View Full Version : Morning Reads: 30 March 2007
The motorcycling world viewed from the saddle of a BMW. A daily look at all things BMW, Euro-bike, products and things I find interesting on the internet. With links to news, reviews, events, riding skills, maintenance and racing series updates. Morning Reads is a one stop shop for motorcycling information.
Today’s Birthdays / Calendar (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2007-3-30&c=1)
http://www.wallstreetgreetings.com/images/Birthday-Cake-Final.jpg
News:
In the internet world you go to Italy to find out about a British bike.
http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/Triumph_Street_Speed.jpg
Triumph and the Ace Café go wild at Brent Museum [/url= http://www.inter-bike.co.uk/tblnewspop.asp?news=1691]inter-bike.co.uk[/url]
Motoblog.it (http://www.motoblog.it/post/7099/nuova-triumph-street-speed-675) reports that in July the Triumph 675 will be going naked.
Journaltimes.com (http://www.journaltimes.com/nucleus/index.php?itemid=11839) – Q&A on why motorcycles don’t have to pay to park in Racine city parking garages.
BBC.co.uk (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6505423.stm) – The House of Commons wants to limit motorcycle speeds.
visordown.com (http://www.visordown.com/motorcyclenews/view/mps_don_t_tar_us_with_your_mini_moto_brush/662.html) – MPs: Don’t tar us with you mini-moto brush
If Kawasaki people had read the Morning Reads the last few days perhaps they wouldn’t be extending their subprime deal. [http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-news/kawasaki-extend-its-precious-metal-0-finance-deal-ar30882.html]Topspeed.com[/url] – Kawasaki Extend Its “Precious Metal” Finance Deal.
But they may have read this article (http://www.madison.com/tct/business/index.php?ntid=126747&ntpid=2) in the Capital Times, Madison WI and figured they could be in for a raise.
Motorcycle-USA.com (http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=4537&Page=1) – Honda Issues ’07 Dirtbike Recalls
Motorcylemuseum.org (http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/Resources/articles/tips.asp) – Tips for the begining motorcycle collector
Motorcycle-USA.com ( http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=4535&Page=1) – Metric Revolution’s Build Off airs March 31.
webBikeWorld.com ( http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-news/blog/) 2006 Motorcycle Sales Summary and Statistics.
Blog Update:
Salcar ( http://www.salcar.net/blog/) has been racking up some kilometers.
If you are in Arizona this weekend Forty Years on Two Wheels (http://40on2.blogspot.com/2007/03/reminder-23rd-annual-antique-and.html) reminds of the 23 Annual Antique and Classic Motorcycle Show this weekend.
Gear:
Bikes in the Fast Lane (http://blogs.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/03292007151811MWEHLW.htm) – Smart Motorcycle Sunglasses
For the motorcycle musician Gizmodo.com (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/centerfold-folding-guitar-ready-to-rock-in-20-seconds-248039.php) – Centerfold folding guitar, ready to rock in 20 seconds.
Motorcycle Repair and Care:
Crusty the Biker ( http://crustythebiker.blogspot.com/2007/03/making-connection.html) has a link to Posi – Tap, an electrical tapping system.
M.R. Traveler
Sundaymorningrides.com (http://www.sundaymorningrides.com/) has some new listings for us.
Gadling.com ( http://www.gadling.com/2007/03/29/driving-directions-from-california-to-sweden/) has a link to driving directions from California to Sweden.
Today’s RoadFood.com ( http://www.roadfood.com/)
Woot
Todays Woot ( http://www.woot.com/Default.aspx)
The Blog ( http://www.woot.com/Blog/Default.aspx)
Over Heard in New York | Voice of the City (http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/)
BMW MOA Chartered Club:
club:
Texas BMW Sport Riders, #299
founded:
12/22/2002
contact:
Barry E. Gibbs (barry@nine-eleven.com)
1377 Woodbrook Lane
Southlake, TX 76092 US
www.tbmwsr.com
events:
Texas Hill Country Rally, April 2004, see website for information
http://m1ka.smugmug.com/photos/120673248-M.png (http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally/rally07/rally07announce.htm)
Gemütlichkeit is the warm, comfortable feeling
one receives from pleasant surroundings and atmosphere.
I think you will find that when you come here.
[/img]http://www.travelwisconsin.com/upload/images/Destination/128177792088451454.jpg ( http://www.travelwisconsin.com/Lac_du_Flambeau.aspx)
French fur traders who observed members of the Chippewa, or Ojibwe, tribe spearfishing at night by the light of torches were so struck by the image that they named the lake and the entire area after the practice - Lac du Flambeau ("Lake of the Torches"). Today, the town of that name sits at the center of the Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservation. The region is imbued with Ojibwe heritage and known for its great fishing. The tribe has showcased its culture in a series of attractions that together make it a Wisconsin Heritage Tourism site.[/url]
Ozaukee – Washington Daily News ( http://www.dailynewsol.com/index.htm)
Fond Du Lac Reporter ( http://www.fdlreporter.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage)
The Sheboygan Press ( http://www.sheboygan-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage)
Daily Citizen, Beaver Dam (http://www.wiscnews.com/bdc/)
Weather
West Bend WI
Current (http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USWI0733?from=search_current)
10 Day Forcast (http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USWI0733?from=36hr_topnav_undeclared )
United States
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (http://www.noaa.gov/)
Canada
Meteorological Service of Canada (http://www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/canada_e.html)
http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/images/headers/logo-dot-header.gif (http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/driving-cond.htm)
Travel Information – Driving Conditions and other related information sites.
Bike Candy:
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All Things BMW on Pages 2 - 4.
Davedragon.rilysi.com ( http://davedragon.rilysi.com/2007/03/r1200gs-mods.html) – R1200GS Adventure modifications.
motorcycleworld.com (http://www.motorcycleworld.com/enthusiasts/news_article.asp?id=2669) – First BMW Xplor ride scheduled
HerosLegend.com (http://www.heroeslegend.com/page-en.html) – Home page.
World of BMW news
http://www.worldofbmw.com/images/uploaded/070304-wob1.jpg
It’s time for the Heroes (http://www.worldofbmw.com/content/article.asp?article=752&artDate=29/03/2007)
BMW Group Press Club:
Tracking the news from BMW at their English language sites and Germany
PressClub USA
BMW AT TECHNO CLASSICA: HIGHLIGHTS FROM 90 YEARS OF HISTORY.
The BMW brand is celebrating its 90th birthday at the Techno Classica 2007. Selected highlights, such as the BMW 507 and the BMW Turbo study, provide impressive evidence of technological expertise, ground-breaking design and innovative power as traditional mainstays of the brand. The cars, motorcycles and aero engines on show span the entire history of BMW - from the BMW IV aero engine to today's BMW M6. Plus, BMW Group Mobile Tradition charts the history of the company's Convertibles from the 1930s to the new BMW 3 Series Convertible under the banner "Bracing Breeze Worldwide. BMW 3 Series Convertibles."
Munich. The BMW brand is celebrating its 90th birthday at the Techno Classica 2007 show. Together with the MINI Clubs and BMW Clubs, the BMW Group is once again presenting its three brands in Hall 12 at the world's largest vintage car show, which runs from 29th March to 1st April. Awaiting visitors is a multi-faceted exhibition which includes some 70 vehicles from throughout the history of the Group.
90 years of innovation
The main theme of the BMW stand this year is the brand's 90th birthday. One of the cars on view at the Techno Classica is the BMW 303, which was the first BMW model to sport the hallmark BMW kidney design and represented the brand's entry into mid-range car construction in the 1930s. The BMW 303 also laid the foundations for the long tradition of BMW in-line six-cylinder engines.
The next chapter in this sporting tradition is presented at the Techno Classica in the shape of the BMW 327/328 Coupé, the first genuine sports coupé from BMW. The long front end and smoothly sloping rear - not to mention the car's sporty 80-hp engine - captured the imagination of press and public alike from the outset.
Another highlight from the history of Bayerische Motoren Werke is the BMW 507, whose design was the work of Albrecht Graf Goertz and whose 150-hp V8 engine made it one of the sportiest roadsters of its time. Between 1955 and 1959 this exclusive car found 251 select owners. Many car enthusiasts still rank it as one of the most beautiful BMW models of all time. Today, the BMW 507 is among the most coveted and valuable vintage cars on the market.
After the Second World War, the "New Class" - and specifically the BMW 1800 TI/SA - continued the tradition established by BMW's pre-war cars with its typical BMW attributes of quality and sportiness. The self-supporting all-steel body, McPherson-strut front suspension and diagonal swing rear axle set new standards in the 1960s and demonstrated once again the innovative power of Bayerische Motoren Werke.
BMW has taken on the status of a technological leader, driving developments forwards and demonstrating a firm commitment to innovations which both provide benefits for customers and reinforce the claim of the brand. In 1972 BMW caused quite a stir with its BMW Turbo study - a technological nerve centre packed with innovations which have since gradually found their way into series production and are now fundamental elements of today's cars. The BMW Turbo introduced the automotive world of the early 1970s to new directions in passive safety, design and, not least, driver assistant systems.
At the same time, BMW began development of an internal combustion engine which could be powered by hydrogen. BMW is showing its first hydrogen car at the Techno Classica - a BMW 520, whose four-cylinder powerplant could run on hydrogen by the late 1970s. Last year the brand presented a milestone in hydrogen technology in the form of the BMW Hydrogen7.
However, before BMW enjoyed its initial breakthrough as a car-maker, innovative technology and sporting success had already secured its motorcycles an international reputation and worldwide popularity. Like the brand's cars, BMW motorcycles were often ahead of their time. In 1923, while its rivals were still basing their designs heavily on bicycles, BMW presented the R32 - a motorbike that not only celebrated sporting glory but also boasted impressive styling, thanks to its construction as if cut "from a single mould".
In 1938 the 60-hp BMW Kompressor was Europe's most successful racing machine, with a top speed of 210 km/h. Indeed, the bike's inherent power soon propelled BMW works rider Georg Meier to the European Championship title.
In 1951 the high maximum speed and impressive equipment levels of the sporting BMW R68 underlined the ambitions of the Munich-based brand to return to the global summit. It was known, with a certain awe, as the "Rolls Royce of motorcycles".
BMW is showing the R75/5 at the Techno Classica - a representative of the /5 series, which helped the company to inject ground-breaking impetus into the world of motorcycling in the late 1960s and build on the brand's tradition as a pioneering force in motorcycle construction. With innovative new features, such as light-alloy cylinders and a crankshaft forged from a single part, the R75/5 - produced from 1969 to 1973 - set new technical standards in motorcycle construction.
The sensation of 1988 was the BMW K1, presented at the IFMA show in Cologne that September. At last BMW now had its long-awaited four-valve super-sports model on the road. The design of the BMW K1, as well as its raft of new technical features, pointed the way to the future.
BMW is bridging the gap to the 21st century at the Techno Classica with the K 1200 R. Presented in 2005, the "high-end muscle bike" is still the world's most powerful naked bike. With its state-of-the-art four-cylinder engine developing 163 hp/120 kW, a chassis set up without compromise to deliver peerless, awe-inspiring dynamics, innovations such as Duolever and ESA, and an advanced power supply, the K 1200 R represents the clear benchmark in the high-performance sports roadster segment.
On road and off, BMW motorcycles have tasted success in every type of competition over the last eight decades. From the R37, R5 and R68 to the latest K 1200 R, the transfer of technical expertise from racing to series production allows BMW Motorrad to constantly channel this dynamic prowess into its volume models. Digital engine electronics, ABS and closed-loop catalytic converters are all BMW innovations, as are single-sided swing arm rear suspension and telelever front-wheel suspension.
BMW Motorsport
BMW road cars also reap the benefits of technology bred for motor sport. At the Techno Classica show, racing machines like this year's BMW Sauber F1.07 Formula One contender and the BMW 320i WTCC - the victorious car in the 2005 World Touring Car Championship - forge a link between the race track and the road. The BMW 328 Kamm coupé, meanwhile, reveals the roots of motor sport. The car was named after Professor Wunibald Kamm, a pioneer in aerodynamics. Prof. Kamm was a key figure in the design of the body for this racing sports car, which was built specially for the Mille Miglia 1940. The 328 Kamm coupe was ahead of its time, and not just because of its space frame and aluminium body. Cajoling the standard 80-hp production engine into developing 136 hp for the racing car was a fine achievement. And an overall weight of 760 kg is still impressively light by today's standards.
Bracing Breeze Worldwide. BMW 3 Series Convertibles.
Distinctive design, a unique identity and undiluted dynamics are the stand-out virtues of the open-top BMW 3 Series. And BMW Mobile Tradition is celebrating the launch of the new 3 Series Convertible with its "Bracing Breeze Worldwide. BMW 3 Series Convertibles." campaign highlighting the development and success of the 3 Series Convertible. One of the BMW models on show at the Techno Classica is the founding father of the brand's sporty Convertible tradition. The BMW 315 drop-top saloon represented the company's first car capable of reaching the then magical 100 km/h-mark back in 1936.
Another model at the BMW stand is a 320/6 Baur Targa, a Topcabriolet version of the BMW 3 Series with roll-over bar supplied by the Baur company. This allowed Baur to offer open-top driving pleasure in a BMW 3 Series at a time when there was no convertible version available from the factory. Today, the Baur Convertible conversions are sought-after collector's items.
Meanwhile, BMW Mobile Tradition has come up with a collector's item of a very different kind to mark the 30th birthday of the BMW 3 Series Convertible: an original Bubmobil model of a BMW Baur Convertible in a limited run of 700 units.
BMW has pursued an uncompromising commitment to the design excellence of the 3 Series Convertibles since day one. Making concessions in form to serve the interests of mechanics has always been anathema to the open-top 3, and never more so than in the case of the first works-built BMW 3 Series Convertible of 1986. In 1988 BMW brought an M3 Convertible onto the market for the first time as a treat for speed merchants with a soft spot for softtops. The new model was powered by a 200-hp four-cylinder powerplant and is also on display at the Techno Classica.
The new BMW 3 Series Convertible, launched in 2007 at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), continued the tradition built up by these sporty and elegant cars. The flat shoulderline, set-back seating position and short windscreen ensure man and nature are never far apart. An automatically folding hardtop roof, meanwhile, is celebrating its 3 Series Convertible premiere, and is fitted as standard in place of the softtop construction of previous models.
Parts supply has traditionally been included in the BMW stand and this year is no different. A BMW Z1 is used as an example of how the company supports brand aficionados and collectors of BMW vehicles. As every year, representatives from the BMW Group Archives are on hand to answer visitors' questions about the history of the brand and the company. And for those waiting impatiently for the new BMW Museum to open its doors, BMW Mobile Tradition has put together a model of the Museum complex.
As every year, the BMW Clubs set up at the show alongside the brand's own stand. This year's theme of "Recent Classics" showcases vehicles from the past three decades. Lovingly cared for by their owners, these models from the brand's relatively recent past are on the way to becoming highly desirable vintage cars.
PressClub Canada
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BMW Plant Chennai - Official opening.
Local production in growth market.
Munich. The BMW Group is holding the official opening of the BMW Plant Chennai on 29 March 2007. The subsidiary company in Delhi started up operations at the beginning of 2007 and opening the plant is the second important step in India's emerging growth market. To date, around 20 million euros have been invested in the sales structure and the plant.
Long-term opportunities for growth
At the official opening in Chennai, Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Executive Board of BMW AG commented: "Particularly in the premium automobile segment, India offers big opportunities for growth. Opening this plant underpins our long-term route to profitable growth." In addition to the new production facilities, consistent build-up of a powerful sales structure has paved the way for this expanded profile. The BMW Group has been active in the Indian market through a dealer network over the past 10 years. Establishment of an independent subsidiary company managed by the BMW Group was the next key logical step towards creating a significant platform to serve the emerging growth market in India. Since the beginning of 2007, Delhi has been the focus of sales operations. The dealer network will be expanded from there to encompass all the big cities on the Indian subcontinent.
Premium products from and for India
The decision to locate a facility at Chennai was based on the strategy "Production follows the market". When the plant was inaugurated, Frank Peter Arndt, Production Director at BMW AG, explained: "The strategy of local production allows us to exploit the opportunities available for opening up and exploiting markets with long-term potential for growth. In India, we will have local production for a significant proportion of sales with BMW vehicles in the 3 Series and 5 Series. We are delighted to be operating as a "local player" in India."
The BMW Plant Chennai is located in the south west of India in the Tamil Nadu region, approximately 40 kilometres north-west of Chennai (formerly Madras in the Mahindra World City industrial park. The complex covers a total area of 89,000 m² and has a production area of 13,000m². In February 2007, the first BMW 3 Series rolled off the production line of the new plant after a construction period of just 12 months.
Initially, BMW Plant Chennai is employing a workforce of some 120 to build around 1,700 cars a year in a single shift. The BMW 3 and 5 Series built in Chennai are destined exclusively for the Indian market. They leave the plant with the customary premium quality. Naturally, the global standards of the BMW Group are also consistently applied here to production in India. Final visual inspections and operational tests ensure that the quality of each vehicle produced at the Chennai Plant is manufactured to the specified standard quality. The tests include a seal tightness test cabin, a rolling road dynamometer and a test track, to check that all systems are running smoothly in every BMW. Other model series, such as the BMW 7 Series, X5 or X3 are imported to provide customers with a large and attractive range of BMW vehicles.
When a production site was being selected, Chennai was the ideal choice because it provided the best possible conditions for meeting a wide range of different criteria. One positive aspect was the presence of other automobile manufacturers including an appropriate supplier industry. Another advantage was the outstanding pool of qualified labour available at Chennai. Local logistics offered excellent facilities including an international airport, a well-developed road network and an ocean port. "Chennai is an ideal site and I'm very pleased to be in a position to expand the production network of the BMW Group with a highly motivated team," commented plant manager Stefan Hülsenberg on the day of the inauguration.
The human success factor
Apart from sophisticated working processes and the most advanced plant technology, the human factor plays a key role in the production of premium products. The workforce at the BMW Plant Chennai have all completed 10 years of school education at various levels and have also undergone several years of further training. 88 percent of all employees also have experience in the automobile industry. Appropriate skill levels for operations at the Chennai Plant have been achieved by exploiting proven knowledge transfer within the BMW Group - the majority of the 120 Indian employees received training for their jobs at the BMW Plant in Thailand. The project team responsible for setting up the plant was also supported by colleagues from Munich, Regensburg and Dingolfing. Ultimately, all of these factors will contribute to ensuring that BMW vehicles built at the BMW Plant Chennai offer the premium quality which is the hallmark of the BMW Group the world over.
Die BMW Group - Facts and Figures
The BMW Group has a track record of success spanning 90 years. Today, the company ranks among the top ten biggest automobile manufacturers worldwide. The brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce are three of the strongest premium brands in the automobile sector.
In 2006, the group reported the most successful year in the company's history, generating earnings before tax of 4,124 million euros. Deliveries of the three group brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce achieved a new global record with 1,373,970 automobiles and 100,064 motorcycles. The BMW Group employed a total of 106,575 people worldwide.
PressClub Germany
Speech of Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Plant Opening in Chennai, India
Ladies and Gentlemen -
A warm welcome to all of you!
Today is a very special day for the BMW Group. We have worked towards the goal of setting up operations in India for quite some time. And now we have reached our strong and sustainable involvement in India.
The BMW Group has an excellent reputation. We are often considered an important German automotive manufacturer. But not least because of our brands MINI and Rolls-Royce, we have also been seen as a European automotive manufacturer in the last years. Thanks to our strong presence in many of the world's markets, we have actually become an international automotive manufacturer.
From today on, we want to be definitely an Indian automotive manufacturer as well - and I am very pleased about this fact.
Let me give you a short overview on:
• the BMW Group's global strategy,
• the importance of Asia for our business,
• and the reasons behind our decision to come to India.
Straight to our strategy:
We are a company with an exclusive focus on the premium business of the automotive industry. Contrary to many competitors, we have a premium-only product portfolio and do not operate in the mass-market segments.
Our goal is to seize all opportunities that arise for us and our three automotive brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce.
This applies to both the product and the market side:
• Wherever we see the potential for expansion by launching a new product, this is what we do. It is a matter of course that new products always have to perfectly match our brands. We are not going to water down our portfolio! A very good example in this context is our BMW X3. As a true BMW, this model fits the brand - and therefore it is so successful.
• As regards markets, we follow a similar approach: Our objective is to be present in all those markets in which we see a long-term success potential for our premium products. So we first founded numerous subsidiaries in Europe and later expanded to the US and Asia.
The importance of the region Asia in our strategic considerations has been increasing over the last few years. Asia is where we expect the most dynamic economic growth in the long term. We assume that several Asian markets are going to show above-average growth rates in the years to come - especially in the premium segments.
Accordingly, we have strengthened our commitment in Asia in the past years: Today, we operate a total of six subsidiaries in Asia. In addition, there are four production locations - not yet including Chennai.
Last year, in 2006, we sold about 136,000 vehicles of our three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce in Asia. And we are determined to raise our retail volume in Asia to 150,000 units by 2008. Our long-term goal is to establish the Asian region as the fourth mainstay of our global business, complementing Germany, Western Europe and North America.
Our market entry in India is an important step that helps us secure the BMW Group's profitable growth in Asia. This is why - for us - 2007 is the "Year of India".
In our opinion, India has great growth potential for the future. Experts predict an increase for the total car market in India from 1.2 million vehicles today to 2.2 million vehicles in 2015. And for the premium segments we operate in, they even expect the market volume to double during the same time period.
We want to benefit from this growth potential. But we also want to make an active contribution to this growth.
This is why we have decided to set up a subsidiary at Delhi and a production location here at Chennai. As it is the capital, Delhi offers ideal conditions for our subsidiary. And we also consider Chennai the perfect location for a plant.
In the past, we have often stressed that production has to follow the market. This statement holds true today for India. For this reason, we decided to build a production facility such as the one here at Chennai. It has been our experience that an automotive manufacturer can be particularly successful in those markets in which the company maintains a strong local presence.
We intend to make a positive contribution to India's economic development right from the start. This is the reason behind our decision.
Our subsidiary and our plant here at Chennai are a clear commitment to India as a business location. And we are very pleased that we have been able to take this step now.
So far, we have invested € 20 million at Delhi and Chennai. In the medium term, we are going to employ a combined total of about 200 people at the two locations. In addition, we expect an employment effect of about 600 jobs to be created within our dealership and service network.
I would like to take the opportunity now and say "Thank you" to everybody who has helped us succeed in this endeavor. However, I am not only talking about our employees involved. I also want to express my sincere thanks to the representatives of the respective Indian government agencies. Projects such as this one always require a lot of effort. The competent Indian authorities have seen to it that we have been able to implement our plans in a highly efficient manner. So once again, thank you very much.
Speech of Frank-Peter Arndt, Member of Board of Management of BMW AG, Plant Opening in Chennai, India
Ladies and Gentlemen -
Welcome again!
Now that Dr. Reithofer has given you some background information on our operations in India, I would like to talk in more detail about two aspects, namely
- why we have decided on this location, and
- what exactly we have set up here.
Why did we choose Chennai?
We actually had a number of attractive options to choose from here in India. In the end, the arguments that tipped the scales in favor of Chennai were:
1. The area has a well-developed infrastructure.
2. We benefit from having our suppliers nearby.
And:
3. We have been able to hire well-trained and highly motivated employees for our plant.
We are absolutely sure that we have taken the right decision. And we are happy to be able to assume an active role here at this location now. Chennai is the most recent member in our global production network. With this plant, the BMW Group now has 23 production locations in 13 countries worldwide.
This location here at Chennai comprises an area of 89,000 square meters, including a production area of 13,000 square meters.
Since February, BMW 3 Series models for the Indian market have been produced at this site. This means that we have started production after a construction period of only twelve months. In the future, we are going to produce BMW 5 Series models here as well. Both petrol and diesel engines are assembled at the plant.
The scope of work at our Plant Chennai includes pre-assembly as well as assembly and finish. Furthermore, premium cars are delivered to our customers all over India.
In the medium term, we can produce 1,700 units a year in single-shift operation. We have started here in Chennai with a workforce of 120 employees. These new employees are already well-prepared for their tasks. They all have excellent qualifications - and, in addition, have received intensive training and instruction. Furthermore, most of them already have some experience in the automotive industry.
Our staff plays a crucial role in our plans for India. They are a major key to success. For there is one thing we must never forget: Investing in the facilities here at Chennai is only one point. Because these facilities are brought to life by the people who work here every day.
When you open a location like this one here at Chennai, the usual question is: What is the difference between the cars produced here and those produced at our German plants?
The answer is simple: There is no difference at all!
We do realize that the expectations of our Indian customers are as high as any of our customers. Because the BMW brand stands for maximum product substance and maximum quality all over the world.
It is our company's philosophy to offer authentic, uncompromising products everywhere, no matter where they are built. A BMW is always a BMW with the highest quality standards - where ever it rolls off the assembly line. This is the demand we place on all our production locations and processes worldwide. And this demand is also met by our cars from Chennai.
Sustainable business development is very important to us: The BMW Group has corporate environmental standards that are implemented at all locations worldwide. Of course, they also apply to the Plant Chennai. Whether we are talking about wastewater or exhaust air treatments - all processes comply with our high-level global standards.
And I would like to make a promise to our Indian customers here and now: You are going to enjoy our premium cars from Chennai. All our cars produced here will offer "sheer driving pleasure". All our employees at the plant will meet this demand every day - with maximum professionalism and passion.
This also means that nothing is left to chance when assembling a car. Our BMW production is characterized by people that consider quality not only a task, but first and foremost a core attribute.
I am convinced that our employees here at Chennai are a strong and capable team. And I am also convinced that this team will make a great contribution to strengthening our company's long-term success in India.
Many people have had a part in making our plans succeed. Dr. Reithofer has already mentioned this. I personally would like to thank my team here at Chennai once again, but also the team in Germany. Colleagues from Munich, Regensburg and Dingolfing - our big production locations in Germany - have actively supported the staff here at Chennai. This is true team spirit. And it shows that our BMW global production network is full of life.
Finally, as the Head of Production, I would like to officially welcome our new colleagues to the BMW Group's global production network. I wish you all the best for our joint future.
Thankyou very much for your attention.
Rolls-Royse Motor Car PressClub
ROLLS-ROYCE MARKS SILVER GHOST CENTENARY AT TECHNO CLASSICA
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will today mark the centenary of the Silver Ghost at Techno Classica 2007 in Essen, Germany.
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In 1907 the Silver Ghost name was born when Rolls-Royce managing director, Claude Johnson, silver plated the fittings of a ‘40/50’ Rolls-Royce and painted the coachwork silver. Making an immediate impact, the car quickly became known as The Silver Ghost, reflecting the car’s virtual silent running as well as it’s appearance. The name was later adopted for all the 40/50hp cars manufactured between 1907 and 1925.
This car was also responsible for building the reputation of Rolls-Royce to manufacture the most reliable motor car in the world. In May 1907 Johnson, under RAC observation, drove the car to Scotland and back using just one gear. The Silver Ghost covered the 2000 mile route with no problems and later, Johnson and a team of drivers motored effortlessly up and down Britain for almost 15,000 miles virtually non-stop, without any breakdowns and smashing the existing record of 7,089 miles. The car was awarded a gold medal by the RAC and secured a place in history.
Described as ‘The Worlds Greatest Classic Car Show’, the 19th Techno Classica event is the perfect stage for Rolls-Royce to launch centenary celebrations. Over 150,000 visitors will get the chance to view two unique motor cars:
- 1920 Silver Ghost , chassis manufactured in Manchester, England, body built in Germany for a French customer
- 1923 Silver Ghost, produced in the Rolls-Royce manufacturing plant in Springfield, Massachusetts, coach built by Brewster in New York
The cars are on display from 29 March to 1 April in hall 12, on the BMW Group Mobile Tradition stand.
Other Silver Ghost centenary celebrations include a display at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d´Este, Italy, in April and a re-enactment of the Scottish Reliability trial starting from the company’s manufacturing plant at Goodwood in May.
Motorsports PressClub
BMW Sauber F1 Team - Test in Sepang - Day 3
Weather conditions: rain in the early morning, then dry, hot, humid and overcast, rain again in the late afternoon.
Temperatures: Air: 26/30°C, Track: 29/34°C
Number of drivers participating: 10
Fastest lap overall: 1:35.918 min, Lewis Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes
Nick Heidfeld:
Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.07-05 / BMW P86/7 V8
Test kilometres today: 194 km (35 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:38.551 min
Programme:
After some rain in the early morning the track dried out quickly but had lost some of its rubber and grip developed during the first two days of testing. After 35 laps on used tyres at 12:00 hrs an oil leak caused a fire on Nick's car. Although he had parked the car nearby some marshals it took them a long time to extinguish the fire which caused a lot of damage. After almost four hours of repair work, the car was ready to run again but the skies opened for a downpour which lasted almost until the end of the session. Like several other teams, the BMW Sauber F1 Team has decided to extend the Sepang test for one more day. Nick will continue to drive tomorrow. The weather forecast looks encouraging.
What else before the Malaysian Grand Prix:
The BMW Sauber F1 Team has an eventful week ahead of it leading up to the PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix. On Saturday and Sunday (31st March/1st April) the team will visit the city of Malacca. On Saturday the F1 drivers and team management will come together in the historic old town. Sunday will see demo runs on the Malacca trade fair site featuring, among others, Nick and Robert in the BMW Sauber F1.07.
Further interview opportunities for the media and autograph signing sessions will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. The drivers will also pose for photographs at 15.00 hrs on Tuesday (3rd April) with the F1.07 in front of the PETRONAS twin towers.
On Wednesday the opening of the BMW Sauber F1 Team Pit Lane Park follows. It has been set up at the far end of the park behind the PETRONAS Twin Towers. A press conference will take place there at 11.00 hrs, and the media are also welcome to attend the public opening that evening. The weekend will see test driver Timo Glock take the F1.07 for a spin in the Pit Lane Park, while junior drivers will also be in action in Formula BMW cars and stunt rider Chris Pfeiffer is promising some acrobatic thrills and spills with his BMW motorcycle.
THE END ( http://www.1112.net/lastpage.html )
PAULBACH
03-30-2007, 06:47 AM
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