Midrand. BMW Group South Africa has concluded its participation in the Simola Hillclimb in Knysna for 2026, one of South Africa’s leading motorsport events and a globally recognised platform for performance and engineering excellence.

Since its inception in 2009, the Simola Hillclimb has established itself as a benchmark motorsport event. The 1.9-kilometre course continues to test the limits of driver skill and vehicle capability, attracting leading manufacturers, professional drivers and international attention.

BMW Group South Africa fielded a four-driver line-up comprising BMW Motorsport Works driver Jens Klingmann (BMW M5 Sedan), Cristiano Verolini (BMW M4 Coupé), Leyton Fourie (BMW M2 Coupé) and Ronaldo Verolini (MINI JCW). Fourie and Verolini claimed class honours in the A3 and A4 categories of the King of the Hill competition, respectively, with times of 45.931 seconds and 44.505 seconds.

The selection of high-performance BMW M models and a MINI JCW delivered strong performances across the weekend, demonstrating the precision, control and engineering excellence synonymous with the brands.

BMW Group South Africa CEO, Peter van Binsbergen says: “The Simola Hillclimb continues to be an important platform for BMW Group South Africa. It allows us to demonstrate what our vehicles are capable of in a highly competitive environment, while connecting with a passionate motorsport community.

“To secure two class wins this year is another strong result for the team. It reflects the capability of our performance vehicles, as well as the focus, discipline and collaboration behind the scenes to deliver performance at this level.”

The nature of Hillclimbing demands precision, control and trust between driver and machine. These attributes remain central to BMW’s engineering philosophy, where performance and innovation are continuously developed to deliver a premium driving experience.

Alongside BMW, MINI continues to contribute to this performance-driven ethos through its own unique expression of driving excitement and brand character.

Beyond competition, the Simola Hillclimb continues to play a role in positioning South Africa as a competitive destination for international motorsport, showcasing local capability and industry expertise.

BMW Group South Africa remains committed to supporting platforms that showcase performance, innovation and the continued development of the automotive sector.

Midrand. BMW Group South Africa is participating in the Simola Hillclimb in Knysna, one of South Africa’s leading motorsport events and a globally recognised platform for performance and engineering excellence.

Since its inception in 2009, the event has developed into a benchmark motorsport platform. A 1.9-kilometre public road is transformed into a competitive course that attracts leading manufacturers, professional drivers and international attention.

Events such as the Simola Hillclimb provide BMW Group South Africa with an opportunity to demonstrate its focus on performance, innovation and premium driving dynamics, while engaging with customers and enthusiasts in a high-performance environment.

BMW Group South Africa will field a four-driver line-up comprising Jens Klingmann, Cristiano Verolini, Leyton Fourie and Ronaldo Verolini.

The team will compete in a selection of high-performance BMW M models – the BMW M5 Sedan, BMW M4 Coupé and the BMW M2 Coupé RR Edition, which will enjoy its public debut at the event. Along with MINI’s JCW, each is engineered to deliver exceptional power, control and driving precision.

The vehicles will feature bespoke race liveries developed specifically for the 2026 Simola Hillclimb, reflecting BMW and MINI’s performance heritage and contemporary design language. Shell’s global partnership with BMW M is reflected in the branding on the BMW M5 Sedan, while DHL logos will be visible on the BMW M4 Coupé. For the second time running, bp and Castrol will sponsor the MINI JCW.

Peter van Binsbergen, BMW Group South Africa CEO, says:

"Events like the Simola Hillclimb are important to us because they reflect the same principles that guide us as a business, a commitment to performance, precision and continuous progress. Last year we came within reach of an overall win, and that experience has only sharpened our focus. This year, we're here to finish the job. Beyond the competition, this event creates a unique space to connect with customers and enthusiasts who share our passion for driving, and that energy is something we genuinely value."

The nature of Hillclimb racing demands precision, control and trust between driver and machine. These attributes align closely with BMW’s approach to engineering, where performance and innovation are continuously developed to deliver a premium driving experience.

The Simola Hillclimb also contributes to positioning South Africa as a competitive destination for international motorsport, highlighting local capability and industry expertise.

BMW Group South Africa remains committed to supporting platforms that showcase performance, innovation and the continued development of the automotive sector.

Midrand. BMW Group South Africa hosted its annual Retailer of the Year Awards at the Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff in Johannesburg, celebrating the achievements of its national retail network and recognising the retailers who continue to deliver exceptional customer experiences across the country.

Held under the theme “A New Dimension”, the event highlighted the important role of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad retailers in strengthening the brands’ leadership position in the premium automotive segment while navigating an evolving and increasingly competitive market.

Opening the evening, Peter van Binsbergen, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group South Africa, acknowledged the contribution of the retailer network to the company’s continued success.

“Our retail partners bring our strategy to life every day in showrooms and workshops across South Africa. They are the face of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad and the driving force behind the premium experiences our customers expect from our brands,” said van Binsbergen.

Based on 2026 Naamsa data, BMW South Africa achieved its highest-ever growth in the premium segment, holding a 46% market share. The locally produced BMW X3 remains a key contributor to this success. Manufactured at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn and exported to markets around the world, the BMW X3 continues to demonstrate the strength of South African manufacturing within BMW Group’s global production network.

At the same time, BMW Group continues to accelerate its transition toward sustainable mobility. Electrified vehicles remain a strategic priority, with BMW Group South Africa maintaining a leading position in the premium battery electric vehicle segment.

“As the automotive landscape evolves, our strategy remains clear,” said van Binsbergen. “We do not compete purely on price. We compete on engineering excellence, brand heritage, customer trust and exceptional retail experiences. Our retailers play a critical role in building the relationships that turn customers into lifelong fans of our brands.”

Recognising the importance of these relationships, BMW Group South Africa introduced a new award category at this year’s awards: the CEOs Award, which for this year focused in on turning customers into fans. The award celebrates individuals, teams or organisations that go beyond expectations to create memorable customer experiences that strengthen brand loyalty.

The inaugural recognition was awarded to the Gauteng Chapter of BMW Car Clubs Africa in acknowledgement of their long-standing contribution to the BMW enthusiast community and their role in bringing together passionate owners and fans of the brand.

The awards programme itself also saw an important update in 2025 with the introduction of the Best Retailer in Focus Models Award. This new category combines the previous high-performance BMW M and luxury awards into a single recognition, highlighting the importance of BMW’s high-performance and focus models within the product portfolio.

Retailer performance in this category is measured across the year, recognising results above target in both BMW M and luxury sales.

The winners of the 2025 Retailer of the Year Awards are as follows:

Retailer of the Year:

BMW Midrand (large), BMW Stellenbosch (small-medium), MINI Midrand, BMW Motorrad Montana

Best Retailer in Sales:

BMW Midrand (large), BMW Constantia (small-medium), MINI Cape Town City (large), BMW Motorrad East Rand

Best Retailer in Focus Model:

BMW Durban South

Financial Services Retailers of the Year:

BMW Midrand (large), BMW Durban City (small-medium), MINI Constantia, BMW Motorrad Mbombela

Best Retailer in Customer Support:

BMW Pinetown (large), BMW Richards Bay (small-medium), MINI Midrand, BMW Motorrad Stellenbosch

Best Retailer in Corporate Social Responsibility:

SMG

The annual Retailer of the Year Awards remain a cornerstone of BMW Group South Africa’s recognition programme, celebrating excellence across sales, customer experience and operational performance within the retailer network.

“As we look to the future, the automotive industry will continue to transform,” concluded van Binsbergen. “Electrification will accelerate, customer expectations will evolve and competition will intensify. But together with our retail partners, we will continue to explore new opportunities and strengthen BMW Group South Africa’s position in the premium segment.”

Pretoria. BMW Group Plant Rosslyn has reached a significant production milestone with the completion of its 100,000th fourth-generation BMW X3, marking an important moment for the South African manufacturing facility and the people behind its success.

The milestone reflects the collective effort of associates across the plant and the broader ecosystem of suppliers, logistics partners and dealerships that support vehicle production. Together, these teams contribute to delivering vehicles that meet BMW Group’s global standards for quality and performance.

The 100,000th vehicle produced is a Fire Red BMW X3 plug-in hybrid destined for Australia. BMW Group Plant Rosslyn is the only production facility globally manufacturing the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid for international markets, underscoring the plant’s strategic role within BMW Group’s global production network. Located north of Pretoria, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn continues to play an important role in South Africa’s automotive industry. Since the plant’s inception, more than 1.8 million vehicles have been produced at the facility, including the previous third-generation BMW X3.

Behind every vehicle produced at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn is a team of people. Production associates, technicians, engineers and support teams work together across multiple production stages to ensure each vehicle meets the high standards expected by customers.

“Producing 100,000 fourth-generation BMW X3 vehicles is a significant milestone for BMW Group Plant Rosslyn and a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our associates,” said Danny Bester, Director of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn. “Every vehicle that leaves this plant represents the skill, commitment and pride of the people who build it. It also reflects the trust that customers place in the BMW brand and in the quality delivered here in South Africa.”

The milestone also highlights the plant’s contribution to skills development and talent cultivation. Apprentices, trainees and graduate engineers gain hands-on experience in a real manufacturing environment, helping to develop the next generation of technical and engineering professionals in South Africa.

Each vehicle produced at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn moves through multiple production stations where associates focus on precision, teamwork and continuous improvement. For many employees, the milestone represents years of dedication and a shared commitment on the production floor.

While reaching this 100,000-vehicle milestone marks an important moment, work at the plant continues every day as teams remain focused on building vehicles with the same attention to quality, precision and care that defines the BMW brand.

ENDS

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications
Angela Konert
Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472
Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za
https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

  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/

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Gauteng is set to encounter an extraordinary MINI experience. All drivers of MINIs young and old are invited to join the biggest convoy of MINIs to hit South African roads on Sunday, 14 September 2025.

MINI owners will meet at the BMW x Drive Park in Midrand by 08:30, before driving in convoy to The Ground in Muldersdrift on Gauteng’s West Rand at 09:30. At The Ground, these cars – ranging from classic Minis to the new MINI family – will recreate the iconic MINI wordmark. Furthermore, MINI owners will be able to explore various activations and enjoy the day with fellow MINI family members.

Head of MINI Carmen Myles said: “The MINI Breakfast Drive is an appreciation for our heritage and a chance to make history alongside our passionate MINI community. It embodies our Big Love for the brand and the unique experiences that only a MINI can offer. This is about more than cars; it’s about celebrating MINI with friends.”

The MINI Breakfast Drive honours the cultural MINI moments of community, lifestyle and individuality. It’s about demonstrating MINI’s “We are all different, but pretty good together” philosophy.

Be sure to register your MINI (or Mini) and get the latest updates on the MINI Breakfast Drive by following MINI South Africa on Instagram or Facebook.

Midrand. On August 30, 2025, The BMW Art Generation Vol. III returns to NIROX Sculpture Park with a bold and immersive program focused on celebration, dialogue, and the poetics of possibility. Presented by FNB Art Joburg in partnership with BMW Group South Africa, this third edition deepens its commitment to critical thought and cultural engagement.

This year’s theme, “A Tropology Between Image and Imagination,” explores the narrative power of creative practice. Artists and cultural thinkers come together to investigate how symbolism, gesture, and form serve as tools to reclaim histories and shape speculative futures. Through this lens, the festival underscores imagination as methodology, illuminating African presence in all its complexity and nuance.

Talks Programme

A curated talks programme anchors the day’s intellectual offering:

• Talk I | Image and Imagination
  This panel features acclaimed artists such as Zanele Muholi, examining how image-making becomes a means of resistance, self-authorship, and future-building. The conversation unpacks the frameworks through which artists interpret identity, presence, and cultural mythologies.
• Talk II | Existing, Performance & Being
  Featuring luminaries like Nicholas Hlobo, this conversation responds to Koyo Kouoh’s call for loving and emancipatory depictions of Black experiences. Artists reflect on how performance and representation intersect with history, grief, and joy.

These talks serve as key moments for reflection, offering audiences deeper insight into the artistic processes and lived experiences that shape contemporary art on the continent and beyond.

Music Performances

In addition to the talks and exhibitions, headline musical performances by Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse and Msaki will bring rhythm and resonance to NIROX Sculpture Park. Their performances weave together heritage and contemporary sound, amplifying the festival’s celebration of African imagination and creativity.

Garden Affirmations

Audiences can also join Muneyi’s Garden Affirmations, an intimate reflective session in the park that blends music, poetry, and affirming dialogue within the natural surrounds of NIROX. This addition offers a grounding moment of connection and mindfulness during the day’s programme.

Community Workshop

The BMW Centre for Art Education will also host a workshop for the Kromdraai community, led by Liesl Hartman, Head of Education at Zeitz MOCAA. This initiative encourages hands-on creativity and fosters intergenerational exchange through artmaking.

Legacy & Vision

At its core, The BMW Art Generation is about legacy-building. Since 2020, BMW and FNB Art Joburg have cultivated a new wave of art patrons through the BMW Young Collectors Co., a community committed to collecting African art and investing in local cultural ecosystems.

Taz Ramphisa, General Manager: Customer and Brand for BMW Group South Africa, notes, “BMW is committed to creativity and innovation within the art world. Art Generation reflects our ongoing support for platforms that shape discourse, nurture talent, and enrich communities.”

Mandla Sibeko, Managing Director of FNB Art Joburg, adds, “Art is a language of meaning, memory, and transformation. Through Art Generation, we honour those who stretch the limits of imagination and visual storytelling.”

The event promises a day of deep engagement with art, imagination, and dialogue, continuing to shape the future of artistic expression on African soil.

Event and Ticket Info

Date: August 30, 2025

Venue: NIROX Sculpture Park

Tickets: R500 (includes access to talks, exhibitions, and all programming)

Book here: https://tickets.tixsa.co.za/event/bmw-art-generation       

Media inquiries: zaza@artjoburg.com

ENDS

BMW Group South Africa will take a trio of motorsport-honed performance models to Knysna to compete in the 15^th edition of the popular Simola Hillclimb from 1 – 4 May, 2025.

The annual event remains a key component of the South African motorsport calendar, attracting competitors and enthusiasts from around the world. This year, BMW Group South Africa will field entrants in Saturday’s King of the Hill competition for standard production and road-going cars. They are:

1. BMW M4 Competition, sponsored by BMW Group South Africa's ZA Hub. Driver Cristiano Verolini will compete in the A4 Category.
2. BMW M2, sponsored by MUA and Compass Insure. Driver Leyton Fourie was the 2023 BMW M2 Cup Champion and currently competes in the German ADAC GT Masters series with FK Performance, driving a BMW M4 GT3 EVO. Leyton will compete in the A3 Category.
3. MINI JCW, sponsored by BP Ultimate and Castrol. Driven by Bradleigh Boshoff, it will compete in the A1 category. Despite its storied motorsport history, this is MINI's first time in Simola Hillclimb’s King of the Hill.

Additional sponsors include Sparco for racing suits and the team gear, and Akrapovič for its performance exhaust systems.

Midrand. BMW Group South Africa hosted its coveted 2024 Retailer of the Year Awards at the Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg, recognising the exceptional achievements of its retail network across the BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad brands.

The elegant evening, led by the dynamic duo of Shashi Naidoo and Nico Panagio, celebrated the dedication and hard work of its 46-strong retailer network who consistently strive for excellence in all aspects of their businesses. The awards ceremony honoured the contributions of retailers in nine key categories, showcasing the strength and depth of the BMW Group South Africa network.

In a testament to its commitment to social responsibility, SMG was awarded the Social Responsibility Award. SMG has consistently demonstrated an inspiring dedication to its communities, providing crucial relief and hope. The company fosters a culture of growth and development, offering its employees equal opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills. SMG also maintains a long-term vision for environmental sustainability, aligning with the BMW Group’s global sustainability goals.

“Our retailers are the lifeblood of our brand as they deliver the customer experience at the retail touch point, their persistent commitment to excellence is truly inspiring”, said Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa. “We are immensely proud of their passion and team spirit that exemplify the core values of our brand. Congratulations to all the category winners and thank you to the entire retail network for their tireless efforts and unwavering support throughout 2024.”

The winners of the 2024 Retailer of the Year Awards are as follows:

Retailer of the Year:

BMW Midrand (large), BMW Nelson Mandela Bay (small-medium), MINI Midrand, BMW Motorrad Stellenbosch

Best Retailer in Sales:

BMW Midrand (large), BMW Ballito (small-medium), MINI Cape Town City (large), MINI Nelson Mandela (small-medium), BMW Motorrad Montana

Best M-Sales Retailer:

BMW Durban South

Best Retailer in Financial Services:

BMW East Rand (large), BMW Pinetown (small-medium), MINI Midrand, BMW Motorrad Sandton

Best Retailer in Customer Support:

BMW Midrand (large), BMW Cape Town City (small-medium), MINI Tygervalley, BMW Motorrad East Rand

“Customer satisfaction is our top priority. This award is a powerful validation of our team’s dedication to providing exceptional customer service. We are committed to going above and beyond to ensure that every interaction with our dealership is a positive and memorable one,” said Luke Dreyer, Dealer Princiapl at BMW Midrand and MINI Midrand following multiple wins at this year’s awards ceremony.

Trevor Villet, Dealer Principal from BMW Nelson Mandela Bay commented “It is an honour to lead this remarkable team, whose unwavering passion and steadfast dedication make my role deeply gratifying. Having been awarded the prestigious Retailer of the Year accolade (small-medium) second time in a row, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the team for their exceptional representation of our products and services.”

In response to winning the top title “Retailer of The Year” for BMW Motorrad, Trevor Michael, Dealer Principal at BMW Stellenbosch said, “We are truly honoured to receive this prestigious award, which reflects the unwavering dedication and outstanding teamwork of our entire team. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued customers for their trust and support. This recognition reinforces our commitment to exceeding customer expectations and delivering an unparalleled BMW Motorrad ownership experience.”

ENDS

BMW M5 powers into a new era.

With 40 years of history under its belt, the legendary high-performance sedan enters its seventh model generation. The executive model from BMW M GmbH now has an electrified drive system for the first time. A model-specific version of the M HYBRID system gives the new BMW M5 (energy consumption, weighted, combined: 1,7 – 1,6 l/100 km and 25,5 – 25,0 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions, weighted, combined: 39 – 37 g/km according to WLTP; fuel consumption with discharged battery: 10,3 – 10,2 l/100 km according to WLTP) maximum output of 535 kW and peak system torque of 1,000 Nm. The combination of a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor, plus power transfer courtesy of an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive, enables acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.

Click here to read more about the new BMW M5 Sedan.

The recommended retail price of the BMW M5, including VAT and Motorplan, is: R2,690,000.00.

BMW M3 Touring bolsters BMW’s midsize portfolio in South Africa.

And now the multi-faceted premium midsize portfolio for BMW has been bolstered with the addition of the BMW M3 Touring to the company’s local portfolio. The BMW M3 Touring Competition with M xDrive uses the most powerful version of the six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology to produce 390 kW/650Nm. New design and equipment features, and further advances in the area of digitalisation pave the way for another new chapter in the M3/M4 models’ ongoing success story. This latest stage on their development curve takes the race-car character and long-distance poise and composure of the high-performance premium midsize models to a new level of space and versatility in the BMW M3 Touring.

Click here to read more about the BMW M3 Touring.

The recommended retail price of the BMW M3 Touring, including VAT, Motorplan and CO₂ tax, is: R2,218,841.80.

Midrand. BMW Group South Africa proudly announces the launch of BMW – The Unique South African Story, a luxury coffee table book published by The Vantage Corporation. This 640-page hardback highlights the extraordinary 50-year journey of BMW in South Africa – the most comprehensive account of the organisation’s history.

BMW – The Unique South African Story narrates the establishment of the first production plant outside of Germany in Rosslyn, north-west of Pretoria. This well-researched compilation details the first and the iconic BMW models manufactured at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, such as the BMW 2000 SA and BMW 333i, along with the memorable launches of new BMW models. The complete history of BMW M Motorsport – its cars and drivers – is meticulously captured. Additionally, the Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors since BMW Group South Africa’s inception provide first-hand accounts of the iconic automotive brand in South Africa.

Author, Johann Venter said, “This book is a culmination of a lifelong passion for the BMW brand. This has led to me joining forces with one of the most ardent BMW enthusiasts I know to create something that truly reflects this heritage brand in South Africa.”  

The book also includes BMW Group South Africa’s extensive engagement in corporate social responsibility initiatives and cultural collaborations, highlighting a 50-year commitment to building a better future for South African communities. A visual treat, it further incorporates many never-before-seen images, clippings, and records from archives around the world. The book presents the visuals, captured as they were found, offering readers an authentic experience of automotive excellence intertwined with the spirit of both the company and the country.

“A dream that started over nine years ago has finally come to fruition. It is a true BMW Group South Africa encyclopaedia, giving the reader a complete background of the exclusive cars and great people that make BMW a distinctive brand in South Africa,” author, Marek Letowt, added.

50 Years an Icon.   

In 2023, BMW Group South Africa celebrated its 50th anniversary under the theme “50 Years an Icon”. The milestone occasion was marked by yearlong festivities that reiterated the company’s economic, social and cultural impacts in the automotive industry, the communities in which it operates and across South Africa. The revisitation of this jubilee during Heritage Month serves as an apt backdrop for the launch of this limited edition.

BMW Group South Africa CEO, Peter van Binsbergen commented, “We are proud to reflect on our company’s iconic history, particularly during a time that highlights South Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Moreover, we are pleased to see it preserved in this detailed publication. This book launch is a beautiful mix of nostalgia, achievement, and corporate and community intrigue.”

Stefan Schuett, CEO of BMW Group Financial Services South Africa commented, “We must thank the authors of this unique offering for their commitment to honouring BMW Group South Africa’s legacy, and the publishers for preparing and managing this interpretation. We hope that all the BMW car owners and enthusiasts will enjoy it!” 

The collector’s coffee table book is available in two flagship editions: 2,000 standard edition copies and 333 limited edition, leather-bound and boxed copies. All processes involved in printing and binding were completed in South Africa.

To order a copy of  BMW – The Unique South African Story, visit: www.vantagefineautoart.co.za

ENDS

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

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

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, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

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

The Vantage Corporation

Motoring Content Creator

The Vantage Corporation comprises motoring enthusiasts sharing their passion by telling stories about rare and unusual classic and collectable cars from South Africa. Additionally, it provides interesting content to several motoring publications in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Automotive Art

The Vantage Corporation’s automotive art is for the discerning motoring enthusiast and collector looking for something extraordinary. At its automotive art studio, enthusiasts can indulge in owning an art piece of an automotive legend or creating their own.

Cape Town. Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) and BMW Group South Africa are proud to launch the renaming of the Zeitz MOCAA Centre for Art Education to BMW Centre for Art Education at a media event on Wednesday, 11 September 2024. This follows a three-year partnership agreement between Zeitz MOCAA and its longstanding mobility partner in support of the museum’s curatorial and education programming.

Zeitz MOCAA is a groundbreaking Pan African and Pan Diasporic institution dedicated to promoting and preserving contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. The museum’s vision is to produce and present cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions and art historical knowledge, enhance the careers of Africa’s most talented artists in the 21st century and beyond, strengthen its education programmes, and ensure access for all.

“A strategic priority that has remained central to the work of Zeitz MOCAA includes advancing accessibility through art education, facilitating art participation for youth and adults, teacher training, and advocacy with not-for-profit organisations and art education bodies,” says Koyo Kouoh, Zeitz MOCAA Executive Director & Chief Curator. “The work of the BMW Centre for Art Education speaks directly into one of the founding elements of the institution’s mission and vision, namely, to operate school and education programmes that enrich, inspire, and bring art and culture to both children and adults,” she adds.

Zeitz MOCAA’s BMW Centre for Art Education (CFAE) comprises a dedicated team of education specialists led by the dynamic Liesl Hartman who has been involved in formal and community-based visual art and design education for 30 years in her capacity as a teacher, facilitator, manager and writer. Hartman has taught children and adults of all ages in a variety of contexts and is best known in local art educational communities within Cape Town.

“Our aim is to become a thriving museum with thriving communities. This generous funding from BMW Group South Africa will support the vision of the CFAE by enabling us to continue making art accessible to a diverse audience of all ages through discussion, debate and active making, whether within the walls of the museum or beyond. The scope of our art education programming, which has grown exponentially since 2018, engages the museum’s permanent collection and exhibitions while collaborating with local and international organisations, institutions and schools that provide access to 21st-century African art practice,” says Liesl Hartman, Head of the BMW Centre for Art Education.

Since opening its doors to the public in 2017, Zeitz MOCAA has been keenly aligned with the initiatives of BMW Group South Africa including the BMW Young Collectors Co. established in 2019 as an initiative of FNB Art Joburg. To help fill an educational void in contemporary art collecting, the BMW Young Collectors Co. addresses the shortcomings of the country’s community of collectors. FNB Art Joburg noted that the traditional community of collectors would benefit from an injection of younger and more diverse members. Thus, the programme was started to empower South Africa’s future leaders and today’s preservers of culture. BMW Art Generation brings celebrated, established, and young artists, curators, and academics, from across the world together in conversation with collectors to imagine, celebrate and protect the future of contemporary African art.

“Arts and culture are essential to the BMW Group. The organisation has engaged in over 100 cultural collaborations around the world, with valuable partnerships created within the South African arts and culture landscape. South Africa’s heritage reflects a blend of unique local culture and diversity of influence that must be preserved – which is what these partnerships intend to do. Artistic and cultural activities present unique and inspiring ways to unlock the creative capabilities of a nation – allowing constant reinvention and innovation for an ever-changing social, economic and political environment,” says Peter van Binsbergen, Chief Executive Officer, BMW Group South Africa. “This partnership with Zeitz MOCAA and its Centre for Art Education foregrounds an ethos that fosters innovation, community and an Africa that will continue to set standards for the global contemporary art ecosystem, prioritising access through the transference of knowledge, from one generation to another,” he endorses.

The Zeitz MOCAA and BMW Group South Africa partnership will advance the institution’s vision and mission as an active agent that caters to and nurtures society through education programming surrounding contemporary art from Africa.

Zeitz MOCAA’s curatorial and education programming is generously supported by Gucci, Mellon Foundation, and BMW Group South Africa.

ENDS

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group South Africa 

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

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

Zeitz MOCAA

Evaan Jason Ferreira

Email: evaanjason.ferreira@zeitzmocaa.museum

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. 

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

About Zeitz MOCAA

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is a public not-for-profit institution that collects, preserves, researches and exhibits contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora; conceives and hosts international exhibitions; develops supporting educational, discursive and enrichment programmes; encourages intercultural understanding; and strives towards access for all. The museum’s galleries feature rotating temporary exhibitions with dedicated spaces for the permanent collection. The institution also includes the BMW Centre for Art Education  (CFAE), and The Atelier, a museum residency programme for artists living and working in Cape Town. Zeitz MOCAA is situated at the Silo District, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa, and is open Monday through Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm (last entry at 5.30 pm. www.zeitzmocaa.museum

Midrand. The original BMW M fan favourite – the BMW M FEST – returns to the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from 25 – 27 October 2024.

The world’s biggest BMW M FEST again promises a weekend of high-octane performances showcasing the latest BMW M models, live entertainment, food and drinks.

For the first time, BMW South Africa introduces a special Friday preview programme at BMW M FEST that offers eager fans an exclusive first look at the latest high-powered BMW M models before the main festivities commence.

The weekend's highlights include BMW and BMW Motorrad showrooms for on-the-spot car and motorcycle purchases, M-Hot laps, M-Drift Rides, test drive experiences, and the latest round of the BMW Car Club racing series.  

Festivalgoers can also explore the BMW and BMW Motorrad lifestyle boutique with the latest apparel, a kids’ play area, e-gaming centre, and a beer garden.

This year, BMW South Africa is thrilled to launch the latest models from the BMW M lineup, including the new BMW M5, BMW M4 CS, BMW M3 Touring and the BMW M2.

All ticket classes are now available to purchase on Howler.co.za. Prices start from R350. Be sure to follow BMW South Africa and BMW Motorrad South Africa on X, Instagram and Facebook for the latest M FEST information.

Midrand, South Africa. MINI South Africa will roll out its signature Big Love for the new MINI Family at a very special festival in September.

MINI United 2024, a tailor-made, one-day-only experience for MINI lovers 18 years and older will descend on The Ground in Muldersdrift, Gauteng, on Saturday, 7 September 2024. Expect the biggest names in entertainment from 11am to late and a massive selection of food and drink to celebrate the arrival in South Africa of the all-new MINI Family.

VIP package prices and the MINI United 2024 entertainment lineup will be announced in June 2024. Don’t miss out! Click to Ticketpro to book your spot and follow MINI South Africa on Instagram and Facebook for the latest information.

Munich/Cannes. Glittering movie premieres, stars gracing the red carpet and a high-performance vehicle that looks like nothing else: this is the Cannes Film Festival and yesterday it hosted the world premiere of the BMW XM Mystique Allure. This one-off creation is based on the first high-performance sports car from BMW M GmbH powered by the M HYBRID drive system. Blending progressive luxury with extravagant looks, it is inspired by British supermodel Naomi Campbell, was designed using exclusive materials from the world of haute couture and has a unique soundtrack devised in cooperation with film score composer Hans Zimmer.

The BMW XM Mystique Allure is the latest product of the collaboration between BMW and Naomi Campbell. The partnership took its first steps last year with the “Dare to be You” launch campaign for the BMW XM, which puts the confidence to be yourself and go your own way at centre stage.

The BMW XM Mystique Allure and Naomi Campbell: making a grand entrance at Cannes.

The 77th Cannes Film Festival was the ideal choice of setting for the world premiere of the BMW XM Mystique Allure. Against the stunning backdrop of the French portside resort, Naomi Campbell presented the one-of-a-kind creation inspired by her to an audience of selected guests, before making her way in the car to the red carpet outside the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. “Witnessing BMW's vision for the BMW XM Mystique Allure come to life has been truly incredible,” says Naomi. “I feel deeply honoured to have sparked the inspiration for their first-ever high-fashion show car, which stands as a unique masterpiece in every aspect.”

This is the third year in succession that BMW has stepped up as Official Automotive Partner of the Cannes Film Festival. And it will lay on an exclusive shuttle service of more than 200 vehicles – among them the all-electric BMW i7, BMW iX and BMW i5, and the plug-in-hybrid BMW XM – to give participants and guests at the event the experience of locally emission-free premium mobility.

First BMW designed with high-fashion materials.

The BMW XM Mystique Allure is the first vehicle in the brand’s history to be designed using materials from the high fashion industry. This unusual tie-up showcases the BMW XM in a whole new light: expressive, avant-garde – and stylish and luxurious in equal measure.

Inspired by Naomi’s favourite colour, the vehicle’s exterior boasts a deeply saturated ultramarine shade, accentuated by a lustrous matte finish. A contemporary translation of high-fashion materials from luxury textile manufacturers, the design seamlessly brings the inside to the outside, featuring rich velvet and shimmering Frozen metallic sequins casting hues ranging from intense violet to deep ultramarine.

The iridescent surfaces were created with precise handcraftsmanship and a fine eye for detail. They take their cues from the eye-catching geometric forms of the BMW XM and bring a special visual richness to the car’s extrovert aesthetic. The design of the BMW XM Mystique Allure provides a meeting point for high performance and haute couture, and paints a unique picture of progressive luxury that continues into the interior. All of the surfaces inside the car, including the M Lounge in the rear, are covered in purple velvet.

BMW IconicSounds Electric: exclusive driving sound from the collaboration with Hans Zimmer.

The bold appearance of the BMW XM Mystique Allure is complemented by an acoustic character also very much its own. At its heart is a bespoke adaptation of the BMW IconicSounds Electric developed as part of the collaboration between BMW Group Sound Design and film score composer Hans Zimmer.

The driving track created for the Naomi Campbell-inspired one-off projects the supreme confidence of the car’s exterior design onto the soundscape of locally emission-free driving. In the M HYBRID drive system’s all-electric operating mode, every movement of the accelerator is accompanied by an emotionally engaging sound that authentically represents the car’s outstanding performance and magnetic visual allure.

The BMW XM: the most powerful series-produced model from BMW M GmbH.

The BMW XM is the first model since the legendary BMW M1 to be conceived solely as a standalone high-performance car from BMW M GmbH. It blends dynamic potency with innovative luxury and an enticingly extravagant design composed of muscular proportions and powerful contours. Two-piece split headlight units, Iconic Glow contour lighting for the BMW kidney grille, accent bands along the sides of the car, light-alloy wheels up to 23 inches in size and the vertically stacked and hexagonally formed pairs of exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear apron ensure the exterior of the XM has an inimitable visual presence.

The BMW XM is also breaking new ground with its M HYBRID system, which has made the XM the first high-performance car from BMW M GmbH to feature an electrified drive system. In BMW XM Label Red form (electric power and petrol consumption – weighted, combined: 33.5 kWh/100 km and 2.0 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions – weighted, combined: 45 g/km (WLTP); fuel consumption with discharged battery: 12.9 l/100 km as per WLTP), the plug-in hybrid model – with its maximum output of 550 kW – is also the most powerful series-produced, road-legal car yet produced by BMW M GmbH.

Midrand. The 14^th instalment of the Simola Hillclimb took place in Knysna from 2–5 May and was a certified adrenaline-fuelled event both for the motorsports enthusiasts in attendance and those watching the livestream online.

BMW Group South Africa’s participation in the King of the Hill event on Sunday 5 May proved to be a revolutionary showcase as the brand made history while celebrating the future of mobility with the debut of its BMW iX5 Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle – the first hydrogen-powered entrant to compete in the Simola Hillclimb.  

A battle on the hill.

The final leg of the 2024 Simola Hillclimb – the King of the Hill challenge – did not disappoint. It showcased many of South Africa’s fastest machines, including electrifying entrants from the BMW brand’s innovative portfolio, including the BMW i5 M60 xDrive, the inline six-cylinder BMW M4 Competition Coupé and BMW iX5 Hydrogen cars, and BMW’s M 1000 R and M 1000 XR motorcycles.

It was clear skies for the contenders – a welcome relief following the previous day’s downpour – and the BMW drivers gave a commendable performance. The BMW M4 Competition Coupé , driven by Cristiano Verolini and BMW i5 M60 xDrive driven by Deon Joubert placed in the top 10 of the Road and Supercar Shootout category in the A4 and A8 classes, respectively.

In addition to the BMW Group South Africa entries at the 2024 Simola Hillclimb, an impressive array of privateers entered BMWs in various classes. The headliner was Speedy Car Sales owner and renowned Group N and Touring Car driver Farouk Dangor’s immaculately restored BMW E30 BTCC M3 from the famous Speedy Car Sales motorsport Museum.

Dangor is one of the driving forces behind the introduction of a new B10 class for street-legal tuned or modified vehicles from 2025. It will be open to a range of production-based two- and four-wheel drive cars that – regardless of engine size – will level the playing field between full race cars and road-registered modified vehicles.

Future drive.

The much-anticipated debut performance of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen car, driven by Bradleigh Boshoff, met expectations by encompassing the brand’s dynamics and agility in ground-breaking hydrogen drive on the hill. Beyond the Simola Hillclimb, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet will be used by different target groups globally for further trial and demonstration purposes that will give the company’s development team valuable practical knowledge about the vehicle. The BMW Group is considering potential series production of vehicles with hydrogen drive systems in the second half of this decade.

The commitment of the BMW Group to this technology provides great opportunities for the environment and its resources, and for the future. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicle embodies one of many innovations to boost the hydrogen economy and advance the generation of green hydrogen.

At the end of the thrilling race weekend, BMW Group South Africa CEO Peter van Binsbergen said: “We had a great weekend of local motorsport that was well attended by a strong field of fans and competitors. Last year, BMW Group South Africa was present at the Hillclimb celebrating ‘50 Years in South Africa’ and, this year, we are back under the theme of ‘technological openness’.

“BMW Group South Africa was pleased to be present with a broad spectrum of drivetrains on offer, showcasing our technological openness, including a classic BMW M4 Competition, new fully electric BMW i5 M60, and ground-breaking BMW iX5 Hydrogen fuel cell electric car. We are happy with our results and would like to thank the organisers for another spectacular show of motorsport.”

Munich/Cape Town. The Iziko Museums of South Africa and BMW are pleased to announce “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective. The exhibition, curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, highlights Esther Mahlangu’s over 50-year long career and her meteoric rise as a contemporary artist, earning her global acclaim. The retrospective will be on view at Iziko Museums of South Africa from February 18, 2024 until August 11, 2024. From there it will begin its global tour, stopping first at the Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, before moving to the United States in early 2026.

BMW is proud to support this landmark exhibition which honours the talent of Esther Mahlangu and celebrates a shared history of collaboration. Included in this exhibition will be Mahlangu’s BMW 525i Art Car, returning to South Africa for the first time in over 30 years. Mahlangu became the first African and woman to paint a BMW Art Car in 1991. This collaboration marked a significant moment in the art world, blending African art with contemporary automotive design.

“Painting has always been a part of me. I cannot separate it from myself, and neither would I want to. I look forward to sharing my practice and long and colourful story with you on my upcoming Retrospective Exhibition”, says Esther Mahlangu.

Through the language of colour and form, the exhibition charts Mahlangu’s contribution to contemporary art close to seven decades. More than 100 artworks have been gathered from global collections. They have been placed alongside historic photographs and a short film. This diverse collection from Mahlangu’s expansive oeuvre which features in “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective, will offer a comprehensive yet intimate insight into her vast and vibrant career.

“Mahlangu’s journey is a testament to passion, innovation, and resilience”, Curator Nontobeko Ntombela remarks. Continuing, “The retrospective pays homage to Esther Mahlangu's unique approach to art, which intersects African cultures with modernity and the contemporary. The exhibition celebrates Mahlangu’s voice, agency, and pioneering spirit, symbolizing her self-enunciation, self-determination and creativity”, she says.

The retrospective is a landmark achievement for South African art. It recognizes Mahlangu as one of the few South African artists who have had the opportunity to present a Retrospective Exhibition in world-renowned museums. Of the exhibition, Dr Bongani Ndhlovu, Acting CEO, Iziko Museums of South Africa, says: “Iziko Museums is honored to celebrate the living legend, Dr Esther Mahlangu, and to host this colossal showcase where creativity, culture, and aesthetics are fused.” He continues, “Dr. Mahlangu is a living symbol of triumph against adversity. Her approach to art has inspired generations and is a re-affirmation of calls for Africa-centred innovations.”

“The BMW Group's commitment to this exhibition is a testament to our respect and admiration for Dr Esther Mahlangu's pioneering spirit and remarkable contribution to the world of art. This exhibition not only celebrates the incredible journey and legacy of Mam’ Esther but also symbolizes a cherished collaboration that dates back over three decades. We are especially excited about the return of the BMW Art Car to South African soil – a significant symbol of our shared history and appreciation for art that transcends boundaries”, says Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa.

The BMW Group's Cultural Engagement, with exclusive updates and deeper insights into its global initiatives can be followed on Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.

“Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”:  Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective

 February 18 – August 11, 2024

Iziko South African National Gallery Government Avenue, Company’s Garden, Cape Town, South Africa

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications                                                           

Angela Konert                                                           

Head of Business Communications                                         

Phone: +27 71 666 2472                                                             

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

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

Past collaborations between BMW and Esther Mahlangu
Esther Mahlangu's collaboration with the BMW Group, spanning over three decades, represents a remarkable blend of traditional Ndebele art and modern automotive design, demonstrating an evolving and deep-rooted partnership.

BMW Art Car: The journey began in 1991 when Mahlangu, as the first woman to do so, designed a BMW Art Car. She adorned a BMW 525i with vibrant Ndebele patterns, connecting South African art with automotive design. This project not only showcased her unique artistic style on an international platform but also marked a significant cultural and technological crossover, transitioning from mural painting to the canvas of a modern vehicle.

BMW Individual 7 Series by Esther Mahlangu: In 2016 Mahlangu once again partnered with BMW. This time, she lent her distinctive style to the interior of a BMW 7 Series. Her iconic motifs were meticulously integrated into the wood trims of the luxury sedan, exemplifying a seamless blend of traditional art with contemporary luxury. This unique vehicle, symbolizing the enduring collaboration between Mahlangu and BMW, was revealed at the Frieze in London and later auctioned for charity.

The Mahlangu Phantom: The collaboration took a luxurious turn in 2020 when Rolls-Royce commissioned Mahlangu to create an artwork for the Gallery of a Phantom, named 'The Mahlangu Phantom'. This project elevated her art to the pinnacle of automotive luxury, affirming her status as a respected cultural icon and artist.

50 years BMW Group South Africa: In 2023, as part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations of BMW Group South Africa, Mahlangu was invited to design a commemorative logo. This logo, infused with her artistic essence, symbolized the half-century milestone of BMW in South Africa and highlighted the long-standing relationship between Mahlangu and the BMW Group. 

The Electric AI Canvas: Also in 2023, Mahlangu's artistic journey with BMW reached a new dimension with the "Electric AI Canvas" project at Art Basel in Basel. Here, her traditional art was transformed through technology, as AI-generated animations based on her designs were projected onto the fully electric BMW i5. This innovative display merged Mahlangu's cultural heritage with the forefront of digital technology, showcasing the dynamic potential of combining traditional art forms with modern innovation.

Throughout these collaborations, Mahlangu's work with BMW has not only elevated her art to a global audience but has also served as a beacon of the harmonious blend of cultural artistry with automotive design, illustrating a unique and enduring relationship.

About Esther Mahlangu

Dr Esther Nostokana Nagiyana Nikwambi Mahlangu is a celebrated South African contemporary artist known for her innovative work that pushes boundaries beyond the traditional mural. Widely recognized as one of the most influential artists across generations, Mahlangu began her artistic journey at the age of ten under the guidance of her grandmother and mother, learning the traditional techniques of Ndebele mural painting. Her contemporary works which span a wide variety of non-traditional surfaces, found objects as well as automobiles, build upon this rich tradition. 

Mahlangu’s participation in the exhibition Magiciens de la Terre (1989) in Paris, shot her to fame, marking the launch of her transition from a communal practice into her own agency as a contemporary artist. Shortly thereafter, in 1991, she became the first woman artist and African to paint a BMW Art Car. Mahlangu has exhibited in over 20 different countries, sometimes with multiple solo shows in at least seventeen different cities. She has painted murals across eight different countries and participated in residency programmes with institutions like Project Row Houses (2005), L’Associazione Culturale Colonos (2009) & Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (2014). Some of her more significant engagements include Documenta IX (1992), the 5th Biennale of Contemporary Art (2000), the 1st Malindi Biennale (2006), the 3rd Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art (2009) and Art Basel (2023). Mahlangu has also worked on projects with fashion brands like Comme des Garçons (1991), shoe companies Melissa (2009) and EYTYS (2015). She created the Belvedere (RED) bottle design, which helped fund a campaign against HIV/AIDS (2016). Mahlangu's works are represented in well over 27 public institutions’ collections. And she has been collected by many more private individuals worldwide. She continues her artistic career to this day.    

About Nontobeko Ntombela

Nontobeko Ntombela is a member of faculty at the Wits School of Arts at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Her academic and curatorial work focuses on modern and contemporary South African art, with a particular interest in, but not limited to, early modern Black women artists. Prior to starting her academic career in 2012, Ntombela worked as a curator for more than a decade in organisations such as the Johannesburg Art Gallery (2010- 2020), Durban University Art Gallery (2005-2010), BAT Centre (2001-2005), and Art for Humanity (2000-2001). Some of Ntombela’s most well-known curatorial projects include, When Rain Clouds Gather: South African Black Women Artist 1940 - 2000 (2022-2023), co-curated with Portia Malatjie at Norval Foundation; The Burden of Memory (2019) – a multiple-site event in the city of Yaoundé Cameroon – co-curated with Rose Jepkorir and Princess Marilyn Douala Bell;  Solo at the Cape Town Art Fair (2018), A Fragile Archive (2013) at JAG, Spectaculaire (2013) Frac des Pays de la Loire Carquefou France, MTN New Contemporaries (2010) at the KwaZulu-Natal Society of Art and From Here to There (2007) co-curated with Storm van Rensburg at the Association of Visual Arts (AVA) as part of the CAPE07 fringe programme. She is the co-editor of The Yoni Book, in collaboration with artist Reshma Chhiba (2019). Ntombela has served on various boards and committees for organizations such as the Department of Arts and Culture, VANSA Visual Arts Network of South Africa, National Arts Council, KZNSA KwaZulu Natal Society of Arts, Art for Human Rights Trust, Johannesburg Art Gallery, and UNISA Art Gallery. In 2019, the Melrose Gallery invited Ntombela to curate a worldwide touring show of Dr Esther Mahlangu's work, which begins with this exhibition: Then I knew I was good at painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective at Iziko Museums of South Africa in Cape Town.

About Iziko Museums of South Africa (Iziko)

Iziko operates 11 national museums, the Planetarium and Digital Dome, the Social History Centre and three collection-specific libraries in Cape Town. The museums that make up Iziko have their own history and character, presenting extensive art, social, and natural history collections that reflect our diverse African heritage. Iziko is a public entity and public benefit organisation that brings together these museums under a single governance and leadership structure. The organisation allows *free access to all individuals on commemorative days, (*excluding the Castle of Good Hope, Groot Constantia and Planetarium and Digital Dome). Iziko regularly provides information about events, news and new exhibitions on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Home - Iziko Museums
Iziko Museums of South Africa (@izikomuseumssa) • Instagram-Fotos und -Videos
Iziko Museums of South Africa | Facebook
Iziko Museums of South Africa | Twitter

About The Melrose Gallery
The Melrose Gallery, Esther Mahlangu’s global representative were tasked with implementing her Retrospective Exhibition. The Melrose Gallery is a leading Pan African Contemporary gallery located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The gallery represents established and emerging artists whose voices speak to issues of significance to the Continent of Africa on a global basis. We are passionate about ensuring that the elders who have made a valuable contribution to African Contemporary Art are recognised and continue to be heard. These inspiring stalwarts provide a stable foundation to an exciting young guard of artists who are swiftly emerging from the African Continent and Diaspora to establish themselves globally. We run a curated programme of exhibitions, participate in respected art fairs, support many of our artists in their participation at Biennales and conceptualize and implement significant non-commercial exhibitions in association with leading museums.

The Melrose Gallery
The Melrose Gallery (@themelrosegallerysa) • Instagram-Fotos und -Videos
The Melrose Gallery | Johannesburg | Facebook

BMW Group Cultural Engagement

Why Culture? Why not! Culture is knowledge, a sanctuary of beauty and depth, of meaning and peace. An inspiring escape. Tranquil at best, even unsettling sometimes. As corporate citizen, the BMW Group takes social responsibility seriously, as part of which it has been involved in hundreds of cultural initiatives worldwide for over half a century, both in the arts, music & sound, architecture as well as in design. As a long-term partner, creative freedom is key – and as essential for groundbreaking works as it is for major innovations within a business enterprise like ours.

Further information: www.bmwgroup.com/culture and www.bmwgroup.com/overview

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BMW-Group-Culture

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bmwgroupculture/

@bmwgroupculture

#BMWGroupCulture

#drivenbydiversity

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
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Anglo American Platinum, BMW Group South Africa and Sasol South Africa Limited on Monday, 16 October 2023 signed a collaboration agreement that will bring hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and supporting hydrogen refuelling technology to South Africa.

In terms of the agreement, which was signed at the 2023 South African Green Hydrogen Summit in Cape Town, BMW will provide the hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles, while Sasol will supply the green hydrogen and mobile refueler. These vehicles will operate on South African roads as part of an international trial to understand how the BMW iX5 Hydrogen performs in real-world conditions, following four years of development work. Anglo American Platinum, which provides platinum group metals (PGMs) used in FCEVs and has been investing in hydrogen technologies for many years, will work closely with BMW and Sasol to help develop a local green hydrogen mobility ecosystem.

The agreement is a significant step towards accelerating the uptake of FCEVs and the establishment of related infrastructure in the country. Growing the market for hydrogen-fuelled mobility solutions is a key pillar of the South African government’s green hydrogen economy strategy, which will lower carbon emissions, unlock investment, create jobs, and drive demand for critical metals and raw materials, including PGMs.

Sasol Executive Vice President for the Energy Business, Priscillah Mabelane, said: “Sasol, BMW and Anglo American Platinum recognise the urgency of addressing climate change, and this agreement demonstrates our commitment to revolutionising the energy sector by exploring and promoting cutting-edge solutions. As an organisation that has been producing and marketing hydrogen for more than 20 years, we know hydrogen. We produced our first batch of green hydrogen at our Sasolburg facility in June and in 2024 we will ramp this up to commercial scale when a 69MW wind farm, situated in the Eastern Cape, comes online. As Sasol we are excited to be part of this demonstration, which has been strategic in showcasing local capability and the art of the possible.”

Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa, said: “One technology on its own will not be enough to enable climate-neutral mobility worldwide. As a versatile energy source, hydrogen has a key role to play on the road to climate neutrality. We believe South Africa – with its abundance of raw materials and sound infrastructure base – is ideally placed to deliver on the Green Hydrogen Economy’s promises. Soon, with collaborators Sasol and Anglo American Platinum, we will be able to demonstrate the technical maturity of BMW’s fuel cell electric vehicle drive system, underscoring its potential for the future.”

Craig Miller, CEO of Anglo American Platinum, said: “Hydrogen fuel cells are a critical technology for zero emission electric vehicles, and we believe FCEVs will play an important role in the mix of drivetrain technologies needed to decarbonise all forms of transport. FCEVs benefit from short refuelling times and long ranges, similar to using a diesel or petrol vehicle, but with the added benefit of zero emissions. Our collaboration with Sasol and BMW builds on various partnerships we have around the world to drive green mobility solutions and develop new uses for the products we mine.”

For further information, please contact:

BMW Group South Africa

Hailey Philander

Hailey.Philander@bmw.co.za

Tel: +27 (0)71 666 2070

Anglo-American Platinum (Media) 

Nomonde Ndwalaza

nomonde.ndwalaza@angloamerican.com

Tel: +27 (0)66 311 1133

Anglo American Platinum (Investors)

Franscelene Moodley

PlatinumIR@angloamerican.com

Tel: +27 (0)79 877 7848

Sasol

Matebello Motloung

Matebello.Motloung@sasol.com

Tel: +27 (0)82 773 9457

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

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

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

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

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

Notes to editors:

About Anglo-American Platinum

Anglo American Platinum Limited is a member of the Anglo American plc Group and is a leading primary producer of platinum group metals. The company is listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE). Its mining, smelting and refining operations are based in South Africa. Elsewhere in the world, the Group owns Unki Platinum Mine in Zimbabwe. Anglo American Platinum is committed to the highest standards of safety and continues to make a meaningful and sustainable difference in the development of the communities around its operations.

www.angloamericanplatinum.com

Anglo American is a leading global mining company and our products are the essential ingredients in almost every aspect of modern life. Our portfolio of world-class competitive operations, with a broad range of future development options, provides many of the future-enabling metals and minerals for a cleaner, greener, more sustainable world and that meet the fast growing every day demands of billions of consumers. With our people at the heart of our business, we use innovative practices and the latest technologies to discover new resources and to mine, process, move and market our products to our customers – safely and sustainably.

As a responsible producer of copper, nickel, platinum group metals, diamonds (through De Beers), and premium quality iron ore and steelmaking coal – with crop nutrients in development – we are committed to being carbon neutral across our operations by 2040. More broadly, our Sustainable Mining Plan commits us to a series of stretching goals to ensure we work towards a healthy environment, creating thriving communities and building trust as a corporate leader. We work together with our business partners and diverse stakeholders to unlock enduring value from precious natural resources for the benefit of the communities and countries in which we operate, for society as a whole, and for our shareholders. Anglo American is re-imagining mining to improve people’s lives.

www.angloamerican.com

About Sasol

Sasol is a global chemicals and energy company. We harness our knowledge and expertise to integrate sophisticated technologies and processes into world-scale operating facilities. We strive to safely and sustainably source, produce and market a range of high-quality products in 22 countries, preserving and creating value for stakeholders.

Midrand. BMW Group South Africa and BMW Group Financial Services South Africa have been recognised as a Youth Employment Services (YES) Top Ten Jobs Contributor for their continued dedication to job creation through the YES Programme. The YES ESG Awards – part of the ESG Africa Conference 2023 – were held on 4 October at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.

The YES Programme acknowledged BMW Group South Africa and BMW Group Financial Services South Africa’s important contribution to alleviating youth unemployment with a certificate of recognition signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

BMW Group South Africa CEO, Peter van Binsbergen commented: “We are proud to receive this special recognition. Youth unemployment is one of South Africa’s most intractable problems. By participating in this national programme, we see great opportunity to continue driving meaningful impact in our company, communities, and country. BMW Group South Africa builds and uplifts our people, ensuring they are healthy, educated, and cared for.”

Stefan Schuett, CEO BMW Group Financial Services South Africa added: “We are truly honoured to be awarded by the YES programme and thank them for a fruitful partnership. I want to reiterate the importance of advancing the empowerment and development of young people in this country. Youth participation in employment, education and training helps them achieve self-sufficiency and creates sustainable communities. Thirty-six years ago, BMW granted me a combination of a bursary and a trainee programme. This is now a great opportunity for me as CEO BMW Group Financial Services South Africa to give back as a company.”

In 2022, BMW Group South Africa and BMW Group Financial Services South Africa collaborated with the YES Programme to help develop a better future for young people, the community, and the environment. The programme addresses the youth unemployment crisis in South Africa and provides quality 12-month work experience to unemployed youth.

Later that year, BMW Group South Africa and BMW Group Financial Services South Africa signed the CEO pledge and committed to providing jobs across South Africa, placing participants within the BMW Group retailer network, SMMEs, and ICT, education and health sectors. Exceeding expectations, the company recently reaffirmed its commitment to foster gender equality and women empowerment in the automotive industry and beyond. Of the 1,506 youth placed  through the YES Programme, 63% are women.

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.

Munich. BMW is returning to Coachella for the fifth time in 2023, this year celebrating the launch of the new BMW XM Label Red in big-impact style. The company is building on the success of its recently launched “Dare to be you” campaign, in which it asks cultural leaders like supermodel Naomi Campbell, British grime artist Skepta, German rapper Apache 207, New York-based fashion designer Bloody Osiris and professional skateboarder Ishod Wair to express who they really are – with the new BMW XM standing alongside.

Following the kick-off event at Art Basel Miami Beach, BMW is taking the campaign to the next stage with a Coachella spin. An international mix of emerging talents and household names provide the BMW XM with a new creative context. Coachella performers like Charli XCX, Earthgang and Uncle Waffles, plus German rapper du jour Badmomzjay, Grammy Award winner Nija Charles and South Korean choreographer Leejung Lee, will record their initial encounters with the first electrified high-performance model from BMW M GmbH in their own individual style: Dare to be you.

BMW in the spotlight as it helps to shape the zeitgeist.

BMW has a clear mission: to create a platform where cultural pioneers can truly show us what they’re all about. As Stefan Ponikva, Vice President Brand Communication, Brand Experience, says: “Our goal at BMW is to be at the heart of where creative magic happens. We want to enable artists – musicians, designers, actors, storytellers – to express themselves and to interact with our brand and our latest, already widely desired launch: the first-ever BMW XM. Coachella is an excellent platform through which to develop fresh conversations with talented emerging artists as well as established stars.

Spectacular backdrops for incredible pictures.

Photo and video sessions are both on the agenda again in California. And it’s not just the Coachella Festival setting that provides an inspirational location for unique shots. Other locations offering the co-creators a spectacular backdrop include the Invisible House in the Joshua Tree National Park. The building was designed to integrate into the natural landscape so that it almost seems to disappear into the surrounding Mojave Desert. With its extraordinary location, minimalist architecture and mirrored glass completely covering the exterior, the Invisible House is a fascinating sight that sparks creativity and is ideal for staging an emotionally engaging presentation of the new BMW XM.

The expressive design of the BMW XM – with its bold lines, powerful Sports Activity Vehicle proportions and distinctive front-end styling, completed with illuminated BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille – conveys the car’s authoritative character and guarantees the undivided attention of all around, even when stationary. The performance qualities of the latest BMW M model are equally as impressive, if not more so. 

The new BMW XM will be built at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the US along with all other high-performance models from the BMW X segment. The new range-topping BMW XM Label Red will also roll off the production line there from August 2023. Featuring a bespoke version of the new plug-in-hybrid drive system, the BMW XM Label Red will be the most powerful series-produced car in the history of BMW M GmbH.

Midrand. Fifty years ago, in March 1973, a key automotive, economic, and societal player in South Africa was founded: The newly established plant of BMW South Africa started to produce the first BMW vehicles, laying the foundation for a South African icon. Located in Rosslyn, outside the capital city of Pretoria, this was the first BMW production site outside of Germany. Few would have imagined the critical role the subsidiary on the tip of Africa would ultimately play in developing products – and nurturing talent – for the Bavarian manufacturer.

Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of BMW AG for Production and Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW Group South Africa, said: “As the first plant outside Germany, the emotional link to South Africa is very strong. It was our first step to internationalise BMW.

“Plant Rosslyn has over the past 50 years proven itself to be an essential member of our production network, consistently improving quality and productivity. The passion for the brand is clear, and the right teams with the right spirit are in place to direct its growth for the next 50 years.”

Five decades later, in addition to BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, the BMW Group South Africa business includes a National Sales Company that sells and distributes BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad; a Financial Services company established in 1990; and a software company (or IT Hub) servicing more than 50 countries.

Over 50 years, however, Plant Rosslyn has remained at the core of the BMW Group’s South African operation. More than R12,6 billion has been invested into the production facility by the BMW Group since 1995. To date, more than 1,6 million cars have been produced at this plant, which recently attained another significant milestone with the 300,000^th BMW X3 rolling off its assembly line.

Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa and the first South African to occupy this seat, said: “BMW Group Plant Rosslyn is an iconic production facility within the BMW Group, and BMW Group South Africa is a global success story for the business!

“Plant Rosslyn represents a cornerstone of the BMW Group’s global production network of more than 30 sites in 15 countries. We built BMW 3 Series here for more than 30 years; a period that included production of the iconic 333i and the cherished 325iS ‘Gusheshe’. BMW South Africa benefited from the successful adoption of a government-endorsed export programme from 1995 before transitioning to an “X” plant in 2018.

“Given our rich and colourful history, while we acknowledge our past, our 50^th celebration is an equally good time to look ahead. I can only say thank you to the people of South Africa for allowing us to serve you for the past 50 years. We are not only a corporate citizen in South Africa, but through our people and our vehicles, we are a part of the fabric of South African society. Wait until you see what we intend for the next 50 years!”

Production at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn.

The clearest demonstration of the BMW Group’s long-term commitment to South Africa, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn has over the years produced iconic cars unique to South Africa. Products such as the BMW 2000 SA, BMW 745i, BMW 530 MLE, BMW 333i, as well as the BMW 325iS have laid the basis for the typical BMW brand DNA to become genuinely South African.

A Training Academy was established at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn in 1978 to equip craftspeople for the Plant. Even in the pre-democracy period, it was distinctive for accepting learners irrespective of their ethnicity. In 2018, the company opened a R73 million Training Academy at Plant Rosslyn, and in April 2019, a brand-new R109 million Retailer Training Centre was opened at the Midrand headquarter to support its retailer partners.

The BMW Group has since 1995 invested more than R12.6 billion into the production facility that, in 1999, became the first in the world to achieve certification for its integrated quality, health and safety, as well as environmental management system (ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and BS 8800). An award-winning production facility, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn was bestowed Gold and Platinum honours in 2002 and 2015, respectively, in the respected JD Power Initial Quality Study.

Plant Rosslyn would go on to produce 1,191,604 BMW 3 Series over five generations, before changing to BMW X3 production in 2018. More than 300,000 BMW X3s have been produced at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn. The bulk of these units are exported to more than 40 markets, including 14 African countries.

Sustainability and efficiency are central to BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s strategic direction, and it is a common thread throughout the facility’s value chain. Several key projects support Plant Rosslyn’s sustainability goals. They include, since 2015, the Bio2Watt partnership in pursuit of a carbon-neutral electricity supply, and a zero-waste-to-landfill project where waste is converted into bricks used for low-cost housing.

A social and cultural beacon.

BMW Group South Africa’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts are concentrated under the banner #WeBuildMoreThanJustCars. The company prides itself on building communities, opportunities, sustainable solutions, industry, and emotions. Sustainable educational activities are focussed at the Ntšha-Peu and Lethabong schools in Soshanguve, outside Pretoria, which is home to many BMW associates employed at Plant Rosslyn. These primary and secondary schools benefit from a close relationship with BMW Group South Africa that span facilities and resources, to learner mentoring programmes.

Our cultural engagement.

For over five decades, the BMW Group has been supporting hundreds of cultural initiatives worldwide. Unrestricted freedom of creative potential is of the utmost importance, as it is equally as crucial for the field of art as it is for ground-breaking innovations within a successful business enterprise. BMW Group South Africa supports local artists via its partnerships with The Southern Guild, and the BMW Young Collectors Co, among others. The longest-standing relationship, however, has been forged with Dr “Mam” Esther Mahlangu, a global icon of traditional Ndebele art. In 1991, Dr Mahlangu became the first African, and the first female, to adorn a BMW Art Car. Our relationship with Dr Mahlangu continues as she embarks on her first ever retrospective exhibition taking place in South Africa, the USA, and Europe from 2024 to 2027. 

Honouring the past, setting course for the future.

Celebrating its 50^th year allows BMW Group South Africa to look back at its unparalled history, its achievements, and its successes. Looking to the future, its local operations will refine their focus on sustainability (as an automotive manufacturer and a responsible corporate citizen), and the further expansion of the global BMW IT Hub situated in Pretoria’s Menlyn Maine.   

As the fastest growing innovation hub in the BMW Group, this crucial department provides IT services for core global BMW Group processes, including production and logistics, finance, and sales. The hub contributed R2.6 billion to the South African economy in 2022, with a staff complement totalling more than 2,000.

In 2023, the BMW Group South Africa directly and indirectly employs close to 23,000 people. This year, the company will reinforce its commitment to South Africa and its people, highlighting its benchmark-setting corporate responsibility partnerships and outlining the future of its state-of-the-art Rosslyn production facility. The company’s steadfast BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad fans are sure to be kept on the edge of their seats throughout the year.

^{Note to editors:}

^{A 50 year of BMW Group South Africa logo has been created for the commemorative year, inspired by a work of art crafted by Dr Esther Mahlangu. This logo will be used in all communication of BMW Group South Africa’s 50th anniversary celebrations throughout 2023.}

In the event of enquiries, please contact:

BMW Group South Africa

Thilosh Moodally

General Manager: Corporate Communications and External Affairs  

E-mail: Thilosh.Moodally@bmw.co.za

Telephone: +27-71-666-2772

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

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

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

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

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

Munich. After two pandemic-related breaks and for the fourth time in a row, the BMW Group is using the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival as a platform to showcase e-mobility and its all-electric BMW iX and i4 models. More than ever, the festival stands for a unique blend of extravagance, pure joy and a strong awareness of the socio-ecological challenges of our time. Inspire and be inspired is the BMW motto for the two festival weekends between 15 and 24 April 2022. For Stefan Ponikva, Head of Brand Communication and Experience, Coachella is an ideal event to showcase the brand and the two all-electric BMW iX and i4 models:

"I'm really excited that Coachella is back. The need for emotional experiences is as important for brands as it is for people. Coachella embodies the perfect blend of inspiration, innovation and sustainable focus. This fits perfectly with the BMW brand values and goals and what turned out to be decisive for our renewed commitment. This year we are designing our communications with artist Doja Cat - she really inspired us with her ideas and creativity."

As one of the most influential artists of our time, Grammy award-winning artist Doja Cat is the dazzling new addition to a remarkable roster of co-creators supporting BMW with fresh impulses - during the Coachella Festival and far beyond.

Inspiring instead of persuading.

Since launching with the #RoadtoCoachella campaign in 2017, the goal has been to find artists to partner and co-create with, engaging Coachella attendees in an authentic way while creating a natural relationship between the festival and the BMWi Series. After collaborating with Hans Zimmer, the alternative rock band Portugal, The Man and global superstar Khalid, BMW returns to the desert in 2022 with today's most influential artist, Doja Cat.

For Doja Cat, Coachella is all about creating something impactful. “The show that I’m preparing for Coachella defines everything that I’ve done from day one. I never like to do the same thing over and over again, I want to embrace that instead of run from it”, she says. “BMW is an iconic brand and I am honoured to be working with them. Be on the look out at Coachella for some Doja inspired rides.” Her success proves her right: Nominated for numerous music awards, she inspires more than 20 million Instagram followers with her expressive style and authentic personality. She convincingly embodies diversity, equality, creativity - and the BMW brand essence: Joy.

How creating things together benefits everyone

The 2022 BMW Coachella campaign features original content with exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at Doja Cat's Road to Coachella and her rehearsals. The custom BMW iX car wrap inspired by her Grammy-nominated album Planet Her is one of the highlights. For this unique work of art, Doja Cat teamed up with one of the world's most renowned photographers, David LaChapelle, and creative director Brett Alan Nelson. Creative collaboration with other designers is also the approach of the twenty other BMW ambassadors, including 13-time X Games gold medalist and Olympic skateboarding star Nyjah Huston, the German actor, LGBTI activist and best-selling author Riccardo Simonetti and the respected US fashion designer Tremaine Emory.

Supported by a fleet of all-electric BMW iX and i4 models, they will pass on the joyful atmosphere of Coachella 2022 to their diverse followers around the world - most likely, like the creative organisers of the festival, in an inspiring way to encourage a rethink of sustainability and mobility. Follow us: #roadtocoachella.

Munich. The BMW Group is accelerating its development for the battery technology of the future, thereby supporting the ramp-up of a European cell and battery value chain. In this context, Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, today received a grant decision from the Federal Minister of Economics and Energy, Peter Altmaier, as well as from the Bavarian Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, Hubert Aiwanger, in support of the BMW Group's battery projects within the framework of the battery IPCEI (Important Project of Common European Intertest).

For the BMW Group, it is clear that high-performance and sustainable energy storage systems are the key success factor for the individual mobility of the future. The development of highly innovative and sustainable battery cells is therefore one key element of a high-performance European cell and battery value chain.

This aspiration is reflected in the Neue Klasse, which the BMW Group first presented at its annual conference in March. This new generation of vehicles, which will be launched by the middle of this decade, will be uncompromisingly electric, digital, circular – and clearly focused on all-electric drivetrains.

For the Neue Klasse, the BMW Group is developing the next generation of its battery technology – combined with a clear aspiration: "With the Neue Klasse, we will make a big leap in technology in electric drive," said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in Munich on Monday. "We want to significantly increase the energy density of the cells and reduce the costs of material use and production at the same time. We will also significantly reduce the use of primary material to ensure a truly 'green' battery."

With the Neue Klasse, the BMW Group aims at the level of state-of-the-art internal combustion engines in terms of range and manufacturing costs. For example, electric mobility "engineered by BMW" is intended to appeal to and convince new groups of buyers worldwide. For this sixth generation of BMW e-drive technology, the company evaluates correspondingly different cell formats, cell chemistry and also cell modules in the current development phase. A key goal is to create truly green, low-carbon and recyclable batteries.

Solid-state battery for serial use – demonstrator vehicle well before 2025

However, the BMW Group is already planning further into the future beyond this next generation: By the end of the decade, the energy density of battery cells is expected to increase by at least a mid-double-digit percentage range – from an already high level today.

Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development: "The greenest electric car in the world will be a BMW – sustainable from the initial idea to recycling after its use phase. We are developing the battery cell of the future: it will be powerful, safe, cost-effective, and recyclable - from material selection to recyclability after the use in the vehicle. All of this will be created in a European value chain." Weber continues: "We are doing intensive research on solid-state battery technology. By the end of the decade, we will be implementing an automotive-compatible solid-state battery for series production. We plan to show a first demonstrator vehicle featuring this technology well before 2025."

The BMW Group has had extensive in-house expertise in the complete value chain of electric drive for years and has optimized its battery cell technology from generation to generation. Cell chemistry has also been consistently further developed: for example, the proportion of cobalt in cathode material in the transition from Gen3 from the BMW i3 to Gen5, which was introduced in 2020 with the BMW iX3, was significantly reduced from 33 percent to 10 percent – at the same time, the nickel content rose to around 80 percent. In order to minimize the consumption of primary resources, up to 50 percent recycled nickel is already used in the high-voltage battery pack of the new BMW iX.

Electric offensive in full swing

Thanks to intelligent vehicle architectures and a highly flexible production network, the BMW Group will have around a dozen all-electric models on the road as early as 2023. In addition to the BMW i3, MINI Cooper SE and BMW iX3, which are already on the market, two key innovation drivers, the BMW i4 and the BMW iX will be put on the road this year– the BMW i4 even three months earlier than originally planned.

In the coming years, all-electric versions of the high-volume BMW 5 Series and the BMW X1 will follow. In addition, there will be an all-electric BMW 7 Series as well as the successor to the MINI Countryman and other models. As early as 2023, the BMW Group will have at least one all-electric model on the road in around 90 percent of its current market segments.

By 2025, the BMW Group will increase sales of all-electric models by an average of significantly more than 50 percent per year – more than ten times more than in 2020. In total, the company will have delivered around two million all-electric vehicles to customers by the end of 2025.

Based on current market expectations, the BMW Group is planning that by 2030 at least 50 percent of its global sales will consist of all-electric vehicles. In total, the company will bring about ten million all-electric vehicles onto the road over the approximately next ten years. This also means that the BMW Group is strategically on target of achieving the EU's ambitious CO2 reduction targets in 2025 and 2030.

The BMW Group commitment to IPCEI.

Within the framework of the two battery IPCEI (Important Projects of Common European Interest), the BMW Group is developing highly innovative, sustainable, function-optimized and cost-effective battery cells as a key element of a European cell and battery value chain.

The Federal Ministry of Economics and the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, support the project within the framework of the European funding process IPCEI.

Federal Minister Altmaier: "With the joint European projects, we have successfully built up the battery value chain in Germany and Europe and secured sustainable jobs. We support BMW in two concrete projects in the field of battery technology. Both projects are central to the further expansion of electromobility in Germany."

Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger: "The development of battery cells is an ideal fit for Bavaria's automotive industry and tech-industry as a whole. Bavaria is supporting this IPCEI project from BMW with co-financing in order to secure added value in a central high-tech field with great future potential. Because electromobility is becoming increasingly important, we have to produce the battery cells needed here in Germany, preferably in Bavaria. Our aim must be to participate economically in this climate-friendly technology and to make Europe more independent of suppliers from third countries."

Following the development of a next generation of lithium-ion cells as well as an innovative battery module and battery system concept in the first IPCEI, the focus of BMW's work in the second IPCEI is on the development of the next generation of lithium-ion cells, the development and optimization of process technologies as well as the construction of a prototype production plant for innovative battery modules and systems.

The BMW Group is also focusing on the recycling and the recyclability of battery materials, with the main aim of achieving a fully cyclable battery. 

Through the research and validation of future technologies such as solid-state batteries (so-called "All-Solid-State-Battery", ASSB), the company not only strengthens its own competence, but also the industrial location Germany. The BMW Group sees ASSB technology as a game changer in the automotive field.

Following the holistic approach of a closed innovation and development cycle, BMW will develop innovative products from the areas of battery cell as well as battery modules and systems with a focus on improved functionality and a significantly improved cost structure. The recycling and the usability of the batteries after their automotive use are also taken into account.

The BMW Group is more involved in the research, development and industrialization of battery value chains in Germany than any other vehicle manufacturer. The research results achieved by the BMW Group and the partners involved in the IPCEI project strengthen the development of an integrated European battery value chain. In addition, various concepts for solid-state batteries are being researched together with European R&D partners and the most promising prototype is being implemented. In doing so, the company is paving the way for successful battery cell development and production in Europe. 

1. More than an automobile.
The MINI Model Family Over the Years. 2

2. With traditional sporting spirit and British flair.
The MINI 60 Years Edition. 10

3. Motor sport meets lifestyle.
MINI and the success story in motor sport.12

4. MINI All the Way – Always Different.
Customised to Your Personal Taste. 17

5. Traditional Values and Modern Diversity.
Concept and Technology. 21

6. From the Original to the Original.
The MINI Design. 29

7. The Revolutionary with the Drawing Pad.
Sir Alec Issigonis, the Father of the Classic Mini. 36

8. Made in England – Then and Now.
MINI Production between Past and Future. 39

9. Individualists Unite!
MINI fans are networked worldwide. 42

10. The Car for All Classes, with the Qualities of a Star.
MINI as a Member of Society. 45

11. Small Car, Great Show.
MINI Marketing. 48

12. Inspiring Character.
MINI Lifestyle and Special Editions. 51

13. A Question of Style.
The MINI Lifestyle Collection. 54

1.   More than an automobile.
The MINI model family over years.

The original in the premium segment of small cars has reached its 60th birthday – but it is even younger than ever. It was sixty years ago, to be precise on 26 August 1959, that British Motor Corporation (BMC) proudly revealed the result of their development activities in creating a new, revolutionary compact car. And indeed, the public right from the start were able to admire no less than two new models: The Morris Mini-Minor and the Austin Seven. This double premiere of two almost identical four-seaters was of course attributable at the time to the broad range of brands offered by BMC in the market, but it was also of very symbolic nature.

Lots of space inside with minimum dimensions outside, seats for four passengers, impeccable driving characteristics, superior fuel economy, and a very affordable price – precisely this was the brief the creator of the Mini, automotive engineer and designer Alec Issigonis, received from BMC’s Top Management. And the brilliant ideas he implemented in developing this two-door for a family of four had an impact quite sufficient for more than one single car, an impact therefore carried over successfully to other model variants.

Precisely this is why the Mini Van and Mini Estate also appeared on the market in the very first year of production of the classic Mini. And ever since the re-birth of the brand with the market launch of the MINI in 2001, the principle already applied successfully sixty years ago has once again proven its full value: a superior concept is always convincing in many different variants and renditions. Today, this still applies for the small cars MINI 3-door, MINI 5-door and MINI Convertible, for the MINI Clubman and the MINI Countryman in the premium compact segment, and soon for the all-electric powered MINI Cooper SE. They all show their individual strength and unique character, while right inside they are one and the same car in particular: a MINI.

Right from the start the very first sales brochures proudly presenting the Morris Mini-Minor highlighted the car’s clear and steadfast orientation to the future. But to what extent these prophecies would really come true, hardly anybody would have believed back then.

Today, sixty years later, we know that only very few car concepts have survived such a long time, and none of them has ever been converted into such a wide range of variants as the Mini.

One of the reasons for this outstanding success is that from the start the Mini met all the requirements of its time, while offering further qualities in the same process. Measuring just 3.05 metres or 120" in length and selling at a retail price of £ 496, the Mini was simply perfect for small parking spaces and low budgets. Through its driving qualities and the charming character of its proportions alone, the Mini was however also of great interest to the ambitious motorist seeking not only compact dimensions and superior economy, but also sporting performance particularly in bends as well as individual style on the road.

This blend of different qualities remains as popular today as ever before, with a concept likewise younger than ever. Hence, the current MINI is also more up-to-date and, at the same time, more fascinating and respected than any of its competitors, combining unparalleled efficiency, lasting value of the highest calibre, and incredibly agile handling in the modern mega-city with unrivalled sportiness and design full of expression and quite unmistakable.

Longer, stronger, more sophisticated, more versatile: the first variants of the classic Mini.

Introducing the classic Mini, Alec Issigonis, the creator of this unique car, clearly fulfilled his mission. The Morris Mini-Minor and the Austin Seven, differing solely through their radiator grille, wheel caps and body colour, were both powered by a four-cylinder engine fitted crosswise at the front and delivering maximum output of 34 hp from 848 cubic centimetres.

The performance of both models was identical, as was their luggage capacity of 195 litres or 6.83 cubic feet at the rear. Everybody was thrilled by the generous space available, the efficient but powerful engines, the good roadholding and the comfortable suspension this new compact car had to offer. But Issigonis was already looking far into the future – and he was not the only one.

As early as in 1960, BMC added a Mini Van to the classic Mini. Then, proceeding from this van structure with its closed side panels, BMC introduced an Estate version with glass windows all round as well as two rear doors, like the Van.

Like the saloons, this body variant was also marketed as the Morris Mini-Traveller and the Austin Seven Countryman with exactly the same technical features. And at the latest in 1961 the potential of the classic Mini really became clear once and for all, the year starting with the introduction of the smallest of all transporters, the Mini Pick-Up. Just half a year later two other Minis, this time at the noble end of the scale, saw the light of day: the Wolseley Hornet and the Riley Elf.

Now, therefore, two further BMC brands were able to benefit from the concept of the classic Mini, both models proudly bearing their own distinguished look through their majestic radiator grilles, an extended luggage compartment and swallow-tail wings at the rear. A very special variant destined more than any other to create the legend of the classic Mini made its appearance in the second half of the year: the Mini Cooper. John Cooper, the famous engineer and manufacturer of sports cars already a close friend of Alec Issigonis, had recognised the sporting potential of this new small car right from the start, when the first prototypes appeared on the track. So he received the go-ahead from BMC’s top managers to develop a small series of 1,000 units of the Mini Cooper featuring a modified power unit enlarged in size to 1.0 litres and offering maximum output of 55 hp.

The response to this car entering the market in September 1961 was quite simply euphoric, with only one further request from enthusiasts everywhere: even more power! So Issigonis and Cooper enlarged engine capacity to 1,071 cc, raising engine output to 70 hp.

This made the Mini Cooper S a truly exceptional performer not only on the road, with Finnish driver’s Rauno Aaltonen’s class win in the 1963 Monte Carlo Rally marking the starting point for a truly unparalleled series of outstanding success in motorsport. The highlight, of course, was three overall wins in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965, and 1967.

Versatility at its best: from the Mini Moke to the Mini Clubman.

In August 1964 BMC presented yet another version of the classic Mini originally conceived for military use: the Mini Moke, a four-seater open all round and destined to remain in the price list for four years.

The “bodyshell” of this unique car was made up, for all practical purposes, of the floorpan with wide, box-shaped side-sills, together with the engine compartment and windscreen. To the event of rainfall, a folding soft top appropriately referred to as a “ragtop” at least tried to provide certain protection. Using the drivetrain and technical features of the “regular” Mini, the Mini Moke became a genuine success particularly in sun-drenched parts of the USA and in Australia. By 1967 the time had come for a thorough update of the classic Mini, the car receiving a more powerful engine offering 38 hp from a larger capacity of 998 cc.

Two years later the Mini Clubman joined the range as a slightly larger model with a somewhat different front end compared to the classic Mini. Indeed, this sister car was some 11 cm or 4.33" longer than the original, the Estate version replacing the Morris Mini-Traveller and the Austin Seven Countryman measuring exactly 3.4 metres or 133.9" in length, while width, height, and wheelbase remained unchanged. At the same time the Mini Cooper was taken out of production, being replaced by the top model in the Clubman range, the Mini 1275 GT developing 59 hp from its 1.3-litre power unit. A number of other details also changed in 1969, the front sliding windows so typical of the classic Mini since the beginning being replaced on all models by wind-down windows, the door hinges at the outside being moved to the inside, and a special “Mini” badge now standing out proudly on the engine compartment lid.

Never-ending classic Mini and the comeback of the Mini Cooper.

Numerous special versions of the classic Mini with all kinds of highlights – from sporting to trendy, from distinguished to fresh – entered the market as of mid-1970. Between 1980 and 1983 the model range was streamlined appropriately, with the Clubman, Estate and Van leaving production. The “only” car left over, therefore, was the classic Mini with its 1.0-litre power unit now delivering 40 hp. And customers, simply loving the car, remained faithful to this little performer for years to come, the five-millionth classic Mini coming off the production line at Plant Longbridge in 1986.

In 1990 fans the world over were delighted to celebrate the comeback of the Mini Cooper once again entering the model range. Now this special model was powered in all cases by a 1.3-litre, production of the 1.0-litre in the Mini ending in 1992 on account of growing requirements in terms of emission management. So from now on all models came with the 1,275-cc power unit and fuel injection.

Yet another new variant of the classic Mini made its appearance in 1991 as the last new model in the range. And this was indeed the only Mini to originate not in Britain, but in Germany: Like some tuners before him, a dedicated Mini dealer in the German region of Baden had cut the roof off the classic Mini, turning the car into an extremely attractive Convertible. And contrary to earlier attempts, the result was so good this time in its quality that Rover Group, now responsible for the classic Mini, decided to buy the construction tools and production equipment for the Mini Convertible, which from 1993 to 1996 accounted for sales of approximately 1,000 units.

Production of the classic Mini finally ceased once and for all in the year 2000. In the course of time more than 5.3 million units of the world’s most successful compact car had left the production plants in numerous different versions, among them some 600,000 cars built at Plant Oxford between 1959 and 1968. But even after 41 years, there was still a long way to go. For after a break of not quite one year, a new chapter in the history of this world-famous British brand opened up in 2001.

A new start in 2001 – starring the MINI Cooper right from the beginning.

Taking over Rover Group in early 1994, BMW also opened up new perspectives for the Mini brand. The first step was to present a concept version of the MINI Cooper at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show offering an outlook at the new interpretation of this unique small car from Great Britain. As a modern rendition of the Mini’s concept so rich in tradition, the new version for the first time combined the classic values of its predecessor with the demands made of a modern car set to enter the 21st century. The series production version of the MINI Cooper made its first official appearance in November 2000 at the Berlin Motor Show, the future-oriented interpretation of the original entering showrooms just a year later in the guise of the 85 kW/115 hp MINI Cooper and the 66 kW/90 hp MINI One. Featuring front-wheel drive, four-cylinder power units fitted crosswise at the front, short body overhangs and ample space for four, the new models successfully took up elementary features of the classic Mini. And while the exterior dimensions of the car were now larger, meeting modern requirements in terms of interior space, the design of the new model clearly retained the proportions so typical of the brand, as well as the unmistakable design icons at the front, the rear and at the side, thus boasting a clearly recognisable link between the MINI and its classical predecessors.

At the same time the MINI built in Oxford stood out clearly as the first premium car in the compact segment, achieving a status strongly reflected by a level of safety uniquely high for a car of this class as well as the uncompromising standard of quality so typical of BMW.  The new MINI also set new standards through its surprisingly agile handling, immediately moving right up to the top in terms of driving pleasure. This meant that the new model followed in the footsteps of the classic Mini, but now with a lot more power and performance thanks to the most advanced and sophisticated drivetrain and suspension technology.

Ongoing success the world over – from 2004 also in the MINI Convertible.

Almost overnight, the new interpretation of this classic small car developed into a worldwide story of success continuing to this very day. The introduction of new engine variants, to mention such one significant highlight, served to offer additional momentum, the MINI Cooper S with its 120 kW/163 hp compressor engine entering the market as an exclusive driving machine in June 2002, the MINI One D just a year later setting new standards in terms of all-round economy and efficiency as the first diesel in the history of the brand.

The desire to drive a MINI in the open air, finally, also came true much faster than in the classic model, with the MINI Convertible making its debut in spring 2004. In the four years to follow, various versions of the convertible with its electrohydraulically operated soft roof were produced at the MINI Plant Oxford in the guise of the MINI Cooper S Convertible, the MINI Cooper Convertible, and the MINI One Convertible.

From the original to the original: the new edition of the MINI follows in 2006.

Showing tremendous success in the market, the MINI outperformed even the wildest expectations. Indeed, it quickly motivated the consistent continuation of this concept, taking up and fulfilling additional potentials as a new edition that continued many successful features and even made improvements to some areas.

Further enhanced in an evolutionary design process and thoroughly renewed in technical terms, this new MINI entered the market in November 2006. Following the motto “From the Original to the Original”, the design of the MINI already receiving the greatest praise everywhere was further refined in numerous details highlighting even more imperiously the sporting virtues of this compact and agile performer. So that now the looks of the car really conveyed a clear signal confirmed from the start by the driving experience.

New, even more powerful and, at the same time, far more efficient engines, together with the further enhanced suspension technology, served in this new generation to offer even greater driving pleasure so typical of MINI. Both the MINI Cooper S with its 128 kW/175 hp power unit and the 88 kW/120 hp MINI Cooper introduced from the start thrilled aficionados everywhere through their enhanced driving performance combined with significantly greater fuel economy and emission values.

Modern versatility: the MINI Clubman and the new MINI Convertible.

Almost exactly one year to the day after the launch of the new model generation, the MINI model range was further enhanced by an innovative new concept in autumn 2007. The MINI Clubman offered a reinterpretation of the traditional shooting-brake concept with a body 24 centimetres longer, a streamlined, extended roof contour and a hatchback. The wheelbase extended by eight centimetres successfully expanded legroom in the front of the car. The driver’s and passenger’s doors in the MINI Clubman were supplemented by an additional entry on the right-hand side of the car and the two wings of the Splitdoor at the rear opening to the side. The two-part rear door takes up an authentic detail from the car’s classic predecessors – the Morris Mini-Traveller and the Austin Mini Countryman – back in the 1960s.

An even more sporty design, optimised active and passive safety, a wider range of functions and the latest generation of power units extended the model range by a new edition of the MINI Convertible in 2009. The opening and closing of the car’s fabric roof was now operated by an electrohydraulic mechanism – even while on the move at speeds up to 30 km/h – all within the space of just 15 seconds. The single-part rollbar also facilitated incorporation of a large through-loading space between the luggage compartment and the passenger compartment.

Advance into the premium compact segment.

On the brand’s 50th anniversary, preparations for the advance into another vehicle class were already well on the way. And in 2010, the MINI Countryman was launched with the aim of enthusing additional target groups with the brand’s driving fun and individual style – not simply on all the world’s roads but also beyond conventional carriageways. The new model for the premium compact segment was the first MINI ever to have a length of more than four metres, five seats, four doors plus a tailgate and optional all-wheel drive. The commanding front end and imposing new headlamp contours of the MINI Countryman defined individual accents. Thanks to the hexagonal radiator grille, the short overhangs, the high shoulder line and powerful stature, this vehicle was nevertheless immediately identifiable as absolute MINI.

The reinterpretation of classic features and virtues was continued in 2013 with the MINI Paceman. Dynamically extended coupé lines, two doors and a large tailgate provided the car with an extravagant appearance. The MINI Paceman was also supplied with optional ALL4 all-wheel drive.

The latest model generation: MINI reinvents itself anew.

The beginning of 2014 heralded the latest generation change in the MINI model range. The current offering in the small-car premium segment comprised the MINI 3 Door, the MINI 5 Door also presented in 2014 and the MINI Convertible, the latest edition of which lined up at the beginning of 2016. The new model generation continued its global success story with another evolutionary development of advanced design, optimised functionality, further enhanced driving fun and a variety of innovations in the areas of control, driver assistance systems and connectivity. New three and four-cylinder engines with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology and an output range between 55 kW/75 hp and 141 kW/192 hp deliver a further optimised relation between driving fun and fuel consumption.

In the premium compact segment, the latest model generation of MINI also has two strong vehicle characters. The new edition of the MINI Clubman has mastered the leap into the higher car class with a definitively refined and mature vehicle concept. A significantly more spacious interior, four doors and five seats give the new MINI Clubman enhanced variability and allow it to meet aspirations beyond the urban traffic environment. The vehicle can also be optionally fitted with the ALL4 all-wheel power unit.

The new edition of the MINI Countryman is even more generous, more modern, more versatile and yet more sporty. The exterior length has increased by 20 centimetres compared with the predecessor model and its powerful proportions give the new allrounder a particularly independent profile. The latest generation of the ALL4 all-wheel drive can also be optionally fitted in the new MINI Countryman to provide offroad driving fun away from conventional roads. Like the MINI Clubman, a choice of six modern engines is also available for the MINI Countryman.

In addition, it paves the way for driving fun typical of the MINI brand with electric drive. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is the first model of the brand with a plug-in hybrid drive. A three-cylinder petrol engine drives the front wheels and an electric motor powers the rear wheels to yield intelligently managed interaction for highly efficient driving fun with optimised traction and drive stability.

For sustainable driving fun: electromobility in the style of MINI.

The future of the MINI feeling is virtually noiseless, local zero emission, but astonishingly powerful. Starting in 2020, the new MINI Cooper SE will give the segment of electric vehicles new momentum. The 135 kW/184 hp electric motor will combine sustainable mobility with characteristic driving fun, high-impact design and premium quality.

Once again, the British brand defines pioneering benchmarks for urban mobility with the new MINI Cooper SE. 60 years ago, the revolutionary design principle of the classic Mini created the foundation for maximum interior space on a minimal footprint. The modern reinterpretation for creative use of space and unsurpassed driving fun made the MINI the original in the premium segment of small cars when it was launched in 2001. The new MINI Cooper SE now paves the way to a sustainable and yet highly emotional driving experience in urban traffic as the first premium small car powered by an all-electric drive unit.

2.   With traditional sporting spirit and british flair.
The MINI 60 years edition.

An original that constantly reinvents itself – firmly rooted in tradition yet always open to change: this is MINI, 60 years after the launch of the small British car that brought worldwide popularity to unique properties such as go-kart feeling and the creative use of space. To mark this round anniversary, the premium automobile manufacturer presents a design model that highlights both its British origins and the agile MINI character. With design and equipment features that are both high-quality and exclusive, the MINI 60 Years Edition expresses the brand's sporting spirit – something that is a constant presence even in everyday urban traffic. The special edition is supplied as a MINI 3 Door and MINI 5 Door, each with three engine variants.

Athletic talent is part and parcel of the MINI genes. Even before the launch of the classic Mini in the summer of 1959, it was clear that the design features of the new small car would benefit not just interior space but also the car's agile driving properties. Sports car designer John Cooper was an especially strong believer in the compact four-seater’s race track potential. In collaboration with Alec Issigonis, the creator of the classic Mini, he developed ideas for variants of the small car with a more powerful engine, thereby laying the foundations for an exceptional career on racing circuits and rally tracks, culminating in three outright victories at the Monte Carlo Rally in the 1960s.

With a paint finish in the classic colour of British racing cars, the MINI 60 Years Edition in particular evokes the brand’s sporty career, which it started at a very early stage and has maintained up until the recent past. The exterior paint finish in British Racing Green offers a particularly clear expression of the premium small car’s character and origins. The body finishes Midnight Black metallic, Moonwalk Grey metallic, Melting Silver metallic and MINI Yours Lapisluxury Blue non-metallic are also available as alternatives. The chosen body colour is combined with a paint finish in Pepper White or Black for the roof and exterior mirror caps. Bonnet stripes with a specific anniversary design and exclusive 17-inch light alloy wheels in the version 60 Years Spoke 2-tone round off the distinct look of the edition vehicles.

The design model's striking 60 Years logo appears not just on the left-hand bonnet stripe but also on the side scuttles of the turn indicators and on the door sill finishers at the driver and front passenger doors. Inside the car it can also be seen on the front headrests and the steering wheel. In addition, the exclusive design model has model-specific interior trim finishers. The anniversary design can also be seen in the LED logo projection which is visible when the driver's door is opened. The standard equipment of the edition vehicles includes a sports leather steering wheel along with sports seats in the leather finish MINI Yours Leather Lounge 60 Years and the exclusive colour Dark Maroon.

In conjunction with the equipment package 60 Years Trim, the edition vehicles also feature such items as LED headlights, LED fog lamps, white turn indicators and LED rear lights in Union Jack design, the lighting package for the interior and also the MINI Driving Modes and the MINI Excitement Package complete with ambient lighting. There is also an on¬board computer, automatic air conditioning, a rain sensor and a storage package on board.

Three petrol engines and two diesel engines with an output ranging from 75 kW/102 hp to 141 kW/192 hp provide the drive portfolio for the MINI 60 Years Edition. The range of anniversary models includes the MINI One 60 Years Edition 3 Door (combined fuel consumption: 5.4 – 5.0 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 123 – 114 g/km) the MINI Cooper 60 Years Edition 3 Door (combined fuel consumption: 5.3 – 5.0 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 122 – 115 g/km), and the MINI Cooper S 60 Years Edition 3 Door (combined fuel consumption: 6.4 – 6.1 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 147 – 139 g/km), and the MINI One 60 Years Edition 5 Door (combined fuel consumption: 5.4 – 5.0 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 124 – 115 g/km), the MINI Cooper 60 Years Edition 5 Door (combined fuel consumption: 5.4 – 5.1 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 122 – 115 g/km) and the MINI Cooper S 60 Years Edition 5 Door (combined fuel consumption: 6.5 – 6.2 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 149 – 141 g/km).

3.   Motor sport meets Lifestyle.
MINI and the success story of motor sport.

It is in the car’s DNA and it was obviously there right from the start: the sporting talent of the classic Mini. When Alec Issigonis was requested by British Motor Corporation (BMC) in late 1956 to develop an economical but nevertheless fully-fledged small car with four seats, it quickly became clear that this new model would be truly innovative and, indeed, revolutionary in every respect. Front-wheel drive, extremely short body overhangs, a wide track, a low centre of gravity, optimum use of space and low weight were defined right from the start as elementary features of the new model.

Looking at the first drawings of the new car by his business partner and friend Alec Issigonis, sports car wizard John Cooper noticed yet another significant quality right from the beginning: He recognised that this ingenious concept for an economical compact car also provided the ideal starting point for a most promising sports model, setting out on the process of tuning the Mini even before the car had entered the market. This set the starting point for an unprecedented story of success in motorsport, closely connecting the name John Cooper with the sporting myth of the MINI to this very day. Outstanding victories in the Monte Carlo Rally are just as much part of this common history as the successful production cars proudly bearing the name Cooper.

Now integrated within the MINI organisation, John Cooper Works represents the epitome of supreme driving pleasure based on both well-founded know-how in motorsport and successful cooperation going back years and even decades. Apart from accessories for the drivetrain, suspension, streamlining, and design, the most athletic models in the product range each bear the brand logo symbolising extreme driving fun.

Racing pioneer John Cooper teaches Mini how to win.

Born in Surrey in 1923, John Cooper was one of the most outstanding celebrities in international motorsport – both as a driver and, even more so, as a constructor. Together with his father he established the Cooper Car Company in 1946, the two enthusiasts starting out with the construction of racing cars first for Formula 3, later also for Formula 1. Through their concept of a mid-engined sports car Charles and John Cooper set a truly revolutionary trend in the entire world of motorsport in 1955, Cooper racing cars winning both the Constructor’s and Driver’s titles in the World Formula 1 Championship in 1959 and 1960, for the first time in the history of motorsport with the engine mounted in the middle. And with this concept proving its success so convincingly, it is no surprise that soon all cars in Formula 1 came with a mid-mounted engine.

John Cooper and Alec Issigonis became close friends in the course of time after meeting and competing against one another at numerous races. There were also professional ties between the two enthusiasts, with the Cooper Car Company buying engines from BMC.

When it came to the Mini, however, the sporting ambitions of the two constructors were very different: Issigonis was looking above all at the right car for everyday motoring, Cooper was thrilled by the sporting potential of this small and nimble performer. So back in 1959, the very first year of the Mini, he sent his driver Roy Salvadori to Monza in the very first Mini Cooper, a special one-off model built specifically for this purpose. And indeed, this new sports car immediately proved its qualities on the way to Monza, Salvadori covering the distance more than an hour faster than his colleague Reg Parnell – who just happened to be driving an Aston Martin DB4.

Motivated by initial success in the 1960 Monte Carlo Rally, Cooper suggested building a GT model based on the Mini. And despite Issigonis’ rather sceptical opinion at least to begin with, George Harriman, the Chief Executive Officer of BMC, ultimately decided to build a small series of 1,000 Mini Coopers featuring a 55-hp power unit, that is 21 extra horsepower made possible by far-reaching modifications of the engine. The Mini Cooper’s top speed was approximately 130 km/h or 80 mph. The car’s transmission ratios were adjusted to the sporting potential of the engine and disc brakes on the front wheels ensured adequate stopping power.

Soon Issigonis was also thrilled by the results of these efforts. So joining forces with John Cooper, he quickly started working on the next engine upgrade, increasing engine bore to the ultimate limit on the Mini Cooper S: At 1,071 cc, engine capacity remained below the mark of 1,100 cc applicable in the particular class of motorsport seen as the target, with the engine revving up to impressive speeds. Maximum output was 70 hp at 6,200 rpm, maximum engine speed was 7,200 rpm. This version was again equipped with new brakes, braking power being boosted by a brake servo.

1964–1967: the golden years in the Monte Carlo Rally.

This set the basis for sensational success in motorsport, the Mini Cooper S hitting the headlines in Monte Carlo for the first time in 1962. With Finnish driver Rauno Aaltonen at the wheel, this small but highly nimble performer successfully left behind a whole pack of far more powerful Goliaths. But just three kilometres away from home, Aaltonen, leading the race at the time, misjudged a bend and finished the Rally with a rollover. Only a year later, however, Aaltonen made up for this misfortune, bringing home class victory in the Mini Cooper S and finishing third overall. But even more – and even better – was still to come: Entering the 1963/1964 rally winter, the Mini Cooper S was simply oozing power in comparison with its predecessor. So in a spectacular race, Paddy Hopkirk brought home first place overall in the Monte Carlo Rally, the small performer becoming a legend in motor sport virtually overnight.  A year later Finnish racer Timo Mäkinen with his co-pilot Paul Easter repeated the same triumphant victory, reaching the finish line after thousands of kilometres as the only driver without one single penalty point – despite the worst weather imaginable. Indeed, only 35 out of 237 cars entered in the event were able to finish the Rally that year, among them no less than three Mini Cooper S.

The following year was the year of the hattrick, Timo Mäkinen, Rauno Aaltonen and Paddy Hopkirk scoring an absolutely incredible victory, finishing first, second, and third. But this was followed by bitter disappointment, the first three cars being disqualified because the rally commissioners came to the conclusion that the low beams on the Mini’s main headlights failed to comply in full with the homologation rules.

Even so, the public were completely thrilled by the three Mini drivers, despite this questionable decision, Hopkirk, Aaltonen and Mäkinen therefore entering the annals of the Monte Carlo Rally as the “Three Musketeers”. And indeed, just one year later Rauno Aaltonen received truly overwhelming applause and acknowledgement when bringing home the third overall victory of the Mini Cooper S in the Monte Carlo Rally. Especially because this time there were no complaints about his car.

Legendary racing careers started at the wheel of a Mini.

The Mini was however highly successful not only in rally racing, but also on road circuits, bringing home numerous wins in the 1960s. Indeed, through its long list of successes in motorsport, the Mini became the most outstanding racing car of the entire decade.  A particularly interesting point is that many spectacular racing careers started at the wheel of a Mini, a certain racing driver from Austria called Nikolaus Andreas Lauda entering his first hill-climb race at the wheel of a classic Mini near the Austrian town of Linz in April 1968, and immediately finishing second. Only two weeks later Lauda again confirmed his talent when scoring his first racing victory in a career which would take him on to three Formula 1 World Championships. And just like Niki Lauda, Formula 1 Champions Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, John Surtees, Jochen Rindt, and James Hunt all gained their first racing experience in a classic Mini.

Just like the car’s sporting career, sales of the Mini Cooper with its special configuration developed by John Cooper Showed an exceptional story of success from 1961–1971, the name “Cooper” becoming a synonym worldwide for passionate driving pleasure in the Mini. The fact that this tiny car had inspired the two-time Formula 1 World Champion to build outstanding sports cars was sufficient proof of the Mini and its qualities. And indeed, the unique driving experience inducing John Cooper right from the start to continue the development of the Mini all the way to perfection was equally thrilling back then for every fan of sporting automobiles.

The world’s toughest rally: MINI with four back-to-back victories in the Dakar Rally.

MINI has now become firmly established in international rally sport. Spectacular performances by the MINI John Cooper Works WRC developed on the basis of the MINI Countryman in selected rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) enabled the brand to continue its success story in rally sport during 2011 and 2012. The MINI ALL4 Racing was designed specifically for marathon rallies and this took up a further particularly special sporting challenge. In 2012, MINI and motor-sport partner X-raid entered the Dakar Rally, the ultimate endurance test for drivers, vehicles and teams. The performance and reliability of the MINI ALL4 Racing resulted in back-to-back Dakar victories in the years 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. In 2016, MINI won the category of All-wheel Drive Vehicles in this rally.

MINI also demonstrated in the FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup how one success leads to another. The first win in the World Cup 2012 was repeated in three successive years (2013 – 2015). In 2017, the new MINI John Cooper Works Rally participated for the first time in this competition and in the Dakar Rally. In 2018, it won a further title in the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup.

John Cooper Works – the epitome for extreme driving pleasure in the MINI.

John Cooper Works guarantee outstanding performance not only on the race track, but also on the road. Even back in the 1970s, John Cooper Works Tuning Kits for production versions of the Mini were very popular and even back then the classic Mini equipped with such special features and components was able to show its most outstanding virtues both visually and in technical terms. The same applies to the tuning kits for the MINI Cooper S and the MINI Cooper successfully introduced after the re-launch of the brand and available in the market under the label of John Cooper Works. The current range of John Cooper Works accessories comprises lightweight alloy wheels, ventilated brake disks, integrated tailpipes and other retrofit products for the exterior and the interior in the appropriate selection for each model.

Furthermore, the performance-oriented character of the brand is embodied by four extremely sporty MINI models. The most important common feature of the elite athletes is the power-unit and chassis engineering derived from motor sport which is combined with the aerodynamically optimised body attributes. The extreme athletes in the small-car segment, the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible, are powered by a 170 kW/231 hp four-cylinder turbo engine. A 225 kW/306 hp four-cylinder turbo power unit delivers superb performance attributes in the latest versions of the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.

In the anniversary year, another guarantee for extreme driving fun and unalloyed motor-sport passion is on the way to the starting line. In the summer of 2019, a prototype of the new MINI John Cooper Works GP completed intensive test drives on numerous race tracks throughout the world. This vehicle will also be powered by a four-cylinder engine packing in excess of 220 kW/300 hp. Its appearance with large air scoops, an independent design for the front and rear aprons and a striking roof spoiler gives an inkling of the outstanding high-performance characteristics. During test drives round the legendary North Loop of the Nürburgring, it actually completed the lap in less than eight minutes.

4.     MINI all the way – always different.
      Customize to your personal taste.

Driving a MINI is not just a matter of getting from A to B, but rather an expression of your own personal style. And indeed, the many options to customise the MINI give the enthusiast a wide range of opportunities in bringing out his – or her – personal taste and preferences. Offering a wider range of features and highlights and going into greater detail than any other manufacturer of small and compact cars, MINI gives the customer the freedom to bring out his or her individual style and choice on the car, an exceptionally wide range of exterior and interior colours, seat upholstery and trim variants setting the foundation for a personal configuration tailored to the driver.

A further point is that all the current MINI models are available with numerous highly attractive and sophisticated options straight from the plant, again enhancing both driving pleasure and motoring comfort. The range of Original MINI Accessories offers further highlights, comprising classic motorsport technology in John Cooper Works components, comfort-oriented features such as an iPod interface, features highly practical in everyday use such as a roof rack made of ultra-strong, eloxy-plated aluminium bars, or exceptional components such as additional headlights and extravagant roof trim.

From something special to a one-off masterpiece: customisation straight from the factory.

The unusually wide range of equipment and accessory features offered on the MINI reflects the strong awareness and critical perspective of the customer in choosing such a small premium car. Opting for a MINI, the customer from the start expresses his or her sense of special values. He identifies with a car concept which, more than any other, offers pure harmony of emotional values and up-to-date qualities. The characteristic design and the unmistakable style of the brand, unparalleled driving pleasure, premium quality and modern, very efficient drive technology form a symbiosis quite unique in this segment of the market. This exceptional position of the MINI comes out even more clearly whenever each specific model stands out from the crowd through its sophisticated and stylish features. Hence, a typical MINI is not just an exceptional vehicle, but in nearly all cases a genuine one-off masterpiece.

The wide range of options in customising the car is reflected right from the start in the production process. Every MINI is built specifically to the customer’s order at the MINI Plant in Oxford or at the production partner VDL Nedcar in Born, Netherlands. Every customer is able to put together his or her MINI precisely to his or her personal wishes. All production and logistic processes are highly flexible, catering for this wide range of variants right from the start.

Considering the numerous options and items of equipment and, as a result, the almost infinite range of variants conceivable, it is extremely unlikely that two absolutely identical MINIs will leave the plant within one and the same year of production. Customisation of the classic Mini: special models for VIP customers, more power straight from the factory for all drivers.

In the days of the classic Mini, only particularly prominent or affluent customers had the option to choose similar customisation features of this calibre straight from the plant. Clearly, this small but revolutionary performer right from the start arose the fantasy of particularly trendy aficionados, actors, fashion designers, musicians and even members of the Royal Family regularly expressing their demand for customised versions of the Mini. Special paintwork and particularly sophisticated equipment features came right at the top of their list, British actor Peter Sellers, for example, placing several orders for particularly extravagant special versions of the Mini in the 1970s. And in 1988 a member of the Brunei Royal Family also asked for a Mini in Flower Power design tailored to his individual wishes and of course appropriately tuned.

In the first year of the classic Mini customers already had the choice of the Austin Seven and the Morris Mini-Minor, which however only differed in terms of their radiator grilles, their body colour and wheel caps. The Riley Elf and the Wolseley Hornet then made their appearance just two years later in 1961 as particularly stylish versions of this new compact car with minor modifications on the outside and upgraded, distinguished features inside. Plush carpets and a genuine wooden dashboard exuded a genuine feeling of luxury.

Further body versions joined the family a bit later, ranging from the Van to the Pick-Up.

The common wish for extra power was also fulfilled quickly, above all through the initiative of sports car constructor John Cooper who had already worked together closely with Alec Issigonis, the creator of the Mini, during the initial development process. The first Mini Cooper delivering 55 instead of 34 hp made its appearance in 1961, with the 70-hp Mini Cooper S entering the market another two years later. The Mini with automatic transmission likewise appeared at a relatively early point in 1965, taking on a leading role in terms of motoring comfort – especially as up to that time only cars higher up in the market, that is in completely different segments, had offered the option of an automatic transmission.

Very sporting, young and trendy, or unusually distinguished – in the mid-70s fans of the Mini had the opportunity for the first time to highlight particular characteristics of the classic Mini through carefully configured edition models. The first of these special models was the progressively designed Mini Limited Edition 1000 in 1976, with further variants taking up the trend to growing customisation time and again. In many cases these special cars were named after well-known parts of London or famous streets, such as Piccadilly, Chelsea, Knightsbridge or Park Lane.

In 1982 the Mini Mayfair conquered the streets for the first time as a particularly exclusive, top-end model. And following the re-launch of the brand in 2001, special versions of this small but dynamic performer attracted great attention time and again, the MINI Seven bringing back a traditional model designation well-known from the original Mini, the MINI Checkmate highlighting above all the sporting characteristics of this agile athlete.

Paintwork, roof trim, interior materials: typical MINI style with maximum diversity.

The sheer diversity of the current model range as well as a wide choice of options in combining standard and special features in the current MINI generation provide a degree of customisation setting the benchmark even today in the modern world of motoring. Apart from the different engine variants, the wide choice of body paintwork colours, roof trim and soft top options, wheels and seat upholstery, interior materials and trim elements offer even the most discerning customer everything he or she desires to turn the relevant car into his or her very personal one-off masterpiece. The specific equipment packages for each model permit personal individualisation. They incorporate selective facets inherent in the character of each model so that they are particularly clearly highlighted on the exterior of the vehicle and in the interior – for example sporting prowess, elegance or robustness. Additional features include stripes for the engine bonnet and mirror caps in different colours and patterns, the options of Chrome Line and Piano Black for the exterior and a lighting package, a roof liner coloured in anthracite and the Chrome Line for the interior.

The accessories range also includes a choice of additional exterior mirror caps, side direction indicator surrounds, wheel-valve caps and door handles in different designs, a tank cap in chrome, sport stripes, bonnet stripes and special MINI stickers for affixing to the doors. And last but not least, the line-up of individual light-alloy wheels rims available for specific models is once again expanded by a number of options included in the range of accessories.

The performance components from John Cooper Works are perfectly tailored to the characteristics and style of MINI. The parts are available as accessories and they proudly reveal the long track record of experience and glorious tradition of both brands in motor sport. The highlights include John Cooper Works light-alloy wheels, ventilated brake discs, bumper trims, spoiler attachments, integrated tailpipes, exterior mirror caps and side scuttles. Matching decor trims, hand-brake lever, sports gearshift lever, interior mirror caps and foot mats create an even more sporting ambience in the interior.

Individualisation at the highest level: MINI Yours.

The options from the MINI Yours range pave the way for the most exclusive route to selective individualisation. High-quality materials, stylish design and precise processing to the very highest standards characterise these factory-supplied items of special equipment for the exterior and interior of current MINI models. They are unique individual options and are available in equipment packages put together specifically for each model.

The items of special equipment from MINI Yours are especially ideal for defining clear accents expressing exclusivity and stylish image when creating an individual vehicle design. All the packages reflect the British origin and the premium character of the brand. The outstanding level of material selection and the quality of craftsmanship meld together to create design infused with a sense of heritage and creativity, forging highlights in the appearance of the vehicle. The MINI Yours emblem defines yet another additional inimitable accent. The production of MINI Yours options is carried out in special production processes inspired by classic artisan craftsmanship.

The current MINI Yours range for individualising the exterior comprises exceptionally sophisticated paintwork options and impactful, athletic, elegant light-alloy wheel rims in a model-specific selection. The MINI Convertible also features a MINI Yours roof with a woven Union Jack. Personal style and a connoisseur’s sense of superlative quality are achieved with the MINI Yours packages for the interior. The MINI Yours Leather Lounge sport seats are upholstered and handcrafted in luxury smooth leather. Perforation technology integrates the classic Union Jack motif in the headrests. The MINI Yours Interior Styles are tailored to match specific models and comprise backlit surfaces, with light spots varying the colour to suit the ambient light conditions. Visible and tangible exclusivity also characterise the MINI Yours sports leather steering wheel finished in luxury soft nappa leather, the anthracite seams and spokes in high-gloss Piano Black.

MINI Yours Customised: From original to personalised custom special.

The MINI Yours Customised range gives customers the opportunity to style selected retrofit products with a design they have selected themselves and transform their own vehicle into a personalised customer special. The innovative package has been supplied for numerous MINI models in Europe and other major markets since 2018. The product range of MINI Yours Customised comprises the familiar side scuttles for the side indicators, decor trims for the interior on the passenger side, LED entry sills and LED door projectors.

The retrofit parts supplied in the product range of MINI Yours Customised can be selected, styled and ordered by customers in an Online Shop dedicated to the new range. The individualised products are subsequently manufactured using innovative production procedures such as various 3D printing processes and laser inscription. The advanced production processes permit precise implementation of customers’ wishes. The individually styled products are supplied within a few weeks. They are designed so they can then be integrated in the vehicle by customers themselves or by participating MINI service partners. 

5.  Traditional values and modern diversity.
Concept and technology.

The economical compact car has a great future! Precisely this was the fundamental idea and philosophy in developing the classic Mini. The objective was to combine compact exterior dimensions and generous spaciousness within the interior, comfortable and sporting driving behaviour as well as fuel-efficient power units likewise characterising the new extra-small model from British Motor Corporation (BMC). It was the Suez Crisis in 1956 leading to severe cut-backs in oil supply that prompted BMC to assign automotive engineer and constructor Alec Issigonis with this challenging task. Today, on the other hand, the quest for efficiency has become a general need in public life, this compact car from Great Britain again offering the most convincing answer to this challenge. 60 years ago, the revolutionary design principle of the classic Mini created the foundation for maximum interior space on a minimal footprint. The modern reinterpretation for creative use of space and unsurpassed driving fun made the MINI the original in the premium segment of small cars when it was launched in 2001. Today, the MINI brand is the epitome of scintillating driving in the urban traffic environment and beyond. In future, the brand will combine electromobility and a unique emotional experience with the new MINI Cooper SE. It is based on the MINI 3 Door and combines local zero-emission driving with premium quality and striking design.

The classic Mini: an ingenious concept for efficient use of space, outstanding safety on the road, and supreme economy.

Engineering qualities of the highest calibre already served on the classic Mini to provide truly outstanding and technically superior solutions. The first point is that Alec Issigonis opted for a front-wheel-drive concept with the engine fitted crosswise at the front. This principle, now well-established as the standard solution for compact cars, was admittedly not completely new at the time, but had never before been used so consistently to promote driving behaviour and the efficient use of space as it was in the classic Mini. The specific arrangement of the ten-inch wheels right at the corners of the car likewise served to promote both driving behaviour and the efficient use of space. Wheelbase measured 2.03 metres or 79.9", overall length was 3.05 metres or 120.0", width measured 1.41 metres or 55.5", and the height of the classic Mini was 1.35 metres or 53.1". And the most important point was that 80 per cent of the space occupied by the car – its “footprint” on the road, as it were – was just for the passengers and their luggage.

The body-in-white of the classic Mini weighed a mere 140 kg or 309 lb. But at the same time the bodyshell offered a standard of torsional stiffness quite exceptional back then – stiffness ensured by the two sills extending from front to rear, a lightweight tunnel in the middle of the car taking up the exhaust system, and the wheel arches.

Extending crosswise from left to right, the robust bulkhead between the engine compartment and the passenger cell, a strong crossbar beneath the front seats, and the rear bulkhead leading to the luggage compartment all contributed to this torsional stiffness. With this kind of stability and stiffness built in from the start, Alec Issigonis and his team of engineers were able to give the classic Mini slender roof pillars and large windows around the passenger cell, helping to enhance both all-round visibility and the feeling of space. The decision which engine to use in this new small car was no problem, with BMC opting for an updated version of the Series A power unit already featured in the legendary Morris Minor.

This four-cylinder came with a crankshaft running in three bearings, overhead valves operated via tappets and a camshaft at the bottom running on the same side as the intake and exhaust ducts. The fuel/air mixture was supplied by semi-downdraught carburettors, with an electric fuel supply pump being fitted right from the start. Issigonis and his team therefore reduced engine capacity to 848 cc and cut back engine output to 34 hp at 5,500 rpm. Indeed, this kind of engine speed alone was quite unusual at the time, with only thoroughbred sports cars achieving continuous engine speed of this standard back in the late ‘50s. Yet a further innovation was the arrangement of the four-speed manual gearbox beneath the engine and directly between the wheels, giving the engine and transmission a shared oil circuit. This left enough space beneath the bonnet for the radiator at the side as well as the steering and ancillary units.

The birth of that go-kart experience.

Issigonis and his team also took a new approach in the transmission of power, that is on the drivetrain. Since the propeller shafts used up to that time tended to deflect out of line under major steering lock, Issigonis decided to use homokinetic joints for the first time in an automobile. These joints were made up of a ball bearing surrounded by three cages, two of which were connected, respectively, with the incoming and outgoing drive shafts. This, in turn, allowed a sufficient steering angle without distortion or undue articulation, significantly reducing the effect of drive forces on the steering. And this, in turn, set the foundation for the go-kart feeling of the legendary Mini to this very day.

To reduce the forces acting on the light and compact monocoque steel bodyshell, the engineers mounted the entire drivetrain, steering and suspension on a subframe. The independent wheels at the rear were also mounted on a subframe, giving the classic Mini absolutely excellent directional stability. The other components on the suspension likewise came with a wide range of technical highlights, Issigonis replacing the usual coil, torsion or leaf springs by rubber suspension. To be specific, this was a structure made up of two cones with a layer of rubber in between. The upper cone was bolted firmly to a subframe, the lower rested on the wheel mount. With rubber becoming increasingly hard under increasing pressure, this gave the classic Mini a progressive suspension set-up. Indeed, the properties of this spring system were so good that small telescopic dampers proved to be quite sufficient. And to give the dampers a smooth and fine response, they were fastened outside on upper wishbones at the front and longitudinal control arms at the rear.

Extra comfort: Hydrolastic suspension and automatic transmission.

In 1964 Issigonis placed the emphasis on greater comfort and motoring refinement, introducing an early type of self-levelling on the Mini. To be specific, this was the new Hydrolastic suspension carried over from BMC’s larger saloons and modified for the small car segment. This unique suspension came with cylinders roughly the size of a one-litre oil can on each wheel comprising the springs and dampers and using a frost-resistant water emulsion as the damper fluid. On the Hydrolastic system the hydraulic chambers on the front and rear wheel dampers were connected to one another by pressure hoses on each side of the car. So whenever the front wheel ran over a bump on the road, some of the hydraulic fluid was pressed into the “partner” chamber on the rear axle, lifting up the body slightly also at the rear (and, of course, also in the opposite direction).

While this innovative system provided the basic configuration for consistent self-levelling of the car’s body, it never became a lasting success and was taken out of production after seven years. Issigonis and his team followed the example of larger cars in upmarket segments also in other areas, seeking quite often to achieve an even higher standard in the Mini. A good example is the automatic transmission introduced as an option in 1965 and making the classic Mini one of only very few small cars available at the time with such a “luxury”. An even more significant factor was that the automatic transmission taking up hardly any more space than a conventional manual gearbox came with four forward gears, while most luxury cars at the time had only three gears.

Sales of the classic Mini exceeded the figure of one million units just six years after the car had made its debut. By this time the range comprised not only the two original models, the Morris Mini-Minor and the Austin Seven, but also a Mini Van, a Mini Pick-Up as well as the Morris Mini-Traveller and Austin Seven Countryman estate models serving consistently to offer even more space inside the car: While the Traveller and Countryman were only 25 centimetres or not quite 10" longer than their respective counterparts, they were unusually versatile transporters thanks to their wheelbase extended by 10 centimetres or 3.9" and their twin doors at the rear.

Small engine, significant potential for further development.

John Cooper, the sports car constructor who recognised the great potential of this revolutionary small car very early on, is the man we must thank for giving the engine of the Mini originally cut back intentionally to 34 hp a lot more power just two years after the car made its debut. Engine capacity of the GT model built in a small series at Cooper’s initiative was increased to 997 cc, with stroke up from 68.3 to 81.3 millimetres (2.69–3.20") and bore down from 62.9 to 62.4 millimetres (2.48–2.46"). The compression ratio was raised from 8.3 to 9.0, further features being the larger intake valves and dual carburettors.

The exhaust opening was likewise enlarged and the crankcase reinforced to take up the extra power of the engine.

Cooper also changed the transmission ratio of the individual gears in order to give the car a higher speed in each gear, the first Mini Cooper with its 55 hp power unit now reaching a top speed of 136 km/h or 84 mph as opposed to the “regular” 120 km/h or 75 mph. And being a conscientious man, Cooper also upgraded the car’s brakes, fitting seven-inch Lockheed disc brakes on the front wheels.

The Mini Cooper S introduced in 1963 soon proved that even with these modifications the four-cylinder had not yet reached its limit. This time engine capacity was increased to 1,071 cc, providing maximum output of 70 hp. Naturally, this extra power also meant higher speed, in this case with an increase to 160 km/h or 99 mph, which is why Cooper once again upgraded the brakes, increasing disc diameter to 7.5" and boosting the brake power of the Mini Cooper S by means of a brake servo.

The series version of the classic Mini was also upgraded for more power in 1967, an increase in capacity to 998 cc giving the engine an appropriate boost in maximum torque from 44 to 52 newton-metres (32–38 lb-ft) and an increase in maximum output by 4 hp to 38 horsepower. This version of the four-cylinder was introduced from the start on the sister model of the classic Mini launched in 1969, the new Clubman, as the car was called, being 11 cm or 4.3" longer and the Estate version measuring exactly 3.40 metres or 133.9" in length. Width, height and wheelbase, on the other hand, were exactly the same as on the classic Mini.

A further new model introduced at the time as the successor to the Mini Cooper was the Mini 1275 GT, the top model in the Clubman series powered by a 59-hp 1.3-litre four-cylinder. This engine was later also featured in the classic Mini and was soon upgraded to an even more significant 63 hp. The 1.0-litre nevertheless remained in the range until 1992, after which all models were equipped with the 1.3-litre fuel injection engine already featured since October 1991 in the Mini Cooper and as of August 1994 also in the Mini, above all due to growing requirements in emission management.

Making a new start with traditional values.

Considered simply on paper, the MINI Cooper and the MINI One bringing back the famous brand in 2001 had hardly any substantial features in common with the classic Mini. Much stricter safety standards, significantly greater demands in terms of motoring comfort, and brand-new technical potentials allowed and required solutions Alec Issigonis and his team would not even have dreamt of in their days.

The MINI and its forefather nevertheless share some fundamental highlights and features clearly borne out from the start in the new model and expressed by the car’s characteristic design. A further point is that the MINI was developed from the start as a revolutionary new small car. And like the classic Mini, the new model once again featured innovations in technology giving the MINI its unique qualities.

Re-interpretation of traditional values likewise gave the MINI its unmistakable character right from the start, building its status as a youthful car transcending all social classes and highly desirable the world over. The classic Mini in its day made a significant contribution in introducing the principle of front-wheel drive and the power unit fitted crosswise at the front, making this the standard solution for particularly compact cars. The MINI, in turn, likewise came with short body overhangs, a long wheelbase, the one-wheel-at-each-corner stance and a low centre of gravity as ideal ingredients for extremely agile handling. Once again, therefore, the MINI re-defined the standard of optimum efficiency in the use of space and maximum driving pleasure in such a small car.

The quantum leap into a new era of technology.

Implementing this concept, it was obviously essential to use the most advanced and sophisticated technology. And clearly, four-cylinder power units displacing 1.6 litres, with 16 valves and an aluminium cylinder head were exactly the right successors to the Series A engines originally featured in the classic Mini.

Where 34 hp was still sufficient in 1959, the right kind of power was now 66 kW/90 hp in the MINI One and 85 kW/115 hp in the MINI Cooper. And while the classic Mini with its homokinetic joints for conveying power to the wheels and rubber springs set new standards in suspension technology at its time, the MINI with its McPherson front axle featuring axle shafts equal in length and the multi-arm rear axle likewise absolutely unique in this segment also introduced a new benchmark.

Disc brakes on all four wheels, the anti-lock brake system including CBC Cornering Brake Control and EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution featured as standard also marked this quantum leap into a new era. As an option the MINI was also available from the start with ASC+T Traction Control and DSC Dynamic Stability Control.

The MINI also took on the top position in its segment right from the beginning in terms of passive safety. Indeed, with its extremely stable passenger cell, frontal and side airbags as well as optional head airbags at the side, the level of safety provided was absolutely outstanding. And last but not least, the Tyre Defect Indicator likewise featured as standard was an innovation never seen before in
a small and compact car. As an alternative to its five-speed manual gearbox, the MINI was available with infinite CVT automatic transmission incorporating a Steptronic function. Using a steel drive belt running on dual-conical pulleys, this transmission fed engine power through continuously variable transmission ratios to the front wheels, while retaining six firm transmission ratios in the Steptronic mode.

A joint control unit for the engine and transmissions served both in the automatic and the Steptronic mode to give the driver the ideal transmission ratio under all conditions. As an option there were also Steptronic switches on the steering wheel enabling the driver to shift gears manually without taking his hands off the steering wheel.

It did not take MINI long – to be precise only until January 2002 – to move up to an even higher level of driving pleasure, the most powerful model in the range ensuring fascinating performance even faster than with the classic Mini and far superior to its 70-hp forerunner.

This new high-performance model was the MINI Cooper S powered by a 120 kW/163 hp four-cylinder compressor engine and featuring both a sports suspension and a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The first-ever MINI powered by a diesel engine saw the light of day just one year later, the MINI One D providing the most advanced rendition of the highly efficient four-seater philosophy which originally led to the development of the classic Mini: Displacing 1.4 litres out of four cylinders, this all-aluminium power unit featuring common rail fuel injection and an exhaust gas turbocharger offered an ample
55 kW/75 hp.

The new edition of the MINI: From the original to the original.

The modern qualities of the world’s first premium small car were emphasised even more emphatically when the new edition of the MINI was launched in November 2006. Under the motto “From the original to the original”, numerous details shaping the visual appearance of the MINI were refined. The sporting virtues of the compact king of curves were a particular focus with even more intense highlighting. At the same time, protection for the occupants was further optimised.

New, even more powerful and, at the same time, far more efficient engines together with the further enhanced suspension technology, served to redefine driving fun so typical of MINI. The MINI Cooper S with its 124 kW/175 hp power unit and the 88 kW/120 hp MINI Cooper models available at market launch from the start thrilled aficionados everywhere through their enhanced driving performance combined with significantly greater fuel economy and emission values. Both engines had a capacity of 1.6 litres, and a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct petrol injection were responsible for delivering the high output of the MINI Cooper S. The power unit of the MINI Cooper was fitted with fully variable valve control. Later on, this was also installed in the 1.4 litre engine generating 70 kW/95 hp mounted in the MINI One. Turbocharging and common rail direct injection generated outstanding efficiency in the diesel engines. The MINI Cooper D powered by 82 kW/112 hp was followed in rapid succession by the MINI One D generating 66 kW/90 hp and the MINI Cooper SD with 105 kW/143 hp. Finally, the MINI One powered by a 55 kW/75 hp engine was added to the range as an entry-level model. The mantle of elite athlete was taken on for the first time by the MINI John Cooper Works with a turbo engine packing 155 kW/211 hp and specific suspension technology.

In an appropriate combination on each model, the technologies offered as standard included Brake Energy Recovery, Auto Start/Stop, a gearshift point indicator, Electric Power Steering, a volume-flow-controlled oil pump, as well as on-demand coolant pump. All variants of the MINI now come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, with optional six-speed automatic transmission enabling the driver to shift gears manually via paddles on the steering wheel.

The large choice in the engine portfolio was soon augmented by exceptional diversity in the MINI model range. Almost exactly one year to the day after the launch of the new model generation, the range was expanded by the MINI Clubman with a wheelbase extended by eight centimetres and a two-part rear door. In 2009, a new generation of the MINI Convertible came along. And as if this wasn’t enough, both the two-seaters MINI Coupé and MINI Roadster enabled the athletic prowess typical of the brand and open-top pleasure to be experienced in a particularly purist way from 2011 onwards. In parallel, the MINI Countryman presented in 2010 and the MINI Paceman available from 2013 conquered the premium compact segment. The ALL4 all-wheel drive developed specially for MINI was installed in these two models for the first time. The system is based on an electromagnetic centre differential and this enabled the power to be variably distributed between the front and rear axles.

The latest generation: Even more driving fun, efficiency and premium quality.

In 2014, the current generation of the MINI lined up at the start with a renewed evolutionary and advanced design, new drive technology and a large number of innovative equipment features. Engines with MINI TwinPower turbo technology and also a newly developed gearbox have since then increased the sprint capability of the MINI while at the same time resulting in reduced fuel consumption. Depending on the engine, the standard 6-speed gearbox can be replaced by a 7-speed Steptronic gearbox with twin clutch or an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox. An additional enhancement to efficiency is provided by the optimised weight and the improved aerodynamic characteristics. The option of an adaptive suspension is available for the first time. MINI Driving Modes is a choice available for the first time in the new MINI. Adaptive suspension influences the characteristic curves for the accelerator pedal and steering characteristics as well as the shifting characteristics of the automatic transmission and the damper tuning. The new operating concept comprises an instrument cluster on the steering column and optionally a MINI head-up display. The collision and pedestrian warning with city braking function, the driving assistant and parking assistant, and the reversing camera significantly expand the choice of driver assistance systems. Once again, the MINI also takes a leading role among competitors in the area of networking technology and digital services.

Already in the subsequent year, the model range was again expanded by a completely new body version for the MINI. For the first time, the British brand has a five-door version in the segment of small cars. With its wheelbase extended by 72 millimetres, the MINI 5 Door offers passengers in the front significantly more legroom alongside comfortable entry and exit. Since 2016, the range in the small-car segment has been completed by the new MINI Convertible.

The open-top four-seater is now equipped with an all-electric opening and closing mechanism for the fabric roof. An extremely athletic model version was also developed for the classic bodywork variant of the MINI 3 Door and for the MINI Convertible. The MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible are each powered by a new, 170 kW/231 hp turbo engine.

The new MINI generation is represented by two models in the premium compact segment. A choice of three petrol and three diesel engines is supplied for the new MINI Countryman. The advanced ALL4 all-wheel drive system is also available as an option. Series equipment includes power transmission to all four wheels in the elite athletes MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, which are powered by a 225 kW/306 hp turbo engine in the latest version. Furthermore, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 (combined fuel consumption: 2.1 – 1.9 l/100 km; combined electricity consumption: 13.9 – 13.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 47 – 43 g/km) paves the way for zero-emission driving fun. The first plug-in hybrid model from MINI is powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric engine which together generate a combined system output of 165 kW/224 hp.

Electromobility in the MINI style: The new MINI Cooper SE.

 The MINI brand has now been the epitome of scintillating mobility in the urban traffic environment for the past 60 years. In future, the brand will incorporate local zero-emission driving in urban traffic with a unique emotional experience. The new MINI Cooper SE (combined power consumption: 0.0 l/100 km; combined electricity consumption: 16.8 – 14.8 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km) will be manufactured in series production at the British plant in Oxford from November 2019. This is the brand’s first all-electric powered model and it is a genuine MINI through and through. The vehicle concept is based on the MINI 3 Door. The dimensions, design, available space and interior ambience of the new MINI Cooper SE are clearly derived from the conventionally powered vehicle. The expansion of the model range by an all-electric version was already reflected in the development of this vehicle.

Instead of a petrol or diesel engine, an electric motor is mounted under the bonnet of the new MINI Cooper SE. The spontaneous power development of the 135 kW/184 hp electric motor, the front-wheel drive typical of the brand and innovative Dynamic Stability Control with actuator-related wheel-slip limitation assist the new MINI Cooper SE in achieving the unmistakeable agility known as the go-kart feeling that is perceived here as a particularly intense experience. The motor’s model-specific lithium-ion battery permits a range of 235 to 270 kilometres. The high-voltage battery is configured low in the vehicle floor so that there are no restrictions on the volume of the baggage compartment compared with a conventionally powered MINI 3 Door.

6.   From the Original to the Original.
The MINI Design.

Innovativ, Innovative, unmistakable, stylish – and inspiring time and again. Just like the classic Mini, the MINI stands for unique design providing brand-new answers to the challenges of its time. Creating the classic Mini, constructor Alec Issigonis and his team had succeeded in re-defining the entire philosophy of the small and compact car in 1959. Developing the MINI, his successors, as it were, re-interpreted the concept of maximum interior space on minimum road surface in modern, up-to-date style.

The result, created almost four decades apart, was two cars of supreme character proudly presenting their unique qualities in a truly unmistakable manner. Both back then and today, thrilling driving characteristics and irresistible design create one complete unit as the sign of distinction of an entire brand. The starting point for the design of the classic Mini was a vision following clear targets: smaller than all models produced so far by British Motor Corporation, the new car was still to provide sufficient space for four occupants and their luggage. Clearly, therefore, Issigonis focused on economy of space as the fundamental consideration in the development process.

At the same time, he wished to offer an innovative answer to the small and compact cars already available on the market in Europe, following his principle that a good designer should never ever copy the competition.

A clear vision and the right concept: the foundation for the classic Mini.

To provide as much space as possible for the occupants on the car’s very small footprint, even the technical features and components of the classic Mini had to be moved together. The ideal concept making this possible from the start was of course the engine fitted at the front in conjunction with front-wheel drive. But that alone was not enough for Issigonis. For while there was enough space for a four-cylinder power unit beneath the short bonnet, this was only because Issigonis fitted the engine crosswise and placed the gearbox beneath the drive unit. Certainly, an innovative interpretation of the “form follows function” principle is still one of the decisive factors in the design of the MINI to this very day.

Issigonis set forth all these plans and configurations not in long documents and studies, but rather in a host of drawings and personal sketches. Indeed, he had already succeeded in compensating for his rather limited ambition for mathematics at school and university through his excellent drawings. And now these drawings became the characteristic trademark of this ingenious engineer and constructor.

With just a few strokes of his pencil he was able to create visions, illustrate solutions for complicated technical problems, and therefore develop greater power of conviction than even the most moving speaker in a detailed technical lecture. Issigonis’ almost contagious euphoria was also expressed by the fact that he often did his drawing on paper table-cloths or menu cards, because his notepad was already full.

One of the legends circulating around the classic Mini is the story of a design sketch done by Issigonis on the paper napkin of a hotel restaurant later used for the first “official” draft on the drawing board in Issigonis’ construction office. In the course of 1958 both the exterior and the interior of the Mini took on their final shape. Striking features later to become characteristic of the classic Mini were the body panel seams between the wings and the bodyshell facing to the outside.

The reason for this particular feature was quite simply money: welding seams facing to the outside were a lot cheaper in production. The second feature typical of cost-oriented production also clearly visible from outside was the door hinges on the outside of the doors themselves. And the driver who was not able to make do with the luggage compartment offering capacity of 195 litres or 6.8 cubic feet, was able to quite simply leave the boot lid open – since the lid was hinged at the bottom, it served conveniently as a “tray” even taking up bulky objects fastened more or less safely in position. Indeed, this was not even a secret tip, since high-gloss brochures presented this enlarged loading capacity in colourful pictures.

The interior naturally also followed the car’s minimalist philosophy: A simple cable served to open the doors and the usual dashboard in front of the driver and passenger was replaced in the classic Mini by a small shelf. Right in the middle was the centre instrument, the speedometer and mileage counter as well as the fuel gauge, with two toggle switches for the screen wipers and the lights right below.

Despite numerous detailed changes and modifications, the basic shape of the classic Mini remained unchanged for no less than 41 years. In the course of time this revolutionary small car became a classic in the history of the automobile, a timeless masterpiece chosen in 1995 by the readers of Autocar, the British car magazine, as the “Car of the Century”. Like its driving behaviour, the typical look of the classic Mini remained a perfect image of the car’s character over years and decades, ultimately providing the starting point for the design of the modern MINI.

Creating the MINI: brand-new, but with unmistakable roots.

Back in the mid-1990s, shortly after BMW had taken over Rover Group, the first plans were considered for a new version of this unique compact car. A study of the MINI Cooper was the presented at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show, making it quite clear from now on that this was not going to be merely a copy of the classic model, but rather a modern interpretation of the Mini concept so rich in tradition. Indeed, this concept car combined the classic values of the classic Mini with the demands made of a modern automobile on the threshold to the 21st century.

A spectacular sports car concept had already been presented at the beginning of the year on the occasion of the Monte Carlo Rally. Thirty years after the classic Mini had won the Monte Carlo Rally the last time, this two-seater, right-hand-drive mid-engined ACV 30 (Anniversary Concept Vehicle) study definitely hit the headlines not just on account of its truly powerful and muscular proportions. Rather, the study also made it quite clear how the design features so characteristic of the classic Mini – such as the hexagon radiator grille and the large round headlights – could be carried over into a modern vehicle concept.

So the question is obvious: What would the ideal small car look like when carrying forward the ideas and principles of Sir Alec Issigonis, that ingenious constructor, from the 1950s into the 21st century, with all the technical options and customer preferences of these modern times? Looking for an answer to this question was certainly a promising undertaking right from the start, particularly as neither the drive concept of the classic Mini nor its virtually unchanged look had lost any of their charm over a period of approximately four decades.

Precisely this is why the MINI Project Team run originally by Frank Stephenson and later by MINI Chief Design Gert Volker Hildebrand attached great significance to conveying not only design details, but also the fundamental idea from the early years of the classic Mini to these modern days of motoring. The MINI was also to be a unique car offering ample space for four with their luggage, featuring an economical drive concept, and boasting driving and handling qualities no other model in this segment was able to offer.

At the same time the development engineers naturally also considered the high standard of comfort now taken for granted as well as the most demanding safety requirements. The result, obviously, was once again a revolutionary new small car oriented in every respect to the needs of its times and at the same time developed and manufactured according to the quality standards of a leading premium brand.

Design features and design icons.

This harmony of the targets set by the development engineers and the fundamental values of the concept is reflected in a unique design authentically visualising the common character shared by the classic Mini and the MINI and borne out by a beautiful play on lines and joints, circles and ellipsoids.

With the car measuring 3.63 metres or 142.9" in length, the overall layout and proportions, including short overhangs front and rear expressing the agile handling of the MINI through its exterior, were all retained as a faithful rendition of the classic Mini. The classic subdivision of the car into three sections – the actual body, the window graphics surrounding the entire vehicle as a kind of band, and the roof seeming to hover in space – was taken up again in a modern rendition. The shoulder line extends from the headlights across the muscular shoulders all the way to the C-pillars, where the roof is closer to the body than upfront on the A-pillars. This creates side window graphics opening up to the front and clearly emphasising the forward-pushing motion and the sportiness of the car.

Features typical of the brand and already unmistakable on the classic Mini were also re-interpreted on the new model. As an example, a modern rendition of the hexagon radiator grille and the round headlights now no longer surrounded by the wings, but rather integrated in the engine compartment lid, help to give the MINI its typical face so characteristic of the brand.

The side direction indicator surrounds serving on the MINI to distinguish the individual model variants, are also acknowledged as genuine icons in design. In particular, the side indicators guide the eyes of the beholder to the joint on the engine compartment lid of the MINI sweeping back at an angle like the joint on the side panels of the classic Mini. The rear light clusters standing upright also serve once again as a powerful sign of distinction now featuring a sophisticated chrome frame on the MINI. Indeed, this is once again a clear reminiscence to the classic Mini which always boasted its chrome look, consistently rejecting the inundation of plastic in automobile design of the ’70 and ’80s.

Last but not least, the very concave, three-dimensional and powerful design of the rims again takes up and reflects the style of the classic Mini, even if the wheels are now larger, wider, and come on runflat tyres.

The interior of the MINI is likewise unmistakable in its design, the Centre Speedo in the middle of the dashboard bringing back a characteristic feature of the classic Mini and enhancing this look to create a truly unique design element. Up to 1968 the speedometer on the classic Mini was also a central instrument which, through its looks alone, provided decisive inspiration for designing the surrounds on the MINI’s control units and switches.

Further, unique highlights come from the round air vents and the elliptic main elements on the door linings reflecting the design language of “circular elements” so typical of the MINI and also to be admired on the exterior. More than ever before, the current fortes of the MINI come out on the design of the latest model generation introduced in the autumn of 2013. Again following the philosophy of “From the Original to the Original”, both the basic design and the unique details of the car were revised and upgraded in the second generation in a painstaking, evolutionary process.

The powerful stance of the car on its big and muscular wheels now emphasises the sporting character of the MINI even more convincingly. The Centre Speedo is even larger than before even, now framed by a lighting band, and offers space for the display of a navigation system, again providing those unmistakable highlights so typical of the brand. Like the classic Mini, the MINI, thanks to its harmonious and perfectly balanced overall concept, arouses a feeling of affection and almost love at very first sight. To a large extent this is attributable to the cleverly integrated codes of “human body archetype” design language: Through its proportions and friendly mimicry, the MINI arouses the protector’s instincts. The powerful shoulders of the car, in turn, exude a sense of safety and security, and the body itself is characterised through its softly flowing shapes.

New opportunities: the MINI Concept.

Through its design philosophy alone, the MINI allows up-to-date, ongoing development of all features so typical of the brand while retaining its own, unique character. This starting point also provides a wonderful opportunity to carry over the design language so typical of MINI to innovative vehicle concepts extending the range and wealth of the MINI model family. The idea to present MINI in a new context was demonstrated for the first time in a fascinating study in 2005, when the MINI Concept made its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Presenting this unique study, MINI paved the way to a brand-new category of cars re-interpreting the classic shooting brake concept in modern style. The MINI Concept therefore took up traditional design philosophies already borne out in the 1960s in the guise of the Morris Mini-Traveller and the Austin Mini Countryman, applying these philosophies to modern-day requirements and therefore presenting new options in the body design and functionality of the MINI. Following the motto “Travel the World”, the MINI Concept was presented in a total of four renditions, each highlighting specific facets of the MINI brand and focusing on the place where the cars were being presented: In Frankfurt the emphasis was on elegance, at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show the concept model highlighted the British origins of MINI. At the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit the emphasis was on wintersport, and at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show the MINI Concept paid tribute to the legendary success of the brand in motorsport.

In all cases the concept car boasted a truly innovative door arrangement revolutionising the use of and access to the car’s interior: At the rear the designers introduced a Splitdoor configuration based on the classic door arrangement of the Morris Mini-Traveller and the Austin Mini Countryman. This two-piece rear door with each door element hinged far to the outside and opening outwards offered particularly generous access to the luggage compartment of the MINI Concept – a principle shortly thereafter presented for the first time in a production version of the MINI.

The MINI family grows: introduction of the MINI Clubman.

The 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show marked the world debut of the MINI Clubman which has been enriching the model family ever since. Compared directly with the MINI, the MINI Clubman offers 24 centimetres or 9.45" more body length and 8 centimetres or 3.15" longer wheelbase serving entirely to enhance legroom at the rear.

On the MINI Clubman the driver’s and front passenger’s doors are supplemented not just by the Splitdoor at the rear, but also by an additional opening on the right side of the car. This additional door on the right, the Clubdoor opening against the direction of travel like a coach door, offers passengers sitting on the rear seats of the MINI Clubman comfortable and convenient access to the rear passenger area. In its side view the MINI Clubman is characterised by a dynamic wedge shape created through the interplay of the shoulder line rising up slightly to the rear and the horizontal roofline.

Up the A-pillars, the MINI Clubman is identical to the “regular” MINI. It then gains its unique look through its longer wheelbase and longer roofline extending straight back to the steep rear end.

Yet a further special feature is the slight increase in the roof flanks extending on both sides from the A- all the way to the C-pillars along the entire length of the roof and referred to as the Dune Line. This gives the roofline a truly exciting, eye-catching “sweep” and raises the height of the car’s flank by approximately two centimetres. As a result, the proportions of the MINI Clubman are particularly smooth and well-balanced also from the side.

Like the classic Mini, the MINI is also available with contrasting colours on the roof – and indeed, this particular sign of distinction is of great significance on the MINI Clubman, where, apart from the roof, the C-pillars also come in the contrasting colour ordered by the customer to give the Splitdoor at the rear an additional optical effect. Ultimately this gives the car a very compact look at the rear and adds to its individual, unique appearance on the road.

MINI Convertible: consistently open, MINI all the way.

The open-air model of the brand is a genuine MINI but at the same time a truly unique character. The first new MINI Convertible was presented at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show three years after the closed MINI, but naturally with the same unmistakable design features. Apart from the soft roof combining the proportions typical of MINI when closed with a unique silhouette, the four-seater boasted a number of other features typical of a genuine Convertible. The waistline rising towards the end of the car, for example, was accentuated from the start by a chrome bar all round the vehicle, the steep windscreen was just as characteristic as the chrome-plated rollbar. And at the rear the boot lid opening downwards as well as the hinges at the outside offered further features reminiscent in their design of the classic Mini. The latest edition of the MINI Convertible experienced its first summer in 2016. 18 seconds suffice to combine the further enhanced driving fun in a MINI with the intense open-air feeling. This is facilitated in the new MINI by a fully-automated mechanism for opening the roof that is all-electric for the first time making it particularly low noise. There is now also a fully integrated rollbar.

Typically MINI – also in the premium compact segment.

Just as classical design features were transferred to a modern vehicle concept tailored to the requirements of the 21st century, the design so typical of the brand was also mapped onto the models of the premium compact segment. In 2010, the first MINI was presented with an exterior length of more than four metres, five doors and five seats. The MINI Countryman conquered new target groups across the world – with its unambiguous augmentation of versatility and the inimitable style of its design, making it a typical representative of the heritage British brand at first glance.

In the latest model generation, the MINI Clubman and the new edition of the MINI Countryman bring style typical of the brand into the premium compact segment. Reinterpreted and carefully enhanced, they also include typical MINI proportions, the characteristic three-way split between bodywork, window graphics and roof, the powerful stature underpinned by the wheels, and the unique details including the side scuttles, a large number of chrome elements, the hexagonal radiator grille and the large headlamps.

Dawn of a new era: The MINI Cooper SE.

As the first premium small car with all-electric drive, the new MINI Cooper SE also defines benchmarks for driving fun geared to the future in its design. It is based on the MINI 3 Door and differs from this with selective modifications and subtle differentiations from the conventionally powered models of the brand.

Powerful proportions, the horizontal vehicle structure, short overhangs and wheels positioned at the corners of the car characterise the appearance of the MINI Cooper SE. Precisely defined accents point to its future-proof drive system. The charging connection is positioned above the right-hand rear wheel and this is precisely where the tank nozzle is situated in the conventionally powered MINI 3 Door. An embossed MINI Electric Logo points to the difference in energy supply. Yellow versions of this logo also embellish the familiar side scuttles for the side indicators, the tailgate and the radiator grille. The central element of the vehicle’s front profile highlights the brand-typical hexagonal contour in the MINI Cooper SE, although it is shrouded owing to the low requirement of the electric motor for cooling air. A yellow trim bar on the grille and the wing-mirror caps finished in the same colour complete the model-specific design.

In the same way as the model-specific front grille, the essentially closed floorpan and the independent design of the rear apron contribute to the reduction of air resistance. The fact that the electrically powered MINI does not require an exhaust system, favours airflow in the floorpan and at the rear. An aerodynamically optimised surface is also highlighted by the optional 17-inch alloy wheels with an asymmetric design in the version MINI Electric Corona Spoke 2 Tone.

7.  The Revolutionary with the Drawing Pad.
Sir Alec Issigonis, the father of the classic Mini.

He had already been successful with his own sports cars and he had been commissioned on a number of occasions to develop large saloons. But his favourite project, as Alec Issigonis made it quite clear, was the construction of a simple, extremely functional and very affordable small car. So when Issigonis, the Deputy Technical Director of the Austin Plant in Longbridge, was requested in late 1965 by Leonard Lord, the Chairman of British Motor Corporation (BMC), to develop a brand-new and truly innovative car, he was absolutely thrilled and knew exactly what he wanted.

The new car was to be smaller than all models built by BMC so far, but nevertheless offer sufficient space for four occupants and their luggage. A four-cylinder already built by the company was to provide the necessary power, while the driving characteristics and the all-round economy of the new small car were to set new standards. Considering this brief and the demanding requirements to be fulfilled, what Issigonis needed was no more and no less than an absolutely revolutionary new design – exactly the right job for him and his team.

Back then Alec Issigonis was 51 years old, a seasoned constructor and automotive engineer with an unconventional career and an exceptional approach to his work. At the time his contemporaries described him as an almost pedantic tinkerer and a passionate technician simply bursting with enthusiasm. Issigonis did not always do his designs on the drawing board in the construction office, but rather opted for paper napkins or the little drawing pad he always kept handy to present his ideas to his colleagues and staff members during lunch. Mathematics he regarded as the “enemy of every creative human being”, and with his wealth of ideas, his enthusiasm and his distaste for compromises he pushed his team forward to top performance time and again.

After just seven months: test drive in the prototype Mini.
Opting for front-wheel drive and the engine fitted crosswise at the front with the gearbox directly below, Issigonis right from the start created ideal conditions for excellent efficiency in the use of space. No less than 80 per cent of the space taken up by the Mini, what one might call the car’s “footprint” on the road, was exclusively for the passengers and their luggage. Overall length of the new car was 3.05 metres or 120.0", and the Mini might indeed have been even shorter. But Issigonis had exact ideas and intentions, which he presented to his team in a rather unusual manner: He had them cut through a model of the Mini right down the middle, then moving the two halves apart centimetre by centimetre. And when he finally cried out “stop!”, the Mini had reached its ideal length.

Just seven months after the official go-ahead, two prototypes of the new small car were ready to go. So Issigonis invited his boss Leonard Lord to a test drive he still recalled full of amusement years later: “We drove round the Plant, and I was really going like hell. I’m certain he was scared, but he was very impressed by the car’s roadholding. So when we stopped outside his office, he got out and simply said: ‘All right, build this car.’ ”

From this moment on the ongoing development of the Mini in becoming a genuine legend was unstoppable. And Issigonis had secured his position on the podium as one of the world’s most ingenious and influential automobile constructors. The master himself was a bit more reserved, making it quite clear that “I didn’t invent the Mini, I built it.”

Alec Issigonis: straight from a family thrilled by technology.

Alexander Arnold Constantine Issigonis was born in the Turkish town of Smyrna, today’s Izmir, as the son of a Briton of Greek origin and a mother from Bavaria, on 18 November 1906. He inherited his great interest in technology and machines from his father who, shortly after the turn of the century, ran a company for marine engine technology.

In 1922 the family was forced to flee to Malta when the Turkish state was established in very hectic turmoil. His father died on the island and his mother took him to England where, two years later, young Alec was finally able to drive his first car: a Weymann-bodied Singer in which he chauffeured his mother through Europe in 1925 in a “never-ending series of breakdowns”, as Issigonis recalled later. But it was precisely this unforgettable experience which, immediately upon returning back home, encouraged him to start a three-year course in mechanical engineering at Battersea Polytechnic in London.

Issigonis’ great talent for craftsmanship and his passion for designing and drawing new technical concepts proved barely sufficient at the time to set off his strong distaste of mathematical theory. So he just about managed his final exam, but did not qualify for ongoing studies at the college in Battersea. His obvious conclusion was to enter professional life as a technical draughtsman and salesman in a design office for automotive technology in London. Buying an Austin Seven from his first salary, he prepared the car for racing and entered his first event in March 1929. In the years to follow Issigonis developed his own monoposto in his spare time with design and construction features destined to later make him famous: the Lightweight Special was absolutely tiny, extremely light, but technically progressive – and successful. In 1934 Issigonis joined the design and construction team of Humber Ltd., the Coventry-based car maker, where he worked on the introduction of independent suspension. He proved so good at the job that Morris Motors recruited him themselves just two years later on account
of his skill in suspension development.

During the war Issigonis had no choice but to work on various military vehicles, which he nevertheless used as “guinea pigs” for technical innovations.

In 1941 Morris launched the Mosquito Project, a compact four-seater for the post-war era. And indeed, despite the most challenging conditions, Issigonis, reputed to be an all-out workaholic, and his the team had the first road-going prototype ready within three years. Precisely this model introduced as the Morris Minor in 1948 became the most successful car built by the brand in the post-war years.

When Morris and Austin Motor Company merged four years later to form British Motor Corporation, Issigonis no longer saw any perspectives for his creativity in future. So he started working for Alvis, with the intention to develop a luxury saloon. But with the project ultimately failing for financial reasons, BMC took Issigonis on again in 1955 as their Deputy Technical Director at the Austin Plant in Longbridge. Here Issigonis was to develop a number of new model series for the small, medium-sized and upmarket segments to secure the future of what was then Europe’s largest car maker. Since particularly the small car project was acknowledged as very urgent due to the Suez Crisis, the new model made its debut in 1959 as the Morris Mini-Minor and the Austin Seven. Large models only came later, with the four-door Morris 1100 midrange model entering the market three years later and the very spacious Austin 1800 in 1964.

Career and knighthood: honoured for his lifetime achievement.

The success of the classic Mini also gave worldwide fame to the car’s “father”. In 1961 Alec Issgonis, in his position as Technical Director, became a Board Member of Austin Motor Company, and two years later he was appointed to the Board of BMC. In 1967 he became a member of the Royal Society, the most renowned research society in Britain, and two years later the Queen knighted the father of the Mini. Sir Alec Issigonis retired in 1971, but remained an advisor to the company until 1987. One year later he died on 2 October, shortly before his 82nd birthday.

To this day this outstanding automotive engineer and constructor lives on in countless memories. And the market launch of the second generation of the Mini was indeed held exactly on 18 November 2006, the 100th birthday of the father of the classic Mini, in the honour of this great man.

8.   Made in England – then and now.
MINI Production between past and future.

The first Mini was an Austin Seven coming off the production line in Austin’s Longbridge Plant in Birmingham on 4 April 1959. The team of twins was subsequently completed five weeks later, the first Morris Mini-Minor leaving the Morris Plant in Oxford on 8 May. The two models were presented to the public together for the first time on 26 August 1959. Despite their different origin, the Austin Seven and the Morris Mini-Minor were virtually identical, the only distinctions on the outside being their radiator grilles, the wheel caps and body colours: The Austin Seven was available in Tartan Red, Speedwell Blue, and Farina Grey, the Morris Mini-Minor came in Cherry Red, Clipper Blue, and Old English White.

Production at the two plants continued for ten years with the model built in Longbridge bearing the name Austin Mini as of 1962. Plant Oxford, which had been building cars since 1913, built exactly 602, 817 units during this period, all of them the basic version of the four-seater. All other model variants ranging from the Mini Van through the Mini Pick-Up all the way to the Morris Mini-Traveller and Austin Seven Countryman were built in Longbridge. In 1969 all production activities were concentrated at the Longbridge Plant, with the model range being streamlined and Mini becoming the brand name for this revolutionary compact car. So the days of the twin brothers (or sisters?) were over once and for all.

A million cars in six years: the MINI repeats the rapid start of the classic Mini.

With the brand being re-positioned in 2001 under the guidance of the
BMW Group and production of the modern MINI starting as planned, it was only obvious that MINI had to move back to Oxford, the plant so rich in tradition thus once again becoming the starting point for a genuine revolution in the small car market. And like the classic Mini, the MINI made a remarkable start into the market exceeding all expectations: within just six years, Plant Oxford built no less than a million units of the MINI. This was indeed just as long as the classic Mini had taken to exceed the one-million mark, but back then production was still at two plants.

After 41 years and a production volume of more than 5.3 million units, the last classic Mini left Plant Longbridge on 4 October 2000. Since the decision to build the modern MINI in Oxford had already been taken half a year before, only nine months remained from then on to the start of MINI pre-production and just 13 months to the start of actual series production. Clearly, therefore, the roughly 2,500 employees in Oxford at the time and their colleagues from BMW Plant Regensburg supporting the modernisation process faced a great challenge and a truly tight timetable in making this new start into the market.

MINI production in Oxford according to the strict quality standards of the BMW Group.

The BMW Group had already invested some £ 280 million in the Rover Plant in Oxford back in 1996/1997, thoroughly modernising the Bodyshop and Final Assembly. Another project also completed back then was a state-of-the-art Paintshop, at the time the second-largest construction project in Great Britain following the Millennium Dome. And now this was followed by further investments amounting to some £ 230 million serving to modernise and re-structure the plant.

All this made Oxford one of the most modern car production plants in the world, boasting cutting-edge technology specifically for the production of the MINI. No less than 229 production robots were installed at the time to build the body-in-white, with a laser measuring system serving to check the body of the MINI down to a precision of no less than 0.05 millimetres. The Paintshop was likewise custom-built for the requirements of MINI production, not only allowing very precise and environmentally friendly application of the paint, but also providing the contrasting paint finish on the roof so typical of the MINI Cooper.

Oxford also became the first European car production plant to make exclusive use of electrical tools in final assembly, while the KISS (Core Production Integrating Management System) serves to fully automate communication in the production process by using the most advanced information technology. In this process the complete production of each individual model is electronically documented from the body-in-white all the way to final assembly, again ensuring that every MINI complies with the supreme quality standards of the BMW Group.

Team work for premium quality: The MINI Production Triangle.
When production of the new edition of the MINI was launched in autumn of 2006, the production facilities in Oxford (Bodyshop, Paintshop and Assembly), Swindon (Pressings) and Hams Hall (Engine Production) were integrated in the MINI Production Triangle for the first time. Body panels have been produced in Swindon, some 70 kilometres west of Oxford, since 1954. Today, pre-assembled body components such as lids and doors for the MINI Bodyshop are manufactured at Plant Oxford. Since 2001, the plant at Hams Hall near Birmingham has been the BMW Group’s Competence Centre for the production of four-cylinder petrol engines with a capacity of up to 2.0 litres. The plant delivers petrol engines directly to Oxford – just in time and just in sequence, that is at exactly the right time and in the right sequence for final assembly.

After 60 years: Ten million MINIs produced.

Capacity that started in 2001 as 300 vehicles manufactured each day has now increased to production output of around 1 000 units per day. Every 67 seconds, a workforce of 4 500 employees manufactures a MINI – each one of them is an ambassador for its idea, its country and its zest for life. In 2019, 60 years of the brand’s existence was celebrated in Oxford alongside a landmark production anniversary. The ten millionth vehicle of the brand rolled off the assembly line at the traditional site with an illustrious heritage: a MINI 3 Door from the 60 Years Edition.

Since 2000, the BMW Group has invested more than two billion pounds sterling in its production facilities in the United Kingdom. Recently, final assembly was expanded at the MINI Plant Oxford and a new paintshop was built. The latest investments have been channelled into the MINI Cooper SE. From November 2019, the first all-electric powered model manufactured by the brand will be produced at the MINI Plant Oxford.

Global growth strategy: Expansion of production capacities.

The models MINI 3 Door, MINI 5 Door and MINI Clubman are currently being produced at the MINI Plant Oxford. In order to take account of the continuous increase in demand, the BMW Group reached a decision in 2014 on contracted-out production of MINI models at the contract producer VDL Nedcar based in Born, Netherlands. MINI is therefore the only automaker to have series vehicles produced under contract manufacture in the Netherlands. The BMW Group benefits from the logistically advantageous location of the VDL Nedcar plant in the Born and its proximity to the British production triangle with locations in Oxford, Swindon and Hams Hall. The MINI Convertible and MINI Countryman models currently roll off the assembly line in Born.

In addition, the BMW Group and Chinese automobile manufacturer Great Wall concluded a joint-venture agreement in 2018. This covers a number of areas including the production of all-electric powered MINI vehicles for the Chinese market. A joint manufacturing facility is also scheduled for construction in the Chinese province of Jiangsu.

9.   Individualists united!
MINI fans are networked worldwide.

An active and truly versatile fan community all around the classic Mini was already established in the United Kingdom Great Britain, the home country of the classic Mini, way back in the 1960s. Right from the start, fans expressed their common interest in the car and the brand by exchanging knowledge and experience all about the Mini and its technical features. Due to the charming character of this small compact car, owners of a classic Mini strongly identified right from the start with both their car and the brand, sharing this enthusiasm in joint drive-aways and regular Mini meetings, with clubs originally organised on a local basis spreading wider and wider to bring together large regions.

A dynamic club scene also developed quite early on in Germany, gaining additional momentum through the re-launch of the brand and the introduction of the MINI. In the meantime, thousands of members are organised throughout Germany in more than 100 classic Mini communities and more than 50 MINI Clubs. Through their wide range of activities, these enthusiasts act as authentic ambassadors of the brand and competent partners for new fans of both the classic Mini and the MINI. Furthermore, MINI enthusiasts joined together to share activities in lots of other countries. The international MINI Community is a phenomenon without parallel in the world of the automobile. MINI owners are individualists and this is reflected in the styling and equipment of their vehicles geared to personal style. At the same time, they have much in common and this is expressed in exceptionally communicative engagement with each other and in enthusiasm for technology, motor sport, lifestyle and design.

MINI enthusiasts come together – online and in the street.

The Community became increasingly international with the general spread of modern means of communication. Upon the introduction of the MINI into the market in 2001, the brand was positioned with the same standard philosophy and spirit for the first time worldwide in all relevant markets. Above all, use of the internet had enhanced the options to interact across national borders and continents. Members of national MINI online communities foster contact with similar clubs throughout the world on the World Wide Web.

As in the past, real-life meetings which, thanks to the use of many communication channels and the support of MINI have taken on impressive dimensions, are naturally still among the highlights of all activities. In 2005, for example, MINI Germany, together with the national classic Mini and MINI Clubs, organised the first national meeting in Germany for fans of the brand. Back then more than 2,500 participants travelled to the National Meeting, heading for the Loreley Plateau on the River Rhine, where they enjoyed a highly entertaining programme with MINI Driver Training, a Design Workshop, meetings with Mike Cooper and rally legend Rauno Aaltonen, as well as the presentation of new versions of the MINI. A second meeting at the Hildesheim Aerodrome in 2008 proved even more successful, at least in terms of participation, with twice as many MINI enthusiasts from all over Germany attending the event.

The national and international activities in the British club scene are even more spectacular. In 1999, for example, more than 50,000 visitors attended the International Meeting in Goodwood celebrating the 40th birthday of the brand. In 2007 269 cars driving through Blackpool formed the longest MINI convoy the world has ever seen. Indeed, this unique parade was promptly entered in the Guinness Book of Records, breaking the former record set up by the MINI Club in Vancouver, Canada, when 195 cars had formed a similar convoy. The brand’s 50th birthday was celebrated at the MINI United Festival on the Formula 1 race track at Silverstone in Britain in 2009. Tens of thousands of fans enjoyed a varied mix somewhere between a lifestyle party and music festival, show programme and motor-sport action.

International Mini Meeting: Meeting point for fans of the British original for more than 40 years.

As a supplement to the market-specific activities in a large number of countries, the International Mini Meeting (IMM) has been held for the past 41 years. The IMM was launched on an initiative by German fans of the classic Mini. It was held for the first time in 1978 and since then it has developed into the world’s biggest annual event for the owners and friends of the classic Mini. Meanwhile, Mini Clubs in various European countries have taken on the role of host. At intervals of five years, the British homeland of the classic Mini and the MINI is the showplace for the IMM.

The focus of attention is always enthusiasm for the classic Mini and its exceptional history since 1959. The event is one of the highlights in the calendar of the international Mini Club scene. The participants undertake journeys over hundreds or even thousands of kilometres in order to present their lovingly maintained classic Mini or individually styled MINI to other enthusiasts, and to enjoy the togetherness experience of an exceptionally active community.

Happy invasion: MINI Takes The States.

Since 2006, MINI has been conquering the USA every two years. The rally MINI Takes The States is a happy invasion by thousands of MINI fans with their vehicles. They take part in a fun-loving and exciting tour over some 4 000 kilometres across the United States with lots of stops at famous sights and in major cities where MINI drivers present their vehicles, meet up at informal get-togethers and the massive convoy of varied classic Minis and MINIs continues to grow. The journey takes drivers along carefully selected routes and through some beautiful scenic countryside.

Apart from pure driving fun and the community event, the rally is also all about social engagement. A substantial portion of the starting fee is transferred to the aid organisation Feeding America, which provides meals free of charge for needy Americans. At the MINI Takes The States rally, which travelled from Portland in the far North West and Orlando in the South East to the meeting point at
Keystone / Colorado in the Rocky Mountains during the summer of 2018, donations for around 1.1 million meals were collected. The next MINI Takes The States Event will be held in 2020.

10. The car for all classes with
the qualities of a star.
MINI as a member of society.

Alec Issigonis saw the Mini from the start as a car for everybody – for all kinds of drivers and all social classes. He therefore sought, through the car he had created, to solve the everyday problems of individual mobility. With this in mind, the compact and economical Mini was exactly the right answer for increasingly dense traffic in the inner city and for the concerns at the time about the reduction of oil supplies following the Suez Crisis.

But soon it became clear that the Mini was much, much more. Its concept alone was so convincing that the car was seen and acknowledged as a trendsetter. Its sporting qualities made the Mini a genuine winner, its charming design made it incredibly popular throughout the population. So suddenly the Mini had become
a genuine cult, its innovative and non-conformist character perfectly reflecting the spirit of the 1960s, at a time when progressive concepts, the thrill of adventure, and even a certain lack of respect versus conventional values dominated the world. This was a car quite different from others but nevertheless offering more and providing even more fun – exactly the right car at the right time. Very quickly, therefore, fashion creators, musicians and other artists were captivated by the unique style of the Mini, stars discovering the qualities of the car and the world recognising the qualities of the Mini as a star itself.

Launched in 2001, the new MINI, a truly unique car just as popular and charming right from the beginning, quickly established a large, and, in particular, widespread fan community. All over the world, numerous celebrities now enjoy the agile driving pleasure offered by this modern and nimble performer. No surprise, therefore, that the MINI has already starred as the “leading car” in many Hollywood films. And it is also no surprise that the MINI is to be found in the private fleets of many famous actors, musicians, fashion designers and other stars in show business, society and sport.

Supported by the Queen herself.

The classic Mini quickly gained the reputation of a car for everybody on all levels of society. While Issigonis still regarded practical and economically-minded families seeking sensible mobility at low cost as his target group, he was also aiming at all levels of society as potential drivers of the Mini. Lord Snowdon, a good friend of Alec Issigonis, deserves the honour to have introduced the classic Mini into the society in London. One of the first owners of this small classic and completely thrilled by the car’s compact dimensions and excellent handling, Lord Snowdon soon became a common sight driving speedily through the British capital. As the husband of Princess Margaret, he obviously used his muscle, making sure that in 1960 Issigonis had the opportunity to present his small car to nobody else but his sister-in-law, Queen Elizabeth herself. So when the Queen took her seat next to Issigonis in the Mini, enjoying a lap through the big park of Windsor Castle, the classic Mini had really made a Royal breakthrough.

In the years to come the classic Mini became a genuine scene car particularly in Great Britain, gaining growing popularity throughout all levels of society, in all age groups, and with all nationalities. Time and again, prominent artists gave further momentum to the great reputation of this small performer. Fashion designers Paul Smith and Mary Quant discovered their love for the Mini, stars in the pop and rock scene such as The Beatles, Eric Clapton and David Bowie expressed a clear pledge to this small athlete from Britain.

Trends destined to soon influence not only the fashion, art or music scene worldwide, but also the world of politics and society, came out in full power from Swinging London in the 1960s. Paul Smith, who, among other achievements, became Britain’s most famous designer of men’s fashion by combining classic designs with modern, in many cases very bright and almost screaming colours, even created a limited Special Edition of the Mini in the 1990s. A unique, one-off Mini boasting paintwork created by Smith in his typical multi-colour stripe livery became at least as popular as this special series, even though it was built only once.

Mary Quant, the style icon of British women’s fashion and the inventor of the mini-skirt, was also inspired by the classic Mini. Shortly after she received her driver’s licence, she ordered a black Mini and later created her own Special Edition characterised by features such as the seat upholstery in black-and-white stripes. And she was just as thrilled by the new MINI: “A really fashionable, happy and smiling car”.

“Keep on Running!” – the Mini and rock’n’roll.

The British music scene in the 1960s had the same broad impact as the British world of fashion, musicians from Britain presenting that unique and unmistakable British style in truly revolutionary songs. And with the Mini offering very similar style and character, the stars were obviously thrilled by the new car. So bands like The Beatles, The Who or The Spencer Davis Group as ambassadors of a new British culture gaining growing popularity the world over also helped to promote the Mini and its unique image.

The legends and stories all about the Mini and its role as a means of transport for the stars remain fascinating to this very day. In 1964, for example, John Lennon ordered a Mini although at the time he did not even have a driver’s licence. His colleague George Harrison lent his Mini to Eric Clapton in 1967 and only got it back three years later. And the story about Spencer Davis is that he wrote the biggest hit his band ever had while driving through the night in the rainy Scottish Highlands on an almost empty tank. That was when, looking at the fuel gauge, only one thought went through his mind: “Keep on Running!”

In 1966, the Beach Boys from California in the US took their surfer sound on an international tour and posed in front of a Mini Moke in the United Kingdom. The picture of the Californian musicians and the beach buggy emblazoned with the name of the band went all over the world. At around the same time, American band The Monkees reached the peak of its popularity. A photo from this era shows guitarist and singer Michael Nesmith together with his wife Phyllis looking out through the folding roof of a Mini into the camera directed towards the couple from above.

Roll the film: the classic Mini takes care of the “Italian Job” and is later followed by the MINI.

Nobody knows how often the classic Mini served in films and television as a means of transport or as the star in the background. It is to be admired, at any rate, in the 1966 cult classic “Blow Up” and of course in countless TV and cinema appearances by comedian Rowan Atkinson better known as Mr Bean. A Mini Moke even starred in the James Bond thriller “Live and Let Die”. In 1973, Roger Moore embarked on a wild car chase in the beach buggy during his first appearance as agent 007. The classic Mini is also one of the very few British small cars ever to play a leading role in the cinema, for example in the 1969 classic “The Italian Job” starring Michael Caine. The whole film virtually revolves around only one subject, a wild pursuit through Torino with three Mini Coopers. No surprise, therefore, that immediately after the film had premiered Rover launched a special series of classic Minis finished like the film stars themselves and proudly bearing the title of the film. “The Italian Job” came back to the silver screen no less than 34 years later, this time starring Charlize Theron and Mark Wahlberg in the new version from Hollywood, presenting the story of a spectacular gold robbery in even more powerful and dramatic style. When “casting” the four-wheeled stars in the film the producer’s and director’s choice – obviously! – was to go for the new MINI Cooper S now able to present its agility and sporting performance not only on the streets of Los Angeles, but even below the streets of the city.

A year earlier the MINI Cooper had already shown its qualities as the ideal car for wild pursuits in the agents’ comedy “Goldmember”. In choosing the stars for his production, script writer and leading actor Mike Myers had picked not only an unusual line-up of Hollywood stars – ranging from Steven Spielberg to Tom Cruise, Michael Caine, Robert Wagner, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, John Travolta and all the way to Beyoncé Knowles and Ozzy Osborne – but also six MINI Coopers in Union Jack livery. In the meantime, the MINI Convertible has also made its way to Hollywood, winning over the hearts of movie-goers once and for all in the year 2007. This was in the comedy “The Heartbreak Kid”, in which Malin Akerman and Ben Stiller went on their honeymoon journey in a MINI Convertible. Obviously, on the way this open four-seater became the scene for all kinds of wonderful debates and amusing stories involving the newly-wed on their trip together. A Hollywood career is also being pursued by the latest MINI generation. Four MINI Cooper S 3 Door models appeared in the science fiction comedy “PIXELS” driven by the main protagonists Adam Sandler, Peter Dinklage, Denis Akiyama and Josh Gad, with the aim of protecting the world against invaders from outer space in the form of video-game characters.

11. Small car, great show.
MINI Marketing.

The MINI always hits the headlines wherever it appears – even before a new model is introduced into the market. Innovative marketing campaigns always good for a surprise and generating great appeal present both the MINI brand and the individual models with their full impact.

MINI marketing uses an exceptionally wide range of communication channels to establish close contacts with potential target groups. Supplementing classic activities in print media, on the radio and television, MINI’s marketing experts developed innovative online activities right from the start tailored precisely to the modern, trend-minded and technology-oriented user of the world wide web and taking the options of interactive communication with the public into account. This approach empowers MINI to continuously generate new momentum in automobile construction and in the world of marketing.

The classic Mini – the “Most Exciting Car in the World”.

Innovative, self-confident, charming: right from the start the classic Mini clearly presented its exceptional character not only on the road, but also in a close dialogue with the public. From the early years classic marketing concepts were used consistently to present the special features of this revolutionary small car in truly convincing style. With a twinkle in the eye, even the very first sales brochures emphasised that the whole world had been waiting for the “Incredible Austin Seven”, the letter “v” in “Seven” being replaced by the number “7”. And the Austin’s sister model, the Morris Mini-Minor, was presented just as proudly as the “Most Exciting Car in the World”.

The Mini marketing experts also kept a close eye on the worldwide success of television, carefully using this new media also for the Mini. Special TV commercials were therefore produced for various purposes in the market, in all cases emphasising selected facets of the Mini’s character and naturally considering the cultural context of the local public. Whether as the perfect solution for congested traffic in downtown Paris or as the ideal means of transport to the beach in Australia – the Mini was always presented as the right car at the right place. Even in a cartoon it proudly presented its superiority, full of humour and again with that famous tongue-in-cheek style.

Making a new start with innovative ideas.

The re-launch of the brand in 2001 also marked a new beginning in marketing carefully prepared in parallel to the development of the car as such. The main challenge was to establish MINI as the first premium brand in the small car segment, with MINI to be positioned worldwide as a unique and fully independent brand in its own right – a brand revolving around the concept of enthusiasm and thrilling lifestyle.

These principles of brand management remain unchanged to this day, with the MINI characterised by its outstanding product substance and progressive technology, emotional design and agile driving behaviour as well as almost unlimited options in customising the car. A further significant point is finding the right balance of continuity of a brand now going back 60 years and its innovative capacities. Introducing the MINI, customers the world over for the first time had the opportunity to experience premium qualities in a small car. These outstanding qualities and features are indeed to be found in every model made by the brand, at the same time distinguishing MINI clearly from the competition. The same applies to the brand’s appearance in public, where all marketing tools follow a unique, consistently recognisable style. Graphic elements, colours, the language of pictures and the MINI concept conveyed in words and pictures are clearly defined. MINI is refreshingly different. Through its openness and self-confidence, the brand gains great acceptance, through its appearance it arouses curiosity
and appeal.

To arouse the attention of the target group in mind right from the start prior to the market launch of the MINI, the responsible marketing experts have been taking a new approach in communication from the beginning. The magazine “MINI international”, for example, regularly portrays selected cities around the globe, focusing on their particularly creative inhabitants. Apart from classic communication, other innovative forms of communication such as “guerrilla marketing” have always been implemented right from the start. In 2000, MINI
was the first car brand to use the internet not only as an information source, but also as a positioning medium.

Always good for a surprise: Creative campaigns with powerful impact.

In 2013, the brand continued the tradition of unconventional and humorous promotions in a broad range of communication channels with the campaign to promote the market launch of the new MINI. The launch campaign kicks off centred around elaborately produced TV commercials. Tongue-in-cheek stories showcase the unique driving fun offered by the brand as well as the powerful emotional bond established between drivers and their MINI. A familiar co-star with the fans of the brand will appear alongside the brand new MINI: the English Bulldog Spike. Individual lifestyle, enthusiasm for driving fun, innovative technology and a sense of quirkiness are highlighted in the TV commercial, which is shot with various endings. On his first trip in the new MINI, bulldog Spike gets to know and appreciate all the main strengths of the newest member of the British small car family.

The MINI Design Team also created a sensation with some exceptional happenings at Milan’s Salone del Mobile in 2013. Das MINI Design Team staged the MINI Paceman as a dynamic sculpture. The MINI KAPOOOW! installation was conceived in two parts in which the MINI Paceman broke through spatial boundaries and experienced a transformation of materials and forms. Athletic agility empowered the MINI Paceman to make the leap into a universe where colours and materials undergo transformation and open up unimaginable experiential spaces. The first phase showed the rear end of the MINI Paceman as a highly dynamic sculpture. It was presented as a chrome-plated authentic vehicle and then began to undergo metamorphosis. The individual parts of the vehicle appeared to fly apart. In the second phase, the MINI Paceman broke through a boundary in the middle of the space. In this new dimension, the vehicle changed its original form and the front end became an idea made of paper. The material of paper was presented as a metaphor for “prototyping” in the creative process.

Powered by a sustainable drivetrain through North, Central and South America: With the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 on the Panamericana.

The Panamericana is one of the last big automobile adventures. In 2018, three models of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4$ with plug-in hybrid drives took on an intercontinental road trip along the world’s longest north-south road route in order to prove just how tough sustainability can be. The journey along the historic dream route – 17 000 kilometres from Dallas in the US State of Texas to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina – took them through different climate zones, across dense jungle and over challenging high-altitude mountain passes. Along with well-built highways, the three plug-in-hybrid models also had to contend with parts of the route network comprising dirt tracks and narrow mountain passes.

In 2018, the spectacular feat showcased MINI and the qualities of the electric power unit in those countries where awareness of sustainable mobility is only coming slowly to the fore. At the same time, these countries are being particularly affected by the consequences of climate change.

12. Inspiring Character.
MINI lifestyle and special editions.

Creating something very special on the basis of a car already very special – this is the hallmark of the special editions, limited editions and one-off showpieces built time and again in the last sixty years first on the basis of the classic Mini and then on the basis of the new MINI. This is not surprising, considering that this unique small car has fascinated and inspired artists in all disciplines time and again, fashion designers and painters as well as actors and musicians showing their creativity in designing and creating very special versions of the brand.

No other car has become the object of art and fashion as often and in the same diversity as the classic Mini and the MINI. Indeed, specialists discovered the potential of the classic Mini very early on, adorning the car both outside and inside with exclusive special features tailored to individual customer requests.
On behalf of affluent and prominent customers, they therefore created spectacular special models enhancing the cult status of the Mini to an even higher level.

Mini in noble style: the Wickerwork Look.

British actor Peter Sellers was one of the first celebrities thrilled by the Mini and seeking to live out their sense for exclusive style. So giving the originally rather spartan small car particular sophisticated features within the interior and finishing the body in wickerwork design, Sellers promptly started a new trend. Indeed, this design later thrilled Rainier of Monaco to such an extent that he also had a classic Mini built in wickerwork trim as his own very special toy.

Other special versions of the classic Mini likewise remained unique, one-off models being built for many years to the individual taste of their future owners. In fact, it was only in the 1970s that Mini had the idea to offer Special Editions straight from the factory in response to frequent requests for a truly exclusive model. The first car of this kind, the Mini Limited Edition 1000, immediately proved a success in 1976. On its 25th birthday in 1984, the Mini for the first time appeared as an Anniversary Model, with further Anniversary Models then following every five years until production of the classic Mini finally ceased in
the year 2000.

Silver and gold on the car’s 40th birthday.

In the last few years of its production life, the classic Mini again attracted great attention on the part of creative artists. In 1997, for example, British fashion designer Paul Smith created a one-off model boasting unmistakable stripe livery.

A year later Smith designed a Special Edition Mini standing out both through its brilliant blue paintwork and straightforward elegance within the interior.

Celebrating its 40th birthday, the Mini became the subject of passion among an illustrious group of artists, each giving this forever-young small performer their very own, truly unique design look. Super-model Kate Moss, for example, who had already been driving a classic Mini in London for a long time, opted for a cobweb motif, while pop icon Davie Bowie had a Mini manufactured all in chrome and
with reflecting glass surfaces. On the road, however, Bowie decided to stick to his regular production model he had bought only recently: “When it comes to parking the Mini is like a sandwich when you feel hungry – it is a perfectly designed classic”. Actor Michael Caine, to quote another example, gave his black Mini a
gold bar look alluding to the successful film “The Italian Job” in which Caine was involved in three Mini Coopers used to transport gold in one of the most spectacular pursuits in the history of the cinema.

A hit right from the start: the new MINI inspires pop musicians.

After the re-launch of the brand, the MINI again attracted the attention of fashion designers and many other artists almost over night. Celebrating the market launch of the MINI, the musicians of Jamiroquai created a one-off showpiece of the new MINI, Jay Kay, the group’s singer and a thrilled fan of stylish cars, adorning the MINI, among other features, with the group’s logo on its doors and bonnet as well as the name “Jamiromini”.

In one of her music videos, Madonna had a MINI Cooper converted for offroad use, the car giving up its doors but instead receiving offroad tyres and camouflage paintwork. Highlighting the start of sales of the first-generation MINI Convertible in 2004, designers at Bisazza, the Italian lifestyle label, had the idea to present this open four-seater in a dress made of tiny mosaic stones. Indeed, no less than three MINI Cooper S Convertibles as well as two fixed-roof models received this magnificent look in individual style and colours, with more than 30,000 glass stones used on each car.

MINI, fashion, and charity: showing social commitment at the Life Ball.

Joining forces with renowned artists, MINI has been committed for twelve years to the largest charity event in Europe, the Life Ball held annually in Vienna and generating revenues for national and international aids care projects. The event thus serves to support projects committed to enlightenment, medical research, and the treatment of HIV patients. Contributing to these projects, every year MINI has presented a special one-off model from the current portfolio finished in unique style by fashion designers.

The succession of Life Ball cars started just a few months after the official market launch of the new MINI with a car covered entirely by red fabric. A year later a MINI One proudly bearing the autographs of numerous celebrities made its appearance at the Life Ball. Since 2003, major fashion designers have given the MINI their special touch. The first of these designers was Angelo Missoni adorning a MINI Cooper with countless flower motifs. In 2004 Gianfranco Ferré gave a red MINI Convertible a truly impressive crocodile look, with a MINI Cooper Convertible in Donatella Versace’s exclusive blossom look following in 2005, its interior also highlighting that typical Versace style, with gold-coloured seams on the black leather seats and Swarovski crystals on the gearshift lever.

In 2006 another MINI Cooper Convertible made its appearance on stage at the Life Ball Gala in Vienna, this time in the trendy jeans look of the Diesel fashion label. And the 2008 Life Ball MINI, finally, proudly came in the provocative pin-up look of lingerie label Agent Provocateur. In 2013, Roberto and Eva Cavalli unveiled the Life Ball MINI 2013 refined by fashion designer Cavalli. Since 2002 the cars provided by MINI have been auctioned after the Life Ball Gala, with proceeds going to aids projects.

Architectural solutions for urban worlds of living: MINI defines life in the city.

“Creative Use of Space” lies at the core of the MINI brand. As early as 1959, the classic Mini offered an ingenious solution for one of the most pressing problems of that era – urban mobility at an affordable price. The solution was a vehicle that made the most of its potential and provided maximum driving fun on a minimal traffic footprint. The classic Mini demonstrated that even a small car can be exceptionally exciting and it went on to influence urban mobility for generations to come. Today, one of the biggest challenges in major cities is finding attractive and affordable living space. Once again, the solution here is: “Creative Use of Space”. Since 2016, the brand has used its initiative MINI LIVING to demonstrate how this principle can be transferred to urban living space. MINI LIVING adopts
a creative approach to the challenge in large cities – and presents architectural solutions for urban living worlds of the future.

MINI has joined forces with Chinese property developer NOVA Property Investment Co. to create the world’s first MINI LIVING building in Shanghai. The project is based on an innovative co-living concept. MINI is creating a vibrant urban neighbourhood out of a group of six buildings right at the centre of the city. This was previously a disused industrial complex in an upcoming part of the city’s famous Jing’An district. An urban hotspot is rising out of a former paint factory with lots of space for working, networking and living. The project is developing apartments of different sizes for singles, flat shares or families to rent on a short, medium or long-term basis. Anything that does not fit into the apartments themselves, whether this relates to activities or facilities, can take place or be accommodated in the community spaces. Generous lobbies, exhibition areas and a food court are an invitation to linger and spend time relaxing. The package is completed by gardens, play areas, shops and restaurants that will also be accessible to the general public. The idea of MINI LIVING is that sharers will get more out of life – to the advantage of the residents and the entire city. Digital booking of services complements the package. For example, the residents can make restaurant reservations, order food, or call up room cleaning and service, and book vehicles for shared use. MINI LIVING is demonstrating an intelligent approach to space and is also developing new opportunities for individual and at the same time communal life in the city.

13. A Question of Style.
THE MINI Lifestyle collection.

Driving fun in the MINI is fascinating. But the unique feeling so typical of the MINI goes much, much further. And to express his or her passion for unmistakable style also off the road, the genuine enthusiast will find lots of options in the MINI Lifestyle Collection. This unique Collection comprises fashion, jewellery, accessories and lots of lifestyle products which make it easier not only for the MINI driver to clearly express his or her individual style. Technology, innovation, fun and quality are the primary features offered by the MINI Lifestyle Collection. And like the MINI model range, the MINI Lifestyle Collection is constantly growing and becoming increasingly versatile. New models and new lifestyle products, therefore, enable the connoisseur to enjoy the typical feeling of MINI in a growing number of situations.

On its route in becoming an international best seller in all classes and on all levels of society, the classic Mini in its day already inspired the world of fashion time and again. Renowned designers created individual, one-off models with exceptional body paintwork and interior features. In the 1970s the Mini finally proceeded from the garage to the houses of its fans everywhere – as a miniature model for the children’s room or as a collector’s item for the display cabinet.

Introducing the MINI, the Company also decided to start the unique MINI Lifestyle Collection. And from the beginning, this exclusive line-up of outstanding products was characterised by stylish, cosmopolitan and highly appealing as well as truly surprising details. The MINI Lifestyle Collection takes up the latest exciting trends time and again, continuing and enhancing these trends in the typical style of the brand.

MINI all the way: imaginative, versatile, unmistakable.

In their drafts for the MINI Lifestyle Collection, the most outstanding designers focus not only on the latest fashion trends, but also on the design language and lines of the various MINI models. Indeed, the cars also set the foundation for the various products through their colours and materials, helping to create a product portfolio typical of the brand and truly versatile in every respect, and constantly introducing new ideas to remain absolutely unique. Yet a further highlight in
the current range is the John Cooper Works Collection comprising both fashion products and accessories as an expression of the brand’s sporting spirit also beyond the race track.

The MINI Lifestyle Collection: starring at fashion events and on the cinema screen.

The MINI Lifestyle Collection has already become a highlight in the fashion scene and is to be admired regularly at the most outstanding fashion events. One of these events is the renowned BREAD & BUTTER fashion show in Barcelona, where the MINI Lifestyle Collection has already been presented on various occasions. Other, comparable events likewise provide the ideal setting time and again for the MINI brand. Like the MINI itself, the products in the MINI Lifestyle Collection have also made it to the cinema screen, with numerous performances in many productions. The MINI Cuckoo Clock and the MINI Baby Racer, for example, played important roles in the Disney production Lily the Witch – the Dragon and the Magical Book. Together with the leading female star Alina Freund, the animated dragon Hector showed his great interest in the MINI Lifestyle Collection in this cinema production of the famous children’s book. In particular he loved the MINI Baby Racer that enabled him to get around in fast and furious style.

MINI Feeling everywhere – the current MINI Lifestyle Collection.

A clearly defined language of form, inimitable design and high-quality materials are the hallmark of the current MINI Lifestyle Collection 2018–2020. It offers a diverse selection of products that make the complex everyday routine simpler, more enriched or enhanced, and they embody the essence of the MINI brand – even beyond the vehicles themselves. The collection includes more than 100 items and encompasses clothing through accessories, bags and luggage to articles for children and mobility products.

The visual profile of the MINI Lifestyle Collection 2018-2020 features two new impressive accent colours “Island” and “Coral”. The contemporary shade of blue “Island” melds with the exterior colour of “Island Blue” from the current MINI Countryman. The bright shade of red “Coral” provides the ideal hue to complement this livery and defines a fresh accent. The two accent colours are a perfect foil in interplay with the basic colours of Black, White and Grey.

The product selection of the current MINI Lifestyle Collection ranges from the popular logo T-shirts, polo shirts and sweatshirts, through the MINI Logo Patch Sweatshirt Kids with practical kangaroo pocket and caps, to bags and suitcases of different sizes. Then there are also stylish accessories such as umbrellas, Bluetooth Speakers, watches, sunglasses and travel mugs, the MINI Cloth-Bound Notebook, the MINI Fountain Pen and the MINI Tea Maker. The range for younger MINI fans includes the MINI Bulldog and the MINI Puzzle Set. Juniors can experience different versions of driving fun with the MINI Pull Toy Car, the remote-controlled MINI Countryman RC and the MINI Tricycle. In addition, the MINI 60 Years Lifestyle Collection was created in celebration of the landmark anniversary, including special designer items in the style of the British brand.

All products in the MINI Lifestyle Collection are marketed worldwide through the MINI dealer network.

Come and celebrate 60 Years of iconic creativity and trailblazing driving fun with MINI. #LiveMINI, and join the celebrations on 31 August 2019 at the Cradle Pavilion, Cradle Boutique Hotel. Gates open at 12:00, and tickets are on sale now. 

^{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 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.}

^{In 2018, the BMW Group sold over 2,490,000 passenger vehicles and more than 165,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2017 was € 10.655 billion on revenues amounting to € 98.678 billion. As of 31 December 2017, the BMW Group had a workforce of 129,932 employees.}

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

^{www.bmwgroup.com}

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• Local and international media tour completed state-of-the-art BMW Group Plant Rosslyn – the result of R6,1 billion investment since 2015.
• BMW Group Plant Rosslyn to draw 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of 2018 – ahead of BMW Group’s 2020 goal for all production locations to transition to fully renewable electricity supplies.
• The first-ever BMW X Lifestyle Park to open in November 2018.

• Exploring Mpumalanga and Limpopo’s top attractions.

Midrand, South Africa – Following BMW Group South Africa’s R6,1 billion investment announced in the past three years for the production of the BMW X3 and customer vehicles rolling off the production line since April 2018 at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, the locally produced BMW X3 is currently embarking on a tour to explore its new home turf.

The tour, which is called the “BMW X3 xPlore Tour”, will see local and international media visiting BMW Group South Africa’s completed state-of-the-art production plant in Rosslyn, north of Pretoria, exploring the first-ever BMW X Lifestyle Park (XLP) as well as the Bio2Watt biogas plant – Plant Rosslyn’s renewable energy supplier – and Mpumalanga as well as Limpopo’s top attractions.

Exploring the fruits of infrastructure investment at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn.

The BMW X3 xPlore Tour at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn includes the viewing of the largest infrastructure upgrades in the plant’s 45-year history. The upgrades included a new body shop housing almost 300 robots that lend a hand to the plant’s production line employees to begin the process of building the BMW X3. The paint shop, the next chain in the BMW X3 production process, received major modifications in new paint technology and body storage. On the other hand, the assembly line, the last chain in the production process also received significant adjustments – the biggest being the elevation of the roof height and body carriers given the size of the BMW X3 compared to the BMW 3 Series that was produced at the plant. All these infrastructure upgrades have raised the maximum production capacity of the BMW X3 by almost 10% to 76,000 units, leaving the plant with excellent potential in the future to produce the highest volume ever in its 45-year history!

Key to the progress of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn is people. It is for this reason that BMW Group South Africa has taken training and development to the next level by investing R73 million for a new Training Academy at its Rosslyn plant. With this academy, the company is able to host a staggering 300 apprentices per year and conduct training for its employees and managers. More than 2,000 people have moved from the BMW Group Training Academy to Plant Rosslyn since the inception of the academy and history of the Plant.

Unleashing the inner strength of the BMW X3 at the first-ever BMW X Lifestyle Park – to open to the public in November 2018.

With more than 30% of BMW’s global sales being made up of BMW X models, the BMW X3 xPlore Tour will make a turn at the newly developed BMW X Lifestyle Park in Waterfall, Midrand. Scheduled to be open to the public in November 2018, the BMW XLP is a 1,3km off-road track that has been developed to showcase the capability of the BMW xDrive system within all BMW X models via twelve off-road modules. The cost for off-road BMW Driving Experience courses will start from R2,750 when the facility opens. The BMW XLP will also offer various family-orientated lifestyle experiences such as abseiling, zip-lining and park runs. Additional features will include a BMW Lifestyle store with BMW accessories, a coffee shop and food stalls as well as fitness activations.

Witnessing how more than 25,000 cows power BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s electricity needs.

Demonstrating BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s green credentials, the BMW X3 xPlore Tour will go through the Bio2Watt Biogas Plant in Bronkhorstspruit. The plant is located on the premises of one of South Africa’s larger feedlots, run by Beefcor and provides the facility with proximity to key fuel supplies, grid access and sufficient water.

About 40,000 tons of cattle manure and 20,000 tons of mixed organic waste per annum is fed into two anaerobic digesters in which biogas is produced. This then goes into a gas engine to produce electricity, which is distributed into the grid for uptake by power purchasers such as BMW. The City of Tshwane is also a key supplier of waste to the project.

By the end of 2018, 100% of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s electricity supply will be obtained from renewable sources – in line with the BMW Group’s 2020 deadline for all group production locations to transition to fully renewable electricity supplies.

The third generation BMW X3 – uncompromising dynamics on every terrain.

The BMW X3 was the car that launched the mid-size SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) segment in 2003. Since then, BMW has recorded more than 1.5 million new registrations of the X3 across the two model generations so far. And now the third generation BMW X3 – which was launched in South Africa in November 2017 – is writing the next chapter in this success story with an even more striking, dynamic design language, powerful yet also efficient drive systems and luxurious arrangements.

Like all members of the successful X family, it blends standout driving qualities on any terrain with unrestricted everyday usability.

On the BMW X3 xPlore Tour, the first BMW X3 (xDrive30d) that was produced by BMW Group Plant Rosslyn will be among the convoy of other locally produced BMW X3s (xDrive20ds and xDrive30ds) to explore the top attractions of the Mpumalanga and Limpopo province.

The BMW X3 xDrive30d: mightier and cleaner than ever before.

The BMW X3 xDrive30d features a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine under the bonnet and delivers maximum output of 195 kW (fuel consumption combined: 6.1 – 5.7 l/100 km]; CO₂ emissions: 162g/km; predecessor: 190 kW) and peak torque has been increased by an impressive 80 Nm to 620 Nm between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm.

As a result, the new BMW X3 xDrive30d storms from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds and goes on to reach a top speed of 240 km/h. It returns average fuel consumption of 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres, while emissions have also been cut once again: the average CO₂ figure works out at 149 grams per kilometre (a reduction of 7 g/km).

The BMW X3 xDrive20d: reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

With an output of 140 kW (fuel consumption combined: 5.5 – 5.0 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions: 146g/km) and torque peaking at 400 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm, the vital statistics of the diesel engine in the new BMW X3 xDrive20d are unchanged from the predecessor model. The BMW X3 xDrive20d completes the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 8.0 seconds and posts a top speed of 213 km/h.

The cutting-edge BMW TwinPower Turbo technology at the heart of the BMW X3 petrol engines comprises TwinScroll turbocharging, High Precision Injection, Double-VANOS variable camshaft control and Valvetronic fully variable valve timing. The diesel units, meanwhile, employ a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry as well as a common-rail direct injection system generating injection pressures of up to 2,500 bar.

From September 2018, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn will begin producing the entry level petrol engine (BMW X3 xDrive20i) to join the current BMW X3 engine line up.

The BMW X3 xDrive20i is as dynamic as ever to drive and yet more efficient than comparable rivals. In this power variant, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine musters 135 kW (fuel consumption combined: 7.4 – 7.2 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 169 – 165 g/km) and transmits its peak torque of 290 Nm (predecessor: 270 Nm) to the crankshaft between 1,350 and 4,600 rpm. The dash from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 8.3 seconds in the new BMW X3 xDrive20i, while top speed is 215 km/h. Average fuel consumption is now 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres equating to CO₂ emissions of 165 grams per kilometre.

The BMW X3 xPlore Tour bears testimony that indeed BMW Group Plant Rosslyn is all set to be a part of the growing global success story of BMW X models.

For more information on the BMW X3 visit www.bmw.co.za/x3

The price list can be accessed via this link: http://www.bmwgroup-media.co.za/digital/documents/pricelist/G01_X3_Price_List.pdf

Media queries regarding this press release can be addressed to BMW Group South Africa’s Group Communication Division as follows:

Edward Makwana

Manager: Group Product Communications

Group Communications Division

BMW Group South Africa

Tel: +27-12-522-2227

Mobile: +27-71-666-2227

Email: edward.makwana@bmw.co.za

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 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2017, the BMW Group sold over 2,463,500 passenger vehicles and more than 164,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2017 was approximately €10.655 billion on revenues amounting to €97.8 billion. As of 31 December 2017, the BMW Group had a workforce of 129,932 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.

BMW Group websites:

www.bmwgroup.com

www.bmw.co.za

Social Media Pages:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup (BMW South Africa).

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup (@BMW_SA).

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview (BMW South Africa).

On Location Pictures: Legends of Rosslyn Tour, 29 to 31 May 2018.

• Technology meets tradition: BMW Motorsport presents the BMW M8 GTE at the IAA in Frankfurt.
• Innovative, cutting-edge technology makes the BMW M8 GTE the top BMW model in international GT racing.
• The BMW M8 GTE to revive the successful history of BMW at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

 
Frankfurt. BMW Motorsport presented its new top-of-the-range model for the international GT racing scene at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am Main: the BMW M8 GTE. Before the BMW 8 Series Coupé goes on sale, the race car will compete on the track next season, including in the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). It is with this series that BMW Motorsport will also make its return to the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA). As such, the BMW M8 GTE will be associated with both innovative, cutting-edge technology and decades of motorsport tradition. At the IAA, the new car was on display in a BMW M Motorsport livery, designed especially for this occasion, providing a visual taste of things to come in 2018. It reflects the close relationship between the development of production vehicles and motorsport, and once again underlines the degree, to which BMW Motorsport and BMW M belong together.
 
The BMW M8 GTE enjoyed a successful roll-out on 1^st July 2017 at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing (GER) – the very place where the production model of the new BMW 8 Series will be manufactured. The close link between production and motor racing is one of the cornerstones of the development of the BMW M8 GTE. The knowledge gained from race outings with the new car in the FIA WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC) in North America will be directly incorporated in the development of the production model, which is running parallel to the motorsport project.

“The BMW M8 GTE is our new GT flagship and will go head to head with the strong opposition in this sector,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “For us, the presentation of the uncamouflaged car at the IAA is the next important step on the road to our first race outing, which we plan to be the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2018. The FIA WEC and the IMSA series in North America are a top competitive environment for our new challenger. With the BMW M8 GTE, we are bringing cutting-edge technology to the top international class of GT racing, whilst at the same time tying in with our tradition at Le Mans. The development of the BMW M8 GTE is on schedule, and we can hardly wait to see the car challenging for victories in 2018.”
 
A new degree of efficiency.
The V8 engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, which is restricted by regulations to a capacity of 4.0 litres, has a nominal base output of more than 500 hp, depending on the classification. The cylinder block and cylinder head are taken from the production engine and are produced in the light alloy foundry at the BMW Group plant in Landshut (GER). The focus of the development work is on achieving the greatest possible efficiency and maximum durability. The powerful production engine provides the perfect basis. The power transmission in the BMW M8 GTE takes place via a sequential, six-speed racing gearbox.
 
Artificial intelligence gives engineers greater freedom.
“Virtual development” plays a central role in the development of the BMW M8 GTE. For example, the traction control is being developed with the assistance of an artificial intelligence system. Topology optimisation with 3D printing gives the engineers far greater freedom in their search for innovative and creative solutions for the design of the car. Rapid prototyping also allows them to take delivery of a new part, as a usable prototype, just 24 hours after the virtual development.
 
Motor racing and production go hand in hand – design similarities.
Racing and production engineers closely worked together within the framework of the BMW M8 GTE project. For instance, consistent lightweight design also plays a crucial role in the development of the new GT sports car. A significant weight reduction is achieved through the extensive use of ultra-light CFRP components. At a length of 4,980 mm and a width of 2,046 mm, the car weighs just 1,220 kilograms. The design of the BMW M8 GTE also reflects the close relationship to the BMW 8 Series and the BMW M8. This is particularly apparent in the same roof line and the design of the front and rear lights. 

Peak performance in aerodynamics development.
Work on the aerodynamics of a new race car is as time-consuming as it is indispensable. As such, it is all the more important for the BMW engineers to be able to work on the chassis of the BMW M8 GTE with maximum efficiency from the outset. A new algorithm allows a significant increase in CFD calculations, thus making it possible to use greater computing power to clearly increase the number of possible simulations, before progressing to the wind tunnel. Here, BMW Motorsport uses synergies with production development and benefits from the perfect test conditions in the BMW Group Aero Lab. One of the results of the aero development is innovative aero rims, which will be presented as a concept at the IAA.
 
Latest 3D measurement technology in use.
The close interdependence between production and motorsport development continues in another two important areas: the same 3D measurement technology that was used on the BMW M4 DTM, which made its first race outing in 2017, is also used on the BMW M8 GTE. The ultra-modern measurement system from the BMW production development department provides the perfect quality control once the race car has been assembled. With such a complex car as the BMW M8 GTE, which is built completely by hand, it is essential that all the dimensions are correctly adhered to and implemented.
 
Long history of BMW Motorsport in Le Mans.
BMW Motorsport returns to Le Mans with the FIA WEC in 2018. The last time a BMW race car featured on the grid was back in 2011, with the BMW M3 GT2. One year prior to that, the Jeff Koons’ (USA) BMW M3 GT2 Art Car had caught the eye, as it wrote the latest chapter in the story of the BMW Art Car Collection at Le Mans. Among the BMW Art Cars that had started previously at Le Mans were Alexander Calder’s (USA, 1975) BMW 3.0 CSL, the BMW 320i designed by Roy Lichtenstein (USA, 1977) and Andy Warhol’s (USA, 1979) BMW M1.
 
BMW Motorsport’s greatest sporting hour in Le Mans came in 1999, when Yannick Dalmas (FRA), Joachim Winkelhock (GER) and Pierluigi Martini (ITA) took overall victory in a BMW V12 LMR. The McLaren F1 GTR, powered by a BMW engine, had previously triumphed at the “Circuit de la Sarthe” in 1995.
 
The first time a BMW car started at the 24 Hours of Le Mans was back in 1939, when a BMW 328 claimed a class victory after 236 laps of racing. After 1972, BMW cars regularly lined up at the endurance classic.
  
BMW M8 GTE: Technical Details.
 
Dimensions
 
Length without rear wing:       4,980 mm
Width without mirrors:             2,046 mm
Width with mirrors:                  2,224 mm
Height:                                    1,212 mm (variable)
Wheelbase:                             2,880 mm
 
Engine
 
Model:                                    V8 engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology
Capacity:                                3,981 cc
Number of cylinders:              8
V angle:                                  90°
Bore:                                       89 mm
Stroke:                                    80 mm
Cylinder spacing:                    98 mm
Engine speed:                         approx. 7,000 rpm
 
Body
 
•        Composite body with carbon core and DMSB-approved safety roll cage
•        CFRP outer shell with quick-change concept

 
Chassis
 
•        Double wishbones on front and rear axle
•        Four-way adjustable shock absorbers at front and rear
•        Anti-roll bars with quick adjustment
 
Power Transmission
 
•        Six-speed sequential motorsport gearbox
•        Electric paddle shift system
•        Limited slip differential
•        CFRP drive shaft
•        Sachs carbon-fibre clutch
 
Electronics
 
•        BMW Motorsport in-house developed software functions for engine, gearbox and
         driver assistance
•        Steering wheel with 16 buttons and seven dials
•        Rear-view camera system with object recognition
•        High-performance headlights with OSRAM LED elements
•        Live telemetry system for vehicle monitoring
 
Wheels/Tyres
 
•        BMW Aero rims: 12.5x18 inch on the front axle, 13x18 inch on the rear axle
•        Michelin tyres: 30/68 R18 on the front axle, 31/71 R18 on the rear axle

Knudt Flor, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing Co

Governor McMaster,

Senator Graham,

Ambassador Wittig,

Distinguished Guests,

BMW Associates,

Good morning and welcome to BMW Plant Spartanburg!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you!

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

Governor McMaster,

Senator Graham,

Ambassador Wittig,

Honored guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Governor McMaster,

Senator Graham,

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

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

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

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

Ladies and Gentlemen,

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

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

(Unveiling of new BMW X3)

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The new BMW X3!

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

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

Thank you!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

US sales market

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

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

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

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

Telephone: +49 89 382-18364

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

Telephone: +49 89 382-24544

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

Telephone: +49 89 382-12225

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

Telephone: +49 89 382-54459

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

Email: presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

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

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

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

www.bmwgroup.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

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

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

Time schedule 26.06.2017:

09:30 – 10:10 EST       Press Conference "Built in the US: The All-New BMW X3."

15:30 – 16:10 MEST    Spartanburg, USA. LIVE

13:30 – 14:10 GMT

iframe details:

The highlights can be downloaded as soon as possible after the event at:
https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Find more BMW Group on demand streams here:
www.live.bmwgroup.com

The world premiere of the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase is one of the main highlights of the Auto Shanghai 2017 show. The new business sedan is the successor to the current front-runner in the Chinese car market’s premium segment and comes with all the right credentials for cementing this leading status. Likewise making its debut public appearance is the latest special-edition version of the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car. And Auto Shanghai 2017 also hosts the Asian premieres of the BMW Concept X2, revised BMW 4 Series models and new services from BMW Connected created specifically for the Chinese market.

The time-honoured MINI brand is also represented at Auto Shanghai 2017 with a world premiere. The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, a talented all-rounder with stand-out performance attributes, is making its first public appearance. And BMW Motorrad is kicking off its 2017 product offensive with the presentation of the revised BMW S 1000 RR and BMW S 1000 XR, plus an ultra-exclusive new model.

Auto Shanghai is one of the most important motor shows of the year for the global automotive industry. It has taken place every other year since 1985, alternating with the Auto China show in Beijing on the motoring calendar. The National Exhibition and Convention Center in the west of Shanghai opened its doors in 2015 and invites vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and service providers from around the world to display their products across an area measuring some 400,000 square metres. The 17th edition of the Auto Shanghai show will see more than 1,100 exhibitors present their new models, technological innovations and service offerings to the public from 21 – 28 April 2017.

World premiere: the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase.

Taking centre stage at the BMW brand’s stand at Auto Shanghai 2017 is the world premiere of the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase. The new model is being built by BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. exclusively for the Chinese market at the Shenyang facility.

Its 133-millimetre-longer wheelbase imbues the business sedan’s exterior with elegantly stretched proportions which blend harmoniously into its contemporary looks. State-of-the-art powertrain and chassis technology underpin an exceptional balance between BMW’s hallmark dynamic driving ability and supreme ride comfort. The all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase is up to 130 kilograms lighter than its predecessor and boasts enhanced aerodynamics.

Generous kneeroom, optimised soundproofing and a host of innovative equipment features – such as the electrically adjustable comfort seats, Ambient Air package and Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof – elevate on-board comfort in the rear to an even higher level. As well as the iDrive system and a further improved voice control system, the display and control concept also encompasses a touchscreen monitor and BMW gesture control.

World premiere: the BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition.

The BMW Group is also building on its successful track record in sustainable mobility, where BMW i has played a significant role. The BMW eDrive drive system technology originally developed for the all-electric BMW i3 and BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car can now be experienced in six BMW model ranges and one MINI. Indeed, fuelled by the popularity of the BMW i and BMW iPerformance models, the BMW Group is now the most successful manufacturer of plug-in hybrid models for the premium segment globally.

The BMW i8, for example, has developed into the world’s highest-selling plug-in hybrid sports car. And its appeal is given fresh lustre at Auto Shanghai 2017 with the presentation for the first time of the BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition. This latest special edition stands out with its exclusive Protonic Frozen Yellow paint finish, newly designed 20-inch light-alloy wheels and distinctive interior design cues.

Asian premiere: the BMW Concept X2.

The BMW Concept X2 is celebrating its Asian premiere in Shanghai. The new vehicle concept for the premium compact segment combines the robust and functionally accomplished character of a BMW X model with the low-slung proportions of a coupe. Among the signature X elements are muscular surfaces, large, almost squared-off wheel arches and stylistic underfloor protection. The long wheelbase, short overhangs, flowing roofline and slim side window graphic lend the silhouette of the BMW Concept X2 a svelte and dynamic appearance.

Asian premiere: the new BMW 4 Series model range.

The new BMW 4 Series models will be introduced to the public in Asia for the first time with detailed revisions to their design and optimised chassis technology. LED headlights and LED rear lights now come as standard for the BMW 4 Series Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, as does a refined premium ambience in the interior. If the optional Navigation system Professional is specified, the iDrive operating system also features a new tile-style menu layout with constantly updated content. And the Multifunctional Instrument Display can now also be ordered as an option.

BMW Connected with services developed specially for China.

With mobility, communication and infotainment services tailored specially to BMW’s Chinese target group, BMW Connected presents a premium digital offering unmatched in the country. The BMW Connected personalised mobility assistant’s China-specific functionality includes customer support among its suite of services. BMW Connected allows smartphone users to coordinate communications with a selected BMW dealer and arrange service appointments. BMW Connected also supplies users in China with information on traffic offences. And customers can make use of online-based lifestyle, social media and entertainment services selected specially for the Chinese market and with bespoke functionality.

World premiere: the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.

The MINI brand is showing off its sporty side at Auto Shanghai 2017, with the world premiere of the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman commanding the limelight. The latest John Cooper Works machine is the largest and most versatile elite performance model in the British car maker’s portfolio. The brand’s most powerful engine, eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission (fitted as standard in cars for the Chinese market), ALL4 all-wheel drive and sports suspension, plus the aerodynamically optimised body and sports-car cockpit aura come together into a sublime overall package to deliver standout performance and a race feeling that will capture the imagination.

The new-generation MINI sees the British manufacturer also strengthening its position as the leading maker of premium vehicles in the small car and compact segments in China. The MINI 3-door and MINI 5-door are each available with a selection of three engines in the country, and MINI Convertible customers there can choose from two variants. In the premium compact segment, the MINI Clubman can be ordered with one of three engines and the MINI Countryman with a choice of two, plus ALL4 all-wheel drive as an option. The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman joins the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman in the ranks of top-level MINI performance models in China.

BMW Motorrad: fresh success, a model offensive and a world premiere for a suitably exclusive newcomer.

BMW Motorrad recorded extremely dynamic growth in China in 2016, with sales up 52.7 per cent compared with the previous year. And the brand is continuing along its upward curve in 2017, fuelled by its ongoing model offensive in the premium motorcycle and maxi scooter markets. 14 new and redesigned models are set to be introduced up to the end of 2017. And the brand is showing various models at Auto Shanghai 2017, including the latest versions of the ultra-sporty BMW S 1000 RR and BMW S 1000 XR. But the highlight of the BMW Motorrad stand is the world premiere of one of the most exclusive models ever offered by BMW Motorrad.

^{Further information on official fuel consumption figures, specific CO2 emission values and the electric power consumption of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: “Leitfaden über Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen” (Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/en/offers/publications/guideline-for-fuel-consumption.html. LeitfadenCO2 (GuidelineCO2) (PDF ‒ 1.9 MB)}

Update: additional pictures.

Midrand. As part of the BMW Group’s centenary celebrations this year – under the motto “THE NEXT 100 YEARS” – BMW South Africa has refurbished two of its classic cars, the legendary BMW M1 and South African exclusive BMW 333i (also known as the Gusheshe).

As a world-leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles, as well as a provider of premium finance and mobility services, the company has always valued the preservation of its heritage. It is for this reason that BMW South Africa purchased the BMW M1 from a customer in the mid 1980s and used the vehicle as part of its classic collection as well as various activities. The car was later joined by the E23 BMW 745i, E28 BMW M5, E30 BMW 333i and 325iS. However, in the late 1990s, the BMW 745i (E23) and E28 BMW M5 vehicles were sold to customers due to a lack of resources to manage these classic cars. Only the BMW M1, BMW 333i and 325iS remained.

After acquiring the BMW M1, BMW South Africa restored the vehicle from its original blue colour to the red brand positioning colour. The seats, steering wheel, dashboard and carpets were completely redone at the then seat and upholstery supplier in Rosslyn, using original BMW materials. After some years, some mechanical complications occurred and the car was no longer driveable as parts became scarce. The car was then only used for static purposes until July this year when a decision was taken to refurbish the car and get it mobile again. The refurbishment was completed by the company’s press vehicle technicians as well as two apprentices from the BMW Training Centre at Plant Rosslyn.

The birth of a legend in 1978: the BMW M1.

When the 64th Paris Motor Show opened its gates in 1978, sports car fans and lovers had only one destination – the stand of BMW Motorsport GmbH. There they were able to admire a super-low, extremely dynamic new model making it quite clear at very first sight that this was Germany's fastest road-going sports car; the BMW M1 was 1,140 millimetres (44.9”) high, with a power of 204 kW (277 bhp) at 6,500rpm and top speed of 262 km/h. "Everybody was crowding around BMW's new mid-engined sports car", wrote the press at the time.

In addition to a successful racing history, the BMW M1 is significant as the first of the sports cars developed independently by BMW Motorsport GmbH. In July 2016, BMW Group Classic staged a revival with BMW M1 racing cars in the Procar Series just before the race for the “Austrian Grand Prix” at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg. Races with these cars were enthusiastically received in the supporting programme on Formula 1 weekends in Europe. When the first Procar Race was held at Zolder, Belgium, in May 1979, contemporary Formula 1 racing drivers competed in identical racing versions of the BMW M1 against national sports-car professionals, private drivers and talented upcoming drivers. Some of these drivers are now taking the opportunity to get back into the cockpit of the BMW M1 at events such as the Legends Parade in Spielberg – including the three-time Formula 1 World Champion Niki Lauda, who won three Procar Races in 1979 and also succeeded in claiming the overall placing.

A South African exclusive: the BMW 333i.

Another special car that was refurbished is the locally exclusive BMW (E30) 333i, which was manufactured in 1985 at BMW Plant Rosslyn and characterised by a special motor as well as numerous other technological and design features. The BMW 333i, based on the second generation BMW 3 Series (E30), was specially developed for the South African market and created in collaboration with BMW, BMW Motorsport GmbH and Alpina. The highlights of the BMW 333i include a 3.2-litre straight six-cylinder engine with 197 hp (146 kW), a 5-speed sports transmission, sports suspension and specific cockpit design. By 1987, approximately 200 units were produced.

In 2017, BMW South Africa will embark on a second phase of restoring another popular model – the BMW (E30) 325iS. The 325iS was also introduced in 1985 and was a sporty upgrade of the 325i. Two versions were introduced in limited numbers: 145kW and 155kW (both 2.7 litre naturally aspirated engines). They had a uniquely identifiable ‘iS’ body kit, 15” wheels, full electric package, 25% limited slip differential and M Sport suspension with Bilstein struts. The car has a rich racing history winning local races such as the Stannic Group N Class and Castrol Nine Hour races amongst others.

-End-

For media queries, please contact:

Edward Makwana

Manager: Group Product Communications

BMW Group South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Tel: +27-12-522-2227

Mobile: +27-71-666-2227

Email: edward.makwana@bmw.co.za

The BMW Group

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

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

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

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Munich/Spielberg. 37 years after its premiere on the race track, the BMW M1 will once again generate a fantastic atmosphere among motor-sport fans in the warm-up for the Formula 1 World Championship race. BMW Group Classic is staging a revival with the racing cars in the Procar Series just before the race for the “Austrian Grand Prix” at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg. Races with these cars were enthusiastically received in the supporting programme on Formula 1 weekends in Europe. When the first Procar Race was held at Zolder, Belgium, in May 1979, contemporary Formula 1 racing drivers competed in identical racing versions of the BMW M1 against national sports-car professionals, private drivers and talented upcoming drivers. Some of these drivers are now taking the opportunity to get back into the cockpit of the BMW M1 at the Legends Parade in Spielberg – including the three-time Formula 1 World Champion Niki Lauda, who won three Procar Races in 1979 and also succeeded in claiming the overall placing.

Lauda from Austria will be campaigning against a number of former rivals at his historic home competition, driving the BMW M1. Hans-Joachim Stuck (DE), runner-up in the overall placings in 1979 and in third place in 1980, is returning to the cockpit of his successful car. Jochen Mass (DE), Christian Danner (DE) and Marc Surer (CH) are also behind the wheel of precisely the models of the BMW M1 in which they raced during the Procar Series. Austrians Dieter Quester and Sepp Manhalter, and Markus Hotz from Switzerland will also be rekindling their memories of exciting battles for position in Procar races. Gerhard Berger (AT), Jos Verstappen (NL) and Jan Lammers (NL) are three other former Formula 1 racing drivers who will be taking part in the Legends Parade. The field of celebrity drivers is completed by Harald Grohs (DE), who won races in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) driving the BMW 635CSi and the BMW M3, and BMW brand ambassador Leopold Prinz von Bayern (DE). Both drivers once lined up on the grid in a BMW M1 for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and they are being joined by multiple Touring Car Champion Johnny Cecotto from Venezuela.

The sporting spirit of yesteryear is being reawakened with the comeback of the Procar Racers in Spielberg. Today the focal point will continue to be the BMW M1, as it was then. This was the first vehicle designed from scratch by BMW Motorsport GmbH to compete in racing. The series version generating 204 kW/277 hp was propelled to a top speed of almost 265 km/h and delivered the fastest road-going German sports car of its time. The Procar Series not only provided the perfect stage for the first super sports car from BMW, but at the same time created an entirely new form of competition on the race track. The trial of strength in the racing versions of the BMW M1 constructed in conformity with the Group 4 regulations and each generating 345 kW/470 hp turned into a big success with spectators. And today the drivers, too, continue to eulogise about the handling characteristics of the mid-engined coupé, the sound of the legendary inline six-cylinder engine and the sporty appeal of a race series that was all about the skills and abilities of the drivers.

This is the third time that the Legends Parade staged in the context of the Austrian Formula 1 race has reflected very special chapters of motor-sport history. Last year, the BMW Group took part in a rendezvous of historic Formula 1 racing cars. The Brazilian Nelson Piquet drove the Brabham BMW BT52, which he had previously driven to victory in the Formula 1 World Championship in 1983. This year, BMW is providing the entire starter field in celebration of the centenary anniversary of the company. The 14 former racing cars in the Procar Series which were registered for the Legends Parade are currently almost without exception in the ownership of private aficionados and collectors who are as fascinated by their comeback on the race track as the drivers. Two of them will even enjoy the privilege of being able to race in their own vehicle. Gerhard Berger is the proud owner of a BMW M1 Procar, as is Sepp Manhalter, who owns precisely the vehicle that he drove past the finishing line in seventh place at the Zolder race circuit in May 1979. He will be driving this car on Sunday.

Nürburgring (DE), 15th May 2015. The BMW M6 GT3 will make its race debut next season – and yet the new GT racing car at the forefront of the BMW Customer Racing range is already the talk of the town at this year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours (DE). The car was the “star guest” at the M Night – the official opening of the fifth M Festival for fans of the most powerful letter in the world, which is held on the race weekend. BMW works driver Jörg Müller (DE) was at the wheel of the BMW M6 GT3 as the powerful sports car spectacularly took centre stage.

“The BMW M6 Coupé obviously provided us with a sensational base, on which to develop the new car,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “That makes it twice as much fun for our engineers, working hand in hand with their colleagues at BMW M, to transform it into a car for the racetrack. We are hugely looking forward to the first race outing of the BMW M6 GT3 in 2016. I am sure we will continue to add chapters to our motorsport success story with this car.”

Frank van Meel, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW M GmbH, also emphasised the parallels between BMW M and BMW Motorsport, illustrating them with an exciting piece of news. “With the new Competition Package, the engines in the BMW M6 Coupé, BMW M6 Convertible and BMW M6 Gran Coupé will produce 600 kW/h at 700 Nm in the future. This makes 0 to 100 km/h possible in just 3.9 seconds for the Coupé and Gran Coupé, and 4.0 seconds for the Convertible,” said van Meel. “This innovation shows the huge potential of our 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. And we obviously love to be able to exhaust this potential.”

“The Nürburgring, BMW M and BMW Motorsport simply belong together,” said Müller after presenting the car in front of a large crowd. “And it makes you incredibly proud to take to the stage in this brand-new baby. The BMW M6 GT3 will give fans of BMW M a lot of pleasure in the future.”

BMW Motorsport customers from all over the world had previously enjoyed a first exclusive look at the BMW M6 GT3 at a “Closed Room” event at the BMW M Test Centre in Nürburg (DE) on Wednesday, during which they were given a detailed introduction to the car by drivers and engineers. The guests were particularly interested in the 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, which is also used in the BMW M6 Coupé and was only slightly modified for its outings on the racetrack. The high-tech powertrain with dry sump lubrication generates 500 kW/h and impressively high torque. “That will definitely make it easier for us to overtake coming out of slow corners,” said Müller, giving a driver’s point of view.

The BMW M6 GT3 weighs less than 1,300 kilograms. The transaxle drive concept, six-speed sequential racing transmission and chassis, which was optimised in the BMW wind tunnel, ensure that BMW Motorsport will compete with a genuine racer in 2016. The reliability, efficiency and ease of maintenance of the BMW M6 GT3 have also been optimised for its outings at endurance races. The longer wheelbase significantly improves the car’s handling compared to the current BMW Z4 GT3.

To offer the drivers of the BMW M6 GT3 as much protection as possible against the effects of a crash, BMW Motorsport developed and produced the FIA-approved safety cell in accordance with the very latest safety standards. The car also boasts numerous other features, the sole purpose of which is to protect the driver. These include the roof hatch specified in the regulations, through which the driver’s helmet can be removed if necessary, as well as the safety seat, which was also developed by BMW Motorsport and is bolted firmly into the chassis.

While the BMW M6 GT3 must wait until the 2016 season for its first race on the Nordschleife, the car’s predecessor – the BMW Z4 GT3 – was in action on Saturday, 16 May 2015: the six cars in the SP9 class at the 43rd staging of the endurance classic in the Eifel Mountains got underway at 16:00hrs.

USCC: BMW Team RLL enjoys impressive outing in Long Beach.

BMW Team RLL claimed its first win in the GTLM class at the Long Beach (US) round of the United SportsCar Championship (USCC): Bill Auberlen (US) and Dirk Werner (DE) were victorious at the iconic street circuit. Lucas Luhr (DE) and John Edwards (US) finished fifth in the team’s second car.

Three questions for… Bill Auberlen.

Bill, you are second in the list of drivers with the most number of wins in North American sports car racing, as you have 54 and Scott Pruett has 59. What does that mean to you?

Bill Auberlen: “It means an awful lot. Yes it is close and I really would love to lead that list. The problem is it is hard to get wins in this series. Scott Pruett gets them and I get them, so it is difficult to close the ground on him. I really want that record and, if I could get it, it would be a real honour to be anywhere in the same mention with a guy like Scott.”

How did it feel to win again after you were last on the top step of the podium in Long Beach back in 2013 at your home event?

Auberlen: “It feels great – particularly as Long Beach is my home race and I have had to wait a long time for this win. This feeling doesn’t ever get old, so everybody should know it keeps feeling just as good. In the race I went from being reasonably okay in second place and then we had a problem with the car and the fuel fill at the pit stop and dropped back to fifth. I had an anxiety issue where I was going into deep depression! But then Dirk started moving up the field and I started to come out of this depression. I thought we had a chance of this win. Bobby Rahal is like a rock, as he just stuck with it, hung in there and got the strategy perfect. Dirk put his head down. He is a fantastic driver, super fast and he just ground away at it. Just kept plugging away.  Hunted the Ferrari down and made a beautiful pass.”

How do you see the rest of the season panning out?

Auberlen: “If we can somehow find the right set-up on this car going into Laguna Seca, we stand a chance of repeating this success. We finished P2 there last year and just have to go one better, but that is going to be a tight battle. I think it could be a great year.”

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DTM: BMW drivers fine tune their fitness.

The BMW DTM drivers went straight from the test in Oschersleben (DE), from Tuesday to Thursday, to their next appointment on Lanzarote (ES). They will remain on the Canary Island until Tuesday, where they will work on their fitness under the guidance of team doctor Riccardo Ceccarelli (IT) and his Formula Medicine team, in order to ensure they are perfectly prepared for the first DTM race weekend of the year in Hockenheim (DE) on 2nd/3rd May. The focus is on the physical strengths of the drivers, as they put themselves to the test in such disciplines as cycling, kayaking, swimming, running, water polo, squash, football, beach volleyball and orienteering. The DTM drivers will also be given valuable tips on how to prepare mentally for the 18 races that make up the 2015 season. “The training on Lanzarote is great fun,” said reigning DTM champion Marco Wittmann (DE). “It is exactly what you need to clear your head just before the start of the season. It is noticeable how everybody in the team is fully focussed. The tools we acquire here will definitely help us over the course of the season.” DTM rookie Tom Blomqvist (GB) added: “I really enjoy this training programme. It helps me to get to know my new BMW team-mates even better. The spirit among the eight drivers is amazing. We will certainly be in excellent shape when we line up on the grid for the first time in Hockenheim.”

BTCC: Collard most successful BMW driver in fourth place in Donington.
The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) was in Donington for the second race weekend of the season. In the opening race of the day, Sam Tordoff (GB) crossed the finish line fifth in the BMW 125i M Sport, making him the best-placed driver from the West Surrey Racing Team. Rob Collard (GB) also made it into the top ten, finishing eighth. A technical problem in qualifying meant BMW works driver Andy Priaulx (GB) was forced to start the race from down in 23rd. However, he was then able to fight his way back through the field to end the race in 12th. After sixth (Collard), ninth (Tordoff) and tenth (Priaulx) in race two, Collard ended the day with the best BMW result of the weekend in race three: the experienced Englishman came home fourth. Both Priaulx and Tordoff failed to finish the final race of the weekend.

Munich/Las Vegas. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES ) 2015 in Las Vegas, BMW is providing further evidence that it is a world leader in the development of Laserlight. Having already supplied its first models with Laserlight to customers, it is now presenting further laser functions for vehicles of the future. Laserlight is now able to offer its impressively long beam range of up to 600 metres in combination with the BMW Selective Beam function (anti-dazzle High-Beam Assistant). At CES, BMW is unveiling ways in which Laserlight, extensively integrated with assistance systems and vehicle sensors, can be used to implement new intelligent lighting functions for enhanced safety and comfort. For example, it can work with the navigation system to illuminate corners well in advance, while a laser-based Dynamic Light Spot can provide early warning of people or animals at night from a distance of up to 100 metres.

New lighting technology opens up design scope.
The BMW M4 Concept Iconic Lights model, with exterior paintwork in Cool White metallic, features a new interpretation of the typical BMW twin round headlights. On the move, the laser technology can be identified by the fine blue strips inside the lights. Meanwhile, the rear light clusters of the BMW M4 Concept Iconic Lights model are based on OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes), which produce light from wafer-thin semiconducting layers of organic material. For the first time, both the tail lights and rear direction indicators feature OLED technology. The illuminated surfaces are positioned to produce a three-dimensional effect. OLEDs also take up less room on account of their thin size.

Shining example of innovative technology: anti-dazzle Laserlight and laser projection.
BMW Laserlight sets new standards in terms of beam range and brightness. Inside the laser headlights, the “coherent” monochromatic blue laser light is converted into harmless white light. A special optical system directs the rays from the high-performance diodes onto a phosphor plate inside the light, which converts the beam into a very bright white light that is similar to natural daylight and pleasant to the eye. Despite consuming 30 percent less energy, the parallel light beam is ten times more intense than that produced by halogen, xenon or LED light sources. BMW Laserlight also has a beam range of up to 600 metres, more than twice that of conventional headlights, for increased safety in the dark. The camera-based BMW Selective Beam system, which is controlled by dynamic actuators, prevents oncoming or preceding vehicles being dazzled and allows the laser high beam to be left on at all times.

Enhanced safety through connectivity.
Extensive integration of the innovative Laserlight with other vehicle systems allows a variety of intelligent lighting functions to be implemented. Integration with the navigation system, for example, allows the proactive Adaptive Headlight control system to illuminate corners even before the steering wheel is turned. Laserlight also adds a new dimension to the Night Vision system’s Dynamic Light Spot function. In pitch-dark conditions, people and animals can be detected from a distance of up to 100 metres, by infrared camera, and “spotlighted” by the laser-based Dynamic Light Spot. This is a longer range than that of any other system. Also, if the vehicle detects reduced clear road width ahead, the laser headlights can be used to provide “narrow clearance” lighting. A laser projection function indicates the exact width of the vehicle in relation to the road to allow safe passage through the narrow space. BMW M4 Concept Iconic Lights also showcases a further “visionary” system: “High Power Laser” diodes. This system projects driver information directly onto the road in front of the vehicle, allowing drivers to concentrate optimally on the traffic even in pitch darkness.

OLED rear light cluster with three-dimensional effect.
Organic light-emitting diodes – OLEDs – are an innovative, efficient, sustainable light source that form the basis for the BMW Organic Light system. OLEDs have a low power consumption, which helps to further reduce vehicle CO2 emissions. Another sustainable feature of this technology is the fact that no expensive rare earth metals are required in the production process. Unlike ordinary LEDs, which are a point light source, OLEDs produce light uniformly over their entire surface. The OLED elements are very thin, with a thickness of just 1.4 millimetres. Also, the individual modules can be activated separately, generating new possibilities for creating different lighting effects at the rear light clusters.

Different lighting effects in different driving modes.
In the past, rigorous legal requirements regulating the brightness of vehicle lighting have limited the number of lighting functions that it was possible to implement with OLED technology. On the BMW M4 Concept Iconic Lights model, BMW Organic Light is used in the tail lights and rear direction indicators. By activating the OLED segments individually, it is possible to create different rear lighting effects in different driving modes. Whereas normally the L-shape is wide and uniformly illuminated, in Sport mode a different-shaped light pattern can be used by activating only some of the OLED segments. The rear light then appears as a narrow, focused and sharply defined “strip” of light.

New technologies create new design options.
Lighting is an important design element in modern vehicles. From the front, all vehicles of the BMW core brand are instantly identifiable by the combination of their twin round headlights and the hallmark kidney grille. At night, the four glowing corona rings form a distinctive signature.
The BMW M4 Concept Iconic Lights model presents a new interpretation of the twin circular headlight theme. The headlights feature laser technology which is attractively highlighted by fine blue LED strips when the vehicle is on the move. Thanks to the new laser technology it was also possible to give the headlights a flat and sharply sculpted design.

The L-shaped rear light clusters are just as distinctive in terms of styling as the front lights. The “L” shape is a typical design hallmark that accentuates the width of the rear and gives the vehicle a striking and powerful look that always stands out from the crowd, whether at night or during the daytime. On current models, LED-powered light strips and other light elements emphasise the L-shape at night and make the brand identity more easily recognisable in the dark. BMW first presented a rear light cluster with OLED elements on the BMW Vision Future Luxury concept model, which made its world debut in Beijing in April 2014. BMW M4 Concept Iconic Lights displays its own version of this design. Its M-style OLED rear light cluster marks a new evolution of the typical BMW L-shaped lighting design which, with the BMW 7 Series launch, was reinforced with a distinctive “glowing” effect. OLED technology makes it possible to create a new, more three-dimensional and at the same time very sharply defined appearance.

BMW M GmbH will be launching a production model featuring OLED technology in the near future.

Munich/Berlin. The 16th GQ Men Of The Year Awards ceremony was held last night amid the stylish ambience of Berlin’s Komische Oper to honour a line-up of high-calibre national and international personalities from show business, the music world, society, sports, politics, culture and fashion. BMW is an official partner of the award, which is held in eleven countries. The Group provides an exclusive shuttle service for the high-profile event, comprising 28 trademark models such as the BMW X5 and BMW 7 Series, along with a range of BMW M cars.

One of the most coveted awards went to top model and BMW brand ambassador Karolína Kurková, who was proclaimed “Gentlewoman of the Year” by men’s style magazine Gentlemen’s Quarterly. Further accolades were conferred on Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody in the Film International category, longstanding Hollywood great Donald Sutherland in the Legend category, music icon Lenny Kravitz in the Music International category, and world champion footballer Miroslav Klose in the Sport category. Another major star on the red carpet was the winning car of this year’s DTM, the BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition, with Marco Wittmann – the youngest DTM champion of all time – among the event’s 800 invited guests. Hosting the awards ceremony was Joko Winterscheidt, who had already emceed the event in 2013.

Winners of the GQ Men Of The Year Awards 2014 at a glance:

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Munich. The new BMW X5 raises efficiency to another new level in the world of the luxurious Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). BMW is using the 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) to present the logical next step towards landmark efficiency in the SAV segment. The BMW Concept X5 eDrive combines the brand of driving pleasure for which the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system is renowned and a luxurious ambience within the variable-use interior with a plug-in hybrid drive concept. Its innovative BMW eDrive technology guarantees the hallmark sporting ability of a BMW, while at the same time opening the door to speeds of up to 120 km/h, a maximum range of 30 kilometres on electric power alone and average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

The concept study’s BMW eDrive system consists of a four-cylinder combustion engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor which is also the work of the BMW Group. The 70 kW motor sources its energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery. It can be charged from any domestic power socket and has sufficient capacity to enable the car to travel up to 30 kilometres solely on electric power, generating zero local emissions in the process. The high-voltage battery developed for the BMW Concept X5 eDrive is mounted in a particularly crash-safe position underneath the load area, whose capacity remains virtually unchanged as a result. There is a choice of three driving modes, depending on requirements and situation – the intelligent hybrid drive option for an optimum balance between sportiness and efficiency; pure electric and therefore emission-free driving; or Safe Battery mode to maintain the current battery charge.

The groundbreaking character of the BMW Concept X5 eDrive is highlighted by understated but precisely arranged design accents. For example, the kidney grille slats, air intake bars and the inlay in the rear bumper – all in the BMW i Blue colour developed for the BMW i brand – present an appealing contrast to the Silverflake metallic exterior paintwork. The BMW Concept X5 eDrive also comes with specially designed roof rails, a connector for the charging cable that lights up during charging, and 21-inch light-alloy wheels in an exclusive, aerodynamically optimised design.

BMW eDrive in a Sports Activity Vehicle: intelligent hybrid technology delivers outstanding efficiency and characteristic driving pleasure.
Electrification of the powertrain allows BMW to unlock impressive potential for reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The BMW eDrive technology developed by the BMW Group to this end comes in various forms, each tailored precisely to the vehicle concept at hand. The BMW Group’s first purely electrically powered vehicle to go into series production – the BMW i3 – celebrates its world premiere at the IAA 2013. And taking to the stage alongside the i3 will be the BMW Concept X5 eDrive, which follows in the tyre tracks of the BMW Concept Active Tourer unveiled in 2012 as the second plug-in hybrid vehicle to feature BMW eDrive.

BMW eDrive technology hooks up with the intelligent all-wheel-drive system BMW xDrive for the first time in the BMW Concept X5 eDrive. The new study vehicle offers superior driving characteristics underpinned by the electronically controlled and fully variable distribution of drive between its front and rear wheels. Regardless of the driving mode selected, the power generated by the electric motor, combustion engine or the two units together is channelled quickly and precisely to the wheels where it can be converted most effectively into propulsion. This allows the BMW Concept X5 eDrive to demonstrate the typical qualities of an SAV – assured traction and optimised stability in all weather and road conditions, coupled with increased agility through dynamically taken corners – in outstandingly efficient fashion. The versatile and sporty driving attributes of the BMW Concept X5 eDrive are complemented by average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of under 90 grams per kilometre.

The electric motor in the BMW Concept X5 eDrive generates maximum output of 70 kW and – thanks to impressive torque available from the word go – demonstrates the instantaneous power delivery that has become a hallmark of electric drive systems. All of which elevates driving pleasure and efficiency to another level. The synchronous electric motor developed by the BMW Group also maintains a steady flow of power into the upper reaches of its load range and keeps weight low. The motor alone can propel the BMW Concept X5 eDrive to a top speed of 120 km/h. As part of the boost function, it can also be used to give the combustion engine a noticeable hit of extra energy during acceleration and during dynamic mid-range sprints. The BMW Concept X5 eDrive can complete the sprint from rest to 100 km/h in under 7.0 seconds.

ECO PRO mode and all-electric driving: efficiency on demand.
Like members of the current series-produced BMW line-up, the BMW Concept X5 eDrive also offers ECO PRO mode, which is activated using the Driving Experience Control switch and encourages a particularly efficient driving style. This default mode is engaged when the car is started and offers intelligent hybrid functionality, whereby the energy management system tailors the interplay of combustion engine and electric drive system to most efficient effect. Drivers can also enjoy the services of the hybrid-specific Proactive Driving Assistant, which teams up with the navigation system to incorporate factors such as route profile, speed restrictions and the traffic situation into the driving mode selection.

Drivers can also switch to the all-electric driving mode. With the battery fully charged, the car can cover up to 30 kilometres on electric power alone and therefore with zero local emissions. Another option is the Safe Battery mode, which allows the battery’s energy capacity to be maintained – for example, if the driver wants to cover the final stretch of a longer journey through town on purely electric power.

Everyday usability: flexible charging scenarios and viability.
In order to allow the extra efficiency of its electric powertrain to be utilised as widely as possible, the BMW Concept X5 eDrive is designed as a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Its high-voltage battery can be recharged from any domestic power socket, a Wallbox designed to offer stronger currents or a public charging station. The impressive degree of flexibility drivers can look forward to when choosing a charging point is enhanced by the charging cable stored in the load area below the flat storage compartment. The battery unit is located a level lower still, which means the car’s overall load-carrying capacity is only slightly reduced. The boot offers space for two large suitcases or four 46-inch golf bags, and the SAV’s high level of variability – thanks in part to its 40 : 20 : 40 split/folding rear seat backrest – is retained, as are the generous levels of space and comfort over long journeys that it offers in all five seats.

Intelligent connectivity for greater efficiency.
Innovative functions from BMW ConnectedDrive help drivers to maximise the number of journeys they complete on electric power alone. For example, in the BMW Concept X5 eDrive, the electric range available is shown as a numerical value. The car’s dynamic range display uses intelligent connectivity to keep a constant eye on all the factors affecting range, such as traffic conditions, route profile and driving style.

 When the route guidance function is activated, the location of public charging stations is added to the points of interest shown on the navigation map. Drivers can call up stations located along their route or at their destination, and the system also tells them how much charging time is required to fully top up the battery once again.

 All information concerning battery charge and electric range can also be viewed on the driver’s Smartphone. A Remote app from BMW ConnectedDrive developed specially to meet the requirements of electric mobility enables owners to control the charging process from their phone. It also allows the vehicle to be pre-programmed while it is connected to an electricity source. For example, the heating and climate control system can be activated remotely to ensure a pleasant temperature inside the car before the driver sets off.

In the event of enquires please contact:

BMW South Africa Group Communications and Public Affairs Division

Edward Makwana

Manager: Group Automotive Communications

BMW South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Tel: +27-12-522-2227

Email: edward.makwana@bmw.co.za  

The BMW Group

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

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

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

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New York / London / Beijing. Three cities. Three continents. One world premiere. Yesterday, Monday 29 July 2013, saw the simultaneous ceremonial unveiling of the BMW i3 in London, New York and Beijing. The first premium car to be purpose-designed as an all-electric vehicle was revealed to the public for the first time by six BMW Group board members in the various metropolises.
The highlight of the London event came after the formal unveiling of the BMW i3 when the BMW Group hosted a launch party at Old Billingsgate Market. Some 600 people joined the BMW Group and star guests Sienna Miller and James Franco to celebrate the debut of the BMW i3. The actors were clearly impressed by the vehicle’s electric drive system and its consistent approach to sustainabitility in its design: “Being a new mother I am very passionate about making green changes in my life to leave a better world for the next generation. 100% electric as well as stylish is something brand new which no one else offers making the BMW i3 the perfect city car for me”, so Sienna Miller. James Franco was equally taken with the BMW i3: “As a champion of art and design I love the way BMW has managed to combine style, functionality and technology. This car makes being green cool, which is really important.”

Good morning New York. Hello london. Good evening Beijing.
Compact, agile, sustainable: the BMW i3 represents the intelligent choice of transportation for conurbations. To reflect this, the BMW Group invited board members to three megacities, where they simultaneously gave the starting signal for a new era of mobility. Along with designers Adrian van Hooydonk, Benoit Jacob and Daniel Starke, they also gave invited guests an insight into the car’s design and solutions for sustainable mobility in the future.  

  New York, local time  8.30 hrs.

Launch of the BMW i3 at Center 548 by:

-         Dr.  Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG

-         Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, MINI, BMW Motorrad, Rolls-Royce, Aftersales BMW Group

-         Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design

London, local time 13.30 hrs.

Launch of the BMW i3 at Old Billingsgate Market by:

-         Dr. Ian Robertson (HonDSc), Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing BMW, Sales Channels BMW Group

-         Dr. Herbert Diess, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development

-         Benoit Jacob, Head of Design BMW i

Beijing, local time 20.30 hrs.

Launch of the BMW i3 at The Workshop by:

-         Dr. Friedrich Eichiner, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Finance

-         Harald Krüger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production

-         Daniel Starke, Head of Interior Design BMW i

Launch party for the BMW i3 with star line-up at Old Billingsgate Market.
Alongside renowned screen stars Sienna Miller and James Franco, the London launch party attracted numerous international celebrities to Old Billingsgate Market – among them supermodel Poppy Delevingne and Ben Hudson, lead singer of the Britpop band Mr Hudson. Other guests included actress Laura Bailey as well as It-Girl and model Peaches Geldorf. Manning the DJ decks to provide the musical entertainment were “in” model Amber Le Bon, daughter of 80s supermodel Yasmin Le Bon and Duran Duran singer Simon Le Bon,  along with Guinness heir and “it” boy Jack Guinness.

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

The BMW i3 will be available to customers in Germany in November 2013 at a base price of 34,950 EUR.

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Series version of the BMW i3 unveiled simultaneously worldwide

Reithofer: BMW i3 is a great leap forward

BMW i3 sets new benchmark for sustainable mobility

Already more than 90,000 requests for test drives

New York, London, Beijing. The BMW Group debuted the series version of its innovative electric vehicle, the BMW i3, simultaneously in New York, London and Beijing on Monday. “Innovation drives change. The i3 is more than just a car. It’s a revolutionary step towards sustainable mobility. It is purpose-built around an electric power train to serve the needs of our megacity customers,” said Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Norbert Reithofer, at the world premiere in New York on Monday.

The BMW i3 – the BMW Group’s first pure electric series-produced model – has the same sporting genes as every BMW and is characterised by sheer driving pleasure. Sustainability is a priority throughout the entire BMW i3 value chain: “The BMW i3 sets a new benchmark for sustainable mobility in all stages of development and production, as well as aftersales,” said Friedrich Eichiner, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Finance, at the unveiling of the BMW i3 in Beijing.

Range of 130 to 160 kilometres generally quite sufficient

The vehicle achieves a range of 130 to 160 kilometres. The BMW Group’s experience with test fleets of MINI E and BMW ActiveE cars has shown that a range of 130 to 160 km is quite sufficient for the vast majority of drivers. The average distance driven daily worldwide is no more than 64 km.

If desired, the BMW i3 is also available with a range-extender, which maintains the charge of the lithium-ion battery at a constant level enroute, as soon as it falls below a specified value. This is performed by a two-cylinder gasoline engine with 25 kW, mounted adjacent to the electric motor above the rear axle. The range extender increases the car’s maximum range in day-to-day driving to around 300 kilometres.

Low running costs and strong global interest

The BMW i3 will be released in Germany and other European markets in November 2013. The market launch of the BMW i3 in USA, China, Japan, South Africa and several other markets will take place in the first half of 2014. The base price for the BMW i3 has been set at 34,950 Euros in Germany. Local pricing (SA) has not been confirmed yet. If customers opt to purchase the Range Extender as an extra, the price in Germany will amount to 39,450 Euros.

The vehicle’s running costs are comparatively low: Over a period of three years, the maintenance and running costs for a BMW i3 are about 40% lower than those of a highly-economical 320dA registered in Germany. In other countries, figures may even be lower, depending on the level of subsidies available for electric vehicles.

Public interest in the BMW i3 and BMW i overall is extremely high and the response has been very positive: BMW i already has more than 1.2 million fans worldwide on Facebook, and more than 90,000 people have already requested a test-drive with the BMW i3.

BMW i3 sets a new benchmark in lightweight construction

The BMW i3 features a large number of technological innovations – such as a carbon-fibre passenger cell and a chassis made of aluminium – and sets new standards in the field of lightweight construction. With a curb weight of 1,195 kilogrammes, it is lighter than most vehicles in the compact segment, yet offers significantly more space for up to four occupants.

Its low weight contributes to the agility and dynamic performance of the BMW i3. The car’s electric drive-train generates output of 125 kW and peak torque of 250 Newton metres, which is immediately available from a standing start. The BMW i3 sprints from 0 to 60 km/h in 3.7 seconds and from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. Its top speed is limited to 150 km/h for efficiency reasons.

Sustainability throughout the value chain

Sustainability plays a vital role for the BMW Group. For example, the electricity needed for production of the BMW i3 at the Leipzig plant is generated from wind power. In addition to its CO2-free electricity supply, the plant also uses 50% less energy and 70% less water than the average for the already highly-efficient BMW production network.

Sale of BMW i vehicles via multi-channel sales model

BMW i products and services will be marketed through a multi-channel sales model, comprising authorised retail partners (BMW i agents), a multimedia Customer Interaction Centre (CIC) and an online sales platform. All sales channels will be fully integrated and customers will be able to choose their own individual customer journey. Customers can easily switch between all four channels.

With the introduction of the new online sales channel, BMW is responding to changed customer behaviour. Customers want new possibilities in how they inform themselves about products and how they purchase them. BMW i Partners will be the backbone of the BMW i sales network and the main contact point for the customer.

With its holistic „360 ° ELECTRIC“ approach, BMW i provides the customer with an extensive product and service offer designed to meet the driver’s needs. “We will support our BMW i3 customers with a comprehensive package of premium services for seamless and uncomplicated “sheer driving pleasure”, explained Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing BMW, at the BMW i3 launch in London.

Global market for electric vehicles likely to exceed 150,000 vehicles in 2013

The global market for electric vehicles is showing positive development: After almost 93,000 electric vehicles were registered worldwide last year, a total of 150,000 units is already forecast for the current year.

 If you have any queries, please contact:

BMW Corporate Communications:

Edward Makwana

Manager: Group Automotive Communications

BMW South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Tel: +27-12-522-2227 

Email: edward.makwana@bmw.co.za

The BMW Group

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

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

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

www.bmwgroup.com

www.bmw.co.za

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

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

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Ladies and Gentlemen,

Innovation drives change.

And truly revolutionary innovations can even transform society. There is a powerful idea behind them – and a strong desire to create something better for tomorrow.

This is why we are here today. We are at the starting-blocks of a new era — the era of sustainable mobility.

Welcome to New York City, America’s premier megacity with over 8.3 million residents.

I am delighted to present – for the first time – the BMW i3.

Big changes start small. Looking back in history, we can find many examples of this. Today, the BMW i3 marks the beginning of a new mobility age. To put this into perspective, take a look at the mobile phone in your pocket. We had more than one hundred years of landline telephones. Then came the mobile phone and it completely changed how we interact with our world. The mobile phone opened up business opportunities that no one would have believed possible.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The car industry has waited well over a century for its own revolution. Today the wait is over. What the mobile phone did for communication, electric mobility will do for individual mobility.

The BMW i3 is more than an evolutionary step —it is a great leap forward. From sketch to street, the i3 is unique in every respect. With the intention of creating a truly sustainable car, we conducted research in megacities around the world.

This included:

• Millions of test miles with our retro-fitted electric cars, MINI E and BMW ActiveE,
  
  
• Years of research in collaboration with Megacity experts around the world, and
  
  
• Thousands of hours talking with customers.

From the start, we redesigned our entire development and production processes. The BMW i3 is purpose-built around an electric powertrain to serve the needs of our megacity customers.

The BMW i3 is Born Electric.

This is premium at its very best.

With every step of the way from development, to production, to after-sales, the BMW i3 sets new benchmarks in sustainable mobility. In the brand-new architecture, we use carbon fibre for the passenger cell — a first in high-volume car production. Our expertise in manufacturing with this material makes the passenger cell extremely strong and light weight. We produce the carbon fibre material using hydroelectric power. And we build the BMW i3 using wind power.

This is an industry first.

Our innovative production methods are also unique.

Carbon fibre components are bonded together in a fully automated process. The bonding techniques we have developed in-house are setting new industry standards.

The innovations of the BMW i3 go beyond R&D and production to include customer experience. 

We will support all of our BMW i3 customers with a comprehensive set of premium service offerings. This approach, “360 Degree Electric”, will make BMW i3 driving enjoyable and easy. Adding to the BMW i3’s relaxing experience is the open interior with its lounge atmosphere.

And of course, the BMW i3 will share one dynamic quality with every other BMW on the road: It will be an Ultimate Driving Machine.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In response to global trends such as urbanization and increasing carbon emissions, sustainability is an important part of a modern, urban lifestyle. The BMW i3 is the perfect solution to the mobility needs of people here in New York City. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has committed the remainder of his term to making New York City the greenest city on earth by supporting several citywide programs. Foremost, he seeks to improve and expand sustainable transportation infrastructure. We support with Mayor Bloomberg’s efforts to connect public parking spots in NYC for electric vehicle charging – up to 20 percent over the next seven years. This promotes not only sustainable mobility solutions, but also cost savings.

Charging your electric car costs up to 30 percent less than the average of what you now pay at the pump.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The car has existed for nearly 130 years.

Today marks a shift — a change — in the future of mobility.

The BMW Group is proud to be driving this change. 

Today, the BMW i3 begins a new era:

The era of true sustainable mobility. 

Thank you.

Munich. Good morning New York, hello London, wanshang hao Beijing – at 14.30 Central European Time on Monday, 29 July 2013, these greetings will ring out from megacities in the USA, Europe and Asia to mark the unveiling of the BMW i3 to a global audience. The spectacular premiere for this revolutionary vehicle takes place exactly two years after the BMW i3 Concept was presented in Frankfurt on 29 July 2011 prior to the International Motor Show (IAA).   

The simultaneous launch in three continents highlights the global approach embodied by the BMW i3 towards resolving urban mobility issues worldwide. This approach is rooted in the holistic idea of a purpose-built vehicle concept boasting a unique design, sustainability throughout the value chain and complementary mobility services. As such, the BMW i3 redefines urban mobility for the present and future, setting benchmarks for sustainability, design, hallmark BMW dynamics and exemplary efficiency. It is the world’s first premium electric vehicle designed from the ground up to be powered by an electric drive system. It is also a world first by virtue of bringing together visionary design, pioneering technology and an innovative vehicle concept that includes a passenger cell made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). 

In each of the three metropolises, BMW Group board members will present the BMW i3 in a live transmission, explaining the development history and technology of this innovative model and showing what form a global solution to the challenges of personal mobility could take. 

The unveiling will be streamed live on the internet:

14.15 – approx. 16.00 pm CEST:

Live broadcast including a speech by Dr. Norbert Reithofer and the unveiling event of the BMW i3

 16.35 – 17.25 pm CEST:

Best of the BMW i3 World Premiere

TV footage, videos and pictures from the event and the live stream can be found at: http://www.live.bmwgroup.com. The live stream will also be available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h746QIGIMOc.

The BMW i3 is the result of an integrated development approach aimed at cutting fuel consumption and emissions in urban traffic. The vehicle concept and drive system were developed entirely in-house by the BMW Group. The 125 kW electric motor of the BMW i3 enables locally emission-free driving to a range of between 130 and 160 kilometres. When it came to the selection of materials and the production processes, exceptionally high standards were likewise achieved in terms of sustainability and conserving resources. The BMW i3 will be presented to the public at large at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt/Main (12 – 22 September 2013).

Technical data TV satellite transmission 29.07.2013:

14:15 – ca. 16:00 CEST     LIVE in Format 16:9 (including 2 repeats, immediately after live)
                                                - General Pictures
                                                - Speech Dr. Norbert Reihofer
                                                - The unveiling event
                                                - Driving shots from the BMW i3

16:35 – 17:25 CEST           Best of BMW i3 World Premiere (3 times in loop)

TV Footage, videos and pictures from the event and the live stream can be found at: http://www.live.bmwgroup.com .

Also attached is an iframe code for embedding the livestream into your webpage.

Please be aware of the different satellite data for each region!

Highlights of the BMW Group Conferences at the Auto Shanghai  2013 will be transmitted via satellite on April 20th, 2013 at 10:30 GMT (18:30 CST).

You can also download the speeches at  https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en.

The highlights can also be obtained at https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en.

Attached you can find further information according the transmission.

Munich. Every new BMW X model is a trailblazer. Indeed, the world premiere of the first BMW X model (the BMW X5) in 1999 saw the BMW Group call into being the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment – one in which BMW X models remain the market leaders. The BMW X3 and BMW X1 were likewise the first SAVs in their class and continue to set the pace among their rivals today. This development took on a new dimension in May 2008 with the introduction of the BMW X6 – the first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC). This still unique concept brought together the rugged looks of a BMW X model with the emotional aura and sporting character of a BMW Coupe for the first time. The enduring popularity of BMW’s first SAC is borne out by its consistently high sales figures. The short history of the BMW X range is already a successful one. Since the first BMW X model took to the stage, average sales across the BMW X line-up have progressed on a constant upward curve: one in four new BMW cars is now a BMW X model.

With the BMW Concept X4, the BMW Group offers a preview of the future of the BMW X family. It takes no more than a first glance to see how smoothly the qualities of a BMW X model can blend with the genes of a BMW Coupe. The new Sports Activity Coupe concept from BMW is poised to continue the success story of the BMW X6 in a new vehicle class. Eye-catching proportions, tight contours and numerous high-quality details produce an unrivalled product character brimming with emotional appeal, dynamism and the sturdiness you would expect from a BMW X model, while at the same time holding out the promise of outstanding performance and driving dynamics. All of this can be experienced when the BMW X4 production model rolls out of the factory for its market launch, scheduled for as early as 2014. The second Sporty Activity Coupe in the brand´s model range will be built at BMW Plant Spartanburg in the USA, the competence centre for BMW X models which also produces the BMW X5, BMW X6 and BMW X3.

The sporting character of the BMW Concept X4 is articulated by its dynamic linework as well as its proportions. With a body length of 4,648 mm, a wifth of 1,915 mm and a height of 1,622 mm, its exterior dimensions signal sporting elegance and powerful robustness. In addition t a long bonnet, short overhangs and set back passenger cell, its signature BMW features include a long wheelbase measuring 2,810 mm, while 21 inch light alloy wheels lend an added flourish to the athletic bearing of this Sports Activity Coupe.

A front end with an urban sporting presence.

The front-end styling of the BMW Concept X4 exudes hallmark BMW dynamics and the rugged purpose and presence of a BMW X model in equal measure. Classical BMW features such as the kidney grille and stylised twin circular headlights give the front end a clear identity and ensure it shines out as a BMW the first time you set eyes on it. The BMW Concept X4 lavishes both these front-end design icons with meticulous detail and three-dimensional depth. The large kidney grille stretches out within a solid-looking surround. The high-gloss frame is open to the sides and at its lower extreme, lending it an almost “floating” appearance in the centre of the front end. The grille features prominently sculptured bars with ultra-stylish detailing. The hollowed out, high-gloss black bars have a milled lower third with a matt finishing, which lends the kidney structure extra visual depth. And the grille also comprises additional air apertures to ensure an increased supply of cooling air to the engine.

The kidney grille is flanked by dynamically contoured full-LED headlights. Inside the light units, a flowing, hexagonal interpretation of the familiar BMW twin circular appearance points to an unwavering focus on the road ahead. The horizontal continuation of the inner light elements creates a visual connection with the grille, accentuating once again the width of the front end.

This dynamic impression extends to the front apron. In keeping with
BMW Coupe tradition, the side air intakes are larger than the inner units and make a visual feature of the increased cooling air requirement – while satisfying that need. Together with the car’s wide track and low centre of gravity, the intakes represent a promise of exceptional performance capability. The side air intakes pick up on a stylistic theme from the kidney grille; their black horizontal bars are, like the grille’s, partly milled out but boast gleaming chrome edges. It all makes for an enticing contrast of materials, a fusion of high-end quality with the characteristic robustness of BMW X vehicles.
This design theme concludes in the underride protection element, where three milled out, gleaming chrome elements present a high-quality take on the modern preference for minimalist solidity.

Side view with an extrovert edge.

The qualities of a BMW X model merge with the values of a BMW Coupe in the muscular silhouette of the BMW Concept X4. Its proportions present a persuasive case for the BMW Concept X4 as the most dynamic vehicle in its segment. In hallmark BMW style, a longer wheelbase, relatively long bonnet, short overhangs and a set-back greenhouse lend the car an undeniable dynamism even when standing still. The striking interplay of surfaces creates a vibrant contrast of light and shadow that exudes a feeling of agility and power. Prominently rising lines mould the flanks into a wedge shape and give the car as a whole a forward-surging momentum.

The coupe-style roofline sweeps elegantly downwards and makes the car appear longer. Below, the windows extend well to the rear, where they are bordered by a dynamic interpretation of BMW’s signature Hofmeister kink. The stretched and shallow band of glass creates a persuasively dynamic link between the greenhouse and vehicle body, the slim glass surface giving the body an impressively powerful appearance. At the same time the visual centre of gravity is lowered, underlining the sporting mission statement summed up by the car’s flanks.

The BMW Concept X4’s contours include a new interpretation of the familiar BMW swage line, a pair of dynamic lines defining the eye-catching impact of the side view. A concave area under each swage line lends the flanks an almost sculptural expression – at once robust and dynamic. The surface volumes and definition of the contours deepen as they extend towards the tail and imbue the rear end with added stature. Here, the powerfully flared wheel arches team up with the concave surface below the rear swage line to visualise the power rippling through the rear wheels. The radiant exterior paint shade Long Beach Blue is a perfect match for the elaborately structured volumes and contours, and brings particular depth to the expressive design language.

Fitting the BMW X template, the wheel arches of the BMW Concept X4 are large and almost square in design. This prominent emphasis on the wheels draws further attention to the car’s planted stance and long wheelbase, while at the same time providing a visual showcase for the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The pared-back, matt black protective cladding provides the final element of bodywork before the BMW Concept X4 meets the road.

Expressive 21-inch bi-colour light-alloy wheels round off the car’s appearance when viewed from the side. Intricate, high-gloss polished spokes provide visual allure, while behind them dark-coloured flame surfaces contribute an impressive feeling of depth.

Cutting-edge presence for the rear.

The rear of the BMW Concept X4 takes the sporting, width-accentuating elements of the front-end design and reproduces them with an emphatically horizontal flavour. The body’s lines and the slim LED tail lights positioned at the outer edges of the rear emphasise the muscular wheel arches and wide track. Below, horizontal lines split the rear visually into sections, while light surfaces reduce the car’s visual height and underline its width.

The shallow rear window gives the vehicle body an even more powerful impression and its broad shoulders a show-stealing presence. Looking further down, the L-shaped rear lights of the BMW Concept X4 underscore its consummate stance on the road. A full-sized inner element in the tail lights, meanwhile, replicates the signature BMW “L” shape in three-dimensional form and with impressive depth.

The most striking element at the back of the car is the rear apron, which provides a wide, full-length interpretation of the front apron’s large outer air intakes. The apron’s cut-out picks up the two exhaust tailpipes in a dynamic sweep before diverting the gaze to the wheels. Body-colour elements reaching well down towards the road surface provide a high-quality border for the rear end and re-emphasize the road-focused proposition of the BMW Concept X4.

The underride protection acts as the body’s lowest edge. Matt black surfaces lower the car’s perceived height and accentuate the robust BMW X character of the rear. As at the front of the car, three milled elements in gleaming chrome add a sophisticated touch to the underride protection.

Munich. Every new BMW X model is a trailblazer. Indeed, the world premiere of the first BMW X model (the BMW X5) in 1999 saw the BMW Group call into being the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment – one in which BMW X models remain the market leaders. The BMW X3 and BMW X1 were likewise the first SAVs in their class and continue to set the pace among their rivals today. This development took on a new dimension in May 2008 with the introduction of the BMW X6 – the first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC). This still unique concept brought together the rugged looks of a BMW X model with the emotional aura and sporting character of a BMW Coupe for the first time. The enduring popularity of BMW’s first SAC is borne out by its consistently high sales figures. The short history of the BMW X range is already a successful one. Since the first BMW X model took to the stage, average sales across the BMW X line-up have progressed on a constant upward curve: one in four new BMW cars is now a BMW X model.

With the BMW Concept X4, the BMW Group offers a preview of the future of the BMW X family. It takes no more than a first glance to see how smoothly the qualities of a BMW X model can blend with the genes of a BMW Coupe. The new Sports Activity Coupe concept from BMW is poised to continue the success story of the BMW X6 in a new vehicle class. Eye-catching proportions, tight contours and numerous high-quality details produce an unrivalled product character brimming with emotional appeal, dynamism and the sturdiness you would expect from a BMW X model, while at the same time holding out the promise of outstanding performance and driving dynamics. All of this can be experienced when the BMW X4 production model rolls out of the factory for its market launch, scheduled for as early as 2014. The second Sporty Activity Coupe in the brand´s model range will be built at BMW Plant Spartanburg in the USA, the competence centre for BMW X models which also produces the BMW X5, BMW X6 and BMW X3.

The sporting character of the BMW Concept X4 is articulated by its dynamic linework as well as its proportions. With a body length of 4,648 mm, a wifth of 1,915 mm and a height of 1,622 mm, its exterior dimensions signal sporting elegance and powerful robustness. In addition t a long bonnet, short overhangs and set back passenger cell, its signature BMW features include a long wheelbase measuring 2,810 mm, while 21 inch light alloy wheels lend an added flourish to the athletic bearing of this Sports Activity Coupe.

A front end with an urban sporting presence.

The front-end styling of the BMW Concept X4 exudes hallmark BMW dynamics and the rugged purpose and presence of a BMW X model in equal measure. Classical BMW features such as the kidney grille and stylised twin circular headlights give the front end a clear identity and ensure it shines out as a BMW the first time you set eyes on it. The BMW Concept X4 lavishes both these front-end design icons with meticulous detail and three-dimensional depth. The large kidney grille stretches out within a solid-looking surround. The high-gloss frame is open to the sides and at its lower extreme, lending it an almost “floating” appearance in the centre of the front end. The grille features prominently sculptured bars with ultra-stylish detailing. The hollowed out, high-gloss black bars have a milled lower third with a matt finishing, which lends the kidney structure extra visual depth. And the grille also comprises additional air apertures to ensure an increased supply of cooling air to the engine.

The kidney grille is flanked by dynamically contoured full-LED headlights. Inside the light units, a flowing, hexagonal interpretation of the familiar BMW twin circular appearance points to an unwavering focus on the road ahead. The horizontal continuation of the inner light elements creates a visual connection with the grille, accentuating once again the width of the front end.

This dynamic impression extends to the front apron. In keeping with
BMW Coupe tradition, the side air intakes are larger than the inner units and make a visual feature of the increased cooling air requirement – while satisfying that need. Together with the car’s wide track and low centre of gravity, the intakes represent a promise of exceptional performance capability. The side air intakes pick up on a stylistic theme from the kidney grille; their black horizontal bars are, like the grille’s, partly milled out but boast gleaming chrome edges. It all makes for an enticing contrast of materials, a fusion of high-end quality with the characteristic robustness of BMW X vehicles.
This design theme concludes in the underride protection element, where three milled out, gleaming chrome elements present a high-quality take on the modern preference for minimalist solidity.

Side view with an extrovert edge.

The qualities of a BMW X model merge with the values of a BMW Coupe in the muscular silhouette of the BMW Concept X4. Its proportions present a persuasive case for the BMW Concept X4 as the most dynamic vehicle in its segment. In hallmark BMW style, a longer wheelbase, relatively long bonnet, short overhangs and a set-back greenhouse lend the car an undeniable dynamism even when standing still. The striking interplay of surfaces creates a vibrant contrast of light and shadow that exudes a feeling of agility and power. Prominently rising lines mould the flanks into a wedge shape and give the car as a whole a forward-surging momentum.

The coupe-style roofline sweeps elegantly downwards and makes the car appear longer. Below, the windows extend well to the rear, where they are bordered by a dynamic interpretation of BMW’s signature Hofmeister kink. The stretched and shallow band of glass creates a persuasively dynamic link between the greenhouse and vehicle body, the slim glass surface giving the body an impressively powerful appearance. At the same time the visual centre of gravity is lowered, underlining the sporting mission statement summed up by the car’s flanks.

The BMW Concept X4’s contours include a new interpretation of the familiar BMW swage line, a pair of dynamic lines defining the eye-catching impact of the side view. A concave area under each swage line lends the flanks an almost sculptural expression – at once robust and dynamic. The surface volumes and definition of the contours deepen as they extend towards the tail and imbue the rear end with added stature. Here, the powerfully flared wheel arches team up with the concave surface below the rear swage line to visualise the power rippling through the rear wheels. The radiant exterior paint shade Long Beach Blue is a perfect match for the elaborately structured volumes and contours, and brings particular depth to the expressive design language.

Fitting the BMW X template, the wheel arches of the BMW Concept X4 are large and almost square in design. This prominent emphasis on the wheels draws further attention to the car’s planted stance and long wheelbase, while at the same time providing a visual showcase for the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The pared-back, matt black protective cladding provides the final element of bodywork before the BMW Concept X4 meets the road.

Expressive 21-inch bi-colour light-alloy wheels round off the car’s appearance when viewed from the side. Intricate, high-gloss polished spokes provide visual allure, while behind them dark-coloured flame surfaces contribute an impressive feeling of depth.

Cutting-edge presence for the rear.

The rear of the BMW Concept X4 takes the sporting, width-accentuating elements of the front-end design and reproduces them with an emphatically horizontal flavour. The body’s lines and the slim LED tail lights positioned at the outer edges of the rear emphasise the muscular wheel arches and wide track. Below, horizontal lines split the rear visually into sections, while light surfaces reduce the car’s visual height and underline its width.

The shallow rear window gives the vehicle body an even more powerful impression and its broad shoulders a show-stealing presence. Looking further down, the L-shaped rear lights of the BMW Concept X4 underscore its consummate stance on the road. A full-sized inner element in the tail lights, meanwhile, replicates the signature BMW “L” shape in three-dimensional form and with impressive depth.

The most striking element at the back of the car is the rear apron, which provides a wide, full-length interpretation of the front apron’s large outer air intakes. The apron’s cut-out picks up the two exhaust tailpipes in a dynamic sweep before diverting the gaze to the wheels. Body-colour elements reaching well down towards the road surface provide a high-quality border for the rear end and re-emphasize the road-focused proposition of the BMW Concept X4.

The underride protection acts as the body’s lowest edge. Matt black surfaces lower the car’s perceived height and accentuate the robust BMW X character of the rear. As at the front of the car, three milled elements in gleaming chrome add a sophisticated touch to the underride protection.

South African buyers never experienced that first BMW M3. It was only built in left-hand drive and the first BMW M3 to reach these shores was the 6-cylinder E36 M3 Coupe of the early 1990s. So, to meet demand for a sport BMW 3 Series in the late Eighties, BMW South Africa’s engineers at Plant Rosslyn produced two very special BMW 3 Series for South Africa only.

The first was the Alpina-based BMW 333i, which shoehorned a 145kW 3.2-litre inline 6-cylinder engine into the two-door BMW 3 Series saloon in 1985. Then, in the late 1980s, the Rosslyn engineers created the BMW 325iS.

Initially this was merely a 2-door 325i saloon fitted with a bodykit and a close-ratio gearbox which improved acceleration at the expense of top speed and economy. But more changes were made to keep the car competitive in South African saloon car racing culminating in the 325iS Evo II of late 1991. By now several body panels were made of aluminum and the engine capacity grew to 2.7-litres, produced 155 kW and the car achieved a 0-100km/h dash in a mere 7.5 seconds.

Now, to celebrate 25 years of the BMW M3, BMW South Africa’s engineers are at it again and will produce a very special version of the current V8-engined BMW M3 Coupé in celebration of this milestone.

This special M3 – of which only 25 will be made available - will only come in two exclusive colours: Frozen Black and Frozen Grey.

The matt paintwork is matched to red brake callipers, black leather with red stitching and gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels. Each car will also feature the the M Dual Clutch Transmission as part of the standard specification.

More significantly however, these special BMW M3 Coupés will also rely heavily on performance enhancing parts from AC Schnitzer to further enhance their exclusivity.

South African buyers never experienced that first BMW M3. It was only built in left-hand drive and the first BMW M3 to reach these shores was the 6-cylinder E36 M3 Coupe of the early 1990s. So, to meet demand for a sport BMW 3 Series in the late Eighties, BMW South Africa’s engineers at Plant Rosslyn produced two very special BMW 3 Series for South Africa only.

The first was the Alpina-based BMW 333i, which shoehorned a 145kW 3.2-litre inline 6-cylinder engine into the two-door BMW 3 Series saloon in 1985. Then, in the late 1980s, the Rosslyn engineers created the BMW 325iS.

Initially this was merely a 2-door 325i saloon fitted with a bodykit and a close-ratio gearbox which improved acceleration at the expense of top speed and economy. But more changes were made to keep the car competitive in South African saloon car racing culminating in the 325iS Evo II of late 1991. By now several body panels were made of aluminum and the engine capacity grew to 2.7-litres, produced 155 kW and the car achieved a 0-100km/h dash in a mere 7.5 seconds.

Now, to celebrate 25 years of the BMW M3, BMW South Africa’s engineers are at it again and will produce a very special version of the current V8-engined BMW M3 Coupé in celebration of this milestone.

After one win (Road America) and scoring at least one podium in every race thus far, the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team M3 GT has taken BMW (with 138 points) to within one point of Porsche (139 points) and nine in front of Ferrari (129 points) in the GT Manufacturer’s Championship battle. For these three teams, the 13th annual Petit Le Mans will be a 10-hour, winner-take-all showdown.

As they did at the season-opener 12 Hours of Sebring, BMW Motorsport drivers Andy Priaulx and Dirk Werner will join the team. Priaulx will team up with Joey Hand and Dirk Müller in the No. 90 M3 GT. Werner will co-drive with Bill Auberlen and Tommy Milner in the No. 92 M3 GT. They joined Hand and Milner at the pre-Petit testing on Sept. 25 and 26. Priaulx drove with Auberlen and Hand in the No. 90 M3 GT in last year’s Petit Le Mans, ultimately finishing 12th after being slowed by a punctured radiator.

With so much on the line, the team has made special preparations for Petit. Fast and mistake-free pit stops having played such a role in the team’s success this season that all of the pit equipment has been checked, refreshed and renewed for up to a dozen stops each M3 may make during the race. Multiple sets of new quick-change front bodywork have been prepared to speed the repair of damage that may occur. The front ends also now house new larger cornering lights for improved night vision.

Following a test session Wednesday afternoon, official practice begins on Thursday with night practice that evening. Live Qualifying is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1.  The race will be televised live on SPEED beginning at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2.

Team Statements.

Martin Birkmann, BMW of North America Motorsport Manager: “We are excited about the Petit Le Mans – the signature race of the series. The last two races were tasking on our cars and drivers, but we have used the time post-Mosport to fix them up and have conducted very promising tests. This nail-biter of a GT Manufacturer’s Championship has come down to the wire and we will make every effort to drive it home for BMW. Whoever is finally crowned on Saturday night will be a deserving champion.”

Bobby Rahal, Team Principal: "In just the second year of our partnership with BMW, here we are at the end of the season with a legitimate opportunity to win the team and Manufacturer’s Championship, and this is what we have been shooting for since the first day we tested the M3. I know the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team will be prepared, the cars will be strong, the drivers will be ready and we are looking forward to a good weekend at Road Atlanta.”

Bill Auberlen, Driver, No. 92 M3 GT: “This has been the most competitive year I can remember.  BMW has been on the podium in every race this season and it proves how far we have come in a very short period.  We have led the Manufacturer’s and Team championships for most of the year and now we are just one point back.  Everything rides on this race.  We tested at Road Atlanta earlier this year with success.  We are prepared!  We have a great car with an amazing team, and a powerful driver lineup.  Now all that's left is to take home the biggest trophy.”

Tommy Milner, Driver, No. 92 M3 GT: “With one race to go, we're only one point out of the Manufacturer’s Championship, and Petit Le Mans is where it will all be decided. Anything can happen in an endurance race, but with our combination of cars, team, drivers, and tires we have to be one of the favorites. It's going to be at least nine hours of flat out racing and the ones who make the least mistakes will be out front. I'm up for the challenge as I'm sure the rest of the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team is. Road Atlanta is one of those tracks where every lap is exciting whether you are by yourself or racing on the last lap and I hope to see the No. 92 M3 GT out front at the checkers.”

Dirk Werner, Driver, No. 92 M3 GT: “I'm very happy to be with the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team for the Petit Le Mans. My first race with the team in Sebring was a great experience and success. Knowing how strong the BMW M3 GT ran all season long, I'm highly motivated for this race. I'll give my best to support BMW, the team, and the drivers to reach their goals and win the GT Manufacturer’s Championship.”

Joey Hand, Driver, No. 90 M3 GT: “This year I feel the best about our chances to do really well.  We had a shot last year, but it was a much longer shot. We had a great test at Road Atlanta earlier this year. Afterwards, I told the crew, this is the exact set-up we take to Petit Le Mans. Dirk and Andy and I work well together. The team has worked hard on reliability, a key for an endurance race. We might be out of Driver’s Championship, but we aren't out of the Manufacturer’s Championship.  I am focused on winning this race.”

Dirk Müller, Driver, No. 90 M3 GT: “After an extremely disappointing race in Mosport, I am ready for Road Atlanta. There will be a lot more cars than usual, meaning the competition level is getting even higher. I am looking forward to a great season finale and we as a team are all working hard to get a second win and to get the crown for the Manufacturer’s and Team Championship. Right now we are second and only a point behind. We had an excellent test here in Atlanta and now I am thrilled to get in and race our BMW M3 machine!”

Andy Priaulx, Driver, No. 90 M3 GT: “It’s great to be back at Petit Le Mans. It was so disappointing last year not to finish the race due to the adverse weather, but I hope this year we can not only finish, but finish with a great performance.”

About BMW Rahal Letterman Racing:

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes.  The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 336 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 100 MINI passenger car dealers, and 31 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

BMW’s partner, Rahal Letterman Racing, based in Hilliard, Ohio and co-owned by three-time IndyCar Champion and 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal and CBS LATE SHOW host David Letterman, has been competing for more than a decade compiling 20 victories, 30 poles and one series championship (Bobby Rahal in 1992 in CART) and an Indianapolis 500 championship (Buddy Rice in 2004).  In 2008 Rahal Letterman Racing again won Rookie-of-the-Year honors at the Indianapolis 500 and partnered with Andersen Racing to run two entries in the Indy Pro Series. In 2009 the team joined BMW of North America to campaign the BMW M3 as BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team in the American Le Mans Series.

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Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its products is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com.  Real-time updates at www.twitter.com.BMWNA_Racing. Video interviews and on-board clips at www.youtube.com/BMWNAMotorsport. Information about Rahal Letterman Racing is available via the Internet at: www.rahal.com.

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