BMW has continued its impressive run at the coveted Fleet News Awards, securing the Fleet Manufacturer of the Year title for the sixth consecutive year in 2024. This achievement is particularly significant as the award is voted for by Fleet News readers, who are certified fleet decision-makers, reflecting the brand's strong reputation across the wider sector.

The award ceremony was held on the 13th of March at Grosvenor House in London, where the achievements of the fleet industry were celebrated in style. In addition to the Manufacturer of the Year accolade, BMW also triumphed in individual vehicle categories. The BMW i4 claimed the Best Premium Car title, acknowledging its leading position in the premium electric vehicle market and its appeal to corporate customers and company car drivers.

Furthermore, the new BMW 5 Series was named Best Executive Car, solidifying its position as a leading choice for business users in the UK. Launched in October 2023, the eighth-generation BMW 5 Series fuses advanced technology with an elegant and sporting saloon style, generous space, and exceptional refinement. The BMW 5 Series offers a choice of powertrains – petrol, plug-in hybrid, and the all-electric BMW i5, providing fleet customers complete flexibility depending on the needs of their drivers.

Matt Collins, General Manager of Corporate Sales at BMW UK, said, "We are immensely proud to be recognised once again as Fleet Manufacturer of the Year, and I'd like to express my sincere thanks to Fleet News and its readers for their continued support and recognition. We are also delighted to receive individual accolades for the BMW i4 and 5 Series. These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and our commitment to delivering vehicles that meet the evolving needs of the fleet sector."

The Fleet News Awards are well-known for their meticulous judging process and focus on real-world fleet usage, thanks to a panel of industry-leading judges, making BMW's continued success at these awards a testament to the brand's leadership in the fleet sector.

For further information on BMW's award-winning fleet and corporate offerings, please visit https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/topics/buying/business-corporate/fleet-managers.html.

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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/

In only a few days BMW will take centre stage at the world’s most prestigious motoring festival - the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed. In its centenary year, the company will be the Central Feature Marque showcasing famous cars and drivers from throughout its illustrious history

Epitomising this year’s Festival of Speed theme – ‘Full Throttle – The Endless Pursuit of Power’ – the Central Feature will celebrate BMW’s myriad of motorsport successes. Taking a starring role on the sculpture created by Gerry Judah will be the legendary BMW 328 Mille Miglia Roadster, the Gordon Murray-designed Brabham-BMW BT52, and the Le Mans-winning BMW V12 LMP.

The event will also offer the chance to see the stunning 2002 Hommage for the first time since its global debut at the 2016 Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este. Taking its inspiration from the original 2002 turbo of 1973, the 2002 Hommage offers an inspiring tribute to this turbocharging pioneer, re-imagined as a design study for the 21st century.

As the honoured marque, it’s entirely fitting that Lord March should ‘open the hill’ at the wheel of a beautiful 1957 BMW 507. Other BMW legends being driven up Goodwood’s famous 1.16-mile course include the Mille Miglia-winning BMW 328 Touring Coupé from 1940, and a 1965 BMW 1800 TiSA – an early example of BMW’s unparalleled success in touring car racing.

It’s not just the famous cars from BMW’s past and present that can be seen and heard in anger, but also the drivers associated with their successes. Ex-F1 driver Riccardo Patrese will drive his one-time teammate Nelson Piquet’s M1 Procar; Yannick Dalmas will be reunited with the V12 LMP that he helped steer to victory in the 1999 Le Mans 24-hours; and DTM legends Johnny Cecotto and Roberto Ravaglia will drive BMW M touring cars, old and new, while former double Indycar champion and Paralympic handcycling gold medallist Alex Zanardi will drive a Z4 GT3 car.

Meanwhile, motorbike enthusiasts will be treated to an array of classic and modern bikes including a 1966 BMW R50 S Kaczor, a 1976 BMW R90 S 76 and legendary WR 750 Kompressor from 1929. Star riders present will include ‘Ringmeister Helmut Dahne and former World Superbike Champion Troy Corser.

This summer’s festival also promises one of the most exciting displays ever for BMW Motorsport GmbH. Representing the most recent expression of the BMW M philosophy, the BMW M4 GTS will be seen for the first time at Goodwood – both up the hill and on display – powered by a six-cylinder in-line engine that develops 500hp with the help of a new water injection system. British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) stars Rob Collard and Jack Goff will be at the helm, whilst one lucky Twitter follower- @BMWUKMotorsport - will be able to join Jack in the first Supercar run of the weekend.

In fact, fans of BMW M are in for a treat, as a unique ‘M Avenue’ over on the ‘cricket pitch’ will celebrate iconic BMW M cars from the last 40 years alongside the hottest new M products. These will include everything from the original M1 supercar to the new BMW M2 - the latest compact sports coupé in a long line of legendary road and racing BMWs.

The BMW Pavilion will be the home of the marque during the festival and is a celebration of the next 100 years of the brand. The history wall takes visitors through our past, a fleet of road cars shows our present including BMW iPerformance models, and the presence of the BMW Vision NEXT 100 shows where the future may lie. Visitors to the BMW Pavilion are able to have their photo taken with the BMW Vision NEXT 100 at the Vision Gate, and win prizes and BMW experiences.

Guest stars and drivers will make appearances on the stand, with live interviews broadcast to assembled visitors. All schedules will be displayed daily or available through Twitter @BMWUKMotorsport, which will be dedicated to the festival all week. BMW owners can also access the exclusive Owners’ Lounge on the top floor terrace of the Pavilion to enjoy refreshments and an unrivalled view of the festival’s famous Hillclimb.

Finally, those BMW enthusiasts looking for a quieter moment away from the energy and excitement of the Festival can enjoy a tranquil, relaxed environment at ‘The Stable Yard’. Here they’ll find two of the iconic BMW Art Cars: the Frank Stella BMW 3.0 CSL from 1976 and the Roy Lichtenstein BMW 320i from 1977. Also in the Stable Yard, and in the UK for the first time, will be the BMW i Vision Future concept - a BMW i8 Spyder packed with the latest BMW in-car innovations including BMW Airtouch, the next generation of gesture control, BMW Connected and Cloud connectivity. The BMW i Vision Future concept was first shown earlier this year, at the CES Show in Las Vegas.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is being held from 23-26 June 2016, beginning with Press Preview Day featuring the Moving Motor Show on Thursday 23 June. The BMW M2 and BMW i8 will be in action for (pre-booked) test drives, and the new BMW i3 with more powerful battery will be on static display. Visitors can even experience what it’s like to drive a BMW touring car in the BTCC with a virtual reality ride courtesy of Team IHG® Rewards Club BMW BTCC Virtual Reality Race Experience. Using an Oculus Rift, it will be possible to sit alongside BTCC driver Jack Goff as he tackles the first round of the 2016 championship held at Brands Hatch.  Jack, along with all our drivers, will also be on hand on Thursday and throughout the festival to meet fans.

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

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

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

www.bmwgroup.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

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

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

For further information please contact:

Martin Harrison                                    BMW Media Relations Officer

Tel: 01252921259

Email: Martin.Harrison@bmw.co.uk

Gavin Ward                                           BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 371512           

Email: Gavin.Ward@bmw.co.uk

Piers Scott                                            General Manager, Product and Internal Communications

Tel: 07815 378190            

Email: Piers.Scott@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs                                       Corporate Communications Director

Tel: 07815 376867           

Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

BMW today launched the world’s first 360° interactive film offering potential customers a virtual test-drive of the brand’s first-ever electric vehicle, the BMW i3.

The film, which can be downloaded to smartphones and tablets, invites users to assume the position of the driver and supporting actor in a dramatic, fast-paced race to save the world. Shot in 360° detail and using complete surround sound, the film allows the user to explore and interact with a fully immersive virtual environment by maneouvering their smartphone or tablet.

The film offers consumers a virtual test-drive of the fully-electric BMW i3, ahead of its UK launch, while at the same time playing a role in an evolving on screen drama. The interactive virtual test-drive film was shot by Emmy Award-winning Director, Jason Zada, best-known for directing ‘Take This Lollipop’ which has been seen by more than 100 million people.

The BMW i3 virtual test-drive app, entitled “Become Electric”, is available to download free now from the Apple App store and from 26 September from Google Play.

Download the app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bmw-i3-become-electric-360/id696274654?ls=1&mt=8

BMW UK Marketing Director, Chris Brownridge said the BMW i3 virtual test drive stands at the intersection of film, advertising, gaming and digital marketing.

“Become Electric allows consumers to experience the future of mobility in a revolutionary and exciting new way. You are at the wheel of the new BMW i3 electric car for almost the entire film all while being immersed in a big Hollywood-style movie.”

Earlier this month, BMW launched an automated information service for potential BMW i customers which employs artificial intelligence. The ‘BMW i Genius’ uses specially developed software to interact with potential customers in a live question and answer format via text message.

The new BMW i3 is the first model to launch within the BMW i range.  Two BMW i cars are confirmed for production, the fully-electric BMW i3 megacity vehicle and the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 sports car. The BMW i3 is BMW’s first fully-electric production car and is due to go on sale in the UK in late 2013, priced from £369 a month* or £25,680** OTR. Meanwhile, the BMW i8 will go on sale in the UK priced at £99,845 OTR.

Like the i8, the BMW i3 features an all-aluminium chassis combined with a passenger cell made entirely from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic. As well as the vehicles themselves, BMW i will encompass a range of premium services for mobility aimed at optimising the use of parking spaces, charging infrastructure, ‘smart’ navigation systems, intermodal route planning and access to other BMW vehicles on an ‘on-demand’ basis.

BMW is the first premium vehicle manufacturer to offer such a comprehensive ownership package surrounding electric mobility.

*Finance based on a 36 month Personal Lease agreements for models stated. Initial payment £2,995.00 inc VAT and contract mileage of 24,000 miles. Figures shown incorporate Government plug-in car grant.  Excess mileage and vehicle condition charges apply. Subject to status and available to over 18’s in the UK only (not the Channel Islands or Isle of Man). Retail customers only. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Prices are correct at the time of going to print (July 2013) and are subject to change without notice. Lease is provided by BMW Financial Services, Europa House, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire RG27 9UF. Participating dealers only.

**With £5,000 OLEV Government grant.

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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.

Further information about the BMW Group can be found here:

Web: 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

For further information please contact:

Krystyna Kozlowska            BMW Media Relations Executive

Tel: 01344 480707             Email: Krystyna.Kozlowska@bmw.co.uk

Gavin Ward                           BMW Media Relations Manager

Tel: 01344 480829             Email: Gavin.Ward@bmw.co.uk

Piers Scott                            General Manager, Product and Internal Communications

Tel: 01344 480113             Email: Piers.Scott@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs                       Corporate Communications Director

Tel: 01344 480109             Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

Press office fax: 01344 480306

Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.co.uk

Customer website: www.bmw.co.uk