the back – something I know our customers here truly appreciate.

This exclusive new car sets the benchmark in aesthetics, driving pleasure and comfort in the premium business sedan segment. It is the most innovative and most connected vehicle in its class. Our customers will really enjoy the seamless communication and entertainment options, as well as the advanced driver assistance systems.

We’ve reduced the weight of this new 5 Series by up to 130 kilograms. That’s the weight of an adult plus their luggage. This means performance is sharper and even more dynamic – and acceleration and fuel efficiency are best in segment! The newly designed chassis was extensively tested here in China – and with new damper technology, it offers supreme ride comfort.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It’s no wonder that the BMW 5 Series is the best-selling premium model on the Chinese market. I am sure that this stunning vehicle – the third generation of our BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase – will continue that success story.

The 5 Series embodies the “heart” of the BMW brand and it accounts for around 30% of our BMW sales here. We’ve manufactured and sold around 800,000 5 Series over the years in China. I’m delighted to announce that the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase will also be offered as a plug-in hybrid version.

The 5 Series Long Wheelbase will arrive in the showrooms in June and it’s just one of the 14 new products we are launching this year in China.

The BMW Group has already started well this year. We had a great first quarter in China with over 12% growth in sales. Worldwide, we achieved a new all-time high in the first three months by delivering nearly 600,000 BMW Group vehicles.

At the BMW Group, we are driven by our passion for emotional mobility.

And we continue to strive towards our goal of sustainable mobility.

We will electrify all our BMW Group brands and model series and we are aiming to sell 100,000 electrified vehicles this year alone.

We’ve made a good start in the first quarter of 2017, we already doubled electrified sales compared to last year. We look forward to telling you more about that as the year progresses.

Our portfolio is future-proof. And whatever you order, you always get passion and joy.

Thank you.

Mr. Karsten Engel

Dà Jiā Zǎo Shàng Hǎo!  (Good morning everyone)

Last month, we were very proud to hand over the two millionth BMW in China. This was a significant milestone for us and we look forward to welcoming even more customers to the brand in the future.

Today, we are delighted to present some very important new models in Shanghai. These clearly reflect the BMW Group’s confidence in, and commitment to the future of the Chinese market.  

As a successful company and a corporate citizen, BMW will remain firmly committed to social responsibility in China.  In the past 7 years, our “Warm Heart Fund” has involved a significant amount of customers and dealers in public-service activities. Including youth traffic education programs, BMW has helped around half a million people. This is an integral part of our dedication to build a strong foundation for the future.

In 2015, the BMW Group aims to achieve sustainable growth in China, which is aligned with the outlook of the Chinese market. We will continue to focus on the quality of business and customer satisfaction. The growth of the BMW Group in China this year will be driven by our highly attractive product portfolio, which will be enhanced by more than 10 new and revised models.

I would like to highlight that BMW is in a good position to tap into the fast-growing premium SAV and premium compact segments in this market. And you will see more on that very soon.

Our business will also be driven by our highly appealing brand. I’m very proud that our customers continue to perceive the BMW brand as the hallmark of innovation, passion and sustainability.

Let’s now begin with a unique expression of Sheer Riding Pleasure on two wheels – the latest generation BMW S 1000RR, which is setting new standards in the super-sports motorcycle segment. With even sharper performance and particular attention on rider-friendliness, the new S 1000 RR excels in every respect. It will continue to defend its position at the top of the super-sports segment!

2014 was a very successful year for BMW Motorrad.  This year we plan to build upon this success and introduce another 7 new models, including the S1000RR. This will bring our product offer in China to a total number of 16 different models, which covers customer demand in all segments. 

Now I would like to hand over to Dr. Ian Robertson. Thank you very much!

Dr. Ian Robertson

Ni men hao ladies and gentlemen!

It’s great to be back in Shanghai.

China’s combination of strong tradition and a focus on the future is the same blend of qualities that underpins the success of BMW.  Our ties with China are long-standing and we will continue to heavily invest in this market. Over the last five years we have invested more than two billion euros in our Chinese plants.

Annual production capacity will increase from 300,000 to 400,000 units in the next years and we are going to double our range of locally produced models from three to six.

As the world’s leading premium car company, our customers expect us to fulfill their individual wishes and demands.

And given the high demand for BMW vehicles worldwide, we are truly “spot-on” with our product portfolio. The BMW Group just achieved its strongest ever first quarter in sales worldwide. We are very pleased to have achieved solid growth in our key regions of Asia, America and Europe. We’re confident that the new models we’re presenting today will further drive that momentum.

Time and again, BMW has paved the way by creating new segments with truly innovative vehicles. The most recent example is right here - celebrating its Asia premiere in Shanghai.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer!

This is the world’s first premium Multi Purpose Vehicle – the first premium seven-seater in the compact segment. It combines the best of BMW engineering in terms of quality, dynamics, design and safety with great space and flexibility. No other MPV handles, corners or feels as secure as the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer.

It was designed to maximize space for both passengers and cargo. It offers ample headroom and the panorama roof also enhances the luxurious feeling of “spaciousness”.

With three rows of seats, it can take seven passengers. We are certain that customers will appreciate the ease of adjusting the seats, the elevated seating position, and the intelligent storage options.

And, the Gran Tourer has more safety and connectivity features than any other vehicle in its segment. It offers full-colour Head-up Display, Adaptive Cruise Control and Park Assistant, just to name a few.

We believe that this is a vehicle customers have been waiting for and that there is much potential here in the Chinese market.

Earlier on I talked about how creating new segments is part of BMW’s DNA.

Back in 1999, we celebrated the launch of a brand new concept for premium vehicles: the BMW X5. The BMW Group made the bold decision to create a new premium segment - the Sports Activity Vehicle - and hasn't looked back since.

“The boss” has been delivered to over 1.5 million customers since its debut.

Today, we are entering a new chapter with the BMW X5. We are fulfilling the needs of customers who desire the benefits of a full-size SAV, with zero-emission driving.

I am delighted to present you with the World Premiere of the BMW X5 xDrive40e.

We are very proud of this car. It combines the best of both worlds: the versatility and luxurious ambience of a full-size SAV, together with outstanding efficiency.

It is a great example of how our core models are benefitting from the technology and know-how transfer from BMW i.

Over the long term, we plan to offer every BMW model as a plug-in hybrid version.

China has the potential to become the world’s largest market for new energy vehicles.

As the leader in sustainable mobility, the BMW Group will continue to drive this field forward.

Let’s take a closer look at the BMW X5 with eDrive technology. Driven by a four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a synchronous electric motor, it provides both a sporty and efficient ride.

The figures speak for themselves:

• Only 3.3 liters of fuel consumption per 100 km
• Emissions of just 77 g CO2/km
• With 313 horsepower!

In electric mode, the BMW X5 xDrive40e offers a range of up to 31 km and a top speed of 120km/h. The intelligent hybrid powertrain control ensures that the engine and the electric motor work together in perfect unison.

The lithium-ion battery is housed under the rear luggage compartment, so there’s no compromise on luggage space. Charging the battery is easy. Simply charge at home from a standard outlet or take advantage of faster charging with the BMW i Wallbox or a public charging station. With BMW 360° ELECTRIC, customers are offered an holistic service concept - covering everything from the supply and installation of the charging station to maintenance, advice and other services. BMW will ensure that customers have everything they need to charge their cars from home.

Catering to customers’ demand for an SAV, as well as emission-free driving, we’re very confident that this vehicle will be a big success here in China and worldwide.

It’s already caught the eye of Hollywood producers. We’re thrilled to once again be involved in a Blockbuster “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” with cutting-edge BMW vehicles, such as the BMW X5 xDrive40e.

Thank you!

Mr. Karsten Engel:

Good morning! 2012 was a great year for the BMW Group in China: we sold more BMWs and MINIs here than ever before. Our sales and service network continued to expand as well. Today we have more than 370 authorized BMW dealerships here and I am excited to announce that we will also be growing the presence of BMW Motorrad in China.

BMW's strong performance goes hand in hand with our growing commitment to this market. A decade ago, we established our production presence in China. Since then, we have invested 1.5 billion Euros in our production facilities with our joint venture partner, Brilliance Automotive and our close cooperation with BBA
continues. Just last week, together we announced ZINORO, a new car brand designed for the Chinese market. Underpinning BMW's activities in China is not only our strategy development through the BBA joint venture, but also our exclusive partnership with Brilliance Automotive.

Returning to the BMW brand, we recently opened our new BMW Brand Experience Center Shanghai. It showcases the past, present, and future of BMW. Along with our growing business success, we believe our commitment to corporate social responsibility should increase as well. This is why we support social programs through the BMW Warm Heart Fund platform. This Fund is committed to a variety of activities from cultural promotion to educational support here in China.

To stay on the right track towards achieving ongoing growth in China, the BMW
Group remains focused on creating revolutionary, aesthetic, and sustainable
vehicles. To tell you more about our approach, please welcome the Head of
Development at BMW AG, Dr. Herbert Diess.

Dr. Herbert Diess

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! You're looking at the future of individual
mobility. These are still concept vehicles, but we are bringing series production
versions to the road later this year.

With China's large number of urban areas and the driving habits of customers here, this country is a great place for electro-mobility. The forthcoming BMW i3 and BMW i8 are revolutionary vehicles, purpose-built around an electric power train using Life / Drive architecture.

Life / Drive is an entirely new vehicle concept, making the i3 and i8 truly unique. The Life module is a new way of creating the car's body. It is made out of carbon fiber — a first for series production in the auto industry.

The Drive module is made using lightweight aluminum and it houses the batteries. The low center of gravity is ideal for performance and handling. With our Life / Drive concept and powerful electric drivetrains, BMW i models deliver a new dimension of Sheer Driving Pleasure - especially for urban areas.

Beyond the revolutionary vehicles themselves, the BMW Group is approaching
sustainable mobility from a holistic perspective. This means striving to make the
BMW i value chain as sustainable as possible, including:

- A Hydro-electric powered facility making carbon fiber for the cars;
- A wind energy powered production line; and
- Assistance with home charging options for our customers using the BMW i
Wallbox.

The BMW Group is rewriting the book on sustainable mobility and BMW i is the first chapter. The BMW Group remains focused on the future. We are always working on new products for more customers. At the same time, we aim to offer our customers more ways to experience Sheer Driving Pleasure today. This next vehicle sets out to do just that. Here for its Chinese premiere: the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo!

Right away, it is clear: The Gran Turismo combines the 3 Series Sedan's dynamics with the functionality of the 3 Series Touring. From the exterior you can see its Coupe-like roofline and a frameless greenhouse. Its generous dimensions give passengers a luxurious sense of space and plenty of legroom.

As well, the seating positions are elevated, allowing for a better view and easier entry and exit from the vehicle. The new 3 Series Gran Turismo is also very practical with 520 liters of cargo space and a wide-opening trunk lid. It looks fantastic and it is highly functional — so the next question is: How does it perform?

There is no doubt the 3 Series GT is made to be driven. With BMW TwinPower
Turbo Technology, the engines available are powerful, cutting-edge, and efficient.

This includes the BMW 335i GT with 306 horsepower: Performance you can
experience when the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo comes to market in mid June.

Innovative concepts like the new GT put BMW in the lead. In a moment, my
colleague, Ian Robertson, will tell you more about our global success. But first — to make sure we stay out in front — is an innovative new concept: Our next world premiere.

Dr. Ian Robertson

Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I'm delighted to be back in Shanghai —
especially with the BMW Group's ongoing, strong sales in China.

Last year's performance brought momentum into 2013. First quarter sales in
Mainland China increased 8% year over year with 86,000 vehicles sold from
January up to the end of March.

Our performance in China, of course, plays a role in the BMW Group's balanced
global success. We delivered over 448,000 vehicles to customers worldwide in the year up to the end of March. This is our best ever first quarter in sales. This strong performance further confirms that our balanced global strategy is the right one.  

Underpinning our worldwide success is the BMW Group's engineering and design-based focus and we bring this focus into every vehicle through the rare combination of creativity and foresight.

Time and again, we not only envisage new concepts, but also develop new
segments with truly innovative vehicles. The most recent example is right here
celebrating its world premiere in Shanghai, the BMW Concept X4.

Just like its big brother — the BMW X6 — the Concept X4 represents the first
Sports Activity Coupe in its class. With its low profile and dramatic roofline, you can see it has the DNA of a BMW Coupe — but the wide stance and muscular build leave no doubt it's a BMW X vehicle.

The unique character of the Concept X4 also offers fresh interpretations of BMW's iconic design language. You can see the Corona headlights open up to visually connect the lights and kidney grill, creating a wider front presence. As your eyes glide along the side contours, you'll be drawn to the highly dynamic Hofmeister kink at the rear.

 The new Concept X4 shows yet again that BMW is always looking ahead, offering our customers the most emotional, innovative, and desirable vehicles available. This pioneering spirit is also captured in the entire X Family of vehicles, which continue to set the benchmark.

 Even as it takes BMW's design language a step forward, it's obvious the BMW
Concept X4 is right at home with its siblings. After all, the BMW X Family of vehicles were the first and they remain in the lead when it comes to innovation, sportiness, and design.

Back in 1999, we were celebrating the launch of a brand new concept for premium vehicles: the BMW X5. The BMW Group made the bold decision to create a new premium segment — the Sports Activity Vehicle — and hasn't looked back since.

 A few years later, the BMW X3 was a trailblazer as the first vehicle in its class. The ongoing global success of the X3 and the X5 convinced us the world was ready for a powerful and dynamically aesthetic vehicle like no other.

The result, in 2008, was the world's first Sports Activity Coupe, the BMW X6.

Just a year later, the BMW X model line-up continued growing from strength to
strength with the BMW X1. The proverb, "fortune favors the bold", fits the BMW X Family perfectly. To date, over 2.7 million X models have been sold around the globe. And today, one in four new BMWs sold worldwide is an X model. With the BMW X4 available for delivery in 2014, I'm confident this number will grow.