View Full Version : Morning Reads: 3 October 2007
Today’s Birthdays / Calendar (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2007-10-2&c=1)
http://www.johnstorozuk.com/Before%20Neve.jpg
BMW in the News
euromoto.eu (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A//www.euromoto.eu/vnews.aspx%3Fid%3D724&hl=en&langpair=it|en&tbb=1&ie=utf-8)
Husqvarna: BMW concludes the acquisition
motorcycledaily.com (http://www.motorcycledaily.com/01october07_2008bmw_hp2.htm)
2008 BMW HP2 Sport: A Sign of Things to Come
f1complete.com (http://www.f1complete.com/content/view/6448/617/)
BMW to launch 2008 car in January
marca.com (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A//www.marca.com/edicion/marca/motor/formula1/es/desarrollo/1042018.html&hl=en&langpair=es|en&tbb=1&ie=utf-8)
Ferrari, BMW and Williams, against escuderia Prodrive
bmwinspector.com ( http://www.bmwinspector.com/bmw_san_francisco)
BMW San Francisco
TED (http://www.ted.com/index.php/pages/view/id/5): Ideas worth spreading
TED Blog (http://blog.ted.com/),Conferences (http://www.ted.com/index.php/pages/view/id/7), Themes (http://www.ted.com/index.php/themes), Talks (http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks) and Speakers (http://www.ted.com/index.php/speakers)
Page 2,3,4:
BMW Press: News and press releases from the official BMW sources
News:
moto-station.com (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A//www.moto-station.com/article3156.html&hl=en&langpair=fr|en&tbb=1&ie=iso-8859-1\)
News motor bike 2008: Motorcycle combination Dedôme Bos
moto-station.com (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A//www.moto-station.com/article3155.html&hl=en&langpair=fr|en&tbb=1&ie=iso-8859-1)
News motor bike 2008: Royal motorcycle combination, Enfield Black Pearl
dealernews.com (http://www.dealernews.com/dealernews/Breaking+News/New-Suzuki-Ads-Continue-Brand-Building/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/461940?ref=25)
Suzuki continues to link bikes and cars in their ads to build their brand
motorcyclenews.com (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2007/October/october1-7/oct0207ktmstuntprototype/?&R=EPI-95070)
KTM 690 Stunt prototype: KTM will build it if you want it
motorcyclenews.com (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2007/October/october1-7/oct0207classicmvagustaforsale/?&R=EPI-95066)
£28K limited-run classic MV Agusta for sale
motorcycle.com (http://www.motorcycle.com/events/baddest-bossest-hosses-66984.html)
Baddest Bossest Hosses
rubbermag.com (http://www.rubbermag.com/news/0710/071001_04.html)
All New 2008 Honda CBR1000RR
rubbermag.com (http://www.rubbermag.com/news/0710/071001_05.html)
Kawasaki’s All New 2008 Ninja 250R
First a look at used bike prices -
visordown.com (http://www.visordown.com/motorcyclenews/view/new_motorcycle_sales_take_toll_on_used_prices/1566.html\)
New motorcycle sales take toll on used prices
Then changing market ripples may be coming to the parts market –
thebikeweb.com (http://thebikerweb.com/TheBikerWeb/Blog/Entries/2007/10/1_Used_Harley_Davidson_Prices_Ready_to_Go_Ker-Plunk.html)
Used Harley Davidson Prices Ready to Go Ker-Plunk?
cyrilhuzeblog.com (http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2007/10/02/journalist-adrian-blake-launches-a-virtual-motorcycle-talk-show/)
Journalist Adrian Blake Launches a Virtual Motorcycle talk Show
http://m1ka.smugmug.com/photos/182526939-M.gif Packer News (http://www.packers.com/ )
jsonline.com (http://www.jsonline.com/index/index.aspx?id=44)
Packers Plus Online
The News-Record – Gillette Wyoming (http://www.gillettenewsrecord.com/news/)
Feature:
http://www.jockeyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/nsu3.jpg
jockeyjournal.com (http://www.jockeyjournal.com/?p=196)
1951 World Record Holder
Blog Update (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?p=225349&posted=1#post225349)
Foreign Language Blogs (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?p=225351&posted=1#post225351)
Gear:
moto.caradisiac.com (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A//moto.caradisiac.com/Whisper-Strip-Kit-de-Shoei-le-test-063&hl=en&langpair=fr|en&tbb=1&ie=iso-8859-1)
Test: Whisper Strip Kit for Shoei
motocaradisiac.com (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A//moto.caradisiac.com/Equipement-la-premiere-protection-cervicale-pour-motards-376&hl=en&langpair=fr|en&tbb=1&ie=iso-8859-1)
Cervical protection for motorcyclist
webbikeworld.com ( http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/airoh-tr1/)
Airoh TR1 Motorcycle Helmet
Motorcycle Repair and Care:
The Workshop – Accessory Review: ThrottleMeister (http://bmwmotorrad.co.za.temp.glodns.net/bikes/workshop/tech/articles/throttlemeister.html)
craigvetter.com (http://craigvetter.blogspot.com/2007/10/gearing-up-serow.html)
Gearing up a Serow
Over Heard in New York | Voice of the City (http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/)
Riding Skills:
motorcyclebloggers.com ( http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2007/10/02/motorcycle-journalistsroad-testersadjusting-suspension/)
Motorcycle Journalists/ Road Testers/ Adjusting Suspension
Photography / Video:
worth1000.com ( http://www.worth1000.com/cache/contest/contestcache.asp?contest_id=16874&display=photoshop#entries)
Photoshop Contest
M.R. Traveler
US Forest Service Fall Color Hotline (http://www.fs.fed.us/news/fallcolors/)
na.fs.fed.us (http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/misc/leaves/leaves.htm)
Why Leaves Change Color?
If you want the latest leaf color reports ...
NY 800-225-5697
VT 800-837-6668
MA 800-227-6277
ME 800-777-0317
RI 401-222-2601
CT 800-282-6863
The Best Fall Foliage Sites in America (http://www.travelnotes.org/Travel/sep16.htm)
Technology:
Wonderings:
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)
xkcd (http://www.xkcd.com/) A webcomic of Romance, Sarcasm, Math and Language
Sluggy Freelance (http://www.sluggy.com/)
Bike Candy:
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THE END (http://visualgratis.com/posterExit.jpg)
BMW Press: News and press releases from the official BMW sources
BMW Motorrad International
BMW Motorrad to exhibit at 2007 Milipol ( http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/index.html)
BMW Motorrad South Africa
2007 GS Challenge event Report (http://bmwmotorrad.co.za.temp.glodns.net//bikes/news/display.asp?Id=802)
Deon Meyer – BMW’s Award Winning Novelist ( http://bmwmotorrad.co.za.temp.glodns.net//bikes/news/display.asp?Id=801)
BMW-web.tv
Efficient Dynamics – BMW Hydrogen Racer
Husqvarna
Dary Bolter Gets BEC Podium (http://www.husqvarna.it/_vti_g5_nwArt.aspx?idnews=582&rpstry=157_)
Husqvarna on Supermoto of Nations Podium (http://www.husqvarna.it/_vti_g5_nwArt.aspx?idnews=581&rpstry=157_)
BMW GroupPress Club:
PressClub Australia[/url]
[b] BMW UNVEILS RACE-BRED HP2 SPORT
. BMW has unveiled the third model in its High Performance range, the HP2 Sport.
It is the fastest, sportiest and lightest Boxer-engined sport bike yet, and it is ready for the road or track.
The BMW HP2 Sport follows in the wake of the successful launch of the HP2 Enduro (2005) and HP2 Megamoto (2006).
The BMW HP2 Sport is aimed at purist sports riders and is equipped with many racetrack derived features proven in endurance racing during 2007.
Some parts, such as the race shift for the close ratio gearbox, forged alloy wheels and MotoGP inspired dashboard are making their first appearance in a BMW series production machine.
The BMW HP2 Sport will deliver thoroughbred sports riding on winding country roads as much as on race tracks.
The highly tuned Boxer engine now delivers in excess of 96 kW (130+hp) at 8,750 rpm, even more than the R 1200 S launched in 2006. Peak torque is 115 Nm at 6,000 rpm, while the power doesn’t taper until it reaches the lofty red line at 9,500 rpm. Making the HP2 Sport the highest revving Boxer ever.
Essentially, the BMW HP2 Sport is based on the BMW R 1200 S. But there are significant mechanical differences, along with a new, race-ready composite carbon fibre body, race wheels and optional switchable ABS.
To allow the new HP2 motor to rev so high BMW has evolved a new cylinder head valve gear design for the double overhead camshaft layout, now using a drag lever for valve actuation. Bigger valves are also used. In addition, the double spark plug arrangement used recently on R series machines has been replaced with a single plug per cylinder thanks to radially arranged valves that provide a very compact combustion chamber design.
Further modifications include porting for intake and outlet flows along with new forged pistons and connecting rods, all of which help the engine to rev higher and deliver more power.
The compression ratio is 12.5:1 and the engine runs on 98 RON or above.
A pair of oil coolers is positioned behind the enhanced BMW kidney grilles in the front fairing.
Externally the engine changes are announced via new carbon cylinder head covers fitted with easy-to-replace slip pads made from PA6 hard plastic, an indication of the expected hard cranked over cornering riding style.
A new stainless steel exhaust system is placed below the engine for the first time, while the silencer is of a particularly striking design.
The rerouted two-into-one pipes keep the underside of the bike clear giving even more clearance for heavily banked high speed cornering.
Designed to thrill performance riders, the HP2 Sport comes with a new BMW feature, a race shift that incorporates advanced electronic control to allow the quickest possible gearshifts.
The standard setting is for the rider to use the gear-shifter only, to move up the gearbox. By keeping the throttle open and ignoring the clutch lever, the rider can simply shift up with his foot. The benefit is quicker shifting and thus faster acceleration.
Sophisticated electronics automatically sense the up-shift motion from the shifter and cut the ignition momentarily allowing the shift to take place when the engine is not under load.
If the rider uses the clutch lever a traditional clutched up-change is effected. The default mode is race shift for switching between the six close ratio cogs.
The race shift can also be optionally ordered with a reverse pattern shift and associated software specifically for competition use.
This is the first time BMW has offered a race shift for a series production model.
The BMW HP2 Sport also boasts a sport chassis with fully adjustable Öhlins shocks front and rear, while a Brembo brakes set-up employs four-piston radial mounted callipers at the font grabbing a pair of 320 mm discs. A double sliding piston set up is used at the rear. Braided steel brake lines are used for optimum performance.
Given the enhanced performance it was only natural that BMW engineer a specific and optional switchable ABS system for the HP2 Sport
The BMW HP2 Sport runs on specially developed, weight and stability optimised, surface-milled forged wheels of 3.5 x 17" and 6.0 x 17".
The forged wheels are fitted as standard with high performance tyres (120/70 ZR17 front and 190/55 ZR17 rear).
Optimum ergonomics are ensured by the adjustable forged aluminium footrests, adjustable stock handlebar and radial Magura clutch/brake levers.
The instrument cluster is all digital and is based on a MotoGP set-up, delivering the traditional speed and rev information along with useful race data such as lap times, etc.
Maximising the benefits of the improved power output is a stringent weight optimisation programme which has seen the wide application of lightweight composite carbon fibre for the front fairing and belly pan as well as a simplified rear structure which has an easily unclipped licence plate and tail light. Thus the BMW HP2 can be made race-ready in seconds
The wind-tunnel honed front fairing is stiff enough to dispense with a subframe, a further weight saving. The front vista is dominated by lightweight, high-luminosity halogen twin headlamps with free-formed surface reflectors surrounded by the exposed carbon fairing and trade-mark kidney grilles which feed air to the oil coolers.
Thanks to the weight saving programme the BMW HP2 Sport tips the scales at 178 kg dry, and 199 kg ready to ride.
Rider ergonomics are suitable for both on track riding and endurance comfort.
Compared with the BMW R 1200 S, the rider sits closer to the handlebars for a more upright position, behind the ‘waistline’ of the fairing.
The slim-line tank is shaped to allow the rider to shift his weight across the bike when cornering hard.
The BMW HP2 Sport makes its public debut in Paris and is scheduled to go on sale in 2008.
PressClub Canada
BMW Group achieves September sales record
Whitby, Ontario. BMW Group Canada today reported a new sales record of 2,249 BMWs and MINIs for the month of September. Sales increased 6.2% compared to September 2006.
BMW Group Canada has eclipsed the previous year-to-date sales record for the same period last year by 19.1%, and set a new year-to-date record of 20,998 units.
BMW Brand: BMW brand sets September sales record with a 5.6% sales increase.
The BMW brand set a September sales record of 1,929 vehicles sold, an increase of 5.6% over September 2006. The AJAC award winning BMW 3 Series Coupé led the way with the larges sales increase this September with sales up 215.8% compared to September 2006. Sales of the BMW 3 Series Cabriolet, with BMW’s first retractable hard top roof continued to be strong in September with an increase of 123.1%. Sales of the BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle went up 20.6%, the BMW 5 Series sedan was up 18.4% and the X3 went up 15.3%, all compared to September 2006.
The BMW brand achieved a new year-to-date sales record of 18,161 units, an increase of 20.6% compared to the same period last year.
BMW Motorrad Canada increased sales 19.4% for September which set a new September sales record of 123 motorcycles. Year-to-date, BMW Motorrad has achieved a new sales record of 1,400 units, an increase of 28.3% compared to the same period last year.
Year-to-date, Certified Pre-Owned sales are up 19.0%, which translates to 4,826 units sold. Total BMW Pre-Owned sales have increased 10.0% year-to-date to 6,523 units. BMW Certified Pre-Owned sales for September were 465 units, a minor decrease of 0.6% compared to September 2006. Total pre-owned sales in September were 638 units, a decrease of 8.5% compared to September 2006.
MINI Brand: Best ever September for MINI, sales up 10%.
September was an excellent month of sales for MINI with the strongest ever sales. A total of 320 new vehicles were delivered to customers, an increase of 10.0% compared to September 2006. Year-to-date, MINI sales are up 10.7% ahead of the same period last year achieving a new year-to-date record of 2,837 units.
BMW Group Canada, based in Whitby, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI. BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 38 BMW automobile retail centres, 18 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 22 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.
Joy in every moment. The new BMW Collection
Munich. Featuring sophisticated quality, innovative materials and dynamic design, the premium products in the new BMW Collection are made for mobile people who lead a dynamic, active life and still want to enjoy the benefits of the BMW premium brand even when they're not in the car. Fashionable clothing, useful and attractive accessories, durable bags and cute kids' products are included in the new BMW collection.
Brand-new Clothing
The attractive outfits for ladies and men feature classic cuts, high-quality materials, excellent wearer comfort and new colour shades such as ice blue, olive and wasabi green.
The Ladies' Pullover with V neck in timeless black or fashionable ice blue is one of the most popular items. Lycra gives the feminine knitted pullover a snug and flattering fit. The left sleeve is decorated with colour-coordinated BMW lettering.
The narrow-cut Men's Pullover with V neck goes equally well with casual jeans or a suit. The colours black, dark grey and olive emphasize the versatile look of this knitted pullover.
With its inner lining in the exclusive new colour wasabi green, the dark blue Ladies' Jacket with belt is highly stylish. It has a high stand-up collar, adjustable drawstring at the waist and has wind and water-resistant outer material, making this functional jacket fully weatherproof - including the enamelled BMW logo on the left-hand side of the hem.
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The All-Weather Jacket for ladies and men also offers full protection against all weather conditions with a removable hood inside the collar and a practical inner vest. Sealed seams make this comfortable 2-in-1 Goretex jacket totally wind and waterproof. The adjustable drawstring in the hem ensures a perfect fit. The BMW logo is embroidered on the left-hand side of the hem.
Fashion for Kids
For the first time BMW is presenting a children's fashion line. The little fans will be looking stylish at school and in their spare time with BMW. The Kids Polo Shirt has contrasting inserts on the sleeves for the best look. The Kids Longsleeved Top has the BMW logo printed on the back of the shirt. The Kids Cap has the BMW logo embroidered on the front of the cap; the young fans won't leave the house without it.
Brand-new Accessories
With their attractive design, innovative materials and sophisticated functionality, the high-quality accessories in the new BMW Collection are both an expression of individuality and the essential complement to an active lifestyle.
The high-quality Quartz Chrono with Leather Strap men's wristwatch in the new BMW Collection has a very contemporary look. The polished stainless steel casing measuring 40 mm in diameter houses a high-precision Swiss ETA movement. Date and seconds are shown separately and scratchproof mineral glass protects the watch from damage. The Quarz Chrono is watertight to 10 ATM. A black croc look leather strap guarantees lasting wearer comfort. The BMW logo is engraved on the back.
The sunglasses in the latest BMW Collection expertly combine sporty design with outstanding UV protection. The cool metal Sunglasses Sport and Sunglasses Sport Style models - both in gun metal grey - feature shatterproof plastic lenses with 100% UVA, UVB and UVC protection up to 400 nm, compliant with safety category 3. The Sunglasses Sport model also has mirrored lenses. The BMW logo is laser-engraved on the earpieces.
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The Sunglasses Active black plastic model is a particularly dynamic design. The inside of the frame is a different colour for an exciting contrast effect. On this model too, the mirrored, shatterproof plastic lenses guarantee optimum UV protection compliant with safety category 3. There is a BMW logo on the earpiece.
Brand-new Bag Collection
For people who are always on the go, it's the little things that matter. With their amazing versatility, generous capacity and innovative details, the beautifully crafted bags in the new BMW Collection appeal to sophisticated cosmopolitans. All bags are made from durable, water-resistant polyester and come in black/grey.
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The compact Trolley Case is perfect for a business trip or long weekend. Clothes and documents can be securely stored in the roomy main compartment using packing straps. The suit compartment in the lid has tension-adjustable straps to ensure crease-free transport. Keys, boarding passes and snacks can be kept in the two zip pockets. Two guard rails on the back and edge guards on the corners provide additional safety and stability. And just for fun, the bearing-mounted castors have rims that look like real BMW wheel rims.
The elegant Suit Bag is the stylish way to travel with a suit. It has a generous main compartment with a fixture for hanging all types of coat hangers and four shoe bags. The large zip bag on the front is ideal for documents that you need easy access to. For convenient transport, an adjustable carrying strap or handle are optionally available.
The robust Boardcase is a match for even the most severe turbulence. Two zip pockets on the inside along with packing straps and tension-adjustable straps help keep creases out of clothes during transport. The boardcase can either be carried using one of the two handles or conveniently pulled on bearing-mounted castors with BMW-style wheel rims.
The sporty look can be elegant too. The main compartment of the practical Sports Bag features an integrated zip pocket and offers plenty of space for sportswear and leisurewear. There are two side pockets on the outside and a front pocket with two mobile phone compartments.
At last you can be as stylish when you travel as you can at home. In the large inner compartment of the Travel Bag with Trolley Function, two tension-adjustable straps made of belt webbing hold clothes or documents securely in place. The zip pocket in the front has two mobile phone compartments, two PDA compartments and an open pocket. With three carrying handles along its length and width and a trolley handle system with bearing-mounted castors, the travel bag on wheels offers a versatile range of transport options depending on the situation.
M Collection
Dynamism and technology are the essential ingredients of motor sport, and BMW has been setting the standard for decades with its BMW M models. The sporty fashions in the new M Collection are equally high calibre. The fashionable ladies' and men's outfits come exclusively in black, with the M logo and typical M colour strip for that distinctive M look.
The M Collection Men's Jacket with its narrow cut is particularly cool and sporty. The breathable leisure jacket is wind and water-resistant. The logo is embroidered on the left breast and the M colour strip is on the inside.
The M Collection Ladies' Shirt combines style with dynamism. Its waisted cut is popular with female sports car fans. It also offers excellent wearer comfort and keeps its shape thanks to its Lycra content. The button facing of the ladies' blouse is also decorated with the M colour strip and the logo is embroidered on the left sleeve.
Kids Collection
BMW's youngest fans just love it! The Baby Racer II helps kids of 1 to 3 discover the fascination of travelling on four wheels. Already a big hit, it is now also available in a silver BMW Service Racer version. The design of the BMW Service Racer - which looks just like a BMW servicemobile - combines high quality with attention to detail.
It has metal-ice-effect front and rear panelling, white stripes on the side underneath the seat bench, a "BMW Service Racer" sign, and wheel rims in the original BMW double-spoke design. The rounded shapes of the BMW Service Racer prevent risk of injury and the comfy blue soft seat gives secure support for nappy-wearers.
Parents will appreciate the broad plastic wheels (noiseless tyres) that run quietly and don't leave streaks on parquet floors. Extensive quality testing guarantees the excellent safety and lasting durability of the BMW Service Racer.
The products in the new BMW Collection and Kids Collection are available from mid-September 2007 from BMW dealers.
WTCC - Rounds 19 & 20 - 6th/7th October 2007, Monza (ITA) – Preview
Different starting conditions for BMW drivers in Monza.
Munich, 1st October 2007. This weekend the BMW national teams will be lining up at the "Autodromo Nazionale di Monza" for rounds 19 and 20 of the FIA World Touring Car Championship. After celebrating victory at Brands Hatch eight days ago, Andy Priaulx (GBR) of BMW Team UK enters the competition in Italy as championship leader. With 81 points under his belt, the defending title holder is currently enjoying a 12-point lead over BMW Team Germany's Augusto Farfus (BRA). Priaulx's appearance at Monza this weekend marks his 100th European and World Touring Car Championship race with BMW.
For the first time this season, the gap between the front runner and his rivals is sizeable. Until now the lead in the Drivers' Championship has passed regularly between Priaulx, Farfus and Jörg Müller (GER) of BMW Team Germany. This time around, however, the three will be joining the races under very different conditions. In the fight to defend his championship lead, Priaulx will have 60 kg of ballast on board as he tries to ensure that he holds all the aces for the finale in Macau. Meanwhile Farfus and Müller will also enter the last race on European soil carrying maximum ballast. They will be doing their level best to close the gap to the leader. All the while the BMW trio will keep their eye on the competition, as there a still some other drivers that are keen on winning the championship title.
This weekend also sees 36-year-old Fredrik Ekblom (SWE) support BMW Team UK once again. The new Swedish Touring Car Champion (STCC) secured victory in his national contest in the BMW 320si WTCC. Having managed 12th and 14th place at his WTCC premiere in Anderstorp at the end of July, he will now be looking to achieve at least a points finish.
Also joining the chase for points will be Félix Portiero (ESP) and Alessandro Zanardi (ITA) of BMW Team Italy-Spain. Porteiro last enjoyed success in Brands Hatch, where he celebrated his third podium appearance this year. For Zanardi racing on home ground in front of thousands of excited "tifosi" is always the highlight of the season.
Alessandro Zanardi (BMW Team Italy-Spain):
"As always, racing in front of my Italian fans will be very special to me. But irrespective of that, I am looking forward to the circuit at Monza. It is just fantastic and fascinates drivers from Formula 1 just as much as it does touring car drivers. It has eternally long straights and several hard braking points. Racing there is always a lot of fun. It rewards my driving style. I've always been really fast in Monza. Last year I was in the position to win. I hope it's the same in 2007. Until now, this year has not gone quite as I would have wished, so my home race is particularly important: with a good result we should be able to end the season on a reconciliatory note."
PressClub Germany
Assumption of the tradition enterprise Husqvarna Motorcycles by BMW motorcycle finally carried out.
Munich. After the signing of the agreement of yesterday in Milan by the past leader BMW motorcycle, Dr. Herbert Diess (since 01.10.2007 member of the executive committee BMW AG) and Claudio Castiglioni, were designated today the new managing directors by Husqvarna Motorcycles. Rainer Thoma becomes responsible for Businesses operation (development, production, selling) and Thomas Moser for purchase, finances and personnel; both were before in leading functions with BMW motorcycle and/or active with BMW AG.
The assumption of Husqvarna Motorcycles by BMW is now legally carried out. The company headquarters remains just as in the northItalian region Varese resident, as the management, development, production and the central selling and marketing organization. The operational selling remains international in the proven hands of the world-wide importers.
Changed service Invervalle starting from model year 2008
Changed service intervals starting from model year 2008.
Adjustment to changed driving habits.
Munich. Already in the year 1989 BMW motorcycle Wartungsintervalle of 10,000 kilometers introduced. Also today this value still ranks among the best in the industry. It is indication for matured, loadable technology, high product quality and ensures in the comparison for smaller maintenance costs. In addition long Wartungsintervalle function as important purchase and resale argument.
In the last years it showed itself that the yearly road performance of most motorcycles decreases/goes back clearly. With technical progress per interval also the maintenance extent reduced. Discussions with dealers and customers resulted in that that is not always noticed additionally to inspection all 10,000 km and hospital service all 20,000 km prescribed yearly service. That can have and mean negative effects on the technical condition of the vehicles that motorcycles for example only every three years come to the service. Various fuels are then obsolete.
In order to carry progress and the changed customer behavior calculation, BMW a new, flexible service concept now developed that also considers the service lives of the machines. That means that in the future the maintenance extent will be the verflossenen time than dependent on the run achievement more strongly on.
Part the dynamic maintenance strategy is a service interval announcement, which is starting from model year 2008 in the cockpit nearly all BMW motorcycles (exceptions: F 650 gs, K 1200 LT, G-series, HP machines). Independently of the run achievement in the future a maintenance date per year is necessary for all new motorcycles. To many drivers apart from the annual rule date still the run-achievement-dependent component applies. That means, additional maintenance is necessary if within a yearly more than 10,000 kilometers are driven. The due maintenance date is indicated to the customer in time over a reference function in the multi-function display.
PressClub USA
No Motorrad Numbers
BMW GROUP (USA) REPORTS SEPTEMBER SALES
Sales Up 8 Percent For First Three Quarters
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - October 2, 2007... The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI brands combined) reports year-to-date sales of 248,273 vehicles, an increase of 8 percent verses the 229,833 vehicles sold in the first three quarters of 2006. September sales are up 7 percent, with the Group reporting 24,932 vehicles verses the 23,303 reported in 2006.
BMW Brand Sales Increase 8.1 Percent Year-to-date
BMW brand sales are up 8.1 percent year-to-date, to 216,337 vehicles compared to 200,063 vehicles sold in first nine months of 2006.
In September, BMW brand sales are up 2.8 percent for a total of 20,901 vehicles compared to 20,339 reported in the same month a year ago.
BMW Automobile Sales
Sales of BMW brand automobiles are up 9.2 percent in the first three quarters of 2007, to 169,761 automobiles over 155,525 in the same period of 2006. In September, automobile sales also increased by 7.7 percent to 16,457 cars versus 15,275 in the same month a year ago.
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Sales
Year-to-date, sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles improved by 4.6 percent, to 46,576 vehicles compared to the 44,538 sold in the same period in 2006. In September, sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles are down 12.2 percent, to 4,444 vehicles over the 5,064 sold in the same month in 2006.
Certified Pre-Owned
Sales of BMW's Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are up 25.5 percent in September, and the company reports its best September ever, with sales of 7,421 CPO vehicles versus 5,913 vehicles reported last year. Year-to-date, CPO sales were up 0.6 percent, to 64,445 over the 64,042 reported in the same period in 2006.
MINI Brand Increases 36 Percent In September
MINI Automobiles
MINI USA reports September sales of 4,031 automobiles, up 36 percent from the 2,964 cars sold last September. Year-to-date, the division reports sales of 31,936 automobiles, an increase of 7.3 percent, compared to the 29,770 cars reported in the first three quarters of 2006.
PLACIDO DOMINGO SET TO DRIVE BMW HYDROGEN 7
Famed Tenor Becomes Latest To Be Given BMW Hydrogen 7 For Everyday Use on U.S. Roadways
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - October 2, 2007... World-renowned opera singer-conductor Placido Domingo will be given the keys to a BMW Hydrogen 7 - the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan - for his everyday use, BMW announced today. Widely regarded as the greatest operatic artist of modern times, Domingo joins several other preeminent figures in entertainment, government, the environment and more, as the latest person to drive the BMW Hydrogen 7 on U.S. roadways as a part of the BMW Hydrogen 7 Pioneer Program, designed to help the company in its mission to build widespread support of hydrogen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels.
"It is an honor to be taking part in this initiative by BMW to educate, inform and, ultimately, to impact how we as a society think about alternative energy and the health of our planet," said Domingo. "Having worked on numerous natural disaster relief efforts, I've witnessed first-hand the profound impact that environmental and climate changes can have on humanity. I feel it is the duty of everyone on this planet to learn, become involved in the fight, accept change and be part of the solution."
In addition to his prolific operatic career, Placido Domingo is a dedicated public advocate, raising millions of dollars through special benefit concerts to help such causes as the victims of the 1985 Mexican earthquake, AIDS and more. He has become one of the most decorated and honored artists in the world today, acknowledged as a Kennedy Center Honoree, a Commander of France's Legion of Honor, the Honorary Knighthood of the British Empire and the highest decoration in the US, the Medal of Freedom.
Running in hydrogen mode, the BMW Hydrogen 7 essentially emits nothing but water vapor, representing a major step in reducing harmful CO2 emissions. It is not a concept car, but a production model vehicle that has successfully completed the entire Product Development Process. While the BMW Hydrogen 7 is not for sale, it is considered to be a milestone in bringing forward hydrogen as the sustainable fuel for individual transportation.
By harnessing the power and influence of individuals who, like Placido Domingo, are at the forefront of their respective disciplines, BMW hopes to continue to generate support of hydrogen-drive vehicles in the short term and stimulate demand for a viable hydrogen infrastructure in the long-term.
A number of entertainers, politicians, business leaders and more have opted for a BMW Hydrogen 7 as their energy-efficient ride of choice, including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at the "Ocean's 13" premiere in Hollywood; Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Liguori at the FOX All-Star Party in Santa Monica; Richard Gere and Sharon Stone at the Cinema for Peace Gala in Berlin; and "An Inconvenient Truth" producer Davis Guggenheim (Oscar® for the best Documentary Feature) and Best Foreign Language Film Oscar® winner, director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck at the 2007 Academy Awards; among others. The vehicle has also made an impact oversees, with luminaries such as Michael Glos, German Federal Minister for Economy and Technology, and Günter Verheugen, Vice President of the European Commission, world renowned soprano Anna Netrebko and many others covering more than 1.3 million miles worldwide.
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