BMW Ireland has today announced the return of its BMW Future Entrepreneur Competition for 2026, a nationwide initiative designed to support and spotlight Ireland’s most promising businesses.

The programme invites applications from small Irish businesses across all sectors, with a particular focus on innovation, sustainability and forward-thinking ideas that have the potential to scale.

The competition is delivered in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and will culminate in a networking lunch on Thursday, 4^th June at Cliff at Lyons, Co. Kildare, where finalists will come together with BMW representatives, industry leaders and competition partners.

Following the success of its inaugural year, which saw Irish brands Urban Aran and BiaSol recognised for their innovation, sustainability and creativity, the competition returns with an enhanced programme aimed at championing the next generation of Irish entrepreneurs.

For 2026, BMW Ireland is partnering with Entrepreneur and Skingredients Founder and CEO, Jennifer Rock, who joins the initiative as the entrepreneur voice on the judging panel. Known for her expertise in skincare, education and brand building, Jennifer brings valuable real-world insight and a strong commitment to supporting emerging Irish businesses.

Two winning businesses will receive the use of a fully electric branded BMW, personalised mentoring, and a brand development package featuring professional photoshoot, media content, a feature in Irish Country Magazine, and promotion across BMW Ireland’s social media channels.

Helen Westby, Managing Director of BMW Ireland, said, “We are delighted to launch the 2026 BMW Future Entrepreneur Competition. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and fostering future-focused ideas that can drive meaningful change.”

"At Enterprise Ireland, we are delighted to support the BMW Future Entrepreneur Competition for the second-year running.” said, Michael O’Dea, Senior Client Advisor, Start-up Unit at Enterprise Ireland. "Multinational Companies like BMW have been incredibly supportive of Irish startups over a number of years, and events like this provide huge value for the wider ecosystem. By fostering collaboration between global brands and indigenous talent, we can continue to champion the innovation and sustainability that drive the future of Irish enterprise."

Jennifer Rock added, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be involved in this year’s BMW Future Entrepreneur Competition. To have the opportunity to guide and mentor fellow business owners is something I feel strongly about. Building a business comes with so many challenges, and initiatives like this are so important in giving entrepreneurs visibility, guidance and confidence to take the next step.”

This initiative reinforces BMW Ireland’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and supporting the future of Irish enterprise.

Applications for the BMW Future Entrepreneur Competition 2026 are now open until midnight on 10^th May 2026, with further details on how to apply at www.discoverbmw.ie 

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor;

Competition Entry window

• 31^st March – 10^th May 2026

Judging Panel

Submissions will be assessed by a panel of industry and brand experts, including:

• Helen Westby, Managing Director, BMW Ireland

• Representatives from BMW Group Ireland

• Jennifer Rock, Entrepreneur and Founder of Skingredients

• Representatives from Enterprise Ireland

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be the founder or co-founder of a small Irish business under 10 years old
• Be aged 23 or older and a resident of the Republic of Ireland
• Hold a valid driving licence for two years or more, with no driving convictions
• Have a strong digital presence and sustainability focus
• Agree to sign BMW’s vehicle indemnity form
• Be available to attend the networking lunch on 4^th June 2026

Preferred but not required:

• Registered legal business entity
• Audited accounts (preferred not required)

For full terms and conditions, visit: www.discoverbmw.ie

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 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 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,500 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2025 was € 10.2 billion on revenues amounting to € 133,5 billion. As of 31 December 2025, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,540 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products – from the supply chain through production to the end of their useful life.

About Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland is the government organisation responsible for supporting Irish businesses to grow and compete in global markets, backing high-potential startups and early-stage companies shaping the future of Irish enterprise.

For more Information:

• Laura Condron | Corporate Communications & Events Manager, BMW Group Ireland | 086 047 7549 | Laura.Condron@BMW.ie 

• Katie Allen | PR Director, Agency Fourteen | 0879463047 | katie@agencyfourteen.ie  

Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptions have been made to cater to the Irish market. 

Munich. The BMW Group, together with its partners, has won the globally renowned JEC Composites Innovation Award for series-production exterior components in automobiles. The award was presented at the JEC World Premiere in Paris and recognizes innovations in the development of sustainable materials for the automotive industry.

Innovation and sustainability in automotive engineering.

In June of 2025, the BMW Group first announced the use of natural composites made from flax fibre in the design of series-production vehicles. The award in the "Automotive & Road Transportation Parts" category recognizes BMW Group’s successful integration of these innovative materials. BMW Group’s decision to use natural fibre composites for visible components in series-production vehicles is the most comprehensive application within the industry to date.

Collaboration enables technological breakthrough.

The innovative use of fibre composites is the result of years of research and development work and intensive cooperation with partners Bcomp Ltd., Cobra Advanced Composites Co. Ltd. and PPG Wörwag Coatings GmbH & Co. KG. Together, the consortium succeeded in overcoming a major technical challenge: ensuring the natural fibre composites developed would meet the complex requirements for series production required across the structure of the vehicle, including the high quality needed for the roof panel.

Contribution to CO₂e reduction and lightweight construction.

The use of natural fibres helps to reduce the CO₂e footprint of future vehicle models and has an impact on lightweight construction goals. Material tests show that superior exterior and interior components can be manufactured from these natural fibres.

A concrete example is the use of natural flax fibre composites instead of carbon fibre composites in the roof panels of future models. Replacing carbon roof panel with flax fibre panels can achieve a reduction in CO₂e emissions of around 40% during production plus addition end-of-life considerations.

Collaboration as a success factor.

The development of innovative natural flax fibre composites is the result of successful and intensive collaboration with internal and external partners. Cross-departmental and cross-company cooperation has led to new and innovative solutions in materials and manufacturing processes. Through BMW Group’s use of interdisciplinary expertise, it has been possible to develop forward-looking products and consistently promote sustainability in automotive engineering.

Dr. Herbert Negele, Head of Materials Development and Lightweight Construction, emphasized the importance of BMW Group’s collaborative approach: "At BMW Group, we are committed to thinking and acting responsibly. This premise requires the continuous development of our materials towards sustainability, while continuing to meet the high demands of functionality, lightweight construction and design. The JEC Award confirms our approach and motivates everyone involved in the project to continue along this path.”

Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptions have been made to cater to the UK market.  

Debrecen. The BMW Group has entered the final phase before the first Neue Klasse model rolls off the assembly line. Series production of the new BMW iX3 will get underway in late October at the BMW Group plant in Debrecen, Hungary, as the newest, most innovative manufacturing facility in the company’s global production network officially begins work.

“The start of series production for the BMW iX3 signals a new era of automotive manufacturing. Our new plant in Debrecen has been designed and built fully in line with our strategic vision of the iFACTORY. Digital from the very beginning, the plant will offer a new dimension in efficient production without fossil fuels,” says Milan Nedeljković, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production.

The BMW iFACTORY represents a strategic vision of production, built on streamlined, efficient structures, responsible resource management, economical use of cutting-edge digital innovations and a strong focus on employees. The BMW Group has also registered new patents for a large number of innovative systems and processes at Plant Debrecen.

“We have taken on the challenge of building a completely new vehicle as the first job at an entirely new plant – and doing so in the leanest, most efficient way possible. We have simplified processes, reduced complexity, digitally validated each individual operation and systematically leveraged expertise across our global network. The result is this plant, with its efficient production, innovative processes and the flexibility to integrate additional models,” says Hans-Peter Kemser, head of BMW Group Plant Debrecen.

As with any new model, capacity for the new BMW iX3 will be gradually ramped up in stages after the start of production. Spearheading the arrival of the Neue Klasse, the iX3 showcases the latest design and technology innovations that will define the brand's entire model range in the future. Between now and 2027, the technologies in the Neue Klasse will be integrated into 40 new models and model updates.

From virtual factory to reality

The guiding principles of the BMW iFACTORY have been fully implemented in the technologies employed at the new BMW Group plant in Debrecen. For example, Plant Debrecen was planned and built digitally from the outset, and celebrated its virtual start of production back in March 2023 in the BMW Group’s Virtual Factory. This approach allowed every operation to be tested virtually in advance, enabling production lines to be installed in the buildings exactly as in the digital twin.

Optimal processes for all plant technologies

With an optimised value stream and efficient systems, the press shop guarantees a high level of productivity. The BMW Group continues to follow its proven strategy of using the same tools and presses throughout its global network. This optimises capacity utilisation within the network by allowing press tools to be deployed at multiple locations and enabling staff to be trained in-network.

The body shop, in particular, benefits from prior digital planning and validation. Every process detail was digitally simulated in advance to determine the ideal value stream and ensure that each of the nearly 1,000 robots was optimally positioned. From the outset, close collaboration between development and production teams led to high production efficiency and maximum customer benefit. For example, the number of joining methods was significantly reduced, lowering overall complexity. Design features integrated early in development are also evident in the details of the Neue Klasse, such as the invisible door seal. This creates a visual connection between the window and the door, resulting in a unique look. In addition, maximising the space available for the battery in the body structure – and thus the size and performance of the battery – directly benefits the customer.

At BMW Group Plant Debrecen, the paint shop plays a critical role in significantly reducing the CO₂e footprint of the BMW iX3. Production of the new BMW iX3 will generate a total of about 80kg CO₂e (scope 1/2 emissions). This figure covers CO₂e emissions from Plant Debrecen, as well as in-house parts production at other BMW Group facilities, including components manufactured in Landshut, for example. This represents a reduction of approx. two-thirds compared to production of existing BMW derivatives. For Plant Debrecen alone, this approach will reduce CO₂e emissions from the manufacture of a vehicle, including its high-voltage battery, by around 90% – to about 34 kg CO₂e (when operating at full capacity, compared with other BMW Group facilities).

Paint shops typically rely on gas to reach the high temperatures (up to 180 degrees Celsius) required. Plant Debrecen will be the BMW Group's first car plant supplied exclusively with electricity from renewable energy sources during normal operation, i.e. without using fossil fuels such as oil or gas. Because of its high energy demands, the paint shop is the most important factor in significantly lowering Plant Debrecen’s CO₂e emissions. In the paint shop alone, using electricity from renewable sources reduces annual CO₂e emissions by up to 12,000 tonnes. About a quarter of the plant's annual power needs will be supplied by the 50‑hectare on-site photovoltaic system. Surplus solar energy, such as that generated on non‑working days, is stored in a 1,800 m³ thermal storage system with a capacity of 130 MWh.

The paint shop also uses an energy recovery system. A heat grid was successfully implemented in the design of the new paint shop, delivering additional energy savings of up to 10%. This innovative concept combines multiple measures for efficient energy recovery from the compressed air supply, drying ovens and cooling systems. The recovered waste heat is then used to preheat the water circuit.

In addition, a thermal storage system – holding 1,800 m³ of water, with a capacity of 130 MWh – stores surplus energy from the photovoltaic system during off-peak periods and supplies it as heat during peak demand.

Full digitalisation of production processes further boosts assembly efficiency. The AIQX (Artificial Intelligence Quality Next) IT platform developed in-house at the BMW Group is a key component of the BMW iFACTORY. AIQX uses sensors and camera systems along the production line to automate quality processes. AI evaluates the data and provides real-time feedback to employees on the line. Looking ahead, vehicles on the line will also become active, connected participants in the industrial IoT (Internet of Things) ecosystem. They will conduct self-analysis, interact with plant employees in real time and automatically share and document relevant messages, using tools such as on-board cameras and IT systems. The equipment, tools, components and every BMW in the assembly halls are already digitally connected to the BMW production system.

The building's “finger structure” – an optimised version of the design employed at BMW Group Plant Leipzig – allows 80% of parts to be delivered directly to the correct point of assembly on the line. All-electric in-house logistics also benefit from autonomous tugger trains, which transport high-voltage batteries directly from production to installation points, as well as Smart Transport Robots that autonomously deliver smaller components to the assembly line. By linking all internal and external databases, the entire logistics process achieves unprecedented digital depth, automating many previously manual, interconnected analysis tasks. Well-structured information is therefore available at any time and can be analysed instantly “at the push of a button”.

The BMW Group has created highly intelligent production processes for its new high-voltage batteries developed in-house. Plant Debrecen will be the first of five plants worldwide to begin series production of Gen6 high-voltage batteries. The production processes were initially developed and tested at pilot plants. Artificial intelligence, data analytics and constant knowledge sharing within the production network also play a key role in the ramp-up of production. Digital twins of production and comprehensive AI databases ensure optimisation of processes and employee training. A consistent zero-defect approach enables seamless in-line quality inspections and 100% end‑of-line monitoring. In line keeping with the “local for local” principle, high‑voltage battery assembly takes place directly on site, allowing the production teams to take advantage of infrastructure efficiencies and short distances.

Best of the best:
Plant Debrecen benefits from expertise at all production sites worldwide

BMW Group Plant Debrecen is the first production site in the company's network not tied to a specific primary plant. Instead, it serves as a network plant, combining best practices from various locations worldwide. A major advantage of this approach is that the plant’s current workforce of more than 2,000 employees can be trained within the network, allowing employee know-how from different locations, such as China, South Africa, Mexico, the US and, of course, Germany, to be shared. At the same time, employees throughout the global network gain the opportunity to share their technology insights in Debrecen and bring expertise in production of the Neue Klasse models back to their own location – creating a win-win situation for all the plants.

A long version with further details on all technologies is available as a PDF file in the downloads section.

Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptions have been made to cater to the Irish market.   

 Munich. The new BMW iX3 demonstrates the BMW Group's take on implementing a holistic approach to product sustainability across the entire life cycle. During product development, extensive measures were implemented throughout the supply chain, production and use phases, explicitly focused on conserving resources and reducing the model’s environmental footprint. As such, the Neue Klasse marks an important milestone toward achieving the company's 2030 and 2050 CO₂e targets.
 
CO₂e benefits achievable after only one year of use
The extensive decarbonization measures in the supply chain results in an early break-even point: when charged with electricity from the European energy mix, the CO₂e footprint of the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive is lower than that of a comparable model with a combustion engine after about 21,500 kilometers (WLTP combined). When charged exclusively with electricity from renewable sources, the BMW iX3 50 xDrive beats the comparable ICE model after only 17,500 kilometers (WLTP combined), allowing customers to potentially achieve CO₂e benefits in as little as one year.

Decarbonization in the supply chain
The key levers to reduce CO₂e emissions in the supply chain are the use of secondary materials and renewable energy, alongside product and process innovations. This combination of measures has led to a decrease of CO₂e emissions in the supply chain of 35% during product development.
The Gen6 battery cells of the BMW iX3 high-voltage storage system are made of 50% secondary cobalt, lithium, and nickel materials. In addition, renewable energies are harnessed in the anode and cathode materials and cell production. This is how CO₂e emissions per watt hour were reduced by 42% compared to the Gen5 cell of the previous model.

The BMW Group is increasingly focused on the use of innovative and secondary materials in other components as well. 
For instance, 30% of the secondary raw material  used for the engine compartment cover and the storage compartment under the front hatch is recycled maritime plastic. This post-consumer material consists of old fishing nets and ropes, preventing these materials from potentially being dumped in the ocean.
Secondary aluminum accounts for 80% of the wheel carriers and swivel bearings as well as 70% of the cast aluminum wheels.

‘Design for Circularity’: consistent implementation in the Neue Klasse 
The BMW Group applied the ‘Design for Circularity’ approach consistently in developing the BMW iX3. The approach builds on the concepts of secondary first (the prioritized use of secondary materials), strategic material selection and disassembly optimization. As a result, secondary materials account for one third of all material used in the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive.
One example of implementing these three concepts is the Econeer seat cover, available in the interior trim Essential, whose fabric, adhesive and fleece are all made from PET. This mono-material choice increases recyclability. Moreover, the textile yarn used consists entirely of recycled PET as well.
Other components whose development followed the ‘Design for Circularity’ approach include the center console, instrument panel and interior floor trim.

Significantly improved efficiency in the use phase    
BMW EfficientDynamics involves consistently identifying and harnessing efficiency potential in all vehicle subsystems. Applying this approach, the energy consumption of the new BMW iX3 is 20% lower than in the predecessor model (WLTP combined).
This significant improvement is primarily based on optimized aerodynamic properties, reduced rolling resistance and on-board power consumption as well as the drive’s unparalleled combination of efficiency and dynamics. 

Sustainability-centric production at BMW Group’s Debrecen plant
Designed and built according to the BMW iFactory principles, the new BMW Group plant in Debrecen, Hungary, is fully focused on efficiency, digitalization and sustainability. It is the first BMW Group car factory that is operated and produces vehicles without using fossil fuels, such as oil and gas, under normal operating conditions.
The only energy source to power operations at the site is electricity. According to current planning, up to 25% of the plant's annual electricity needs can be covered by the photovoltaic system located on the premises. The remaining electricity is obtained from other renewable energy sources. Surplus solar energy is stored in a heat storage unit and used to heat the paint shop ovens as needed.
Only 0.1 tons of CO₂e are emitted in the production of a BMW iX3 car, about two third below production at other BMW Group plants.

The BMW Group’s sustainability targets
The BMW Group's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and to achieving Net Zero by 2050 or earlier is an integral part of the comprehensive 360° sustainability approach incorporated in the corporate strategy. The company is pursuing ambitious, scientifically derived CO₂e targets for the coming years. For instance, the BMW Group intends to reduce its CO₂e emissions by at least 40 million tons in 2030 (baseline: 2019).

Publicly accessible, TÜV-verified Product Carbon Footprint 
For years, the BMW Group has released its vehicle footprint, which includes a greenhouse gas report for its vehicles verified by Germany’s TÜV Technical Inspection Association. The report for the new BMW iX3 50 xDRIVE can be downloaded here and is also available in the My BMW app. It offers increased transparency regarding raw materials used and CO₂e emissions over the entire vehicle lifecycle.

^{All information regarding the BMW iX3 50 xDrive’s mileage, energy consumption, range, energy content, dimensions, weights, share of secondary raw materials/recycled materials and other technical data and derivations thereof are provisional as of the start of production in November 2025.}

^{All model variants, equipment levels, technical data, fuel consumption and emission data mentioned correspond to the range offered in the German car market, provided the respective model is available there. Deviations in other markets are possible. Dimensions refer to the base model available in Germany; depending on wheel and tire size as well as optional equipment selected, dimensions may vary depending on the specific configuration.}

^{Power consumption and range data were measured in accordance with the mandatory WLTP procedures and comply with the German Passenger Car Energy Consumption Labelling Ordinance (EnVKV). For more information, see www.bmw.de}

^{If you have any questions, please contact:}

^{BMW Group Corporate Communications
Dr. Cornelia Bovensiepen, Spokesperson Sustainability BMW Group
Phone: +49 89 382-94935
E-Mail: Cornelia.Bovensiepen@bmw.de
   
Sofia Elena Rizzi, Spokesperson Product Communications BMW Compact & Mid-size Segments
Phone: +49-151-601-67436
E-Mail: Sofia-Elena.Rizzi@bmw.de}

^{Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en
E-Mail: presse@bmwgroup.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 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 2024, the BMW Group sold over 2.45 million passenger vehicles and more than 210,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2024 was € 11.0 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.4 billion. As of 31 December 2024, the BMW Group had a workforce of 159,104 employees.}

^{The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products from the supply chain and production to the end of their useful life.}

^{www.bmwgroup.com 
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup
X: https://www.x.com/bmwgroup} 

Dublin, Ireland: BMW Ireland has announced Urban Aran and BiaSol as the two winners of its inaugural BMW Future Entrepreneur Competition, recognising two outstanding early-stage Irish businesses making an impact through innovation, sustainability, and creativity.

The competition was launched by BMW Ireland earlier this year, in partnership with Peigín Crowley, entrepreneur and BMW ‘Friend of the Brand’, and supported by Enterprise Ireland, to champion the next generation of Irish innovators.

The announcement was made during a networking lunch on Wednesday, 16th July at Cliff at Lyons, Kildare, where the ten shortlisted finalists came together with BMW representatives, industry leaders, and competition partners.

The winning businesses

Urban Aran, based in Waterford and founded by Christine Murphy, is a premium Irish knitwear brand blending traditional Aran techniques with bold, contemporary design. The label focuses on sustainable, locally made garments using 100% fine merino wool.

BiaSol, founded by siblings Ruairi and Niamh Dooley from Tullamore, Co. Offaly, transforms brewers’ spent grain into high-fibre, plant-based food products, creating a circular solution that addresses food waste and improves nutrition.

Helen Westby, Managing Director of BMW Ireland, said, “BiaSol and Urban Aran both stood out for their creativity, clarity of purpose, and potential to scale. Their entrepreneurial spirit perfectly reflects the values behind this competition - innovation, ambition, and a commitment to driving positive change. We’re delighted to support them on their entrepreneurial journey.”

As part of their prize, each winner will receive the use of a fully electric branded BMW iX1 or iX2 for a period in 2025, along with tailored mentoring support and a brand feature package including a professional photo and video shoot and promotional content via BMW Ireland’s social media platforms.              

Guests also took part in a panel discussion and Q&A with the judging panel, followed by networking and a showcase of the all-electric BMW iX1 & iX2, a symbol of the brand’s commitment to forward-thinking innovation.

In addition to the two winning businesses, BMW Ireland proudly shortlisted eight exceptional finalists, each demonstrating innovation, purpose, and entrepreneurial flair across a range of industries. From Meath, A Sorted Affair is a professional organising duo founded by Kim Fitzgerald and Lyn Luxford, helping clients declutter and style their homes for more functional living. Venue Golf Ireland, organised by Lucy Condon in Kilkenny, curates women’s golf events at iconic locations like Kilkea Castle and Tulfarris, blending sport with tailored overnight experiences. Dublin-based Cloud Pilates, led by Ali Hayes, offers accessible Pilates classes and community pop-up events focused on wellness and connection.

Near Cashel, Banór, founded by Elaine Crosse and Nicole Lyons, combines farm-born ingredients and skincare science to create lanolin and sheep’s milk-based natural skincare. Ogam, founded by Jay Choi in Cork, is a Korean BBQ sauce brand rooted in traditional family recipes, bringing bold, authentic flavours to Irish kitchens. Flower Pop, run by Heather Condren in Inchicore, is an award-winning floral studio known for its vibrant, colour-rich arrangements and creative workshops. Cork-based We Are Riley, founded by Fiona Parfrey, Aine Kilkenny, and Lauren Duggan, champions sustainable period care with eco-conscious products and a mission to drive period equity. Finally, One More Thing, led by Vivian Wong in Kildare, is a creative floral design studio specialising in preserved flowers and bespoke arrangements that combine artistic flair with thoughtful storytelling.

Christine Murphy, Urban Aran and Helen Westby BMW

This initiative reaffirms BMW Ireland’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and supporting the future of Irish enterprise. With a strong history in supporting start-up ventures this year, The BMW Start Up Garage is celebrating its tenth anniversary. This venture client unit seeks out innovations that deliver real benefits for the BMW Group’s products, services, systems and processes. The aim of the programme is to evaluate startups and enable them as long-term partners for the BMW Group, as a way of strengthening the company’s innovation leadership. Its achievements so far: 4,700 startups assessed, joint projects with more than 220 fledgling companies from 26 countries, and a total of 30 startups now established as suppliers, service providers and an integral part of the BMW Group network. For more information, please visit HERE.

Helen Westby BMW and Niamh Dooley BiaSol

In addition to supporting Start-Up businesses, BMW Group also supports Catena-X, the first globally trusted and collaborative data ecosystem for the automotive industry. From large corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises, this data ecosystem is open to all players in the automotive industry. The platform aims to leverage its transparent and cooperative thinking as a basis to address future challenges such as CO2 reduction, supply chain security and the circular economy. Above all, Catena-X is intended to improve the quality of the vehicles. Because fewer recalls also mean fewer resources and lower costs.

For more information on BMW Ireland and its current initiatives, please visit https://discover.bmw.ie/.   

-ENDS-

Editor’s Notes;

About Urban Aran

Founded in Waterford by Christine Murphy, Urban Aran creates timeless knitwear made from pure, traceable merino wool. Inspired by street art and digital design, their pieces are fully fashioned (minimising waste) and made entirely in Ireland. Urban Aran is the only brand designing jacquard knitwear in Ireland and has been selected to launch annual collections at Brown Thomas Dublin since 2022. The brand partners with premium retailers including Adare Manor and is developing a bespoke blanket project for the Ryder Cup 2027.

About Biasol

Biasol began in 2020 when siblings Ruairi and Niamh Dooley identified brewers’ spent grain as a nutritious, sustainable food ingredient. Headquartered in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Biasol upcycles this by-product into healthy, high-fibre food products that reduce food waste and support better diets. The award-winning business is Origin Green certified and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, promoting a healthier, more circular food system.

Judging Panel Submissions were assessed by a panel of industry and brand experts:

• Helen Westby, Managing Director, BMW Ireland
• Laura Condron, Communications & Strategy Manager, BMW Group Ireland
• Peigín Crowley, Entrepreneur and BMW Friend of the Brand
• Representatives from Enterprise Ireland

About Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland is the government organisation responsible for supporting Irish businesses to grow and compete in global markets. Its involvement in the competition reinforces its mission to back high-potential startups and early-stage companies shaping the future of Irish enterprise.

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 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 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.

In 2024, the BMW Group sold over 2.45 million passenger vehicles and more than 210,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products from the supply chain and production to the end of their useful life.

www.bmwgroup.com   

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup  

X: https://www.x.com/bmwgroup  

For further information, please contact:

Laura Condron. Communications and Strategy Manager  +353 86 047 7549 | laura.condron@bmw.ie  

Katie Allen | PR Director, Agency Fo

MINI Ireland is supporting Grow Mental Health again this Valentine’s Day to spread the message of love and gratitude to the Irish public. On Saturday 10^th February, from 2pm, Grow Mental Health with be hosting the ACTS of BIG LOVE concert, supported by MINI Ireland, at Bewley’s Balcony on Grafton Street.

Irish acts such as Luke Clerkin, Garron Noone, Rachel Hegarty, The Rugs, Dave McPhillips, Dave Whelan, with more to be added, will band together in support of this fantastic fundraising event.

Grow Mental Health is one of Ireland’s longest-standing Mental Health charities, supporting over 1,000 people in Ireland weekly. The charity, which was set up in 1969, is seeing an ever-increasing demand for support. Delivering a national network of peer-to-peer support groups in local communities and online, through a 12-Step Recovery and Growth program, the charity aims to ensure that anyone struggling with mental health challenges does not have to navigate those challenges alone. Instead, they can join a local support group and experience hope and recovery.

This year, MINI Ireland wants to help spread this important message to the Irish public. Sile Tracey, Marketing, Communications, and Fundraising Manager for Grow Mental Health said, "We are thrilled to be partnering with MINI Ireland again this year to spread the love! We truly believe that connection and friendship are the most important tools for getting through tough times and maintaining mental well-being. We are grateful to all of the acts that are coming together to help us get this message out. We are proud of our community support network and this concert will raise our profile so that those who are struggling right now know that we are here for them."

The ACTS of BIG LOVE concert aims to show love and appreciation to those who have dealt with and are still dealing with mental health struggles, along with the friends and family around them who have helped with the healing process from these challenges. It will be an opportunity for Grow Mental Health to raise vital funds to keep services going in a time that has seen unprecedented demand for its services.

MINI has always been built on Big Love.

Gareth Wright, Head of Sales & Marketing at MINI Ireland said, ‘BIG LOVE has been part of MINI’s story since day one. And now, more than ever, it’s what drives the brand forward. BIG LOVE is; The optimistic attitude to life and the feeling of being a part of something greater! It's what drives our team forward and guides everything they do. It is the spirit of community that Grow Mental Health encapsulates that has driven us to partner with them.’

MINI’s main mission this Valentine's Day is to ‘love people back to health’, reinforcing togetherness, as well as love, support, and kindness. This concert is to create not only a love-filled atmosphere on one of Dublin’s busiest thoroughfares (Grafton Street), but also to encourage the Irish public to prioritise mental health, to ensure love is abundant, and that every heart around them finds its rhythm, meaning no one needs to navigate mental health struggles alone.

Gareth continues, ‘Love is like confetti that can be spread through random acts of kindness. We will do so by handing out roses from MINI Ireland (to show gratitude and love), positive affirmation cards, alongside vouchers for a tea or coffee on the house from MINI. You will also get the chance to meet the MINI Ireland team and chat with the Grow Team. Moreover, there will be a positive affirmation wall to share encouraging words, quotes, and phrases across Grafton Street.’

Where – Bewley’s Café, Grafton Street

When – Saturday 10^th February

What time - 2pm until late

To find out more about Grow Mental Health please visit grow.ie and for more information on MINI and its BIG LOVE campaign, please visit mini.ie.

-ENDS-

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.

www.bmwgroup.com

MINI Media:

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

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www.MINI.ie
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For further information, please contact:

For PR opportunities, interviews, or more information, please contact our dedicated press contact, Katie Allen Katie@agencyfourteen.ie.

Laura Condron | Corporate Communications & Events Manager BMW Group Ireland | 086 047 7549 | Laura.Condron@BMW.ie

Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptations have been made to cater for the Irish market.

Munich. The BMW Group continues to systematically reduce its fleet-wide CO₂ emissions and is making an important contribution to realising its ambitious CO₂ reduction targets for the whole group.

Based on preliminary internal calculations, the BMW Group’s EU fleet-wide emissions came in at 102.1 grams per kilometre (WLTP) for 2023 (2022: 105 grams per kilometre). This represents a reduction of 2.8 percent from the previous year. The BMW Group also outperformed the applicable fleet target limit for the company set by the European Union EU27+2 (EU, Norway, Iceland) of 128.5 grams per kilometre by 26.4 grams in 2023.

Implementation of the BMW Group’s electrification strategy is a key driver for its continuing efforts to reduce fleet-wide emissions.  In 2023, the company sold a total of 376,183 fully-electric vehicles worldwide – 74.4% more than in 2022. The BMW Group’s sales growth for fully-electric vehicles in 2023 therefore outpaced growth in the total BEV market.

With more than 15  fully-electric models in its line-up, the BMW Group aims to continue its successful BEV growth in 2024. One in five of the company’s newly delivered vehicles should have a fully-electric drive train this year; by 2025, it should be one in four. 

In addition to increasing electrification of the BMW Group fleet, continuous further development of conventional drive trains also helped lower CO₂ emissions. The latest update to the drive train kit has further boosted the efficiency of internal combustion engines, especially since autumn 2022.

The BMW Group views continuous emissions reduction across its vehicle fleet as an integral part of its sustainability strategy. By 2030, the company plans to reduce its total CO₂ emissions by at least 40 percent per vehicle from 2019 levels. The aim is to achieve this throughout the entire value chain – from the supply chain to production to the use phase. The BMW Group plans to be climate-neutral no later than 2050.

With these objectives, the BMW Group is pursuing a path that is in line with the Paris climate goal for limiting global warming. The company is the first German automotive manufacturer to join the “Business Ambition for 1.5° C” campaign launched by the Science-Based Targets Initiative and also part of the United Nations’ international Race to Zero campaign.

The delivery figures reported in this press release are provisional and may change up until the BMW Group Report 2023 is published.

Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptations have been made to cater for the Irish market.

Munich / Antwerp. The BMW Group is presenting international media representatives with the first vehicles in a pilot fleet that will go into service this year. After four years of development work, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicle and development project is entering its critical next phase.

The fleet of under 100 vehicles will then be employed internationally for demonstration and trial purposes for various target groups. This active driving experience will therefore be the first chance for people not involved in the development process to gain a direct impression of what the BMW iX5 Hydrogen has to offer.

“Hydrogen is a versatile energy source that has a key role to play in the energy transition process and therefore in climate protection. After all, it is one of the most efficient ways of storing and transporting renewable energies”, said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “We should use this potential to also accelerate the transformation of the mobility sector. Hydrogen is the missing piece in the jigsaw when it comes to emission-free mobility. One technology on its own will not be enough to enable climate-neutral mobility worldwide.”

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen developed on the basis of the current BMW X5 was first unveiled as a concept at the IAA show in 2019. Initial prototypes were then made available at the IAA Mobility 2021 for visitors to experience in action as shuttle vehicles.

Its hydrogen fuel cell system is further proof of the BMW Group’s leading development expertise in the field of electric drive technologies. The BMW Group is systematically pushing forward with development of hydrogen fuel cell technology as an additional option for locally emission-free individual mobility in the future.

BMW’s technological expertise.
The BMW Group produces the highly efficient fuel cell systems for the pilot fleet at its in-house competence centre for hydrogen in Munich. This technology is one of the core elements in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen and generates a high continuous output of 125 kW/170 hp.

A chemical reaction takes place in the fuel cell between gaseous hydrogen from the tanks and oxygen from the air. Maintaining a steady supply of both elements to the fuel cell’s membrane is of crucial importance for the drive system’s efficiency. In addition to the technological equivalents of features found on combustion engines, such as charge air coolers, air filters, control units and sensors, the BMW Group also developed special hydrogen components for its new fuel cell system. These include the high-speed compressor with turbine and high-voltage coolant pump, for instance.

The BMW Group sources the individual fuel cells from the Toyota Motor Corporation. The two companies have enjoyed a partnership characterised by trust for many years and have been collaborating on fuel cell drive systems since 2013.

Fuel cell systems are manufactured in two main steps, based on the individual fuel cells. The cells are first assembled into a fuel cell stack. The next step involves fitting all the other components to produce a complete fuel cell system.

Stacking of the fuel cells is largely a fully automated process. Once the individual components have been inspected for any damage, the stack is compressed by machine with a force of five tonnes and placed in a housing. The stack housing is manufactured in the light metal foundry at BMW Group Plant Landshut using a sand casting technique.

For this, molten aluminium is poured into a mould made from compacted sand mixed with resin in a process specially designed for this small-series vehicle.

The pressure plate, which delivers hydrogen and oxygen to the fuel cell stack, is made from cast plastic parts and light-alloy castings, also from the Landshut plant. The pressure plate forms a gas-tight and water-tight seal around the stack housing.

Final assembly of the fuel cell stacks includes a voltage test along with extensive testing of the chemical reaction within the cells. Finally, all the different components are fitted together in the assembly area to produce the complete system.

During this system assembly stage, further components are fitted, such as the compressor, the anode and cathode of the fuel-cell system, the high-voltage coolant pump and the wiring harness.

In combination with a highly integrated drive unit using fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology (the electric motor, transmission and power electronics are grouped together in a compact housing) at the rear axle and a power battery with lithium-ion technology developed specially for this vehicle, the powertrain channels maximum output of 295kW / 401 hp onto the road. In coasting overrun and braking phases, the motor also serves as a generator, feeding energy back into a power battery.

Production at Munich pilot plant.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is being built in the BMW Group’s pilot plant at its Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ) in Munich. This is the interface between development and production where every new model from the company’s brands is made for the first time. Around 900 people work there in the body shop, assembly, model engineering, concept vehicle construction and additive manufacturing.

They are tasked with ensuring that both the product and the manufacturing process are ready for series production. In the case of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, specialists in hydrogen technology, vehicle development and initial assembly of new models have been working closely together to integrate the cutting-edge drive and energy storage technology.

Hydrogen allows rapid re-fuelling.
The hydrogen needed to supply the fuel cell is stored in two 700-bar tanks made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Together these hold almost six kilograms of hydrogen, enough to give the BMW iX5 Hydrogen a range of 504 km (313 miles) in the WLTP cycle. Filling up the hydrogen tanks only takes three to four minutes – so the BMW iX5 Hydrogen can also provide the driving pleasure for which BMW is renowned over long distances, with just a few, short stops along the way.

Summary of the technical data, performance, fuel consumption and range figures for the BMW iX5 Hydrogen:

Maximum output of overall drive system: 295 kW/401 hp
Electric continuous output of the fuel-cell system: 125 kW/170 hp
Maximum output of the battery (lithium-ion technology): 170 kW/231 hp
Maximum output of the highly integrated electric drive unit: 295 kW/401 hp
Capacity of the hydrogen tanks: 6 kg hydrogen (gaseous)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph) < 6 s
Top speed: Over 180 km/h (112 mph)
Hydrogen consumption in the WLTP cycle: 1.19 kg/100 km
Range in the WLTP cycle: 504 km (313 miles)

FCEV technology contributes to decarbonisation.
The BMW Group is the first German carmaker to have joined the “Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign” led by the Science Based Targets initiative and is committed to achieving the goal of full climate neutrality throughout the value chain.

The next step in this process involves the BMW Group’s plan to reduce CO₂ emissions per vehicle over its full lifecycle – i.e. supply chain, production and use phase – by at least 40 per cent by 2030 compared with 2019.

The BMW Group sold more than 215,000 fully electric vehicles worldwide in 2022, which represents an increase over the previous year of almost 108 per cent. Fully electric vehicles accounted for just under 9 per cent of total sales volumes last year, and this share is set to increase to 15 per cent in 2023.

By 2030 at the latest, the BMW Group is looking to reach a situation where fully electric vehicles claim a more than 50 per cent share of its overall sales.

The BMW Group views FCEV technology expressly as a potential addition to the drive technology used by battery-electric vehicles.

Hydrogen as part of global activities for CO₂-free mobility.
According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), hydrogen offers considerable potential as a future energy source in connection with global energy transition activities. Thanks to its storage and transport capabilities, hydrogen can be used for a wide variety of applications.

Most industrialised countries are therefore adopting hydrogen strategies and backing them up with roadmaps and concrete projects. In the transport sector, hydrogen can become a further technology option, alongside battery-electric mobility, for shaping sustainable individual mobility in the long term.

However, this will depend on competitive production of sufficient quantities of hydrogen from green power, as well as expansion of the corresponding filling infrastructure, which is already being intensively pursued in many countries.

The BMW Group welcomes and supports activities to promote innovation in Germany and Europe that will help build a hydrogen economy and accelerate production of green hydrogen. These specifically include the large-scale hydrogen projects classified as Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI).

The projects that comprise this European Union initiative, supported in Germany by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Transport, span the entire value chain – from hydrogen production to transport to applications in industry.

With the right conditions, hydrogen fuel cell technology has the potential to become a further pillar in the BMW Group’s drive train portfolio for local CO₂-free mobility.

Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptions have been made to cater to the UK market.

Munich. On 31 August, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG Oliver Zipse and Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development, will come together to inaugurate fuel cell system production at the company’s competence centre for hydrogen in Munich. The reason for this occasion is the small series of BMW iX5 Hydrogen cars that will be entering service around the world from the end of this year for test and demonstration purposes. The combination of fuel cell and high-performance battery is set to enrich the company’s portfolio by adding a unique form of drive system for the premium segment. The BMW Group is playing a visionary and pioneering role in this technology with the aim of achieving a more diversified transition to zero-emission mobility.

“As a versatile energy source, hydrogen has a key role to play on the road to climate neutrality. And it will also gain substantially in importance as far as personal mobility is concerned. We think hydrogen-powered vehicles are ideally placed technologically to fit alongside battery-electric vehicles and complete the electric mobility picture,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in Munich on Wednesday. “By commencing small-scale production of fuel cells today, we are demonstrating the technical maturity of this type of drive system and underscoring its potential for the future.”

“Our many years of research and development work have enabled us to get the very most out of hydrogen technology,” added Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development. “We have managed to more than double the fuel cell’s continuous output in the second-generation fuel cell in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, while weight and size have both decreased drastically.”

Thanks to these advances, the BMW Group leads the way in the development of hydrogen technology and considers it to hold great promise for its next generation of vehicles.

Technological expertise and high standards of efficiency in the drive system
The BMW Group will now be manufacturing highly efficient fuel cell systems at its in-house competence centre for hydrogen. This technology is one of the core elements in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen and generates a high continuous output of 125 kW/170 hp. It teams up with an electric motor featuring fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology and a high-performance battery purpose developed for this vehicle to enable its powertrain to deliver 275 kW/374 hp. The development team incorporated the powerful drive system – comprising two hydrogen tanks, the fuel cell and the electric motor – into the existing BMW X5 platform for the small production run. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen already successfully demonstrated its excellent everyday usability, even at very low temperatures, during the final round of winter testing in Sweden at the start of this year.

The impressive testing results of this new small-scale series of cars are rooted in the BMW Group’s extensive experience with the use of hydrogen as a drive technology. Hydrogen-powered combustion engines had already been in use prior to the arrival of the fuel cell system. Efficiency considerations prompted the BMW Group to continue development work in this area from 2015 with the BMW 5 Series GT Hydrogen Cell based on fuel cell technology. Fuel cell technology has since been steadily refined by harnessing the company’s vast know-how in the field of conventional drive technologies and applying the exacting standards of all-round efficiency it expects of all its vehicles.

Production of fuel cell systems in Munich
A chemical reaction takes place in the fuel cell between hydrogen from the tanks and oxygen from the air. Maintaining a steady supply of both elements to the fuel cell’s membrane is of crucial importance for the drive system’s efficiency. In addition to the technological equivalents of features found on combustion engines, such as charge air coolers, air filters, control units and sensors, the BMW Group also developed special hydrogen components for its new fuel cell system. These include the high-speed compressor with turbine and high-voltage coolant pump, for instance.

The BMW Group sources the individual fuel cells required for manufacturing the BMW iX5 Hydrogen from the Toyota Motor Corporation. The two companies have enjoyed a partnership characterised by trust for many years and have been collaborating on fuel cell drive systems since 2013. Fuel cell systems are manufactured in two main steps. The individual fuel cells are first assembled into a fuel cell stack. The next step involves fitting all the other components to produce a complete fuel cell system.

Stacking of the fuel cells is a fully automated process. Once the individual components have been inspected for any damage, the stack is compressed by machine with a force of five tonnes and placed in a housing. The stack housing is manufactured in the light metal foundry at BMW Group Plant Landshut using a sand casting technique. For this, molten aluminium is poured into a mould made from compacted sand mixed with resin in a process specially designed for this small-series vehicle. The pressure plate, which delivers hydrogen and oxygen to the fuel cell stack, is made from cast plastic parts and light-alloy castings, also from the Landshut plant. The pressure plate forms a gas-tight and water-tight seal around the stack housing.

Final assembly of the fuel cell stacks includes a voltage test along with extensive testing of the chemical reaction within the cells. Finally, all the different components are fitted together in the assembly area to produce the complete system. During this system assembly stage, further components are fitted, such as the compressor, the anode and cathode, the high-voltage coolant pump and the wiring harness.

+++ Increase in proportion of recycled material in packaging +++ Nikolaides, Head of Logistics: “We are leveraging various options to save carbon emissions and raw materials.” +++ Other pilot projects underway +++

Munich. The BMW Group has implemented several projects in its packaging logistics to further save resources. With these projects, the Group aims to work closely with suppliers to reduce carbon emissions and realize the principles of the circular economy as best it can. As part of this initiative, the European plants will use more recycled material in their packaging. This will mean that, for newly awarded contracts, the proportion of recycled material in reusable packaging for logistics purposes will almost double this year from around 20 percent to over 35 percent. However, using alternative sustainable materials, reducing single-use packaging, introducing lightweight packaging in certain areas and reducing transport volumes will also help cut carbon emissions. The BMW Group is monitoring the impact of individual measures via a CO₂ calculator for packaging. The Group’s overall aim is to reduce CO₂ emissions in the supply chain by 20 percent per vehicle (compared to 2019).

Michael Nikolaides, Head of the BMW Group Production Network and Logistics: “Our ‘re:think, re:duce, re:use, re:cycle’ approach is being implemented consistently in packaging logistics, too. We’re using innovative strategies to consistently reduce the volume of resources we use, thus reducing our carbon footprint. We in Logistics are also doing our part to get the BMW iFACTORY up and running – with a particular focus on the ‘green’ side of things.” BMW iFACTORY. LEAN. GREEN. DIGITAL. is the strategic vision for the global production network, with an emphasis on flexibility and efficiency, sustainability and digitalization. It provides an answer to the challenges involved in the transformation to e-mobility and takes a global approach. ‘Green’ means leveraging the latest technologies to create a production process that uses minimal resources.

Plastic in packaging replaced by recycled material

One example of how the BMW Group is fulfilling the criteria of a circular economy is the use of recycled material in EPP packaging (EPP = expanded polypropylene). Currently, our newly developed EPP packaging already contains 25 percent recycled material. EPP is used in special containers as its shape can be adapted to the components being packaged, allowing them to be transported safely. Around 360,000 of these containers are needed each year. Using 25 percent recycled material allows us to save almost 280 tons of CO₂ annually. There are plans to increase this proportion of recycled material even further, with the first pilot schemes with 100 percent recycled material currently underway. If these tests are successful, this configuration will become standard for new contracts from 2024.

An additional 680 tons of carbon emissions savings can be made every year by using covers and so-called small load carriers with 50 percent recycled contents. As things stand, these measures are focused within the European markets due to the current waste management situation and available recycling infrastructure. We are currently working towards expanding to our locations in Mexico, the USA and China.

Reducing transport volumes

The BMW Group is introducing something that will have an even greater impact on emissions: folding large load carriers. As of this year, instead of pallet cages made of steel, we will be using folding plastic alternatives made from over 90 percent recycled material. These work in a similar way to the collapsible shopping crates that most people are familiar with: when they are empty, they can be folded up, making them easier to transport. Using 15,000 of these new containers reduces CO₂ by around 3,000 tons per year.

Alternative materials with great potential for the future

When it comes to packaging, the sky’s the limit. We’re launching pilot projects using bio-based materials to replace oil-based substances polyethylene and polypropylene (PE and PP). We are also investigating whether and in what ways we can use materials from recycled household appliances in our packaging. In the long term, our aim is to use alternatives to raw materials across the board.

Munich. The BMW Group is stepping up its activities in the field of sustainability, becoming the first automotive manufacturer worldwide to equip its cars with tyres using certified sustainable natural rubber and rayon, a wood-based material used to strengthen the tyres. The company will source 22-inch tyres in the first instance exclusively from Pirelli and, from August of this year, will use them in the BMW X5 xDrive45e Plug-in-Hybrid (fuel consumption combined: 1.7-1.2 l/100km (WLTP), 2.1-1.6 l/100 km (NEDC); power consumption combined: 27.7-24.3 kWh/100 km (WLTP), 25.2-23.5 kWh/100 km (NEDC); CO2 emissions combined: 39-27 g/km (WLTP), 47-37 g/km (NEDC)). Certification of the rubber plantations and the complex supply chain for natural rubber and rayon takes place in accordance with the strict standards of the independent Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

“As a premium manufacturer, we aspire to lead the way in sustainability and take responsibility,” said Dr Andreas Wendt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. “We have been committed to improving cultivation of natural rubber and increasing transparency in the supplier network since 2015. The use of tyres made of certified natural rubber is a pioneering achievement for our industry. In this way, we are helping preserve biodiversity and forests to counteract climate change.”

Natural rubber is the basic material for many products we use in our daily lives, such as boots and mattresses. About six million small farmers worldwide are responsible for over 80% of the world’s natural rubber cultivation. In the so-called rubber belt across the tropical regions, they run farms of between one and two hectares in size under a wide variety of different conditions. Agreeing uniform social and environmental growing conditions with these millions of small individual farms is therefore a major challenge.

By far the largest share of natural rubber grown worldwide goes into tyre production. Natural rubber’s high elasticity and sturdiness currently make it irreplaceable for tyre production.

Small label, big impact

As an independent organisation, FSC has developed an internationally recognised and demanding certification standard in recent years that is used worldwide for environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the forests. The organisation, whose well-known logo is already established in the wood and paper industry, also applies this standard to products made of natural rubber.

The new 22-inch P ZERO ∗ tyre has now become the world's first tyre to receive the coveted FSC label. To earn this certification, Pirelli adapted its US plant in Rome, Georgia, to produce tyres using FSC-certified natural rubber and rayon. From there, the tyres are delivered to BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, around 370 km away, and mounted on the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid. The star ∗ in the name indicates that the new tyre meets the BMW Group’s strict performance requirements, including particularly low rolling resistance and noise level.

Giovanni Tronchetti Provera, Pirelli’s Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Future Mobility, said: “Before even reaching the road, sustainable mobility begins with raw materials. With the world’s first FSC-certified tyre, Pirelli once again demonstrates its commitment to pursuing increasingly challenging goals in terms of sustainability, a testament to the constant work on innovative materials and increasingly cutting-edge production processes. We continue to invest in sustainable growth for our planet, aware that this is also essential for the future of our businesses.”

Jeremy Harrison, Chief Markets Officer, FSC International, added: “The new FSC-certified Pirelli Tyre is a significant milestone in the drive to deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits across the natural rubber value chain. This is a major step forward in the journey towards a more sustainable natural rubber value chain, thereby helping to mitigate deforestation and support the fight against climate change.”

Long-standing commitment to greater transparency and sustainability in the natural rubber supplier network

The use of the first tyres containing certified sustainable natural rubber and rayon at the BMW Group is the result of the company’s extensive commitment in this area. In 2019, the BMW Group joined forces with well-known tyre manufacturers, NGOs, rubber producers and consumers to create the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR). Small farmers are also represented in this initiative. The GPSNR is committed to improving social and environmental conditions for cultivation of natural rubber and pushing for more sustainability. It also implements measures to stop deforestation and make supply chains more transparent. The GPSNR currently has almost 100 members, who are responsible for about 50 percent of the global natural rubber market.

Through its activities in the GPSNR and close cooperation with its suppliers, the BMW Group is constantly working to further improve sustainability in the natural rubber supply chain. The BMW Group is stepping up these activities and plans to steadily expand its sourcing of tyres made from sustainably grown natural rubber.

The BMW Group has been working with the FSC organisation for many years (Licence code FSC-N002012). The company decided to use FSC-certified wood in the BMW i3, which was first launched onto the market in 2013. The BMW iX for release later this year will also feature FSC-certified wood. In 2017, the BMW Group and FSC advocated for further development of FSC standards for cultivation of natural rubber in Thailand.

Sustainability an integral part of all purchasing activities

Independently of these measures, the BMW Group has contractually obligated all its direct suppliers to respect human rights, comply with expanded environmental and social standards and to introduce management systems to promote occupational safety and protect the environment since 2014. This also includes protecting forests and biodiversity. These requirements must also be contractually passed on to subcontractors. BMW Group Purchasing does not rely on contractual obligations alone for this but is also implementing a large number of additional measures in a transparent process. A risk filter is used to evaluate potential supplier locations worldwide even before the call for bids. The next step is to require possible suppliers to outline their sustainability activities in a detailed questionnaire. External partners also work with internal appraisers to review selected locations. Throughout the contract period, external partners work with internal appraisers to verify compliance with sustainability requirements through questionnaires and audits. In this way, BMW Group Purchasing is able to monitor thousands of locations every year.

Sustainable mobility with the BMW X5 xDrive45e

The BMW Group has completed full lifecycle CO₂ certification for the BMW X5 xDrive45e – from raw material procurement, through the supply chain, production and use phase, all the way to recycling. If charged during the use phase with the average European electricity mix, this gives it an advantage of around 40 percent over the BMW X5 xDrive40i. If charged with green power, the advantage is around 70 percent. The electric range amounts to 77-88 kilometres (WLTP).

It is with a common vision that UNICEF Ireland and Frank Keane BMW have today announced a partnership that will drive a better and brighter future for our children.

As part of a new affiliation with UNICEF Ireland, Frank Keane BMW presented five BMW i3’s to support the organisation in raising much-needed funds and awareness in Ireland for the provision of humanitarian aid to children in developing countries. For UNICEF Ireland, the partnership represents an innovative way to keep fleet costs to a minimum, achieving emission-free mobility.

This announcement coincides with Frank Keane BMW becoming an official BMW i Agent and marks a new chapter in the company’s 50th year of association with BMW.

So, in addition to presenting five vehicles, BMW Frank Keane have committed to supporting UNICEF Ireland by donating €15 to UNICEF for every new car purchased and up to €5 for every service. Each customer of the Blackrock and Naas Road branches will also be given the opportunity to match the donation.

Frank Keane BMW has agreed to supply the fleet at below market rates in recognition of UNICEF’s important work. One of the key reasons BMW i was chosen by UNICEF Ireland as the most suitable vehicle partner is due to BMW Group’s approach environmental and social sustainability throughout entire life cycle of its cars from start to finish as it is takes more than just zero-emission motoring to drive sustainable change in the world.

This approach includes everything from the extraction of raw materials and manufacture, through usage to recycling, in order to take account of all environmental aspects. For example, up to 95 per cent of the BMW i3 is recyclable and the manufacturing process of the BMW i3 is from green power such as wind turbines and one of the world’s largest hydroelectric plants. In fact, the BMW Group have consistently been the automotive sector leader or the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI). The BMW Group is also the only one of the three automobile manufacturers listed to feature in the renowned index every year since 1999.

“UNICEF Ireland is constantly seeking new and innovative ways of helping children, this partnership is an excellent example. UNICEF is 70 years in operation, while Frank Keane BMW is celebrating its 50th Anniversary – together we will use the skills and knowledge we have acquired in our respective fields to achieve breakthrough change for children”, said Peter Power, Executive Director, UNICEF Ireland.

Frank Keane BMW, who recently celebrated its 50th year of association with BMW is now embarking on expansion as a BMW i Agent. Dedicated sales and servicing facilities for BMW i models, including the i3, i8 and iPerformance models have been established at the Naas Road and Blackrock locations.

“We are excited to be embarking on a new chapter with the BMW i brand and the partnership with UNICEF who are leading by example. This fleet of i3’s will provide emission free driving with a pure electric range of 130kms in real-world driving conditions and will certainly be eye catching on our roads” said Mark Bradley, Head of Business at Frank Keane BMW.

For more information about Frank Keane visit http://www.frankkeanebmw.ie or information about the i3 visit: https://www.bmw.ie/en/all-models/bmw-i/i3/2016/range-charging.html.

-Ends-

Image Captions:

1. Paulo Alves, Managing Director, BMW Group Ireland, Paul Connolly, Chairman, UNICEF Ireland and Mr. Frank Keane.
2. The Team at UNICEF Ireland who will use the vehicles to travel around Ireland to raise funds and awareness about the work of UNICEF Ireland.
3. Mark Bradley, Head of Business Frank Keane Naas Road, Paulo Alves M.D. BMW Group Ireland and Mark Colbert, Head of Business Frank Keane Blackrock.
4. Jaideep Singh UNICEF and Lara Scarff of Frank Keane BMW

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.

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

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UNICEF Ireland

UNICEF is the United Nations’ organisation for children. It was established in the aftermath of World War II to help refugee children. Today UNICEF fights for children’s rights and promotes the well-being of every child, in everything we do. We work in 190 countries taking practical action to help all children, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable children. UNICEF has been in operation for 70 years. UNICEF began operating in Ireland in 1962.

www.unicef.ie

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@ UNICEFIreland Youtube

For further information please contact:

Laura Condron | Corporate Communications & Events Manager BMW Ireland | 086 047 2953 | Laura.Condron@BMW.ie

Aedín Donnelly | Communications and Media Manager for UNICEF Ireland | 01 809 0281 | 085 1395272 | aedin@unicef.ie