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

Innovation and sustainability in automotive engineering.

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

Collaboration enables technological breakthrough.

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

Contribution to CO₂e reduction and lightweight construction.

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

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

Collaboration as a success factor.

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

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

Munich/Parsdorf. With the publication of its Environmental Impact Statement 2024, all BMW Group operations in Parsdorf are now part of the European environmental register, EMAS. In addition to the BMW Group Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre (CMCC) and test-parts logistics, the pilot plant for high-voltage batteries in Parsdorf has been included in the environmental impact statement and EMAS registration for the first time. EMAS stands for the “Eco-Management and Audit Scheme”, which claims to be the most stringent environmental management system in the world. “We are very pleased with the EMAS registration of all our operations in Parsdorf, which underlines that our processes operate at a very high level – both economically and environmentally,” says Hansjörg Schilp, director of the CMCC and pilot plant for high-voltage batteries in Parsdorf. “The entire team has done an outstanding job.”

EMAS: Strict requirements and high environmental standards

To be listed in the EMAS Register, companies must fulfil strict requirements and adhere to rigorous environmental standards. EMAS is a globally recognised framework that enables organisations to manage and continuously improve their environmental impact. A key element of the EMAS environmental management system is the international environmental management standard ISO 14001. EMAS also focuses on measurable improvements, transparency and legal certainty. Auditing aims to support companies in continuously improving their environmental performance – for example, by using energy and material more efficiently and reducing emissions, wastewater and waste from their sites. Beyond these direct environmental impacts, EMAS also addresses and evaluates indirect aspects, including the sustainability of products, procurement and supply chains, contractor practices and the environmental impact of employees commuting to work. (Source: https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/wirtschaft-konsum/wirtschaft-umwelt/umwelt-energiemanagement/emas-umweltmanagement-guetesiegel-der-europaeischen#systematisches-umweltmanagement-mit-emas)

Efficient operations and concepts for the circular economy

The validated environmental impact statement and the resulting inclusion in the EMAS Register by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) for Munich and Upper Bavaria underscore the rigorous environmental standards upheld by the BMW Group in Parsdorf. Battery cell production at the CMCC, one of the three Parsdorf facilities, is powered entirely by electricity from 100% renewable energy sources. Hot water for process ventilation is generated using waste heat recovered from various primary processes, and all three Parsdorf facilities utilise heat pumps in their operations. “On our pilot lines for battery cells and high-voltage batteries, we are focusing on reducing the use of critical raw materials and energy, avoiding solvents and developing innovative circular economy approaches,” explains Schilp. Raw materials represent a significant cost factor for battery cells and high-voltage batteries. Efficient and responsible use of these resources is therefore necessary and also makes economic sense. The BMW Group is gaining valuable insights in this area in Parsdorf. Residual materials from the production process are collected and, wherever technically feasible, reintegrated into the value-creation cycle at the BMW Group’s Competence Centres through direct recycling. This innovative procedure enables residual materials from battery cell production, as well as whole battery cells, to be mechanically dismantled into their components.

Transparent reporting: Environmental impact statement now online

The environmental impact statement for the BMW Group’s Parsdorf  operations (CMCC, pilot plant for high-voltage batteries and test-parts logistics) has been independently reviewed by TÜV SÜD Umweltgutachter GmbH and is now available online at: www.bmwgroup-werke.com/produktionskompetenz/de.html

How the cell is created: Production steps for sample manufacturing at the CMCC

Cell manufacturing at the CMCC in Parsdorf begins with electrode production: Here, the base material, comprising, for example, graphite for the anode and nickel oxides for the cathode, with binders and solvents, is metered and mixed in a precisely measured ratio. This creates the so-called “slurry” – which means wafer-thin metal foils are coated and then compressed after drying. In technical jargon, this is referred to as “calendering”. The highest level of precision is required: The foil is just a few micrometres thick – in other words, thinner than the threads of a spider web – while the coating is in the micrometre range. During cell assembly, the coated foils, referred to in the jargon as calendered electrodes, are coiled into so-called “jelly rolls” using the separator and inserted into the cell housing. The cells are filled with electrolyte, then charged for the first time and finally checked for functionality and quality.

Parsdorf pioneers: How the BMW Group builds Gen6 high-voltage batteries

Parsdorf is also home to the BMW Group’s largest pilot plant for Gen6 high-voltage batteries, where production processes are developed and tested before large-scale production begins at the series plants in Debrecen (Hungary), Irlbach-Straßkirchen (Lower Bavaria), Shenyang (China), San Luis Potosí (Mexico) and Woodruff (USA). More than 350 employees have been building initial high-voltage battery prototypes here since 2023. In the meantime, these batteries have also been delivered to the vehicle plant in Debrecen, Hungary, where they were installed in test vehicles for the Neue Klasse. For series production, the BMW Group sources battery cells for its high-voltage batteries from leading cell manufacturers, who produce the cells to the company's specifications. The highest technical standards apply. Upon receipt of goods, additional measurements – such as voltage checks – are carried out. Next comes cell clustering, where the battery cells are connected to coolers. This step ensures optimal insulation and cooling of the cells. The cell clusters and cell contact system are then laser-cleaned and welded with pinpoint precision. The in-line inspection continuously monitors each weld seam in real time. An innovative foaming process follows, ensuring that all elements are protected as a mechanical unit. The foam thus guarantees the safety, stability and durability of the high-voltage battery. The housing is then closed, sealed and riveted. In the final assembly step, the Energy Master – the central control unit – is installed onto the high-voltage battery. A permanently elastic sealing adhesive is applied to ensure a reliable seal. Finally, each high-voltage battery undergoes a 100% end-of-line inspection to ensure quality, safety and function.

Munich. A double title win in the “Best Cars” poll of German car magazine “auto motor und sport” sees BMW celebrating a successful start to 2025. Readers voted the BMW 2 Series Coupé the class winner in the compact segment for the fourth time in succession, with a 13.2 per cent share of the vote. As in the previous year, the BMW X1 took first place in the “Compact SUV/Off-road Vehicle” category. It garnered 8.4 per cent of the votes cast. Around 95,000 readers took part in the 49th edition of the prestigious “Best Cars” awards. From a total of 462 models, they chose one overall winner and one import winner in each of 13 vehicle classes. 

Three more current BMW models won awards at the 2025 “Car of the Year Awards” organised by British car magazine “What Car?”. As in the year before, the BMW 4 Series was victorious in the “Best Coupé/Convertible” category. The BMW M3 Touring took “Best Performance Car” honours with its combination of outstanding driving dynamics and great everyday usability. This was another model that repeated its success from the year prior. The “Best Luxury Car” title once again went to the BMW X7, as it did in 2024.

With these latest awards, BMW is continuing the string of successes it achieved in prestigious national and international competitions in 2024, which saw BMW vehicles from a wide range of market segments come out on top in both reader surveys and expert jury decisions.

New BMW 5 Series overall winner of “German Car of the Year” 2025.

At the end of 2024, a jury of 40 motoring journalists crowned the new BMW 5 Series “German Car of the Year”. In doing so, they declared the executive sedan’s latest generation the best new car released on the German car market over the previous twelve months. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan and Touring models particularly impressed the jury with their hallmark driving dynamics combined with long-distance comfort and a wide choice of powertrains. In addition to plug-in hybrids and highly efficient internal combustion engines, the portfolio also includes the all-electric BMW i5 Sedan and BMW i5 Touring models.  

But the “German Car of the Year” award was just one of the numerous accolades that the new BMW 5 Series won in the course of 2024. It also came first in the 2024 “World Luxury Car” competition. A jury of around 100 international motoring journalists declared the new BMW 5 Series the winner out of a field of 13 luxury vehicles.

In the UK, “Fleet News” magazine honoured the BMW 5 Series with its “Best Executive Car” title. Renowned British car magazine “Autocar” gave the new BMW 5 Series its “Autocar Award 2024” in the “Best Hybrid” category.

Triumphs for BMW: “Golden Steering Wheel” and “Auto Trophy”.

The voting for the coveted 2024 “Golden Steering Wheel” awards saw the new BMW 540d xDrive Touring (combined, WLTP (EnVKV): fuel consumption 6.5 litres/100 km; CO₂ emissions 171 g/km, CO₂ class F) victorious over its competitors in the “Executive Car” category. The BMW 3 Series also won a “Golden Steering Wheel”, as “Best Used Car”, in recognition of its outstanding durability. Awarded by German car magazine “Auto Bild” and the weekly “Bild am Sonntag”, this trophy is among the most renowned accolades on the European car market. The “Golden Steering Wheel” winners have been determined annually since 1976, by a jury of experts.

“Auto Bild” and the car valuation company “Schwacke” also crowned the BMW 540d xDrive Touring its “2024 Residuals Champion” (“Wertmeister”). They expect it to experience the lowest depreciation in its class over the next four years.

The success story of the new BMW 5 Series continued in 2024 at the 37th edition of the “Auto Trophy” awards organised by German car magazine “Auto Zeitung”. Readers of the print edition and users of “autozeitung.de” voted it the winner in the “Executive Class/Luxury Class” category. This was not the only accolade for BMW at the 2024 “Auto Trophy” event. The Munich-based premium car manufacturer received a total of eight awards. BMW won the “Auto Trophy” “Best Brand” poll with 22.4 per cent of all votes cast. The new BMW 1 Series came out on top in the “City Cars/Small Cars/Compact Class” segment. With a 26.1 per cent share of the vote, the BMW 3 Series landed a clear victory in the compact executive class. Readers of “Auto Zeitung” were equally impressed with the new BMW X3 and awarded it a commanding first place in the “SUVs from 30,000 to 60,000 euros” category. Finally, the BMW X5 once again won the storied award in the “SUVs from 60,000 euros” price bracket. The BMW iX took first place in the “Electric SUVs from 50,000 euros” segment, while the BMW iX1 triumphed as the best “Electric SUV up to 50,000 euros”.

All-electric BMW models enjoy international success.

Numerous additional awards emphasise the global importance of all-electric BMW models on the international market. In February 2025, the “Automobile Journalists Association of Canada” presented the BMW i4 with the prestigious “Canadian Electric Car of the Year” award for the second time. For the Canadian jury of experts, the inspiring performance and excellent range of the BMW i4’s electric powertrain were as important to their decision as its impressive braking system and the quality of its interior.

In the United States, the BMW i4 made it onto “Car and Driver” magazine’s 2024 “Editors’ Choice” list in the “Electric Car” category. The BMW iX received the renowned publication’s coveted accolade in the “Luxury Electric SUV” segment, while the BMW i7 got the nod in the “Luxury Electric Cars” category. The BMW i4 eDrive40 (combined, WLTP (EnVKV): energy consumption 18.6 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions 0 g/km, CO₂ class A) received the “Zero-Emission Vehicle Award” (ZEVAS) as the “Top Compact/Coupé” at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The British car magazine “Diesel&EcoCar” honoured the BMW i5 as the “Best Electric Executive Car” in 2024, while the BMW iX won in the “Best Electric Luxury SUV” category. The BMW i7 was awarded the “Best Electric Luxury Car” title.

In Germany, BMW collected additional accolades in the second edition of the “Auto Trophy Elektro” event organised by car magazine “Auto Zeitung”. The BMW i5 Sedan received the most votes in the electric sedan segment while the BMW iX1 took first place in the “Electric SUVs up to 50,000 euros” class. Moreover, the 2024 “Auto Trophy Elektro” award for the “Most Sustainable Brand” once again went to BMW, as it did in the year before.

In Denmark, the all-electric BMW i5 won the “Car of the Year 2024” award. Finnish car magazine “Tekniikan Maailma” named the  BMW i5 eDrive40 (combined, WLTP (EnVKV): energy consumption 18.0–17.9 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions 0 g/km, CO₂ class A) its “Winter Car of the Year” in the “Best BEV Car” segment. And in the 2024 UK “Car of the Year Awards”, the BMW i5 came out on top in the “Best Executive Car” category.

Accolades for the new BMW 3 Series.

The BMW 3 Series won the 2024 “autonis Award” for best new design of the year in the “Compact Executive” bracket. It made first place in the reader’s poll of German car magazine “auto motor und sport”, ahead of the BMW 4 Series Coupé/Gran Coupé. The BMW 3 Series also received further honours on the international stage. In the UK, it was voted “Best Plug-in Hybrid Large Car” by “Diesel&EcoCar” magazine. The same publication also named the BMW 3 Series Touring its “Best Plug-in Hybrid Estate Car”. Another trophy came from the United States. The US car magazine “Car and Driver” included the BMW 3 Series in its 2024 “Editors’ Choice” list, in the “Entry-Luxury Car” category. In 2024, a total of 13 BMW models made it onto the renowned editorial team’s list of recommended vehicles. Meanwhile, the BMW X1 brought home a clear victory in the German “Auto Bild” car magazine’s SUV category for company cars (“Firmenwagen Award 2024”).

BMW collected no fewer than four accolades at the “sport auto Award 2024” event. The annual readers’ poll, organised by car magazine “sport auto” for the past 32 years, saw the BMW Z4 M40i (combined, WLTP (EnVKV): fuel consumption 8.7 litres/100 km; CO₂ emissions 197 g/km, CO₂ class G) win the “Convertibles and Roadsters up to 100,000 euros” category. The most votes in the “Coupés up to 75,000 euros” segment went to the BMW M240i Coupé xDrive (combined, WLTP (EnVKV): fuel consumption 8.8–8.7 litres/100 km; CO₂ emissions 200–199 g/km; CO₂ class G). Readers voting in the “Sedans and Estate Cars up to 100,000 euros” class favoured the BMW M3 Competition (combined, WLTP (EnVKV): fuel consumption 9.8 litres/100 km; CO₂ emissions 224–222 g/km; CO₂ class G) with a resounding 38.3 per cent share.  An equally overwhelming victory went to the BMW M4 Competition (combined, WLTP (EnVKV): fuel consumption 9.8 litres/100 km; CO₂ emissions 223–221 g/km, CO₂ class G) in the “Coupés up to 150,000 euros” category.

With the “Paul Pietsch Award”, BMW won one of the most prestigious accolades of the 2024 automotive year. In their vote for the most important automotive innovation of the year, the expert jury of German car magazine “auto motor und sport” chose the BMW Highway Assistant. It enables drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel for longer periods of time. This increases comfort on long-distance journeys.

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E-mail: 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 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 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

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

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Michigan, USA. At an award ceremony at the 2024 Center for Automotive Research Seminar, Altair presented the BMW Group with this year’s prestigious Enlighten Award in the Sustainable Process category, celebrating the premium manufacturer’s progress in innovation. The annual award recognizes innovative lightweight construction and sustainability solutions across the global automotive industry that reduce carbon emissions, minimize water and energy consumption, and promote materials reuse and recycling.

The BMW Group received the award for the BMW M Visionary Materials Seat on the grounds that the research project is a precursor of future product development: Standout achievements were the sustainable seat design and the focus on the entire product lifecycle, making it one of the most innovative and visionary sustainable developments in the global automotive sector.

In addition to BMW M GmbH as the project owner, BMW Group Designworks was responsible for the design, color and material concept of the seat in collaboration with the BMW design team. The project was realized in close cooperation with several partners: Automotive Management Consulting GmbH, Bcomp Ltd, Gradel Lightweight Sàrl and Lasso Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH.

Key themes: design for circularity, lightweight construction and attractive product

As a platform for research on the development of future materials, the award-winning seat focuses on the following key themes: 

First, driving the use of plant-based materials and, as part of design for circularity, raising the share of secondary raw materials and increasing recyclability at the end of the lifecycle.

In addition, the team aimed to develop an attractive product in terms of its appearance, quality, lightweight construction and functionality. The minimalist design leaves the lightweight seat structure visible, highlighting its status as a core component. Intensive lifecycle assessments (LCA) complemented the design at each stage of development.

Falco Hollmann, Innovation Manager Lightweight Design & Sustainability at BMW M GmbH, accepted the award: “We are showing today what will be possible tomorrow with existing technologies and materials in order to take our efforts to reduce emissions and conserve resources to the next level. This is about more than just substituting materials; it is above all about designing for circularity.”

Use of natural materials

The core premise of the project was to make the leap to the future while working within today’s framework. The evaluation of available material classes with a high SQR (secondary raw material quota) showed that natural materials are the ideal complement. For example, the seat features natural fibers, fiber composites, leather alternatives and algae-based polymers.

Carbon footprint reduced by 90 percent

The seat’s CO₂e footprint is 90 percent lower than a BMW M carbon bucket seat made today, thanks to the use of ultra-light, robotically-wound fiber composite seat support structures and materials of natural origin as well as the high recycling rate. In addition, lower module complexity and the use of materials grouped by type make it easier to recycle the seat at the end of its lifecycle. The additive manufacturing processes used are also groundbreaking: A new technology made it possible to completely eliminate support structures, chemical post-treatment and finishing from the M BMW Visionary Materials Seat. Other priorities included a flat value creation chain and a minimum of finishing steps to save energy and conserve resources.

Lessons learned for future processes 

“One of our biggest lessons was the balancing, in other words, how to model our process chain to generate missing primary data,” explains Roberto Rossetti, Head of Development Total Vehicle-Lifecycle at the BMW Group. “The data obtained provides new insights, both in terms of today’s negative contributing factors and the design of tomorrow’s processes. This experience provides a solid foundation for continuously improving sustainability and developing innovative solutions for forward-thinking mobility.”

Munich. With a brace of victories in the “Best Cars” competition, BMW has backed up its successful end to 2023 with a similarly fruitful beginning to 2024. The BMW 2 Series Coupé wrapped up class victory in the compact segment for the third time in succession, while the BMW X1 led the way in the “compact SUV” category. The “Best Cars” award – voted on by readers of German motoring magazine “auto, motor und sport” and in its 48th edition this year – is one of the most prestigious in the European automotive industry. Almost 100,000 respondents took part in the survey, selecting one overall winner and one “imported car” champion from a field of 455 models across 13 vehicle categories.

The start of 2024 was also marked by class victory for the new BMW 5 Series Sedan in the “Large Car” category of the “Women's Worldwide Car of the Year” award. 75 female automotive journalists from 52 countries picked out their favourites from a total of 62 vehicles in five categories. Intended to showcase the influence of women in the automotive industry and presented for the 14th time this year, this prize takes into account factors such as safety, quality, price, design, ride comfort, everyday usability and environmental impact. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan won over the jury members with its electrified drive system line-up (including the fully electric BMW i5), as well as its spaciousness, advanced technology and now fully vegan interior.

This successful beginning to the year saw BMW building on its run of success in a large number of awards in 2023. Models from the premium brand’s current range claimed numerous prizes in both its home market of Germany and its most important sales regions internationally. The winners stretched across all the relevant categories, with compact models, luxury vehicles and high-performance sports cars from BMW M GmbH all making waves. As well as vehicles powered by combustion engines, the readers and juries also recognised a strikingly high number of representatives from BMW’s constantly expanding electric mobility range.

“We’re very proud that our various BMW vehicles have won awards in so many national and international competitions. This also shows that we have attractive models in all segments that excite people,” says Jochen Goller, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Customer, Brands, Sales. “The response to our models with all-electric drive systems is particularly pleasing. This ties in with the strong demand from customers and supports the BMW Group’s commitment to ramping up electric mobility in all areas.”

Newcomer to the ranks of high-performance models and a fully electric Sports Activity Vehicle both win a “Golden Steering Wheel”.

The “Golden Steering Wheel” presented by German publications “Auto Bild” and “Bild am Sonntag” is one of the most prestigious distinctions in the European car industry. BMW took two of these coveted trophies back to Munich in 2023. The BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive (fuel consumption, combined: 10.4 – 10.1 l/100 km [27.2 – 28.0 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions, combined: 235 – 229 g/km in the WLTP cycle) ranked first in the “sports cars” category and the fully electric BMW iX1 topped the “compact class”.

Both models added a string of other international awards to their collections over the course of 2023. For example, the first ever BMW M3 Touring – which combines the dynamic prowess of a high-performance car with impressive levels of practicality – was elected sports car of the year in the category for vehicles costing up to 120,000 euros by readers of “Auto Bild Sportscars” magazine. And acclaimed British TV programme “Top Gear” honoured the BMW M GmbH newcomer with the title “All The Car You'll Ever Need” in its “Car of the Year” awards.

The BMW iX1 collected a trio of awards in China, including “All-Electric Premium SUV of the Year”. It also won the French “Automobile Award 2023” in the “Green Tech” category and the “autonis Award” bestowed by readers of “auto, motor und sport” to the year’s most attractive new design.

Fully electric BMW i5 enjoys immediate success around the world.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan and BMW i5 also claimed an “autonis” prize. Now also available with a fully electric drive system for the first time, the new edition of the world’s most successful business sedan was also named “Car of the Year” by Portuguese magazine “Frontline”. The BMW i5 was also presented with equivalent awards in Norway and Denmark, both particularly important markets for electric vehicles. Norwegian daily “Dagbladet” teamed up with online portals “DinSide” and “Elbi24” to celebrate the BMW i5. While in Denmark, the i5 fought off competition from six other models to gain the most votes for “Car of the Year” in a final round made up exclusively of fully electric models. The jury of 20 Danish motoring journalists chose the BMW i5 as their winner by a large margin.

Chinese publication “Auto World” crowned the BMW i5 as “Most Anticipated Premium Executive Sedan of the Year”, and the fully electric business sedan also collected three awards in Great Britain: “The Car Expert” put the BMW i5 in top spot in its “Best Large Car Award”, it was named “Premium Car of the Year” in the “2024 Electrifying.com Awards” and the “Comfortable Cruiser” topped its class in Carwow’s “Car of the Year Awards 2024”.

The awards underscore the ability of the new BMW i5 Sedan to win people over with numerous different qualities: from character-rich design, a unique balance between sportiness and comfort, innovative equipment features and progressive digital services to a drive system whose power is matched by its capability over long distances. And it also uses latest-generation BMW eDrive technology to transfer the brand’s signature dynamic ability to the road with zero local emissions. In addition, adaptive recuperation and an intelligent combination of heat pump technology for heating and cooling the interior, drive system and high-voltage battery help to give the BMW i5 eDrive40 Sedan (electric power consumption, combined: 18.9 – 15.9 kWh/ 100 km in the WLTP cycle) a range of 498 – 582 kilometres (309 – 362 miles) in the WLTP cycle.

BMW’s electric mobility offensive is recognised with awards.

The BMW brand’s fully electric model line-up as a whole enjoyed a successful year worldwide in 2023. As well as the BMW iX1 and BMW i5, this was particularly true of the BMW i7 and BMW i4. In Great Britain alone, these two models were both among the winners in seven awards. Both won the “Auto Express New Car Award” in their respective vehicle classes. The BMW i4 also claimed the “Pocket-lint Award” and “Business Car Award”, and the BMW i7 celebrated success in both the “What Car? Electric Car Awards” and the “What Car? Car of the Year Awards”. The fully electric luxury sedan racked up five prizes in China, too, including the “Car of the Year” distinction from leading online magazine “sohu.com”.

There was also much to celebrate in France and the USA, where the BMW i7 was given the “Best Overall and Best Value” rating from “Money” magazine and praised by “wards auto” magazine for its standout luxury ambience and digital user experience with BMW Theatre Screen in the rear compartment. Renowned US magazine “car and driver” named both the BMW i4 M50 (electric power consumption, combined: 22.5 – 18.0 kWh/ 100 km in the WLTP cycle) and BMW i4 eDrive40 M50 (electric power consumption, combined: 19.1 – 16.1 kWh/ 100 km in the WLTP cycle) among the “Best 10” of 2023.

Top marks and distinctions for the BMW 3 Series and BMW 4 Series ranges, the BMW M2 and the BMW X3.

BMW set the seal on a successful year in Germany with a two-pronged triumph. The BMW 3 Series and BMW X3 closed out 2023 with class victory in the coveted “Auto Trophy”. The BMW 3 Series Sedan and BMW 3 Series Touring, for example, took clear victories in the hotly contested midsize segment of the readers’ survey conducted by German title “Auto Zeitung”, racking up 19.0 per cent of the vote. This was the seventh class win in a row for the 3 Series. Meanwhile, the rugged aura, interior spaciousness and commitment to electrification of the BMW X3 helped it account for 15.3 per cent of the votes cast and therefore the highest points total in the high-volume vehicle segment of “SUVs costing 30,000 – 60,000 euros”.

The BMW 3 Series was a particularly prolific award-winner in Great Britain. In the “Business Car Awards”, the 3 Series won the “Best Premium Car” prize, and it also gained entry to the “Hall of Fame” of “Fleet News” magazine as the “Most Reliable Company Car”. The BMW 3 Series won twice in the “What Car? Used Car Awards”, topping both the “Used Executive Car” category and overall “Used Car of the Year”. And then there was the “Best Used Hybrid Executive Car” distinction for the BMW 330e Sedan (fuel consumption, combined: 1.9 – 1.4 l/100 km [148.7 – 201.8 mpg imp]; electric power consumption, combined 20.1 – 18.1 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions, combined: 43 – 32 g/km in the WLTP cycle). The plug-in hybrid model also tasted success in the USA, where “Money” magazine described it as “Best for Handling”.

Adding to the wave of success enjoyed by the BMW 3 Series, the BMW 4 Series – with its standout sporting appeal – also enriched the brand’s glittering international reputation in the premium midsize segment. The best example of this came in the BMW 4 Series Coupé and BMW 4 Series Convertible’s showing in the “What Car? Car of the Year Awards” in Great Britain. The closed-roof two-door won the “Coupe of the Year” for the third year in succession in 2023. And this year its open-top sister model also won the “Convertible of the Year” award.

Two other British awards were claimed by the BMW M2. It was voted “Best Performance Car” in “The Car Expert Awards”, and the compact high-performance sports car also took the title of “Performance Car of the Year” in the “Auto Express New Car Awards”.

_{Official fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, electric power consumption and electric range figures were determined based on the prescribed measurement procedure in accordance with European Regulation (EC) 2007/715 in the version applicable. Where a range is shown, the WLTP figures take into account the impact of any optional extras.}

_{Only official figures based on the WLTP procedure are available for new models that have been type tested since 01.01.2021. In addition, according to EU Regulation 2022/195, the NEDC values will no longer be included in the EC certificates of conformity as of 01.01.2023. Further information on the WLTP and NEDC measurement procedures can also be found at www.bmw.de/wltp.}

_{Further information on official fuel consumption figures and specific CO2 emission values of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: 'Leitfaden über den Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen ' (Guide to the fuel economy, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained free of charge from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2.}

In the event of enquiries please contact:

Corporate Communications

Cypselus von Frankenberg, Product Communication BMW Automobiles

Telephone: +49-89-382-30641

E-mail: Cypselus.von-Frankenberg@bmw.de

Alexandra Landers, Head of Product and Brand Communication BMW

Telephone: +49-89-382-30871

E-mail: Alexandra.Landers@bmw.de

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

E-mail: 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. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.}

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

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

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Munich. When others need help, they are there: Cristiano Alano, Anke Boysen, Markus Entter and Thomas Fahnauer are the winners of the 12th BMW Group Award for Social Responsibility. The official ceremony was held on 14 September in Munich. The Award pays tribute to employees worldwide who are active as volunteers. Each winner receives prize money of 10,000 euros for their project.

The BMW Group Award shines a light on social commitment at the company, inspires others to get involved and promotes social initiative among the workforce. “Every year, this award ceremony fills me with tremendous pride. It’s great that we have associates who take responsibility and are committed to helping others – and it’s amazing what they are able to accomplish in their free time. With this Award, we pay tribute to this dedication and send a clear message: If everyone gives just a little bit of their time for others, we can achieve so much together,” said Ilka Horstmeier, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, People and Real Estate, Labour Relations Director, and patron of the award.

Helping people in need  

The BMW Group Award is highly regarded within the company and forges connections between volunteers. This year, once again, more than 100 associates competed for one of the four awards. From these, the judges selected 11 projects for the final round, with all nominees attending the award ceremony. All of these dedicated employees have one thing in common: They donate their time and their know-how to improve the lives of people who are socially disadvantaged or in need. All finalists receive 2,500 euros each for their initiatives.

Here are this year’s four award-winners

Markus Entter, winner of the employee vote, works at the BMW Group in Munich and volunteers as a hospice helper at St. Vinzenz Hospiz in Augsburg. He accompanies those who are seriously ill on the last stage of their life’s journey. With empathy, compassion and the gift of time, he helps dispel people’s fear of death and dying. When practical help is needed, he prepares light meals, brings food and drinks to hospice patients, or simply assists the carers. He also provides relatives with emotional support.

Cristiano Alano, winner of the Vera and Volker Doppelfeld Award, works at BMW Group Plant Araquari in Brazil and advocates for disadvantaged young people in an impoverished district of the city of Joinville. Social mobility through a good school education is the aim of the initiative ASSOCIAÇÃO PROJETO RESGATE. Alano is especially dedicated to fostering character development and encouraging young people to be more confident and independent. As a mentor, he teaches them techniques for resolving social issues.

Anke Boysen, who works at the BMW Group in Munich, is passionate about training rescue dogs for aid missions. As a dog handler with the ISAR Germany Foundation, she even accompanies the rescue dog team on missions worldwide – most recently, following the earthquake in Turkey. The specially trained rescue dogs are able to find people who have become buried and help save lives. 

Thomas Fahnauer,who works at BMW Group Plant Araquari, volunteers with the ONG Esperanca Brasil initiative, building simple homes for homeless people out of wooden pallets. He was motivated by the sometimes appalling living conditions of people in Brazil who often do not have a decent home. The wooden pallets were previously used as packaging material for ship transportation. Their continued use also helps the project contribute to climate protection.

BMW Group Award: Invitation to join in

Taking social responsibility is part of the BMW Group’s identity. To this end, the company has encouraged social engagement among its employees for years. The BMW Group Award for Social Responsibility honours the personal commitment of its associates in a unique way. Together with the SOCIAL DAYS and SOCIAL DRIVE IT platform, it is one of the three pillars of SOCIAL DRIVE, which pools employees’ volunteer activities. The SOCIAL DAYS held to mark various occasions aim to promote interest in social commitment among associates and encourage them to get actively involved. The SOCIAL DRIVE IT platform offers a wide range of activities and gives dedicated employees the opportunity to find supporters for their projects, giving further momentum to social commitment.

Munich. Today, TIME reveals its annual list of the Best Inventions, which features 200 extraordinary innovations. To compile the list, TIME solicited nominations from TIME’s editors and correspondents around the world, and through an online application process, paying special attention to growing fields—such as the electric vehicle industry, green energy, and the metaverse. TIME then evaluated each contender on a number of key factors, including originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact.

Of the new list, TIME’s editors write: “The result is a list of 200 groundbreaking inventions (and 50 special mention inventions)—including life-mapping artificial intelligence, diamonds made from excess carbon in the air, and the most powerful telescope ever—that are changing how we live, work, play, and think about what’s possible.”

The full list is available here: time.com/best-inventions-2022

Colour change at the touch of a button.

The BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink is a unique vehicle capable of changing its entire body colour at the touch of a button and was first revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show 2022 in Las Vegas.  By making it possible to alter the body colour and display different patterns, the BMW iX Flow opens up a whole new way of personalising the driving experience.

A variable exterior colour can also contribute to wellness in the interior and to the efficiency of the vehicle. This is done by taking account of the different abilities of light and dark colours when it comes to reflecting sunlight and the associated absorption of thermal energy. A white surface reflects a lot more sunlight than a black one. By implication, heating of the vehicle and passenger compartment as a result of strong sunlight and high outside temperatures can be reduced by changing the exterior to a light colour. In cooler weather, a dark outer skin will help the vehicle to absorb noticeably more warmth from the sun.

In both cases, selective colour changes can help to cut the amount of cooling and heating required from the vehicle's air conditioning. This reduces the amount of energy the vehicle electrical system needs and with it also the vehicle's fuel or electricity consumption. In an all-electric car, changing the colour in line with the weather can therefore also help to increase the range. In the interior, the technology could, for example, prevent the dashboard from heating up too much.

E Ink technology itself is extremely energy efficient. Unlike displays or projectors, the electrophoretic technology needs absolutely no energy to keep the chosen colour state constant. Current only flows during the short colour changing phase.

Millions of paint capsules in a custom wrap.

Electrophoretic colouring is based on a technology developed by E Ink that is most well-known from the displays used in eReaders. The surface coating of the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink contains many millions of microcapsules, with a diameter equivalent to the thickness of a human hair. Each of these microcapsules contains negatively charged white pigments and positively charged black pigments. Depending on the chosen setting, stimulation by means of an electrical field causes either the white or the black pigments to collect at the surface of the microcapsule, giving the car body the desired shade.

Munich. The BMW Group’s #NEXTGen 2020 streaming event excited fans of the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands around the world, but also impressed experienced design experts. Indeed, a jury assembled by the German Design Council named the innovative presentation format as an iF Design Award 2021 winner in the Communication discipline. The Gold Award – the highest distinction in the competition – was presented to the virtual design world premiere of the BMW iX which, as the highlight of #NEXTGen 2020, attracted particular attention. The jury noted that the reveal for the BMW Group’s new technology flagship had set new standards in communication: “Thanks to BMW, fully digital events have levelled up. Innovative and mysterious, this is high-end, state-of-the-art programming for our times. What a beautiful and inviting way to introduce the new fully electric BMW iX.”

Public curiosity in the BMW iX was stoked ahead of #NEXTGen 2020 by the informative and entertaining “Chasing iNEXT” infotainment series produced in the style of streaming platforms. The innovative unveiling was then staged in a specially created aesthetic using sophisticated studio technology and virtual effects. “The design team of the fully digital streamcast event #NEXTGen 2020 by the BMW Group pushed virtual production to the max by adding augmented reality layers, as well as creating beautiful design-worlds,” continued the statement from the iF Design Award jury.

“We are delighted to receive the Gold Award and would like to express our sincere thanks to the jury,” said Alexander Bilgeri, Head of Corporate Communications Strategy, Messaging, Communication Channels for the BMW Group. “Our infotainment series ‘Chasing iNEXT’ and the presentation of the BMW iX were key elements of #NEXTGen 2020. We opened doors for the film crew to our development departments which otherwise remain closed, and this enabled an unprecedented delve behind the scenes of our Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ). The design presentation of the iX provided the grand finale of ‘Chasing iNEXT’, and the iF Gold Award is a fantastic compliment to all BMW Group employees.”

Stefan Ponikva, Vice President BMW Brand Experience, adds: “A massive thank you to the jury. The development of #NEXTGen in 2019 gave the BMW Group a new and innovative in-house format which could underpin our claim to innovation leadership in the field of communication as well. #NEXTGen offers us a high degree of creative freedom when it comes to communicating our philosophy and our content on the BMW Group channels and those of its brands. We are breaking completely new ground and adapting our communications activities to the landscape of the digital age and our customers’ requirements. This involves setting new trends and we are delighted to have won this important prize.”

With the presentation format chosen for #NEXTGen 2020, the BMW Group factored in both the technological possibilities of the digital era and the requirements of the ongoing pandemic. The content released online to date, which can be accessed at www.bmw.com/nextgen, provides a far-reaching insight into the FIZ. Presented alongside the BMW iX were a series of other trailblazing vehicle concepts, such as the MINI Vision Urbanaut and BMW Motorrad Concept CE 04, as well as fascinating and entertaining video clips focusing on artificial intelligence, the new BMW Driving Simulation Centre, electric drive systems, connectivity and virtual collaboration. Film contributions, interviews and panel discussions provided background information on the latest technologies, collaborations and future trends involved in shaping the face of individual mobility in the future.

The BMW Group also collected six other iF Design Awards this year. “The BMW Individual – Symbols of Suprematism” campaign and the artwork for “THE 8” earned the company two further distinctions in the Communication category. The BMW i Interaction EASE was presented with an iF Design Award in the Professional Concept discipline. And the BMW Concept i4, BMW M4 GT3 and BMW iX all gained recognition for their design excellence in the Product category. 

The iF Design Award is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious seals of quality for outstanding design achievements. The winners are decided by a jury of international design experts in an array of categories such as Product Design, Packaging Design, Architecture, User Experience, Service and Communication Design. Alongside exterior design, the criteria for the renowned award, which has been presented annually since 1953, include the degree of innovativeness, ergonomics, functionality and environmental compatibility on display.

The BMW Group received the following distinctions at the iF Design Award 2021:

iF Gold Award                #NEXTGen 2020                         Discipline: Communication
iF Design Award            BMW iX                                        Discipline: Product
iF Design Award            BMW Concept i4                          Discipline: Product
iF Design Award            BMW M4 GT3                              Discipline: Product
iF Design Award            THE 8 Artwork                              Discipline: Communication
iF Design Award            The BMW Individual –                  Discipline: Communication
                                      Symbols of Suprematism
iF Design Award            BMW i Interaction EASE              Discipline: Professional Concept

Munich. The ongoing commitment of BMW to transformation and digitalisation has earned the brand several awards once again this year. The readers of motoring magazines Auto Bild & Computer Bild and auto, motor und sport / Moove singled out innovative connectivity features and digital services for special praise. They were particularly impressed by BMW’s strategic development of digital products and services, as well as the brand’s seamless integration of smart devices and its intuitive operating concept. 

The BMW Digital Key topped the rankings in this year’s Connected Car Awards presented by Auto Bild & Computer Bild. The smartphone-based digital car key allows owners to lock and unlock their vehicle easily and safely. They can also send a Digital Key for their car to as many as five other people. And there is also the option of releasing a special Digital Key with limited rights (e.g. restricted maximum speed and acceleration, stereo volume, etc.), which is ideal for novice drivers, for example.

More than 11,000 of the readers who cast their votes in the Car Connectivity Award 2020 poll conducted by the auto, motor und sport / Moove magazines judged the BMW 3 Series to be the car with the most innovative connectivity features in the “Connected Cars” category. The BMW 3 Series was the first model range to be equipped with the voice-controlled BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant based on the digital operating concept BMW Operating System 7.0. Another connectivity highlight is Remote Software Upgrade, which enables customers to keep their vehicles supplied with the latest software updates. Here, new functions can be imported into the car quickly and easily over the air. 

Meanwhile, BMW Driving Assistant Professional collected the most votes from readers in the “Driver Assistance Systems Safety” category. This tech package features Steering and Lane Control Assistant including the new Active Navigation and Emergency Lane Assistant functions. And Assisted View allows the workings of the individual Driving Assistant Professional assistance systems to be shown in real time in the instrument cluster through 3D visualisation of the surrounding area.

Christoph Grote, Senior Vice President Digital Car, BMW Group, expressed his appreciation for the awards: “On behalf of the whole team at BMW I would like to sincerely thank all the readers involved for the three awards,” he said. “For us, these distinctions represent the best reward and motivation – above all, because the readers have decided the outcome. This vote of confidence from you confirms to us that we are heading in the right direction, and we will continue to do everything we can to delight our customers over and over again.”

The ongoing expansion of connectivity towards a digital, emission-free future is – alongside automated driving – one of the central areas of activity through which the BMW Group is driving forward its strategic transformation of the mobility sector.

Munich. At the International Motor Show (IAA) 2019 in Frankfurt, the BMW Group presented itself using a new stand concept featuring an unusual media concept for the first time and since the L.A. Autoshow 2019 with an additional innovative press conference visual design. For the two, together with the Creative Lead Agency Meiré and Meiré (Cologne) and the Communication Agency Elastique. (Cologne) developed and implemented design & animation concepts, BMW has now been awarded a "Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design 2020" each. The Red Dot Award is one of the most internationally renowned design prizes; the jury consists of 40 proven experts from all over the world. 

BMW merges real and digital elements at its motor shows. 
The future of driving pleasure was the central motif of the new BMW motor show concept at the Frankfurt motor show in 2019. In order to convey this feeling, the designers focused less on facts and figures but on specific materials from the vehicle's exterior and interior instead and shaped these into hyper-real animated statements. Animations, film and sound were combined to dramatic effect on the LED surfaces to be perfectly integrated into the ultra-modern trade fair stand. The BMW Concept 4, one of the most important motor show innovations, was staged using attention-grabbing augmented reality, which also convinced the Red Dot Award jury.

Innovative: modular design system for BMW Group press conferences. 

Corporate Communications also chose a new design approach for the press conference and introduced eleven digital, interconnected rooms for the BMW Group and its product and sub-brands. The spatial feeling is created using 3D elements, light and lines. The look and feel of the rooms also corresponds to the respective brand core. 

All necessary design & animation elements were produced modularly in hundreds of individual elements. The design system structured in this way allows all contents to be freely combined, reducing production times to a minimum and ensuring high design quality. 

Thanks to this flexible system, it was possible to conduct a completely digital press conference from Munich at short notice as an alternative to the Geneva Motor Show at the beginning of March, in only two days and without any loss of design quality.

Munich. BMW i is partnering the 11th edition of the Wallpaper* Design Awards. Taking place in London on Thursday 15 January 2015, the event is a celebration of the very best people, places and designs as selected by Wallpaper* magazine. Part of this years’ international judging panel who have selected the magazine’s major awards is Benoit Jacob, Head of BMW i Design: “I am thrilled to be one of the judges. It’s always exciting and inspiring to see design completely detached from the conventional perspective of the automotive sector.”

Joining Benoit on the six strong panel is artist Marina Abramović; internet entrepreneur Nick d'Aloisio; Wallpaper* 2014 designers of the year, Neri & Hu; landscape designer Piet Oudolf and Brazilian architect, Isay Weinfeld.

The Judges’ Awards comprises a total of eleven categories including Designer of the Year, Best Domestic Design, Best New Hotel and Life-enhancer of the Year. All other awards have been chosen by Wallpaper* editors and global contributors.

The winners of this year’s prestigious Judges’ Awards include Tokyo for Best City, Herzog & de Meuron’s Pérez Art Museum Miami for Best New Public Building with Patricia Urquiola and Konstantin Grcic being jointly named as Designer of the Year.

This year also sees the debut of a readers’ award based on an online vote and jointly conferred by BMW i: the BMW i Urban Sustainability Award honours exceptionally innovative and visionary products, concepts and ideas which – like the vehicles by BMW i – help save resources and reduce our ecological footprint. Around a third of all readers’ votes went to the “LEED Dynamic Plaque” display panel. Jointly developed by LEED and IDEO, it shows the sustainability rating of buildings in five categories on a scale of one to 100. The categories include water and energy consumption as well as waste production of the relevant building.

Tony Chambers, Editor-in-Chief Wallpaper*: “We are delighted that BMW i is supporting this year's awards. We could not imagine a more fitting partnership. Their exceptional line of emission-free electric cars are driving us towards the better-designed, more sustainable world that Wallpaper* has championed since we launched.”

The production models of the BMW i brand – the all-electric urban BMW i3 and the sporty BMW i8 plug-in hybrid – will be on display during the evening event. Both cars are engrossing overall concepts, with every detail specifically adapted to the purpose of the relevant model and systematically developed with sustainability in mind.

A full list of all the award winners is published in the February issue of Wallpaper* on sale on 08 January 2015.

Valencia (ES), 8th November 2014. Marc Marquez was unbeatable again in the 2014 MotoGP season – and the young Spaniard also won the race for the coveted BMW M Award again. The 21-year-old was the best qualifier in the premier class of motorcycle racing for the second year in a row to earn his second BMW M Award. This award, in the form of an exclusive and individually customised BMW M car, has been presented by MotoGP partner BMW M GmbH since 2003. Marquez’s outstanding performances in qualifying throughout 2014 were rewarded with an exclusive special edition of the new BMW M4 Coupe.

Marquez, who last year became the first rookie to win the BMW M Award, dominated the 2014 season from the word go. The Spaniard was also in a class of his own in qualifying, as he rocketed to his second World Championship title in MotoGP. Marquez secured pole position for the first six races of the season, picking up maximum points towards the BMW M Award in the process. In total, Marquez started from the very front of the grid on 13 occasions this year. With 398 points, the Spaniard won the 2014 BMW M Award by a comfortable margin. The official presentation ceremony took place on Saturday at the final round of the MotoGP in Valencia, Spain. The prize was presented by Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, and Thomas Schemera, Director of Sales and Marketing BMW M GmbH.

The special features of the BMW M4 Coupé for this year’s BMW M Award winner includes the exclusive BMW Individual special colour “Frozen Red Metallic” (*). The sporty and elegant look continues in the interior. The BMW Individual fine-grain “Merino Opal White” full leather and the BMW Individual fine-wood “Ash Grain White” trim add to the striking appearance. The M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic, the M carbon ceramic brakes and the adaptive M running gear guarantee superior driving characteristics in any situation. The M Power under the bonnet is generated by a completely new, 431 bhp six-cylinder inline engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and high-rev characteristics (combined fuel consumption: 8.3 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 194 g/km). A maximum torque of 550 newton metres is available over a wide range of speeds.

“Knowing the prize is there at the end of the year gives you special motivation when going for pole on Saturday”, said Marquez. “This year even more so, because I really like this BMW M4 Coupé. I am happy to receive this car and, of course, I will enjoy it.”

 “The presentation of the BMW M Award at the final race is always a highlight of the MotoGP season,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports. “BMW M is an important and reliable partner of MotoGP, and it is fantastic that the performances of the top qualifier have now been honoured with such an exclusive, high-performance sports car for the 12th time. In the BMW M4 Coupé, BMW M GmbH has once again provided a captivating car for the winner, which features the latest technology and perfectly combines the values shared by MotoGP and BMW M. Marc Marquez won the 2014 BMW M Award in an impressive manner. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on another outstanding season.”

“Congratulations to Marc Marquez on winning the BMW M Award again,” said Thomas Schemera, Director of Sales and Marketing BMW M GmbH. “Last year he came through as a rookie to defeat his more experienced opponents. In 2014 he raised the bar again with 13 pole positions. It was breath-taking to see how Marc went from one success to the next this year. As partner of MotoGP, we are delighted to once again recognise his achievements with the BMW M Award. Honouring the season’s top qualifier has become an important tradition for us, and we are proud that the BMW M Award is held in such high esteem by the MotoGP riders. They repeatedly confirm that our BMW M high-performance sports cars are much sought-after prizes – and we provided another highlight this year with the new BMW M4 Coupé.”

The BMW M Award for the best qualifier has been presented since 2003. Just like the points system for the races, riders at each Grand Prix weekend are awarded points relative to their positions in qualifying. Pole position is rewarded with 25 points, second place on the grid earns 20 points and third place scores 16 points – right down to one point for 15th. The rider with the most points at the end of the season wins the BMW M Award – in the form of an exclusive and individually customised BMW M car. Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner are the current record holders, each with three BMW M Awards to their name. In 2013, Marc Marquez was crowned the youngest ever winner of the BMW M Award, and the first rider to receive this award in his first season at the pinnacle of motorcycle racing. Marquez has now won the BMW M Award for the second time. His compatriot Jorge Lorenzo has also earned the coveted title of top qualifier twice so far. Sete Gibernau and Nicky Hayden have both won the BMW M Award once.

(*) BMW Individual special colour “Frozen Red Metallic” available for BMW M3 Limousine and BMW M4 Coupé from 2015.

BMW M GmbH.

BMW M GmbH is a 100 per cent subsidiary of BMW AG. With its products and services in the five business areas of BMW M Automobiles and BMW M Performance Automobiles, BMW Individual, M Sports Options and Packages, and BMW Group Driving Experience, as well as Safety, Emergency and Special-Purpose Vehicles, it is geared towards customers with particularly high aspirations in terms of the performance, exclusivity and individual style of their vehicle. Based in Munich, the company was founded in 1972 as BMW Motorsport GmbH. Since then, the letter M has become synonymous all over the world for success in motor racing and for the fascination of high-performance sports cars for road use.

Keen to celebrate this success in fitting style, BMW M GmbH is unveiling the BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition (0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph in 4.1 seconds, fuel consumption combined: 8.8 l/100 km [32.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 204 g/km)*. The Champion Edition will be built in a limited run of 23 units, reflecting Wittmann’s car number. And – in a further tribute to the DTM winner – it will be offered exclusively in Alpine White. The other signature features of the special-edition model, which will be refined exclusively at the BMW Individual Manufactory in Garching (near Munich), will likewise display close links with the victorious BMW M4 DTM. The matt-black bonnet and boot lid with eye-catching stripe design make an excellent visual complement to the standard CFRP roof, as does the black character line along the car’s flanks. Added to the mix are an M kidney grille with orange surround, an M logo rearwards of the front wheel arches, the number 23 on the doors and the flag along with “WIT” and “DTM Champion 2014” lettering on the rear side windows.

Munich. There are many facets to the sustainable character of the BMW i3. BMW i represents a prime example of “next premium”, the next generation of luxury headlined by the sustainability of its materials. The ambience this creates on board the BMW i3 can be experienced by the driver and passengers in considerable depth – and the international jury of experts for the Automotive Interiors Expo Award 2014 are now among its fans. The jury handed the electrically powered BMW i3 the title of Production Interior Vehicle Design of the Year. The third edition of these awards – which recognise exceptionally innovative concepts and solutions in the field of interior design – were held yesterday at the Automotive Interiors Expo in Stuttgart.

The selection and use of materials is central to the BMW i brand’s all-embracing sustainability concept. This applies on a large scale to the use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the passenger cells of BMW i cars and also comes into play in many details of their interior design. The hallmark LifeDrive architecture creates new scope for optimising the use of space on board the car and for the design of the interior. The colour and trim concept includes extremely extensive use of renewable raw and recycled materials, as well as wood and leather surfaces treated using environmentally sound methods.

The BMW i3 sets out to showcase sustainability through its design, as reflected by its cutting-edge, futuristic looks. The large, clear surfaces and bright ambience represent an expression of clean air and zero emissions. Large glass surfaces showcase the car’s lightweight design and lend the interior an airy, lounge-like character, while also offering the driver a better view over the road. Comfortable entry and a raised seating position are complemented both front and rear by exceptional freedom of movement thanks to an unbroken footwell extending across the full width of the interior.

The car’s innovative, exclusive aura is accentuated by signature BMW i design features and new materials, whose stand-out attributes are visible to the eye and palpable to the touch.  

25 per cent (by weight) of the plastic used in the interior of the BMW i3 is recycled. The textiles selected for the seat surfaces are made entirely from recycled fibres, ensuring the surfaces display impressive naturalness and quality. The textiles for the roofliner, interior trim, boot lining, instrument panel and floor mats are likewise the product of a sustainable production process. The door trim panels of the BMW i3 are made from kenaf fibres, a plant from the mallow family whose natural structure remains recognisable after the treatment process. Eucalyptus wood from certified plantations in Europe provides the raw material for parts of the instrument panel, while the leather set aside for the interior of the BMW i3 is tanned in a natural process using extract of olive leaves.

This rigorous sustainability-focused selection of materials allows the design of the interior to play a major role in securing the BMW i3’s outstanding level of environmental compatibility. Moreover, it provides an immediate window into the all-embracing concept underpinning the world’s first premium car developed from the outset to be driven purely on electric power.

Munich / Stuttgart. The BMW Group has extended its run of success in the International Engine of the Year Awards by recording two more class wins. The company’s latest distinctions in the globally renowned competition came courtesy of two drive units which bring sporty performance characteristics to current BMW and MINI vehicles in particularly efficient style. In a repeat of last year, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology fitted in models including the BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series finished top of its displacement category. And the 1.6-litre four-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo engine from the MINI Cooper S went one better, celebrating its seventh class win in a row. The Engine of the Year Awards were presented on 5 June 2013 at the Engine Expo fair in Stuttgart.

Instantaneous power delivery and a level of efficiency unmatched by any rival were the cornerstones of the BMW Group’s successful showing in the Engine of the Year Awards. The winners in each category and overall are decided by an international jury, made up this year of 84 motoring journalists from 35 countries. The company’s success in two categories of the International Engine of the Year Awards represents further evidence of its globally recognised development expertise in the area of drive system technology. Since 1999, the BMW Group has racked up over 60 class and overall wins in the competition.

BMW TwinPower Turbo technology once again provided the key to success in the 1.8 – 2.0-litre displacement class. In the winning BMW four-cylinder engine this package of technology comprises a twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection and BMW Valvetronic fully variable valve control. The 180 kW/245 hp version of the engine is used to power the BMW 328i, BMW 528i, BMW Z4 sDrive28i, BMW X3 xDrive28i and BMW X1 xDrive28i.

The other class conqueror in the BMW Group’s engine line-up also won over the Engine of the Year Awards jury – for the seventh consecutive year – with its impressive balance of sports performance and economy. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo unit, again the dominant force in the 1.4 – 1.8-litre category, boasts twin-scroll turbocharging with an overboost function, direct petrol injection and valve control based on the Valvetronic system. Its maximum output of 135 kW/184 hp enables the MINI Cooper S to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.0 seconds and deliver average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres (48.7 mpg imp). This highly efficient drive unit is now also available for the MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper S Paceman, where it can be combined with the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system.

Munich. BMW makes its debut as the exclusive partner of the annual awards presented by the renowned Art Directors Guild (ADG) in the USA. These awards recognise outstanding figures in production and set design from the international television and film industry. The prize presentation will take place on 2 February 2013 as part of a festive occasion at the venerable Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. The leading designer Herman F. Zimmerman will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award in the shape of a trophy created by DesignworksUSA, a 100-percent subsidiary of the BMW Group. As part of this extensive collaboration, BMW will also provide the VIP shuttle service and present two of its latest models – the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and the BMW i8 Concept Spyder.

Stylishly showcased in front of the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is unmatched by any other BMW in uniting extraordinary dynamics and the aesthetics of a classical BMW Coupe with luxurious appeal. With its low height and flat roofline that sweeps into the rear, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe sets a new benchmark for automotive aesthetics. A further highlight is the BMW i8 Concept Spyder, representing the BMW i sub-brand. Its combination of intelligent lightweight construction and state-of-the-art hybrid technology helps the BMW i8 Concept Spyder achieve genuine sports car performance. Its sporty, emotional design lends it lightness, dynamics and efficiency coupled with unusual looks.

The BMW Group and the ADG Awards share a common passion for inspiring design. This is also reflected in the Lifetime Achievement Award trophy created by DesignworksUSA and to be presented to the renowned art director and production designer Herman F. Zimmerman. He made his mark, among other things, as the production designer for the cult sci-fi series Star Trek, and also put his futuristic design stamp firmly on The Next Generation series. The award will be presented by Alec Bernstein, Global Director, Creative Consulting & Strategic Partnering, BMW Group DesignworksUSA. The design of the “Electrified” trophy pays tribute to the achievements of Herman F. Zimmerman: “Our designers were inspired by the metaphor of a flying spark that ignites creative vision. This energy is, metaphorically speaking, electrifying. It prompted our designers to recreate this fusion of technology and art in the form of the trophy,” explains Bernstein.

The award ceremony will be hosted in the ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel –also familiar from the Golden Globes – by stand-up comedian Paula Poundstone. The Art Directors Guild Awards on 2 February 2013 will recognize outstanding designers from the TV and film industry.

For more than five decades now, the BMW Group has been supporting film and television as part of its commitment to the creative and cultural scene. Its involvement on this front embraces product placement, promoting film academies and sponsoring numerous events within the sector, ranging from high-calibre film festivals to small-scale, aspiring “film days”. Since 2010, for example, BMW has been a main partner of the Berlinale, the International Film Festival in Berlin. BMW also supports the Bayerischer Filmpreis, the renowned Landshut Short Film Festival and the Regensburg Short Film Week, among other events. It also promotes short films at international level, such as the “BMW Shorties” film project in Malaysia.

Munich. DriveNow, the premium car-sharing joint venture by BMW Group and Sixt AG, was acknowledged as the best new corporate venture at the 2012 Corporate Entrepreneur Awards by Market Gravity and Wired Magazine.

More than 200 business leaders and entrepreneurs gathered at the Design Museum in London to celebrate the individuals and organisations that are transforming the business landscape and delivering breakthrough growth in large businesses through innovative ventures, reinventions and a forward-thinking culture.

The judges were especially impressed by the way BMW Group is challenging the traditional vehicle ownership model and by its willingness to trial other models. This was viewed as outstanding in an industry that is notoriously competitive. “We are aiming to become the leading provider of both premium vehicles and premium services for personal mobility”, says Dr. Bernhard Blaettel from BMW Group. “Our goal is to get our customers to their destinations faster, more reliably and in greater comfort. DriveNow stands only at the beginning of many innovations we will be launching under BMW i.”

Phil Clarke, partner at Market Gravity, was impressed by the high quality of all the nominations received this year. “It’s incredible to see the calibre of innovation happening across Europe. Market Gravity was founded and exists to help corporate entrepreneurs in their game-changing business efforts, so it’s exciting to be able to honour their work. It takes an entrepreneurial mindset and real determination to grow new businesses from within, and success provides jobs and prosperity in Europe and beyond.”

About DriveNow

The DriveNow premium car-sharing model is a modern mobility concept that combines high-quality vehicles and service with simple, flexible usage. DriveNow is the first car-sharing concept to focus consistently on highly-efficient premium vehicles and comprehensive service. DriveNow was launched in Germany in June 2011 as a car-sharing joint venture between the BMW Group and the car rental company Sixt AG. The BMW Group offers DriveNow under its BMW i sub-brand. BMW i also delivers innovative mobility services that reinforce the BMW parent brand’s position as a sustainable, future-oriented brand.

DriveNow now has almost 60,000 members and is available in Munich, Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf and San Francisco.

About the Corporate Entrepreneur Awards

In its third year, the Corporate Entrepreneur Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams who are working hard within large companies to deliver game-changing innovation and growth. Winners were recognised in four categories: best new corporate venture; best reinvention of an existing product or service line; best example of building an entrepreneurial culture; and a new award for 2012, the Wired People’s Choice Award, voted by attendees at the event. More than 30 brands submitted nominations across the categories.

The Corporate Entrepreneur Awards are by Market Gravity, a specialist consultancy focused on growth and innovation and Wired Magazine, a monthly publication that reports primarily on the effects of science and technology.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ, September 24, 2004... BMW of North America announced
today that the innovative BMW X3 wireless kiosk has received top honors
by winning three industry association awards -- the 2004 Display of
the Year Award as well as two 2004 Gold Design of the Times Awards in
the transportation and interactive categories. Recognizing the
"best of the best" in branded point of purchase displays,
Point-of-Purchase Advertising International (POPAI) presented BMW with
the 2004 Display of the Year Award at a special awards ceremony held
during Advertising Week in New York City. Hot on the heels of
receiving that prestigious commendation, the In-Store Marketing
Institute presented BMW with two 2004 Gold Design of the Times Awards
at the P-O-P Show in Chicago on September 22nd. Both awards underscore
BMW's commitment to advanced technology and innovative design.
"We are honored that the BMW X3 wireless kiosk has received two top
industry awards and acclaim by industry professionals," said Jim
McDowell, Vice President of Marketing, BMW of North America.
"These two prestigious awards are a testament to the dedication,
commitment and vision of our partners Frank Mayer & Associates,
Reality Pictures, LTD., NetKey Inc., and Dedicated Computing, Inc., as
well as the enthusiasm of our internal BMW team. We are proud that the
X3 kiosks have been embraced by the industry, and equally excited by
their wide acceptance into the marketplace." The award-winning X3
kiosk was developed to generate excitement and brand awareness for the
new BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle, which launched in February of this
year. The kiosks' sleek design, portability and state-of-the-art
wireless technology has enabled BMW to place them in high-trafficked
strategic locations where potential X3 customers are likely to gather,
including Jet Blue Terminals, Virgin MegaStores, ESPN Zones, Galyans
Sports and Outdoor Centers and similar locations. Additionally, the
wireless technology imbedded within each kiosk has allowed BMW to track
prospective leads in real time, tailor the message and graphic
presentation points to each specific location, and monitor usage.
About POPAI The Point-Of-Purchase Advertising International (POPAI) is
the only trade association of the point-of-purchase advertising
industry dedicated to serving its more than 1,700 members
internationally by promoting, protecting and advancing the broader
interests of P-O-P advertising through research, education, trade
forums, and legislative efforts. POPAI aspires to enable our industry
to influence consumers' buying decisions. The association seeks to
advance the evolution of P-O-P advertising as a strategic advertising
medium integrated into the marketing mix globally. About the In-Store
Marketing Institute The In-Store Marketing Institute serves brand
marketers, retailers, agencies and manufacturers worldwide with
education, information and networking provided through research
studies, education and training, networking opportunities, trade
publications, and tradeshows designed to further the understanding,
acceptance and effectiveness of in-store marketing. BMW Group In
America BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States
since 1975. ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles
in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include
marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW
brand, the MINI brand, and the ROLLS-ROYCE brand of Motor Cars;
DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology
office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the
country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW
Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing
plant for all Z4 Roadster and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW
Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of
340 BMW passenger car centers, 327 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,
148 BMW motorcycle retailers, 76 MINI passenger car dealers, and 25
ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's
sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. Information about BMW Group products is
available to consumers via the Internet at: www.bmwusa.com
www.bmwmotorradusa.com www.miniusa.com www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com #
# # Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its
products is available to journalists on-line at the BMW Group PressClub
at the following address: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en # # #