H&R is the new Technical Partner of BMW Motorsport. The specialist for suspension components will be involved as the BMW M3 GT2 takes to the track for this year’s 24-hour races. The company has supported BMW driver Uwe Alzen (DE) for several years. This partnership has how been extended for the 2010 GT season. As a result, the H&R logo will not only be seen on the cars, helmets, trucks and driver overalls, but also exclusively on Alzen’s cap.

“The transfer of first-rate technology from motor racing to series production is the incentive for both BMW and H&R’s involvement in motorsport,” says BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. “Due to the extreme demands placed on the car and its components, 24-hour races are the ideal test areas for technical innovations and new developments. We are looking forward to working together with H&R in this field.”

H&R is synonymous with suspension components “Made in Germany”. Based in Lennestadt (DE), the company uses international motor racing to test new materials and production technology on an accelerated time scale. The experience gained on the race track flows directly into the development and production of H&R suspension components.

The company employs over 100 motivated and highly-trained workers, who design, develop and manufacture springs, shock absorbers, spacers, stabilisers and other suspension components for customers all over the world.

BMW’s “Innovation Drive” event lasts two and a half hours and is conducted in a closed-course setting where the cars can be unleashed free of red and blue. Participants will put each BMW through 5 driving tasks including a slalom course, acceleration run, heavy braking run, accident avoidance run, and a “long corner” designed to simulate an on or off ramp. All segments of the test drive will be completed at low speed thresh-holds; this is not a track-day, but rather a safe and controlled environment to sample the legendary handling and performance of several BMW vehicles. On hand will be BMW Canada’s lead driving instructor, Pierre Savoy. Pierre has extensive racing experience and having met him once before, I can say he is a particularly friendly fellow – he will make sure your 2.5 hours fly by very quickly.

The 5 vehicles participants will drive include BMW’s 135i Coupe, 335d Sedan, 335i Coupe, 535i Sedan, and 550i Sedan. The 550i GT and ActiveHybrid X6 will be on hand for information sessions about their advanced technology – but will not be driven. Dates for the events are as follows: Vancouver – May 7th to 9th, Montreal – May 28th to 30th, Toronto – June 11th to 13th and 18th to 20th.

To be fair, test-driving a BMW on Canadian public roads does not allow the buyer to experience even a fraction of the car’s performance and handling ability. This event is for anyone who is sitting on the fence about a new car purchase, and would like to better understand the performance supremacy of BMW products.

Attendance is limited, so if you are interested in purchasing one of the five cars mentioned but need a stint behind the wheel to seal the deal, click here.

BMWBLOG will be attending this event in Toronto – we’ll report back with our impressions of the event for those who cannot attend.

The BMW Group recorded positive earnings for the financial year 2009 as planned despite the ongoing worldwide financial and economic crisis. Profit before tax rose by 17.7% to euro 413 million (2008: euro 351 million). Net profit amounted to euro 210 million (2008: euro 330 million/-36.4%) due to the higher effective tax rate. Revenues decreased moderately by 4.7% to euro 50,681 million (2008: euro 53,197 million). Based on the proposal of the Board of Management and Supervisory Board, the dividend will remain unchanged against the previous year at euro 0.30 per share of common stock and euro 0.32 per share of preferred stock.

“We performed well in 2009 despite difficult market conditions worldwide. Our cost management and efficiency improvement measures had a positive impact, even though the effects of the worldwide financial and economic crisis were still being felt“, stated Norbert Reithofer, the Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG on Thursday in Munich. “We are proposing a dividend for 2009 despite the difficult economic climate, demonstrating the confidence we have in our operating strength, and we also want our shareholders to participate in the company’s performance“, continued Reithofer.

Automobiles segment records fourth-quarter EBIT of euro 93 million

Earnings of the Automobiles segment fell in 2009 due to lower unit sales brought about by the weak economies worldwide. Nevertheless, thanks to a more stable market environment towards the end of the year, the segment was able to generate a fourth-quarter profit before financial result (EBIT) of euro 93 million. For the full year, the segment recorded negative EBIT of euro 265 million (2008: positive EBIT of euro 690 million) and a loss before tax of euro 588 million (2008: profit before tax of euro 318 million). Revenues fell to euro 43,737 million (2008: euro 48,782 million).
In total, the BMW Group sold 1,286,310 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles in 2009 (2008: 1,435,876 units/-10.4%). This performance enabled the BMW Group to increase its market share in the premium segment and, as previously announced, to retain its position as the world’s leading premium manufacturer.

A total of 1,068,770 BMW brand cars (2008: 1,202,239 units/-11.1%) were sold in 2009, putting the BMW brand once again well ahead of relevant competitors in the premium segment. Strong sales increases were achieved by the BMW 7 Series (52,680 units/+35.7%), the BMW X6 (41,667 units/+56.8%) and the BMW Z4 (22,761 units/+26.4%). In Germany, both 7 Series (7,439 units/+74.8%) and the BMW X5 (10,933 units/-31.9%) and X6 (4,940 units/+51.0%) finished the year as clear leaders in their relevant segments. Since their launch at the end of October 2009 up to the end of the year, 8,499 units of the BMW X1 and 3,052 units of the 5 Series Gran Turismo had been sold worldwide.

The MINI brand sold 216,538 units worldwide in 2009 (2008: 232,425 units/-6.8%). The model mix remained at a high level: more than one half of the brand’s customers (53.6%) opted for the MINI Cooper, with 26.2% selecting the MINI Cooper S and 20.2% the MINI One.

Rolls-Royce sold 1,002 motor cars (2008: 1,212 units/-17.3%) during the year, thus remaining the clear market leader in the ultra-luxury segment. The new Rolls-Royce Ghost made a good start, with 167 vehicles handed over to customers in December 2009.
The BMW Group grew strongly in 2009 in the emerging markets of China (90,536 units/+37.5%), Brazil (6,398 units/+118.8%) and India (3,619 units/+24.4%), achieving new sales records in all three markets. “We plan to grow our sales again in China, Brazil and India in the current year “, stated Reithofer. Germany was the largest single market for the company in 2009 for its BMW and MINI brand cars, with a total of 258,012 units (2008: 284,786 units/-9.4%) sold. With 33,517 cars handed over to customers, the MINI brand recorded its most successful year in Germany to date. The BMW Group also plans to increase sales in the German market during 2010, and hence, to increase market share in the premium segment.

In the USA, the BMW Group sold 241,727 vehicles (2008: 303,190 units/-20.3%) during the past year. The BMW brand, with 196,502 units sold, remained the best performing European premium car brand in the USA. The BMW Group forecasts that sales will increase in the US market during the current year.

EBIT of euro 19 million for Motorcycles segment in 2009

The earnings performance of the Motorcycles segment in 2009 was also adversely affected by difficult business conditions. EBIT fell to euro 19 million (2008: euro 60 million). Segment revenues totalled euro 1,069 million (2008: euro 1,230 million). With 87,306 units (2008: 101,685 units/-14.1%) sold worldwide, BMW Motorcycles recorded a moderate drop in sales volume compared to the market as a whole.

Sharp rise in earnings of Financial Services segment

Earnings of the Financial Services segment rose considerably in 2009 following a significant burden last year due to additional charges for residual value and credit risks. The EBIT rose to euro 355 million (2008: negative EBIT of euro 216 million). Segment revenues totalled euro 15,798 million (2008: euro 15,725 million). The increase in the credit loss ratio to 0.84% (2008: 0.59%) was in line with expectations.
The volume of new retail customers contracts declined by 15.8% to euro 24,709 million. The proportion of new BMW and MINI brand cars financed by the Financial Services segment amounted to 49.0%, up by 0.5 percentage points compared to the previous year.

Workforce of approximately 96,000 employees at end of 2009

The BMW Group’s workforce decreased over the past year as a result of a combination of natural attrition, pre-retirement part-time working arrangements and voluntary employment contract termination agreements. The BMW Group workforce comprised 96,230 employees at the end of the year (December 31, 2008: 100,041 employees/-3.8%) worldwide. The number of trainees remained at a high level, namely 3,915 compared to 4,102 one year earlier.

BMW Group cautiously optimistic for 2010

The worldwide financial and economic crisis will continue to have an impact on the automobile industry during the current year. The BMW Group will, however, grow profitably thanks to new models and the expected gradual global economic recovery in 2010. “We are heading into the new year cautiously optimistic. Our new models will provide us with a tailwind over the course of the year. We fully intend to remain the world’s leading provider of premium cars in 2010 and plan to increase sales within the single digit percentage range to over 1.3 million vehicles“, added Reithofer.
One of the most important model developments in 2010 is the new BMW 5 Series which will be launched at the end of March, thus providing further momentum from the beginning of the second quarter. The new BMW X1 and BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo models – both of which were very successfully launched at the end of 2009 – will also have a positive impact on sales performance in 2010. The MINI Countryman will be introduced onto the markets during the current year.

Today, we decided to show some love to these dealerships as well and appreciate them for their effort in providing the best customer service to BMW owners and not only. Below you will find the press release from BMWNA.

BMW of North America, LLC announced the names of its top performing dealerships in the U.S.  This year, 24 out of 338 BMW dealers nationwide were awarded the “2010 Center of Excellence” (COE).  The Centers were selected based on the criteria of customer satisfaction, outstanding brand representation, operational excellence and profitability.

While all of the award recipients did well in providing quality service, some 2010 winners continue to exceed the expectations of their customers winning the COE multiple times.  A few note worthy dealer accomplishments include Reeves Import Motorcars, Inc. in Tampa, FL for achieving COE nine years;  East Bay BMW in Pleasanton, CA and Flow BMW in Winston Salem, NC for winning the award a total of eight times; and Isringhausen Imports in Springfield, IL for winning the award seven times.  Additionally, Global Imports has won the COE award for seven consecutive years and Hendrick BMW has won for six consecutive years.

Despite the challenging economy, BMW’s dealer network continues to invest in their sales facilities and workshops spending $340 million in 2009 alone.  Dealers recognize the benefits of refining their business processes and focusing on top-tier customer service making BMW one of the most successful franchises in the U.S.

“All BMW dealerships offer a premium experience to our customers, but the 24 Center of Excellence winners excelled in the way they take care of their customers and represent the BMW brand,” said Peter Miles, Executive Vice President of Operations, BMW of North America, LLC.  “It’s a highly coveted award and our top dealers worked hard all year to achieve this high honor – we congratulate them.”

New Century BMW – Alhambra, CA
East Bay BMW – Pleasanton, CA
South Motors BMW – Miami, FL
Reeves Import Motorcars, Inc. – Tampa, FL
Global Imports  – Atlanta, GA
Isringhausen Imports – Springfield, IL
Dreyer & Reinbold, Inc. – Indianapolis, IN
Sunbelt BMW – Meridian, MS
Hendrick BMW – Charlotte, NC
Flow BMW – Winston Salem, NC
DeSimone BMW of Mount Laurel – Mount Laurel, NJ
Flemington BMW – Flemington, NJ
Sandia BMW – Albuquerque, NM
Capital Cities Imported Cars – Glenmont, NY
Keeler BMW – Latham, NY
Kuni BMW – Beaverton, OR
New Motors, Inc. – Erie, PA
Sun Motor Cars BMW – Mechanicsburg, PA
Rick Hendrick Imports – Charleston, SC
Hilton Head BMW – Bluffton, SC
Classic BMW – Plano, TX
BMW of Austin – Austin, TX
BMW of San Antonio – San Antonio, TX
BMW of Sterling – Sterling, VA

[Source: BMW ]

Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing: “After a substantial increase in January, sales year on year were significantly higher as well in February. Last month we saw growth in Asia, in particular, but we also made gains in many markets in Europe, Africa and the Americas. In key sales markets such as the US, the automotive sector is also showing encouraging signs of a gradual recovery.“ Almost all markets are experiencing a definite upturn. In the US, the BMW brand was the segment leader in February with growth of 16.3%. In Germany, the BMW Group managed to increase volumes by 6.8% despite the downward market trend. In China, the company sold 96.7% more vehicles in the month under review.

Robertson added: “We are looking forward to the new BMW 5 Series and the start of deliveries on 20 March. There is already tremendous interest in this vehicle which accounts for almost one fifth of BMW retail volumes – and is one of the brand’s mainstays, alongside the 1 Series and the 3 Series. However, primarily due to the
5 Series model change, we expect temporary slower growth in total sales during the launch phase in spring.”

A total of 78,248 BMW brand automobiles were delivered to customers in February – an increase of 13.7% (prev. yr. 68,823). For the year to the end of February, sales were 14.7% higher than the previous year (129,085) at 148,112 units.

Sales of the MINI brand also continued to perform well. Last month, 13,443 MINI cars, 16.0% more than in February 2009 (11,584), were delivered to customers worldwide. 25,645 MINI vehicles were sold in the year to the end of February. That represents an increase of 18.2% (prev. yr. 21,704). Ian Robertson: “Over the next few years the MINI product family will grow from three to six members. The MINI family’s fourth model, the new MINI Countryman, will arrive in showrooms in September and will play an important part in the premium brand’s long-term growth.”

For the first time the new MINI Countryman is currently being presented at the Geneva Motor Show. Until 14 March, the BMW Group will be showcasing a wide range of new models and technologies at the show. Other highlights include the world premiere of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan as well as revised BMW 3 Series Coupé, 3 Series Convertible and X5 models. The 2010 Geneva Motor Show also provides a showcase for two very innovative concept cars: With its BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid, BMW is presenting its concept for a ground-breaking full-hybrid model for the upper middle class segment. Also making its European debut is the BMW Concept ActiveE, a concept car based on the BMW 1 Series Coupé, equipped with fully-electric drive and innovative energy storage technology. Two new BMW hybrid models will be available by mid-April, when the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 go on sale in Europe.

The Rolls-Royce brand delivered 67 automobiles in February (prev. yr. 67/+0.0%). For the year to the end of February, 154 Rolls-Royce cars were handed over to customers worldwide (prev. yr. 104/+48.1%).

Following a good performance in January, deliveries in the Motorcycle Segment again rose substantially in February by 24.6% to reach a total of 5,485 vehicles (prev. yr. 4,401). For the year to the end of February, that represents an increase of 14.4% to 9,299 motorcycles sold (prev. yr. 8,132). The revised R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure and R 1200 RT, all strong volume models, contributed to this growth as well as the newly introduced S 1000 RR.

[Source: BMW ]

Automotive News reports that starting in 2011, BMW will lease up to 700 ActiveE models to selected customers in major cities across the globe. The 1 Series Coupe all-electric vehicle continues down the path of the 450 MINI E vehicles that began rolling out last year in New York, Los Angeles, Berlin and London.

In an interview with the aforementioned publication, Ian Robertson, company’s board member for sales and marketing, said that the ActiveE fleet will contain between 600 to 700 units.

BMW ActiveE uses Lithium-ion electric pack making 170hp and 184lb-ft of torque (125kW/250 Nm). It weighs around 3,900 lbs and runs from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. Drive autonomy is measured at around 100 miles.

At the Geneva Motor Show, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer told reporters that the ActiveE “lays the groundwork for our fully-electric Megacity Vehicle.”

The first Megacity Vehicle is expected to launch in late 2012.

These events serve as the launch of a year-long marketing relationship between BMW and Uptown Media Group that includes special events in the arts, fashion and sports communities, sponsorship and advertising.

“We are happy to sponsor these events in recognition of the outstanding contributions African Americans have made to Hollywood,” said Jack Pitney, VP Marketing, BMW of North America.

“Uptown Magazine is thrilled to be a significant component of BMW’s Joy initiative for 2010. Our yearlong integrated marketing campaign includes in-book, digital, event and television opportunities to spread BMW’s message to the affluent African American consumer,” said Len Burnett, Co-Founder and Group Publisher, Uptown Media Group. “The series of events kick off in Los Angeleson March 4th with a private golf clinic and a pre-Oscar celebration of Black Hollywood with Academy Award Nominee Lee Daniels,” he added.

Joy of Golf – Thursday, March 4, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Los Angeles National Golf Course

Preceding the much anticipated 2010 Oscar celebration; BMW and Uptown Media group will be hosting an event at the Los Angeles National Golf Course. Fifty influential African American consumers will be provided the opportunity to take golf lessons from golf pros. Participants will enjoy a fun-filled afternoon as well as an opportunity to test drive the newest BMW X5 and X6.

Salute to Black Hollywood – Thursday, March 4, 9 p.m., Andaz Hotel

The Joy Oscar Celebration will honor filmmaker Lee Daniels, 2010 Oscar nominee for Best Director, and the cast of Precious for its success this year at the box office. This event will celebrate and honor the achievements of African Americans both in front and behind the cameras in Hollywood. The Salute to Black Oscars documentary will honor the African American Oscar winners and nominees. Producing partners Sid Ganis and Stephanie Allain-Bray will show a short video presentation announcing the documentary to raise funds for their non-profit foundation, the International Documentary Foundation.

With over 100 major projects worldwide, BMW Group cultural programs have been an integral part of the company’s contributions to society for almost 40 years. Besides contemporary art, architecture and design, classical music and jazz are key components of this engagement.

[Source: BMW ]

BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) increased its February sales 13.7 percent selling 17,971 vehicles compared to the same month in 2009.  Both the BMW and MINI brands improved performance with BMW reporting a sales increase of 16.3 percent to 15,100 units and MINI a 1.6 percent increase to 2,871 vehicles.

Results were driven by the excellent performance of the BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle, up 75.5 percent, and the X6 increasing 97.6 percent.  In the large premium sedan segment, the BMW 7 Series has led the category for the last two months.

“It’s a positive market sign that sales for both BMW and MINI, as well as some other premium brands, continued to improve in February,” said Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. “Led by the 7 Series just one year ago, we are now beginning to renew the heart of our model line-up, and believe as we do so over the next couple of years, our market strength will continue. For example, just today we unveiled the all new BMW 5 series at the Geneva motor show and it arrives in the US in June.”

On the used car side, sales of BMW’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles were down 9.4 percent to 8,469 vehicles versus 9,350 vehicles reported in a very strong February 2009.  Year-to-date, CPO sales were down 17.8 percent to 15,912 in the same period of 2009.

[Source: BMW NA ]

The chairman of the jury said that the BMW concept car showed what sustainability mobility could look like: “A breath-taking concept featuring avantgarde technology and a remarkable interior.”

In his speech on the evening of the award ceremony, Philippsen described the Vision EfficientDynamics as “the modern version of the Alfa Romeo Berlinetta”. He said it looked “dynamic and inviting” and was still a “typical BMW” in spite of its extravagant design”.

Adrian van Hooydonk said he was honoured to receive this “prestigious design award” for the concept car Vision EfficientDynamics. He specifically emphasised that the award recognised the work of his entire team, without whom the Vision EfficientDynamics would never have been given its “striking appearance”. Van Hooydonk went on to say that “design always looks far ahead and tries to anticipate developments of the future” and that this was something which had been achieved in an exemplary manner with the award-winning concept car.
The jury characterised the rare Alfa Romeo Berlinetta as a “masterpiece of timeless beauty”.

In his speech, the chairman of the jury described the classic car as “wonderful, sensual, of remarkable proportions and with an engine whose sound was pure music”. He also said that this was hardly surprising since this Alfa Romeo was “conceived of and built by two geniuses”.

Since 2005 Louis Vuitton has presented two awards every year. The Concept Car Award goes to the concept which the jury believe has the greatest potential to win a concours d’élegance in 40 years’ time. The jury chaired by Christian Philippsen brings together influential design personalities: Anne Asensio (Dassault Systèmes), Serge Bellu (writer and journalist), Jack Croul (winner of the 2008 Louis Vuitton Concours Award with a Ferrari), Xavier Dixsaut (Louis Vuitton), Harm Lagaaij (Head Designer of Porsche until 1994), Gordon Murray (Gordon Murray Design), Stewart Reed (Art Center College of Design, Pasadena) and Pascal Boulanger (automobile journalist, TF1, France).

The Louis Vuitton Classic Concours Award is presented to a classic vehicle which has previously won a concours d’élegance. The vehicle may only be restored using original parts – a stringent requirement to be able to win a concours. In addition to chairman Christian Philippsen, the jury consists of the following: Roberto Piatti (Torino Design), Matteo Fiorvanti (Fiorvanti), Luc Dockerwolke (Seat Design), Patrick Le Quément (Renault Industrial Design), Lowie Vermeersch (Pininfarina), Wahei Hirai (Toyota Group Design), Fabrizio Giugiaro (ItalDesign), Lorenzo Ramaciotti (Fiat Group Design), Frank Stephenson (McLaren Automotive Design), Ian Cameron (Rolls-Royce Design), Freeman Thomas (Ford Advanced Design), Gorden Wagener (Mercedes Benz Design), Jean-Pierre Plouè (PSA Group Design), Chris Bangle (Chris Bangle Associates) and Anthony Lo (General Motors Europe Advanced Design).

The so-called Double Cone of BMW Welt in Munich provided a fitting backdrop for the automobile design event. Head of Louis Vuitton Germany Tom Meggle welcomed the 150 guests surrounded by award-winning vehicles. He said he was very glad to “celebrate the Munich premiere of the Louis Vuitton Classic Awards in the Double Cone of BMW Welt since this venue combined the tradition and creativity of BMW – both things which Louis Vuitton stands for”. The Louis Vuitton Award was developed by the luxury goods company’s innovation department, which also undertakes projects with major automobile manufacturers. BMW collaborated with Louis Vuitton on the BMW C1 scooter, for example. In 2009 a Louis Vuitton Special Award went to the BMW concept car GINA which channelled visionary power into providing bold and thought-provoking impulses for future mobility.

Louis Vuitton has stood for the art of stylish travel since 1854. Since 1987 the company has been part of the LVMH Group (Moët Hennessy.Louis Vuitton), which has become one of the most prestigious makers of luxury goods in the world under the leadership of Bernard Arnault. Under Design Director Marc Jacobs, who has given Louis Vuitton its shape and colour since 1997, the portfolio was extended to include men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, watches, jewellery and sunglasses. Here, traditional craftsmanship has been combined with flair and innovation to create the perfect lifestyle experience. Louise Vuitton currently has a worldwide network of stores.

Berlin fashion designer Michael Michalsky also added his name to the guest list. He designed the hostess outfit for the world premiere of the concept car BMW Vision EfficientDynamics at the IAA in Frankfurt, with the car’s design style, silhouette and materials providing his source of inspiration. Echoing the interior of the vehicle, the designer created a two-piece outfit consisting of tight-fitting leather leggings and a mini-dress made of white nappa leather. The exterior is reflected in the blue lines on the side, emphasising the delicate but sporty silhouette.

[Source: BMW ]

BMW has just confirmed our suppositions from last week: the future Megacity Vehicle will be built at the Leipzig plant. The center piece of the Project i program, Megacity Vehicle, or MCV as  know internally, will debut in mid-2003 and will roll off the production line at the aforementioned plant. The lightweight carbon parts needed for the MCV will be manufactured at Landshut and then shipped for assembly in Leipzig.

Press Release

The BMW Group is developing BMW Plant Leipzig to produce an electric vehicle and making additional investments in a number of facilities in Bavaria. In a joint venture with SGL Carbon, SGL Automotive Fibers GmbH & Co KG, carbon fibre fabrics will be produced in Wackersdorf and processed to CFRP components for the new vehicle at BMW Plant Landshut.

Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of BMW AG, confirmed clearly the company’s commitment to Germany as an industrial centre: “The BMW Group will build the car of the future in Leipzig with high-tech innovations from Bavaria. The main reasons behind this decision are the qualities that Germany has to offer: we have a tried and tested production network here and high levels of education and outstanding competencies at our disposal.”

With this decision to produce in Leizpig, Landhsut and Wackersdorf, the BMW Group is preparing for series production of a car known by its project name of Megacity Vehicle. With this new automobile, the BMW Group will be providing an innovative solution for sustainable mobility in urban environments. It is being developed as part of project i and is due to reach the market in the first half of this decade under a sub-brand of BMW.

Fast Company magazine, the American address to look at when searching for trends in the business of innovation, has ranked BMW Group DesignworksUSA as the world’s “#1 Most Innovative Company in Design,” and among the “Most Innovative Companies for 2010.”

This recognition appears in the March 2010 issue of Fast Company magazine, which selects the world’s most innovative companies from twenty-four categories including design, advertising & marketing, mobile, biotechnology, energy, film & television, food, media, healthcare, music, and sports.  As an honoree DesignworksUSA stands shoulder-to-shoulder with both rising newcomers and industry legends such as Disney, ESPN, First Solar, Facebook, GE, Google, HP, Novartis, Spotify, and Hulu.

“Challenging the status quo by creating new brand and product experiences that deliver better solutions for a changing world is what drives innovation at DesignworksUSA,” says Laurenz Schaffer, President of DesignworksUSA.  “We’re thrilled to be honored by The Fast Company 50, and included among the ranks of industry leaders whose passion and dedication is clearly evident through the game-changing quality of their work.”

“DesignworksUSA’s ability to innovate across so many different industries is remarkable,” says Fast Company editor Robert Safian. “With BMW Group as its parent, designing cool cars is a given, but by also shining with everything from consumer electronics and gaming to aviation and medical devices, DesignworksUSA truly sets itself apart.”

Fast Company specifically addresses recent DesignworksUSA projects for their excellence including the HP Officejet 8500; the Saeco Xsmall and Starbucks Sirena coffee and espresso makers; the WHITESTAR surgical platform for Advanced Medical Optics; and the architecturally inspired Thermaltake Level 10 Gaming Station. Moreover this recognition by the Fast Company 50 is a further validation of DesignworksUSA’s unique creative process that benefits both from the geographic diversity afforded by its three studios in Los Angeles, Munich, and Singapore; as well as the diversity of its client base, which provides the lateral transfer of ideas across multiple industries. As a result DesignworksUSA has a unique understanding of how the consumer’s world is evolving across a variety of touch-points.

In addition to those projects featured by Fast Company, DesignworksUSA has recently debuted numerous projects that have captured the attention and praise of the design community. For BAVARIA Yachts it created the Yachts Cruiser 55, which redefined the sailing experience for this renowned shipyard, as well as the Deep Blue 46, which offers the ideal combination of space with a dynamic form language.  The Landscape Forms “Metro40” collection, a range of essential furnishing elements for urban transit cores, brings comfort and dynamic design to city streets. The MSJ Interior Concept for Embraer, the world-leading jet manufacturer, exudes a meticulous eye for detail with elegant forms rendered with premium fabrications. The CX, MX, and OMX range of headphones for Sennheiser offer an exceptional audio experience for a range of applications, including water-immersible Sport variants as well as high-end options crafted in aluminum.

Not only is DesignworksUSA in the air, on the seas, and on city streets, but also on the ski slopes of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The Supershape Ski, created for HEAD, will be used by Vancouver Olympic superstars including Lindsey Vonn, Maria Riesch, Bode Miller, Didier Cuche, and Sarka Zahrobska.

Together with the BMW internal design department, the three DesignworksUSA studios participate in an internally competitive process for the design of new BMW Group products, and are credited with many successful BMW Group products. Among them are the interior of the 2009 BMW Z4 Roadster and trendsetting X5 Sports Activity Vehicle.

[Source: BMW ]

John Teahen Jr., senior editor of Automotive News, publishes a report that without a doubt will cause some controversy on here. His report focuses on the true-luxury sales in the United States for 2009.

One might ask: what defines a true-luxury car? According to John, any car with a sticker price of $45,000 or more.

Automotive News Europe estimates that 600,000 true-luxury cars were sold last year in the United States. Based on the units counted, the 2009 “King” and leader was the BMW brand with 119, 219 units. Second came the old school rival, Mercedes Benz which fell short by only 431 units.

Mercedes-Benz was the leader from 2006 through 2008.

BMW’s 119,219 deliveries meant that 61 percent of its 196,502 sales were in the true-luxury category. Mercedes was a fraction better at 62 percent.

In the overall luxury segment, BMW and Mercedes finished second and third, behind the Japanese rival, Lexus. Out of overall Lexus sales numbers, 58 percent were represented by models that are priced below the $45,000 cut-off point. Lexus had 83,754 true-luxury sales.

Cadillac follows the foreign automakers trio with 64,801 or 59 percent of total Cadillac sales.

Audi came in sixth.

A full report and further breakdown can be found at AutoNews.

According to the magazine, due to component-sharing strategy for saving money, BMW is equipping the new 5 Series with technology and components found in the 7 Series models, parts that account for as much as 70%.

The new BMW 5 Series will cost approximately $20,000 less than the entry 7 Series model, 740i. At such significant price difference and sharing similar parts, BMW needs to ensure that the consumers and owners of the 7 Series won’t perceive this as an economic value dilution of their higher-end models.

“The concern is that, if I can get most of the bells and whistles on a 5, does that cannibalize the 7?”, said Michael Tyndall, an automotive industry specialist at Nomura Securities in London for BusinessWeek.

Perfectly valid point, but at the same time, the two sedans appeal to different demographics. The 7 Series tends to do well among customers that are older than BMW’s overall average demographic, while the new 5 Series goes after the customer looking for a sportier, but yet luxurious sedan.

In 2007, BMW CEO, Norbert Reithofer approved a program to reduce material costs by $5.4 billion by using joint components in some models.

Although not confirmed by BMW, BusinessWeek claims that the new 2011 F10 5 Series is BMW’s first car developed wholly on a parts-sharing basis and will be a “major contributor” to profit goals, as BMW CFO, Friedrich Eichiner stated recently.

He continues by confirming that BMW’s goals continue to be around the differentiation between  its models.

As we reported yesterday, the new 2011 BMW 5 Series’ interior cabin is a huge step forward in terms of quality and design, and along with the latest gadgetry available, can compete with its “bigger brother”, the 7 Series.

[Source: BusinessWeek ]

BMW of North America today launched its largest brand awareness campaign in its history – “Story of Joy.” The campaign will break during the Opening Ceremony of the XXI Winter Olympic Games and continues at a pace heavy enough to make BMW the largest luxury automotive spender of the Games. “Story of Joy” will serve as the umbrella for the automaker’s global communications.

“Story of Joy” introduces a new creative aesthetic characterized by strong, colorful images often conveying people and their experiences with the subtlest of references to BMW products punctuated by various three-word headlines leading off with “Joy Is…”

The new campaign from BMW and its global creative partner, Austin-Texas-based GSD&M Idea City, media buying agency Universal McCann of New York City, and interactive agency Dotglu of New York City, represents the largest, most comprehensive marketing initiative in the company’s history and incorporates a number of innovative elements across television, digital, mobile and out-of-home platforms. An advertising first for this groundbreaking campaign is BMW’s use of MSN’s new proprietary enhanced video capabilities for a nine-video panel homepage takeover in mid-February.

“The ‘Story of Joy’ encapsulates the sentiment shared throughout BMW that we are more than a car company. We are creators of joy,” said Jack Pitney, Vice President, Marketing, BMW of North America. “All of our efforts in engineering, design and technology are about one thing, which is creating moments of joy. Given recent trends in consumer mindsets, the campaign refocuses BMW on the joy of driving and sharing those moments in an upbeat, humanized and refreshing fashion.”

The campaign heavily incorporates high-impact television placements to run on NBC, MSNBC and CNBC during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and the Academy Awards. Additionally, throughout NBC’s two-week televised coverage of the Winter Games, BMW will be the sole automotive sponsor of the network’s “Olympic Moments of Joy” segments highlighting the triumphant tales of real-life Olympic athletes as they unfold.

The first of two television spots, a 60-second piece entitled “Story of Joy,” will make its debut on NBC February 12th during Opening Ceremony of the Winter Games. The piece opens with a detail shot of BMW’s signature kidney-shaped grille and moves into quick-cutting “snapshots,” from contemporary and vintage video footage, creating a collage of people experiencing joyful moments of life with the products that illicit them. The voice over that closes the spot states, “We realized a long time ago that what you make people feel is just as important as what you make. And at BMW we don’t just make cars. We make joy.”

The 60-second “Tunnel” spot, which will premiere on February 15th, depicts the futuristic-looking BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept Vehicle driving through a dark tunnel, its image giving way to glimpses of vehicles in BMW’s product line-up as it darts in and out of shadows. At the other end of the tunnel, the entire product portfolio emerges into full daylight and the video cuts to smiling drivers behind the wheels. A voice over intones, “Every BMW is created with EfficientDynamics – technologies that maximize the joy of driving and make us the most fuel-efficient luxury car company in America.”

Multiple digital platforms and executions are also central to the “Story of Joy” campaign. In an exclusive arrangement with MSN, BMW will mount a homepage takeover on February 15th distinguishing the automaker as the first advertiser to employ the web site’s new proprietary enhanced video capabilities. The new MSN technology creates a 3-D-like display which allows users to access any of the nine BMW-sponsored “Golden Moments of Joy” video panels directly from the homepage. The interactive video panel is expected to attract nearly 125 million users in its one-day homepage takeover.

Additionally, beginning with the Olympic Games, BMW’s partnership with NBC extends to NBCOlympics.com with “Golden Moments of Joy,” a section of the web site that will feature all the Gold Medal moments, through a combination of video and still pictures framed by BMW banners, for each day of competition. Similarly, a mobile version of the site, also carrying BMW banners, will render the “Golden Moments of Joy” content easily accessible through mobile devices. Also starting in April, a “Story of Joy” experience micro-site, at bmwusa.com/JOY will run unscripted BMW-produced content highlighting real-life tales of BMW enthusiasts and owners.

The campaign’s targeted print buy revolves around custom creative treatments for Vanity Fair’s March “Hollywood” issue, a four-page spread featuring vintage images of Elvis posed with his BMW 507 and the headline “Joy Is Timeless.”

High-impact out-of-home in New York City, Los Angeles and Spartanburg, South Carolina, home of BMW’s North American Manufacturing Plant and Performance Driving School, during the months of February and March round out the campaign.

[Source: BMW ]

Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing: “We started the new year well with healthy growth in sales, and are continuing the upward trend of the last few months. We have set ourselves ambitious goals for the full year 2010.

Thanks to the large number of new, highly-attractive models, such as the new BMW 5 Series and the MINI Countryman, we are aiming for growth in the single-digit percentage range for 2010, and intend to sell more than 1.3 million vehicles.”

In the month under review, sales of BMW brand automobiles climbed 15.9% to a total of 69,852 (prev. yr. 60,262). Strong gains were again reported by the major series, including the BMW 7 Series with 4,742 deliveries (+89.8% / prev. yr. 2,498), and the BMW X5 and X6 models with a combined total of 10,565 (+9.3% / prev. yr. 9,665) deliveries. The BMW Z4 was also among the growth drivers with 1,552 (+278.5% / prev. yr. 410) deliveries. All three model series remain clear global market leaders in their segments. BMW also made gains with what is traditionally its largest-volume model series: Volumes for the 3 Series rose by 7.1% overall to reach a total of 22,501 (prev. yr. 21,001) deliveries in January. Although its successor model is already preparing for launch in late March, demand for the current BMW 5 Series Sedan is strengthening, with 9,314 customers purchasing this highly-successful model (+4.9% / prev. yr. 8,880) in the past month.

Overall, the BMW 5 Series was able to match the previous year’s level of 11,036 deliveries (-0.1% / prev. yr. 11,042). Ian Robertson: “We have already sold virtually all of the current BMW 5 Series Sedans, so there will be a relatively small volume of final deliveries of this model over the next two months.” Robertson added: “The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is receiving an enthusiastic response from the media and the public. From the second quarter on, the new model – together with the new, recently launched BMW X1 and BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo models – will give sales a further boost.” The two new models, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and the BMW X1, joined the BMW model range in late October.

Although they are not yet available in all major high-volume markets, no less than 4,093 BMW X1 and 933 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo models were already delivered to customers in January.

The MINI brand also saw a substantial increase in sales volumes in the month under review. With 12,181 (prev. yr. 10,120) units sold, 20.4% more vehicles were delivered. Volumes increased for all three model series. In January 1,191 (+510.8% / prev. yr. 195) MINI Convertibles were delivered to customers. The MINI Clubman was sold to 2,003 customers last month (+5.2% / prev. yr. 1,904), while the MINI recorded 8,987 deliveries worldwide (+12.0% / prev. yr. 8,021).

The Rolls-Royce brand can also look back on a successful start to 2010: Demand for its new model, the Ghost, launched in December, is strong, with definite orders until the middle of the year. In January, Rolls-Royce delivered a total of 87 automobiles to customers (prev. yr. 37) and was able to increase sales volumes by 135.1%.

The BMW Group reported higher retail volumes on all continents in January. A total of 41,087 vehicles were sold in Europe (+2.4% / prev. yr. 40,118). The major established markets of Western Europe accounted for the largest share of 38,495 units (prev. yr. 37,930 / +1.5%). The emerging markets of Eastern Europe maintained their strong growth rates. With 2,237 vehicles sold, growth in the region reached 18.7% (prev. yr. 1,885). The Russian market also posted a substantial increase in volumes for the first time in months, with 1,129 deliveries (prev. yr. 937 / +20.5%).

The American markets also reported sales growth of 11.6% (18,501 vehicles / prev. yr. 16,572) in January. Middle and South America made gains of 10.4% (836 / prev. yr. 757) and 98.3% (1,057 / prev. yr. 533) respectively; while in the North America region, 8.7% more vehicles were sold (16,608 / prev. yr. 15,282). Despite continued economic difficulties in the US, the BMW Group once again improved its sales figures in its key US market by 7.7% to reach a total of 15,410 vehicles (prev. yr. 14,314) in January.

In the Asia region, 74.6% more vehicles were sold (18,523 / prev. yr. 10,610) last month. The largest Asian market, China, was able to more than double sales volumes, with growth of 122.4% to 11,919 automobiles (prev. yr. 5,360). At 11,369 (prev. yr. 5,200 / +118.6%) vehicles, the BMW brand for the first time exceeded the threshold of 10,000 units sold in one month. Ian Robertson: “We will continue on our growth track in the Chinese market in 2010. Although we already saw a very strong performance there last year, we are once again aiming for growth in the double-digit percentage range.” In Japan, Asia’s second largest market, the BMW Group sold 1,908 units and was therefore able to maintain last year’s level (prev. yr. 1,910 / -0.1%).

In January, BMW Group volumes were also up 21.2% (2,209 deliveries / prev. yr. 1,823) in Africa and 40.3% (1,692 deliveries / prev. yr. 1,206) in Oceania.

The sales performance of the Motorcycle Segment was also positive at the start of 2010. With 3,814 units sold, 2.2% more vehicles were delivered to customers than in the same period last year (3,731).

A total of 31 cars made up the original list of candidates for the 2010 World Car category, while 15 cars made up the list for the 2010 Performance Car category, but now these lists have been whittled down to just ten finalists.

Now in their seventh year, the World and Performance Car of the Year awards are an independent global accreditation to name the best new car on the market, as selected by a voter group made up of established automotive journalists from around the globe.

To be eligible, a car has to be in production and sold in at least five countries and on two continents, which meant many American manufactured cars didn’t make the list. The final winners will be picked by a team of 59 judges and announced during April’s New York event, however, the list will be whittled down even further to just three finalists in both categories at next month’s 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

BMW has made the top twice, first with the newly released X1 Sports Activity Vehicle, nominated for the World Car of the Year Top, and second, the Z4 Roadster running in the Performance Car of the Year competition.

2010 World Car of the Year top ten finalists:

Audi Q5
BMW X1
Chevrolet Cruze
Kia Soul
Mazda3
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Opel/Vauxhall Insignia / Buick Regal
Porsche Panamera
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Polo
2010 Performance Car of the Year top ten finalists:

Aston Martin V12 Vantage
Audi R8 V10
Audi TT RS Coupé / Roadster
BMW Z4
Ferrari California
Jaguar XFR
Lotus Evora
Mercedes-Ben z E 63 AMG
Nissan 370 Z
Porsche 911 GT3
Porsche Boxster / Cayman

BMW Z4 Photo Gallery

BMW X1 Photo Gallery

[Source: wcoty ]

Munich. As a National Sponsor of Munich’s Olympic bid, the BMW Group is turning to high-profile support from the sporting arena: two-time Olympic figure skating champion Katarina Witt (44) has been appointed the BMW Group’s ambassador in the bid to host the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

As part of this collaboration, Witt will be making public appearances on behalf of the BMW Group. She also chairs the Munich 2018 Bid Committee.

Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing, commented: “The BMW Group espouses the Olympic ideal of fair play in sporting contests. As the world’s most sustainable car manufacturer, we support the idea of a sustainable Olympic Games – both as Automotive Partner of the 2012 Games in London and as a National Sponsor of the 2018 Munich bid. We are delighted to have Katarina Witt’s backing as an ambassador in our bid to bring the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to Munich.”

“Taking part in the Olympic Games is the dream ambition and absolute career high point of any athlete,” said Katarina Witt, who won Olympic gold in figure skating in Sarajevo in 1984 and Calgary in 1988. “I would like to do my bit to turn this dream into reality in Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen for 2018. I totally embrace and identify with the concept of sustainable Olympic Games that conserve natural resources and make use of existing sports facilities. This could be a signal from Munich for future Games. BMW and the Olympics – it’s an alliance that stands for sportiness, tradition, dynamism and a forward-looking approach. BMW and the Munich 2018 bid – it’s a perfect match.”

In her function as ambassador for the Munich 2018 bid, Katarina Witt will attend the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The warranty upgrade becomes active after the four-years standard plan or 50,000-mile warranty expires. Customers that own a 2007 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series model, are eligible to receive the plan upgrade up to six years or 100,000 miles.

The extended plan has the some guidelines as the original warranty, free service inspections, oil service, wiper blades, and normal wear and tear, like oxygen sensors and brake and clutch replacements. In a ballpark estimation, BMW estimates the customers are saving $1,800 over two years by being protected by this extension.

Last year, BMW’s certified pre-owned sales rose 9.5 percent to 114,423. The increase was a new record year for the program and BMW North America continues to have high expectations in 2010 as well.

[Source: Automotive News ]

Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 7.6 percent in January for a total of 13,163 vehicles compared to 12,232 vehicles reported in the same month a year ago.  MINI USA reported sales of 2,247 automobiles, an increase of 7.9 percent compared to 2,082 cars reported last January.

“Traffic in our showrooms was a bit sporadic this month but combined with a strong December we are delighted to see a positive January gain,” said Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC.  “The new 7 Series had a particularly encouraging performance, assuming segment leadership with over 1,300 units sold.”

One the used car side, sales of BMW’s Certified Pre-Owned vehicles were down 25.6 percent, to 7,443 CPO vehicles versus 10,007 vehicles in January 2009.  Despite a industry-wide slow start coming out of the 2010 gate, BMW’s used car business expects to hold their own this year.

Koons and Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW North America jointly made the announcement today at an event held at Koons’ New York City studio. “I always thought it would be an honor to work on a BMW Art Car,” said Jeff Koons. “I look forward to participate in a tradition set forth by such great artists as Calder, Lichtenstein, Stella, and Warhol.”

“The entire BMW Group is looking forward to this celebration of contemporary art by Jeff Koons, one of the greatest artists of our time,” said O’Donnell in making the announcement.

Koons will join an illustrious group of artists that include Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, Robert Rauschenberg, and Alexander Calder – each of whom has made a unique artistic statement about the appearance and meaning of cars.

The Koons BMW Art Car will be revealed later in the year. Details of the model and preliminary design will be announced in due course.

Koons and BMW

The germination of the idea began in 2003, when Koons expressed his desire to create a BMW Art Car. His relationship with BMW started over two decades ago when he drove a BMW while residing in Munich, home to the BMW Group headquarters. Koons is known for his heartfelt appreciation of cars. Earlier this year he was even recognized by music icon Bono of U2 as the one of the ideal artists to design a car that would make the world fall in love with automobiles again.

“We are enormously pleased about Jeff Koons’ eagerly anticipated contribution to the BMW Art Car series, celebrating its 35th anniversary,” said Frank-Peter Arndt, member of the Board of Management for the BMW AG and responsible for BMW Group’s international cultural formats. “Art Cars are part of the DNA of BMW’s cultural engagement. As manifested in Koons’ latest sculptural work, what unites us is the belief that nothing is impossible. Our company and Jeff Koons are drawn to permanent innovation and cutting-edge technology.”

BMW Art Cars

Since 1975, artists from throughout the world have turned BMW automobiles into art signifying a particular period through the Art Car program. In 2007, the latest installment was revealed with Olafur Eliasson’s “Your Mobile Expectations: BMW H2R project.” Many of these have been exhibited in renowned museums throughout the world including the Louvre, the Guggenheim Museums, and the Shanghai Art Museum. They have been displayed at the BMW Museum in Munich, between 2006 and 2010 and many went on a world tour throughout Asia, Russia, Africa, India, the United States and Mexico.

With over 100 major projects worldwide, BMW Group cultural programs have been an integral part of the company’s contributions to society for almost 40 years. Besides contemporary art, architecture and design, classical music and jazz are key components of this engagement.

[Source: BMW ]