BMW Group Remarks from Detroit Auto Show Press Conference
01-14-2008, 06:17 PM
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REMARKS - BMW GROUP PRESS CONFERENCE, 2008 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW, DETROIT, JANUARY 13, 2008
01/14/2008
Speech by Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Dr. Klaus Dr?ger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW (US) Holding Corporation, BMW Group Press Conference, 2008, North American International Auto Show, Detroit, January 13th, 2008.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This dynamic performance symbolizes an exciting year for BMW - worldwide, and specifically
here in the U.S.:
1. We are launching BMW diesels in North America.
2. We are launching the BMW X6, the first Sports Activity Coupe.
3. We are bringing the successful BMW 1 series to the American market.
Here you have "The New BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance". These are the first two BMW diesel models for the U.S. market: The BMW X5 xDrive35d and the BMW 335d sedan. Both cars will be available at BMW centers starting in the fall of this year.
Why are we bringing BMW diesels to North America?
More and more of our American customers expect the ultimate driving machine to give them not only high performance - but also fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly solutions.
BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance is the right solution at the right time. Diesel technology is an important step on the road to more fuel-efficient, lower-emission mobility. Mercedes has already released clean diesel cars with blue tec technology in the U.S. market.
Diesel does not mean giving up on "sheer driving pleasure" - definitely not for our customers.
These two cars here are each fitted with a three-liter in-line six cylinder diesel engine with Variable Twin Turbo technology: A sensational engine which is quite unique.
It is the cleanest diesel engine with the sportiest and best performance-in the world!
In every respect, it fulfills the strict requirements of the U.S. market with regard to cutting emissions like CO2. At the same time BMW uses SCR technology to reduce nitric oxides (NOX).
We will be offering BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance in all 50 States.
In this way we are leveraging our outstanding BMW diesel experience in terms of sporty and efficient diesels in the U.S. Back in 1983 we built the fastest diesel car of the day - the BMW 524td. Today the BMW diesel with Variable Twin Turbo technology sets new standards:
? No other diesel engine has won the Engine of the Year Award more times.
? No other engine can accelerate as dynamically using so little fuel.
In short: BMW diesel technology is an extremely attractive option. It is an excellent way to respond to the current challenges regarding reducing emissions.
Our customers all around the world have been excited about BMW diesels for many years. Today, more than 40 percent of all BMW cars sold are diesels, in Europe almost 70 percent. Last year, BMW sold more diesel cars than any other premium manufacturer. In Europe 90 percent of BMW X5 customers and more than 60 percent of BMW 3 Series customers order diesel versions.
Our BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance builds on our EfficientDynamics strategy.
We have followed this strategy for many years. EfficientDynamics stands for the consistent reduction of the fuel consumption and emissions of our cars - in the short term, in the medium term, and also in the distant future.
We are currently using EfficientDynamics to reduce the fuel consumption and the emissions through highly efficient diesel and gasoline engines. Further measures are being implemented such as intelligent lightweight construction and energy management.
We apply EfficientDynamics as standard and across the entire fleet. No other car company in the wolrd is as consistent in this as we are.
Here in the U.S., just a few months ago one of the most recent studies published by the renowned organization Environmental Defense confirmed: Between 1990 and 2005 BMW cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of new cars sold here in the United States much more than any other manufacturer.
EfficientDynamics also includes hybrids as medium term solution. The first BMW Hybrid will be hitting the market in 2009. The BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is here at our stand. The BMW Hybrid again uses around 20 percent less fuel than a comparable car with combustion engine. It offers our customers real benefits on all roads.
In the long term our vision for EfficientDynamics is hydrogen. Here at our stand, the Hydrogen 7 proves: emission-free driving is already a possibility. With EfficientDynamics we are well-prepared for the future. And we already benefit from it today.
Last year no other premium manufacturer delivered more cars to customers around the world than the BMW Group. This is also due to EfficientDynamics.
In 2007, the BMW Group sold a total of 1.5 million cars. That is 9.2 percent more than the year before.
Let's take a brief look at the three brands of the BMW Group:
? Sales for the BMW brand climbed to more than 1.27 million cars worldwide in 2007:
an increase of 7.7 percent.
? MINI is more popular than ever. With more than 222,000 cars sold, MINI has reached an all-time high since its re-launch in 2001 - figures were up 18.5 percent on the previous year.
? In 2007 for the first time we sold more than 1,000 Rolls-Royce motor cars.
All three brands have reached new heights.
The United States continues to be our largest single market. Last year the BMW Group sold more cars here than ever before: 336,225 to be exact. That is 7 percent more than in 2006.
BMW alone was the most desirable European premium brand among U.S. customers with 293,795 units sold. BMW was also the most successful European automobile brand in the U.S.
We are very proud of our success in the United States. In 2008 we aim to continue our growth here in the world's biggest automobile market.
The same applies to the BMW Group worldwide: Towards the mid of 2008 we expect a stronger increase in sales, while growth will be more moderate in the second half of the year. Overall, we aim to maintain our top position as the world's leading premium manufacturer in 2008.
What is more important to us than just sales growth is the profitability of our company.
This year, we are also launching exciting new models for our customers. You will see now two world premieres.
Dr. Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are pleased to present you some very exciting new BMW models today. One of these brand new vehicles will be produced at our plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It is an excellent example of the further diversification of our product portfolio.
May I present to you: the new BMW X6.
What you see is: the most sporting, dynamic member of the BMW X family. The BMW X6 is a coupe with:
? the impressive performance of a sports car
? the versatility of a Sports Activity Vehicle
? the sporting design of a large coupe
? and a high-quality, sporty, elegant interior.
It is a unique combination of coupe and SAV. Therefore the BMW X6 creates an entirely new segment: the segment of the Sports Activity Coupe.
One of BMW's core competences is identifying trends and niches. This enables us to not only respond to customer wishes but to anticipate their desires. We are opening up new market segments. Remember, the BMW X5 was groundbreaking. With this model we established a brand new segment in 1999, the Sports Activity Vehicle. With the Sports Activity Coupe we are now taking the same step into a new segment.
We are setting the trend - we set the pace, competitors will follow. For now the BMW X6 is truly unique!
Like the X5, we also expect the U.S. to become the largest market for the BMW X6.
I would like to point out two technical highlights coming along with the BMW X6:
1. The chassis and drive train.
2. A world premiere, the new V8 engine.
First, the chassis and drive train.
Like all our X Models, the X6 has the intelligent all-wheel drive technology BMW xDrive. BMW xDrive ensures the power distribution between front and rear axle. An electronic control unit regulates the power distribution according the driving conditions.
With the BMW X6 we are also introducing a world innovation: BMW Dynamic Performance Control.
o Dynamic Performance Control distributes drive power continuously along the rear axle between the left and right wheels.
o Depending on driving conditions, for example driving along a winding road, the torque at the outer wheel can also be increased to improve the turn-in behavior of the vehicle.
o In this way BMW Dynamic Performance Control - together with BMW xDrive - ensures even better handling and great driving stability.
Second, the world premiere of the new V8 engine.
We developed a powerful new V8 engine for the X6 to benefit this sportiest member of the X family. For the first time we have implemented second-generation High Precision Injection and Twin Turbo Technology in a V8 engine. The result is impressive: 400 HP (SAE) and 450lb-ft at 1800-4500rpm (407 HP (DIN) and 610Nm (metric system)).
The BMW X6 delivers power but also impressively low fuel consumption and emission figures which are best in segment.
We will manufacture all current X models in Spartanburg. The BMW X6 will also roll off the assembly line here in the United States - as will the next generation of the BMW X3.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
What is the second hot BMW model? Today we are celebrating a world premiere:
This is the new BMW 1 Series Convertible.
Most of you know the driver of this car: Tom Purves.
Tom, the 1 Series Coupe had its debut in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago and now the new Convertible here in Detroit. What do you think about the 1 series coming to the US?
Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW of North America
To answer that question let's look back 40 years when BMW brought the 2002 to the U.S. market. It is not exaggerated to say that that car changed the performance car landscape forever and defined the term "sports sedan" for the entire world.
And now, we are doing it all over again: The 1 Series is the modern interpretation of the 2002.
With its compact body, front engine, rear drive, 50/50 weight distribution, and its powerful 6 cylinder engine the 1 Series is the purest form of "the ultimate driving machine" yet to date.
The only "problem" customer will face with the 1 Series is that it is too difficult to choose between the Coupe and the new Convertible. I think I will have to take the Convertible back home with me after the press conference to make up my mind.
The 1 Series Coupe will be available from March, with prices starting at $29,375. The Convertible will arrive in time for the summer with a prices starting at $33,875.
Dr. Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are convinced that there is a demand for a Premium Convertible in the compact segment. Our BMW 1 Series Convertible meets that need. The most important characteristic of this car is: the typical driving experience of a BMW Convertible.
What exactly defines the typical BMW Convertible driving experience?
Two things: The unique design and the typical BMW engine performance.
The authentic design of the new BMW 1 Series Convertible can be traced back to BMW's earlier Convertibles with its streamlined silhouette and low waistline.
BMW driving performance comes along with:
? The heart of each BMW - the engine performance.
? An engine fitted out with a series of innovations for low fuel consumption.
? The sporty driving dynamics that come along with rear-wheel drive.
The Convertible offers a more intense open-air driving pleasure than compact convertibles usually do. At the same time it represents a distinctly youthful interpretation of BMW's brand values.
Whether you are driving through the city or cruising along the highway, it is most certain that the 1 Series Convertible is an ultimate driving machine.
Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The United States is also home to BMW.
And I promise you this: A BMW will continue to be the ultimate driving machine.
Thank you for your attention!
01/14/2008
Speech by Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Dr. Klaus Dr?ger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW (US) Holding Corporation, BMW Group Press Conference, 2008, North American International Auto Show, Detroit, January 13th, 2008.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This dynamic performance symbolizes an exciting year for BMW - worldwide, and specifically
here in the U.S.:
1. We are launching BMW diesels in North America.
2. We are launching the BMW X6, the first Sports Activity Coupe.
3. We are bringing the successful BMW 1 series to the American market.
Here you have "The New BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance". These are the first two BMW diesel models for the U.S. market: The BMW X5 xDrive35d and the BMW 335d sedan. Both cars will be available at BMW centers starting in the fall of this year.
Why are we bringing BMW diesels to North America?
More and more of our American customers expect the ultimate driving machine to give them not only high performance - but also fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly solutions.
BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance is the right solution at the right time. Diesel technology is an important step on the road to more fuel-efficient, lower-emission mobility. Mercedes has already released clean diesel cars with blue tec technology in the U.S. market.
Diesel does not mean giving up on "sheer driving pleasure" - definitely not for our customers.
These two cars here are each fitted with a three-liter in-line six cylinder diesel engine with Variable Twin Turbo technology: A sensational engine which is quite unique.
It is the cleanest diesel engine with the sportiest and best performance-in the world!
In every respect, it fulfills the strict requirements of the U.S. market with regard to cutting emissions like CO2. At the same time BMW uses SCR technology to reduce nitric oxides (NOX).
We will be offering BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance in all 50 States.
In this way we are leveraging our outstanding BMW diesel experience in terms of sporty and efficient diesels in the U.S. Back in 1983 we built the fastest diesel car of the day - the BMW 524td. Today the BMW diesel with Variable Twin Turbo technology sets new standards:
? No other diesel engine has won the Engine of the Year Award more times.
? No other engine can accelerate as dynamically using so little fuel.
In short: BMW diesel technology is an extremely attractive option. It is an excellent way to respond to the current challenges regarding reducing emissions.
Our customers all around the world have been excited about BMW diesels for many years. Today, more than 40 percent of all BMW cars sold are diesels, in Europe almost 70 percent. Last year, BMW sold more diesel cars than any other premium manufacturer. In Europe 90 percent of BMW X5 customers and more than 60 percent of BMW 3 Series customers order diesel versions.
Our BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance builds on our EfficientDynamics strategy.
We have followed this strategy for many years. EfficientDynamics stands for the consistent reduction of the fuel consumption and emissions of our cars - in the short term, in the medium term, and also in the distant future.
We are currently using EfficientDynamics to reduce the fuel consumption and the emissions through highly efficient diesel and gasoline engines. Further measures are being implemented such as intelligent lightweight construction and energy management.
We apply EfficientDynamics as standard and across the entire fleet. No other car company in the wolrd is as consistent in this as we are.
Here in the U.S., just a few months ago one of the most recent studies published by the renowned organization Environmental Defense confirmed: Between 1990 and 2005 BMW cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of new cars sold here in the United States much more than any other manufacturer.
EfficientDynamics also includes hybrids as medium term solution. The first BMW Hybrid will be hitting the market in 2009. The BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is here at our stand. The BMW Hybrid again uses around 20 percent less fuel than a comparable car with combustion engine. It offers our customers real benefits on all roads.
In the long term our vision for EfficientDynamics is hydrogen. Here at our stand, the Hydrogen 7 proves: emission-free driving is already a possibility. With EfficientDynamics we are well-prepared for the future. And we already benefit from it today.
Last year no other premium manufacturer delivered more cars to customers around the world than the BMW Group. This is also due to EfficientDynamics.
In 2007, the BMW Group sold a total of 1.5 million cars. That is 9.2 percent more than the year before.
Let's take a brief look at the three brands of the BMW Group:
? Sales for the BMW brand climbed to more than 1.27 million cars worldwide in 2007:
an increase of 7.7 percent.
? MINI is more popular than ever. With more than 222,000 cars sold, MINI has reached an all-time high since its re-launch in 2001 - figures were up 18.5 percent on the previous year.
? In 2007 for the first time we sold more than 1,000 Rolls-Royce motor cars.
All three brands have reached new heights.
The United States continues to be our largest single market. Last year the BMW Group sold more cars here than ever before: 336,225 to be exact. That is 7 percent more than in 2006.
BMW alone was the most desirable European premium brand among U.S. customers with 293,795 units sold. BMW was also the most successful European automobile brand in the U.S.
We are very proud of our success in the United States. In 2008 we aim to continue our growth here in the world's biggest automobile market.
The same applies to the BMW Group worldwide: Towards the mid of 2008 we expect a stronger increase in sales, while growth will be more moderate in the second half of the year. Overall, we aim to maintain our top position as the world's leading premium manufacturer in 2008.
What is more important to us than just sales growth is the profitability of our company.
This year, we are also launching exciting new models for our customers. You will see now two world premieres.
Dr. Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are pleased to present you some very exciting new BMW models today. One of these brand new vehicles will be produced at our plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It is an excellent example of the further diversification of our product portfolio.
May I present to you: the new BMW X6.
What you see is: the most sporting, dynamic member of the BMW X family. The BMW X6 is a coupe with:
? the impressive performance of a sports car
? the versatility of a Sports Activity Vehicle
? the sporting design of a large coupe
? and a high-quality, sporty, elegant interior.
It is a unique combination of coupe and SAV. Therefore the BMW X6 creates an entirely new segment: the segment of the Sports Activity Coupe.
One of BMW's core competences is identifying trends and niches. This enables us to not only respond to customer wishes but to anticipate their desires. We are opening up new market segments. Remember, the BMW X5 was groundbreaking. With this model we established a brand new segment in 1999, the Sports Activity Vehicle. With the Sports Activity Coupe we are now taking the same step into a new segment.
We are setting the trend - we set the pace, competitors will follow. For now the BMW X6 is truly unique!
Like the X5, we also expect the U.S. to become the largest market for the BMW X6.
I would like to point out two technical highlights coming along with the BMW X6:
1. The chassis and drive train.
2. A world premiere, the new V8 engine.
First, the chassis and drive train.
Like all our X Models, the X6 has the intelligent all-wheel drive technology BMW xDrive. BMW xDrive ensures the power distribution between front and rear axle. An electronic control unit regulates the power distribution according the driving conditions.
With the BMW X6 we are also introducing a world innovation: BMW Dynamic Performance Control.
o Dynamic Performance Control distributes drive power continuously along the rear axle between the left and right wheels.
o Depending on driving conditions, for example driving along a winding road, the torque at the outer wheel can also be increased to improve the turn-in behavior of the vehicle.
o In this way BMW Dynamic Performance Control - together with BMW xDrive - ensures even better handling and great driving stability.
Second, the world premiere of the new V8 engine.
We developed a powerful new V8 engine for the X6 to benefit this sportiest member of the X family. For the first time we have implemented second-generation High Precision Injection and Twin Turbo Technology in a V8 engine. The result is impressive: 400 HP (SAE) and 450lb-ft at 1800-4500rpm (407 HP (DIN) and 610Nm (metric system)).
The BMW X6 delivers power but also impressively low fuel consumption and emission figures which are best in segment.
We will manufacture all current X models in Spartanburg. The BMW X6 will also roll off the assembly line here in the United States - as will the next generation of the BMW X3.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
What is the second hot BMW model? Today we are celebrating a world premiere:
This is the new BMW 1 Series Convertible.
Most of you know the driver of this car: Tom Purves.
Tom, the 1 Series Coupe had its debut in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago and now the new Convertible here in Detroit. What do you think about the 1 series coming to the US?
Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW of North America
To answer that question let's look back 40 years when BMW brought the 2002 to the U.S. market. It is not exaggerated to say that that car changed the performance car landscape forever and defined the term "sports sedan" for the entire world.
And now, we are doing it all over again: The 1 Series is the modern interpretation of the 2002.
With its compact body, front engine, rear drive, 50/50 weight distribution, and its powerful 6 cylinder engine the 1 Series is the purest form of "the ultimate driving machine" yet to date.
The only "problem" customer will face with the 1 Series is that it is too difficult to choose between the Coupe and the new Convertible. I think I will have to take the Convertible back home with me after the press conference to make up my mind.
The 1 Series Coupe will be available from March, with prices starting at $29,375. The Convertible will arrive in time for the summer with a prices starting at $33,875.
Dr. Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are convinced that there is a demand for a Premium Convertible in the compact segment. Our BMW 1 Series Convertible meets that need. The most important characteristic of this car is: the typical driving experience of a BMW Convertible.
What exactly defines the typical BMW Convertible driving experience?
Two things: The unique design and the typical BMW engine performance.
The authentic design of the new BMW 1 Series Convertible can be traced back to BMW's earlier Convertibles with its streamlined silhouette and low waistline.
BMW driving performance comes along with:
? The heart of each BMW - the engine performance.
? An engine fitted out with a series of innovations for low fuel consumption.
? The sporty driving dynamics that come along with rear-wheel drive.
The Convertible offers a more intense open-air driving pleasure than compact convertibles usually do. At the same time it represents a distinctly youthful interpretation of BMW's brand values.
Whether you are driving through the city or cruising along the highway, it is most certain that the 1 Series Convertible is an ultimate driving machine.
Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The United States is also home to BMW.
And I promise you this: A BMW will continue to be the ultimate driving machine.
Thank you for your attention!
01-15-2008, 05:29 AM
#2
Contributors
Thanks Rudy! Interesting how they never mention 535d....even though each Roundel issue shows 535d as an evaluation model? Do you know why?
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