Morning Reads: Sunday, 13 January 2008

[Mika]

Today’s Birthdays / Calendar (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2009-1-1&c=1)


http://www.shamrockrovers.ie/srfcshop/images/Birthday%20Card.JPG

http://m1ka.smugmug.com/photos/237639709-L.jpg


motorcycledaily.com (http://www.motorcycledaily.com/11january08_kawasaki_japan.htm)
Getting to know Kawasaki in Japan: Part 1


brainbucketmag.com ( http://www.brainbucketmag.com/News/article/sid=2964.html)
Sport motorcycles linked to soraring number of deaths


cyrilhuzeblog.com ( http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2008/01/12/debate-raging-about-motorcycle-penalties/)
Debate raging about motorcycle penalties


cyrilhuzeblog.com ( http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2008/01/12/harley-davidson-stock-hits-a-record-low/)
Harley-Davidson stock hits a record low


caradisiac.com ( http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A//moto.caradisiac.com/Irlande-du-Nord-les-motards-devront-boire-moins-que-les-automobilistes-502&hl=en&langpair=fr|en&tbb=1&ie=iso-8859-1)
Northern Ireland: the bikers should drink less than motorists


news-press.com ( http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008801120304)
Future bikers trained at track: Instruction sponsore by [you guessed it!] Harley-Davidosn


spokanejournal.com (http://www.spokanejournal.com/spokane_id=article&sub=3446)
Triump dealership to launch

http://m1ka.smugmug.com/photos/238400035-L.jpg


moto-station.com ( http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A//www.moto-station.com/article3702.html&hl=en&langpair=fr|en&tbb=1&ie=iso-8859-1)
BMW: 2 HP2 official Mans and Bol 2008


http://m1ka.smugmug.com/photos/237905512-XL.jpg
BMW Sauber F1 (http://www.bmw-sauber-f1.com/en/index.html)
BMW Motorsport (http://bmw-motorsport.com/ms/en/index.html)


f1complete.com ( http://www.f1complete.com/content/view/7245/900/)
Heidfeld gets new F1 manager, BMW new sponsor

motorsport.com ( http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=277596)
Rahal drivew BMW Sauber in Las Vegas

motorsport.com ( http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=277593)
BMW Sauber welcomes Cadence as supplier

autoracingdaily.com ( http://www.autoracingdaily.com/article/michael_schumacher_says_renault_and_bmw_will_conti nue_to_improve_in_2008/)
Michael Schumacher says Renault and BMW will continue to improve

fiawtcc.com ( http://www.fiawtcc.com/fiawtcc/sport_sto1439935.shtml)
Proteam with D’Aste and Hernandez

autobloggreen.com ( http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/01/12/a1gp-racing-goes-greener-with-hiperflo-ethanol-blend/)
A1GP raciong foes greener with Hiperflo ethanol blend

BlogF1 asks and analyzes the idea of why manufactures compete in racing, in this case Toyota in F1. I am not particulary wondering about Toyota. Rather, I read the article wondering if I would be asking similar questions, in a few years, of BMW Motorrad’s return to head to head racing with other brands.
blogf1 ( http://blogf1.co.uk/2008/01/11/why-are-toyota-competing-in-formula-one/)
Why are Toyota competing in Formula One?

autosport.com ( http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/64638)
Ferrari define Schumacher’s role






http://m1ka.smugmug.com/photos/237925770-XL.jpg


The ‘Rad: Care, repair, parts, accessories and more


webbikeworld.com ( http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycles/kawasaki-versys/windscreen/)
The Kawasaki Versys: Wind screen comparison
Some of the forum members have expressed great interest in the Versys. For everyone else who reads this article pay attention to the questions aske and the interpretation of the results. You may not care about the Versys but it may help you figure out some of your questions about wind screens.


Wonderings:




M.R. Traveler


motoring.co.za (http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Motoring&fArticleId=4201905)
Mapping the world, a street at a time


http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally/rally08/assets/hat2.gif

2008 International Rally (http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally/rally08/)
Gillette, Wyoming, July 17-20 2008


Mining The Website

Threads worth following:

Photo Assignment:
Here is a link to the PHOTO ASSIGNMENT INDEX (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?p=277618#post277618), with links to the various excellent Photo Assignment threads

Latest project: “Old Cro” the R-evolution (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22383)

Diary of a Barn Queen (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22579)


Blogs:

Battlefield Biker Blogs (http://battlefieldbiker.com/blog/feed)

Guilty Truth (http://feeds.feedburner.com/GuiltyCustoms)

Helmet Hair (http://feeds.feedburner.com/helmethair)

Knucklebuster (http://www.knucklebusterinc.com/features/feed/)

K’telontour of the World (http://ktelontour.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default)

Nelson’s BMW airhead motorcycles (http://1978r100rs-airhead.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default)

Ride it like you stole it! (http://feeds.feedburner.com/RideItLikeYouStoleIt)

The Great Motorcycle Pizza Tour (http://pizzacrusade.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default)

The New Café (Racer) Society (http://thenewcaferacersociety.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default)

The Uncaged Librarian (http://uncagedlibrarian.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default)



Today’sRoadFood.com (http://www.roadfood.com/)


Woot

Todays Woot ( http://www.woot.com/Default.aspx)
The Blog ( http://www.woot.com/Blog/Default.aspx)


http://m1ka.smugmug.com/photos/182526939-M.gif
Packer News: Packers.com (http://www.packers.com/), jsonline.com - Packers Plus Online (http://www.jsonline.com/index/index.aspx?id=44)

nfl.com (http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?season=2007&week=POST19&game_id=29520)
Box Scores, Videos and more of the 42- 20 Packer win!

Humor


http://m1ka.smugmug.com/photos/237644910-L.jpg


The Three Stooges pull a tooth out
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The 3 Three Stooges - Boobs in Arms
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Three Stooges - Slowy i Turn
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Three Stooges: Curly's Sweater
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Over Heard in New York | Voice of the City (http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/)
Sluggy Freelance (http://www.sluggy.com/)
The Onion (http://feeds.theonion.com/theonion/daily)
xkcd (http://www.xkcd.com/)

http://m1ka.smugmug.com/photos/238372329-L.jpg

BMW Website Review:



Pfeiffer heads to North America (http://www.worldofbmw.com/content/article.asp?article=1009&artDate=11/01/2008)
http://www.worldofbmw.com/images/uploaded/080111Pfeiffer.jpg


BMW Motorrads Amazing Year to Remember (http://www.motorcycles.bmw.com.au/indexframe.asp)


BMW Motorrad Ireland Off Road Skills School Announced (http://www.bmw-motorrad.ie/)


BMW Sauber F1 will launch Monday (http://www.bmw-sauber-f1.com/interim/en/index.html)


2008 touring car season gets underway in South America (http://bmw-motorsport.com/ms/en/races/wtcc/news/current/2008_01/2008_01_10.html?lity=tn_ms_sp_2_2_M)


Milestones BMW Isetta
<object width="425" height="271"><param name="FlashVars" value="requestUrl=http://www.bmw-web.tv/en/stage/playerxml?items[0]=dATp1Mq"/><param name="movie" value="http://www.bmw-web.tv/en/player.swf?requestUrl=http://www.bmw-web.tv/en/stage/playerxml?items[0]=dATp1Mq" /><embed src="http://www.bmw-web.tv/en/player.swf?requestUrl=http://www.bmw-web.tv/en/stage/playerxml?items[0]=dATp1Mq" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="271" allowfullscreen="true" FlashVars="requestUrl=http://www.bmw-web.tv/en/stage/playerxml?items[0]=dATp1Mq"></embed></object>



David Gallo: Underwater astonishments
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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)


BMW Yachtsport (http://bmw-yachtsport.com/ys/en/index.html)


BMW Golfsport (http://bmw-golfsport.com/gs/en/index.html)


BMW Oracle Racing (http://bmworacleracing.com/en/index.html?track.refer=)


BMW Sport website ( http://bmw-sports.com/en/index.html)

[Mika]

BMW GroupPress Club: SUNDAY WEEK IN REVIEW

In many languages this is the headline that dominated the various PressClubs worldwide this week.

BMW Group increases 2007 sales by 9.2 percent
09.01.2008

Best sales levels for all three brands
Rolls-Royce delivers over 1,000 vehicles for the first time

Spanish
BMW Group récord de ventas en 2007
11.01.2008

BMW Group nuevamente establece récord de ventas en 2007
Con un crecimiento de 9,2% sobre el año anterior, mantuvo el liderazgo mundial del mercado en el segmento Premium. Por primera vez, Rolls-Royce entrega arriba de 1,000 vehículos.



Communiqué de presse: BMW Group enregistre une augmentation des ventes de 9,2% en 2007.
09.01.2008


BMW Group : ventes en hausse de 9,2 % en 2007
11.01.2008


Le vendite del BMW Group crescono nel 2007 del 9,2 percento
09.01.2008

Livelli record per tutti e tre i marchi. Per la prima volta Rolls-Royce consegna più
di 1.000 vetture


BMW Group afzet doorbreekt in 2007 voor het eerst de grens van 1.5 miljoen eenheden.
09.01.2008

Best sales levels for all three brands
Rolls-Royce delivers over 1,000 vehicles for the first time



BMW Group odnotowała w roku 2007 wzrost sprzedaży o 9,2%.
11.01.2008


PressClub Russia

BMW на международном автосалоне NAIAS-2008 в Детройте
09.01.2008


The next big headlines were:


MINI at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit.
2008/01/07


Here are some of the sales press releases for individual markets and remaining things covered by various PressClubs. I am sorry some are not translated either due to time or lack of a good translator.


PressClub Australia

DOUBLE KNOCKOUT: BMW DEBUTS A PAIR OF TWIN TURBO CRACKERS IN QUEENSLAND.
01/07/2008

• 135i Coupé Australian debut
• X5 3.0sd Australian debut
• Queensland debut for M3 Coupé, revised 6 Series, 520d and X3 2.0d

BMW is in the delightful position of being able to shower the Brisbane Motor Show with not one but two terrific twin turbo debutants.

The first, the all new 1 Series Coupé, is powered by the world’s best engine, as acclaimed by the panel of eminent judges at the annual ‘International Engine of the Year Awards’ (or the ‘Engine Oscars’ as they are known colloquially).

The compact, sporty and very elegant 135i Coupé is power-packed in its Twin Turbo, 225 kW straight-six guise, delivering sublime performance, smoothness and economy. With the 3.0-litre twin turbo engine BMW has conquered the previously incompatible functions of rapid fire acceleration and impressive economy and low emissions.

The new BMW 135i Coupé body style will sling-shot to 100 km/h from standstill in just 5.3 seconds, making full use of the 400 Nm of torque available between 1,300 rpm and 5,000 rpm.

This multi-award winning engine is also found throughout the 3 Series range, in the 335i Sedan, Coupé, Convertible and most recently the new 335i Touring.

Joining the 135i Coupé in the limelight will be the most powerful diesel vehicle BMW has ever offered in Australia, the 200 kW 3.0-litre straight six twin turbo
X5 3.0sd.

This amazing engine has been tuned to deliver 565 Nm of torque which results in sportscar style acceleration, but with very frugal fuel use. In fact the X5 3.0sd returns an amazing 8.8 litres/100 km on the combined cycle, while acceleration from 0-100 km/h is a sensational 7.2 seconds. Top speed is a heady 230 km/h.

The X5 3.0sd is highly equipped with the same standard specifications as the X5 3.0d Executive and an additional optional Sport Package is available for drivers seeking to extract the ultimate in driving excitement and performance.

The new X5 was one of the success stories of 2007, and this new generation Sport Activity Vehicle is set to win over even more drivers during 2008.

These two new models underline the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy of continuing to push the performance envelope but not at the expense of consumption and therefore emissions.

Also lining up before an appreciative audience at the show, will be the new BMW M3 Coupé making its Brisbane debut, armed with it amazing high-revving V8 309 kW engine, while the 5 Series Sedan and X3 Sports Activity Vehicle ranges both welcome the latest generation four-cylinder diesel engine to their ranks, in the form of the 520d and X3 2.0d. Both models create new entry niches for their respected ranges, bringing high torque, low consumption engines to these markets for the first time.

Given Brisbane’s reputation for perfect weather, the timing is thus perfect for BMW to show off the latest incarnation of the 6 Series Convertible; powered by the creamy smooth 470 kW V8 4.8-litre engine delivering muscular driving dynamics from within one of the most luxurious interiors available.

The Brisbane Motor Show opens to the public on Friday 1st February and runs until Sunday 10th February 2008.


PressClub Austria

BMW Performance: Der individuelle Weg zu mehr Sportlichkeit.
11.01.2008


München. Für BMW Fahrer mit besonderer Passion für Dynamik und sportliche Individualisierung bieten sich ab sofort neue Möglichkeiten, ihren persönlichen Stil zum Ausdruck und die Leistung ihres Fahrzeugs noch effektiver auf die Straße zu bringen. Als Erweiterung des Original BMW Zubehör Programms umfasst das neue Produktangebot BMW Performance eine Vielzahl von Komponenten, die das sportliche Fahrerlebnis steigern. Zur Einführung von BMW Performance werden speziell für die Modelle der BMW 3er und BMW 1er Reihe entwickelte Nachrüst-Optionen aus den Produktbereichen Fahrwerk, Antrieb, Aerodynamik und Cockpit angeboten. Sie wurden speziell für das jeweilige Modell entwickelt, entsprechen in Technik und Design dem markentypischen Stil und erfüllen uneingeschränkt die herausragenden BMW Standards hinsichtlich Qualität und Sicherheit. Alle BMW Performance Produkte unterliegen daher auch den Gewährleistungs-bestimmungen von BMW. Vertrieb und Einbau erfolgen über die BMW Händler und Service Partner sowie über die BMW Niederlassungen.

Überlegene Fahrdynamik gehört zur Serienausstattung jedes BMW. Die Komponenten der Linie BMW Performance bringen dies noch intensiver zur Geltung. Mit den Produkten der neuen Zubehörlinie lassen sich die BMW Markenwerte Dynamik, Sportlichkeit und Innovation in einer vom Kunden individuell bestimmbaren Form und Ausprägung betonen. Ihre hochwertige technische Ausführung und das authentische BMW Design machen die seit jeher mit dem Rennsport verbundene Tradition der Marke auf der Straße erlebbar. Alle BMW Performance Komponenten sind einzeln verfügbar. Jeder Fahrer eines BMW gewinnt dadurch die Möglichkeit, mit ausgewählten Nachrüst-Optionen klare sportliche Akzente in den für ihn besonders relevanten Bereichen zu setzen. Darüber hinaus fügen sich sämtliche BMW Performance Produkte aufgrund ihrer einheitlichen Ausrichtung auf ein begeisternd sportliches Fahrerlebnis zu einem harmonisch aufeinander abgestimmten Gesamtpaket zusammen.

Aerodynamik: Optimierung nach Maß.
Das BMW Performance Aerodynamik Kit sorgt für eine Optimierung der fahrdynamischen Eigenschaften und garantiert zudem einen wirkungsvollen Auftritt im Alltagsverkehr. Zum BMW Performance Aerodynamik Kit für alle Modelle der BMW 1er Reihe gehören eine markante Frontschürze mit einer ausdrucksstarken, integrierten Einfassung der BMW Niere in schwarzer Hochglanz-Optik und dynamisch konturierte Seitenschweller.

Darüber hinaus ist zur Steigerung der Aerodynamik modellspezifisches Zubehör aus Carbonfaser erhältlich. Angeboten werden Carbon Außenspiegelkappen für alle Modelle der BMW 1er Reihe, der BMW Performance Carbon Heckspoiler für alle Modelle der BMW 1er Reihe sowie für die BMW 3er Limousine und der BMW Performance Carbon Diffusor für alle BMW 1er sowie für alle BMW 3er.

Fahrwerkstechnik für sportliches und souveränes Handling.
Das Streben nach zusätzlicher Dynamik stand auch bei der Entwicklung der BMW Performance Komponenten für das Fahrwerk im Mittelpunkt. In diesem Produktbereich stehen die BMW Performance Sportbremsanlage, das BMW Performance Fahrwerk, eine aus Carbonfaser gefertigte BMW Performance Federbeindomstrebe sowie ein attraktives Doppelspeichen-Leichtbaurad zur Auswahl. Zum Unfang der BMW Performance Sportbremsanlage gehören besonders großzügig dimensionierte, belüftete Bremsscheiben, die an den Vorderrädern perforiert und mit Schlitzen versehen sind. Die 6-Kolben-Festsattelbremsen an der Vorderachse sind in leuchtendem BMW Performance Gelb gehalten. Außerdem tragen sie den Schriftzug „BMW Performance“. Diese Aufschrift findet sich auch auf der Domstrebe, deren Platzierung im Motorraum für eine zusätzliche Steigerung der Karosseriesteifigkeit sorgt.

Eine weitere Neuentwicklung stellt das BMW Performance Fahrwerk dar. Aufgrund seiner besonders sportlichen Abstimmung gewährleistet es ein verbessertes Handling und optimale Performance bei sehr sportlicher Fahrweise. Dabei bleibt ein hohes Maß an Komfort im Alltagsverkehr erhalten. Der Einsatz des BMW Performance Fahrwerks bewirkt eine Tieferlegung des Fahrzeugs und bietet damit auch bei sportlichsten Fahrmanövern exzellente Bodenhaftung. Die Schraubenfedern setzen durch ihre Gestaltung in sportivem BMW Performance Gelb auch optische Akzente. Das BMW Performance Doppelspeichen Leichtbaurad unterstreicht mit seinem exklusiven Design den sportlichen Charakter des Fahrzeugs und fördert die Agilität durch sein besonders geringes Gewicht. Je nach Modell ist es in den Größen 18 beziehungsweise 19 Zoll erhältlich.

Antrieb: Optimierte Luftführung und prägnante Endrohre.
Zu einer leistungsfördernden Luftzufuhr verhilft das neue BMW Performance Lufteinlasssystem den Reihensechszylinder-Benzinmotoren der entsprechenden Modelle der BMW 1er und BMW 3er Reihe. Basierend auf der Standardausführung wurden der Filtereinsatz und die interne Luftführung modifiziert. Dies gewährleistet einen verbesserten Luftstrom bei geringerem Spielraum für einen Druckabfall. Außerdem sorgt das System für ein besonders sportlich geprägtes Sounderlebnis im Fahrzeuginneren. Die durch das BMW Performance Lufteinlasssystem bewirkte Optimierung der Leistungsentfaltung wirkt sich auch auf die Effizienz des Motors positiv aus.

Für die akustische Untermalung der höheren Durchzugskraft ist das BMW Performance Schalldämpfersystem zuständig. Ohne den Langstreckenkomfort des Fahrzeugs zu beeinträchtigen, verleiht das System der Motorakustik eine dezente, aber vernehmbar sportlich geprägte Charakteristik. Die Doppelendrohre aus verchromtem Edelstahl heben den Hochtechnologie-Status des Fahrzeugs auch optisch hervor. Das korrosionsresistente Material zeichnet sich zudem durch besondere Langlebigkeit aus.

Interieur im Stil eines Sportwagens.
Wer die Dynamik seines BMW besonders intensiv genießen will, kann mit den BMW Performance Produkten für das Interieur ein Ambiente im Stil eines Sportwagens erzeugen. Vor allem der Fahrerarbeitsplatz eines BMW 1er oder BMW 3er wird so zum Aktionsfeld für ambitionierte Sportler. Perfekten Halt bieten ihm dabei die schalenförmigen BMW Performance Sportsitze im Motorsportdesign. Auch an den Seiten sind sie ergonomisch dem Körper angepasst. Neben ihrem spürbaren Sitzkomfort beeindrucken die mit schwarzem Alcantara bezogenen BMW Performance Sportsitze durch ihr edles, schlankes Design. Unterhalb der integrierten Kopfstützen befinden sich jeweils zwei Öffnungen, die mit ferric-grey lackierten Kunststoffblenden verziert sind. Die Seitenairbags sind ebenfalls in die Sitze integriert. Die BMW Performance Sportsitze sind als Fahrer- und Beifahrersitz für den 5-Türer, den 3-Türer und das Coupé der BMW 1er Reihe sowie für die BMW 3er Limousine, den BMW 3er Touring und das BMW 3er Coupé erhältlich.

Neben optischen Glanzpunkten setzt der BMW Performance Handschalt-hebel auch Akzente bei der Unterstützung möglichst dynamischer Schalt-vorgänge. Das ergonomisch optimierte Design des Schaltknaufs aus Chrom und schwarzem Alcantara erleichtert die präzise Handhabung, darüber hinaus reduziert der spezielle Ganghebel die Schaltwege um rund 25 Prozent im Vergleich zur Serienausführung.

Mit Dekorleisten im Carbon Design für die Mittelkonsole, die Armaturentafel sowie die Verkleidungen der vorderen und hinteren Türen beziehungsweise des seitlichen Fondbereichs kann der hochwertige und sportliche Stil im Interieur noch stärker unterstrichen werden. Auch die Pedale und die Fußablage aus Aluminium, die ebenfalls Bestandteil des BMW Performance Programms sind, übertragen durch ihr Design und ihre Funktionalität die Qualitäten eines Rennfahrzeugs in den Alltagsverkehr.


PressClub Belux

Eurotax Schwacke bestätigt herausragende Wertbeständigkeit von BMW Modellen.
09.01.2008


München.

Munich. Joy of driving is a value that is permanently endure. Again, there is a BMW on rank one in the "Automotive Forecast index" of the market monitoring experts from Eurotax Schwacke. According to its latest analysis of the BMW 118d is the wertbeständigste vehicle on the German automotive market. That from a 105 kW/143 hp strong and outstanding economic Four-cylinder diesel engine driven compact model to three years after a re-registration recoverable resale value of 71.5 percent. This cuts the BMW 118d by 13.8 percentage points better than the second competitor. The result of the market according to observers is clear: "It's worth it, then, a BMW 118d to buy less money in percentage currently loses none of the other vehicles tested."

Overall, BMW models in seven of the eleven of the Eurotax Schwacke analyzed vehicle classes forward. As leader of the overall classification solves the BMW 118d BMW X3. The successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) still dominates the scoring class of off-road. The BMW X3 2.0d comes three years after admission to a resale value of 69 percent. On top BMW recorded in the SUV category for a double victory. The class winner BMW X3 2.0d follows the BMW X5 3.0d with a residual value of 65.5 percent ranked second in this segment.

With its current models linked BMW series out of all superior driving dynamics with good efficiency. As an additional factor for high efficiency, the current "Automotive Forecast index" clearer than ever, the above value of BMW models. By far above all competitors lead in the middle class, the BMW 320d and the BMW 320d Touring the Eurotax Schwacke ranking list. The sedan reached after three years of a resale value of 62.1 percent, the Touring model comes even to 65 percent.

Similarly clearly is the BMW 5 Series in its segment in leadership. The sedans, the BMW 520d automatic with a resale value of 56.8 percent of the first rank, the undisputed leader in its class is the BMW Touring 530xd with 62.3 percent.

Finally, the outstanding result of the brand of class victory of the BMW 630i Convertible, three years after admission to a resale value of 66.9 percent.

Even in absolute numbers, the expected depreciation of the current BMW models are usually much lower than for all other vehicles of each segment. This is also true for the BMW 730i automatic. In comparing the percentage resale value, he ranks among the top 3 of the luxury segment, in the determination of the value loss in euros and cents proves he is against even the best choice.

[Mika]

PressClub Italy


MINI bags. Le novità in arrivo nel 2008
08.01.2008

In spring debuts the new line with the lines Luggage Go Fast! And Check Out, and after the summer will affect the new range Fashion Fall / Winter 2008/2009 with a wide range of proposals for you and for him. It continues to bear fruit understanding
Between MINI and Finduck, the group leader in leather


Luggage Range. The style MINI put on the road
With MINI bags spring is already in the air, the most svaniranno grey winter days in a wave of joy and originality with the cool & sporty style that can not fail when it comes to MINI.

Two lines of the range dedicated to the passengers of both sexes: Go Fast! And Check Out. Both share, despite their differences, the taste for details that count, as the unmistakable shape of the wheels of the trolley, mentioning spiritosamente the alloy wheels of true MINI, or call all'ovale applicant, a stilema its interior MINI design.

Both Go Fast! Check Out is offering a complete range of luggage ranging from two trolley from 65 and 55 cm and the pilot bag, both with sport wheels, through a range of scholarships for the most diverse and specific uses: the bag, small bag and toiletries kit, and to eventually authentic pieces for survival in the urban jungle as the techno-backpacks and bags portacomputer.

Go Fast! Polyester employs high-density neoprene and inserts reflective materials. For the color of fiber coating you can choose between black and red chili. The inserts are reflective white neoprene combined with the black and red or grey, combined with black. Buttons and taken zip are brushed metal. At MINI logo has been given the right emphasis on neoprene. Each article is based on a runny line design, which provides pockets zippate to accessibility, interior rational and well fragmented, and when we must also detachable shoulder and adaptable with both anatomic padding.

Check Out uses a high strength nylon, neoprene pocket oval is proudly played in relief of a winged MINI brand. The zip and nickel rivets are engraved with the laser. The color is black, while the inner lining is red. In addition to having all the characteristics described for the line Go Fast!, Check Out a resource more expansion of the system to change the maximum capacity load. The diaphragm decorated chess indicates they use.

Go Fast! And Check Out propose in parallel: Large Trolley (65 cm), there is everything and even some 'more Cabin Trolley (55 cm), the egg of Columbus, Pilot Bag, travel is a profession, Wheel Duffle for the weekend of leaks, Small Duffle, small bag, Washkit, hygiene nomads, Laptop Brief, we can not, Backpack, backpack technology. In addition Go Fast! Messenger adds, the bag-office.

Articles lines Go Fast! And Check Out of the range of MINI Luggage bags will be on sale starting from April 2008 in shops specializing in leather goods and clothing in department stores and design. An assortment of articles in the selected line Go Fast! Also listed will be at the showroom of BMW MINI Group and online starting from March 2008.

Fashion Range. The current proposals and those for Fall / Winter 2008/2009
The range of MINI Fashion bags preview debuted last October with colorful Small Tote line Car Profile to MINI Lounge at the International Film Festival in Rome. Now these compact handbags, which are inspired by the icon MINI reporting profile in a game ammiccante of relief and topstitching, together with those of the line Badge, as the bag weekend Duffle or practice Briefcase, with their characteristic lining 'Union Jack will be on sale starting from February 2008.

But for the layperson is already time to look forward to the new MINI collection bags range Fashion Autumn / Winter 2008/2009, sold starting from September 2008.
Three lines purely female: Pop Art, and MINI BAG "Not just a tattoo", under which there are those male or unisex: Badge and its variant leather Edge, Black Jack, Circular and Bag Tag.

Played on the themes of riders declined in MINI lifestyle, the new collection amazes us with a mix of product lines that accompany us throughout the day. The female line opens the season to squeeze the eye with Andy Warhol Pop Art, a series of scholarships that replicate succession chromatic image of the small car home Oxford, dressed for the occasion by pop colors ranging from yellow chewing gum to merge electric blue with yellow ochre. To complete the feminine touch of a transgression will be "Not just a tattoo." The charm of a mysterious embroidery reproduces the MINI topped by a crown with eagle wings and surrounded by vibrations of rock music, "Not just a tattoo" is certainly the most "dare to be different" of the entire collection. To end with MINI BAG, a small selection of bags in soft paint from small and very glamorous!

On the men's scholarships from sfileranno tones decided, in line with the style of street wear MINI.
In the real scene trionfatrice last season, Badge, enriched by new models and flanked by the irresistible version leather, Edge, which is the most sophisticated and refined in terms of quality of materials of the Fashion range of MINI bags.
A higher-oriented business world, without ever forgetting the very origins of british MINI, Black Jack looks like the most elegant of the season; asymmetric applications on the body bag us back to the Union Jack, but this time in a total look black, very strict and very chic. In the spirit "meter" conclude the parade the Circular, the models look practical and colours fluo and Bag Tag, a young and spirited characterized by lining printed camouflage style




Gianna Nannini a bordo di una BMW Hydrogen 7
09.01.2008

The rocker Siena rose on the first flagship powered hydrogen produced
Serial by BMW


Gianna Nannini, the primadonna of pop-rock Italian, had the opportunity to climb on board the BMW Hydrogen 7, the flagship BMW powered by hydrogen. The singer has always been attentive to environmental issues, enthusiastically took the opportunity to climb on board the hydrogen car BMW. The initiative is within the activities to promote the culture of hydrogen in our country.

After institutions, cinema and world affairs is also evident in the music scene that BMW Group Italy is committed to give visibility to the issue of environmental sustainability. There are already many people known to the general public, thanks to efforts by BMW Group Italy, could try to ride the emotion or salirci on board.

From Monica Bellucci to Renzo Rosso, through Colin Powell
Here are today: Roberto Formigoni, president of Lombardy Region, Walter Veltroni, Mayor of Rome, Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio, Minister of the Environment, Chicco Testa, President of the Organising Committee of the World Energy Council 2007 Rome (12-15 November) event in which a small fleet of BMW 7 Hydrogen joined the Quirinale palace, the seat of the Presidency of the Republic. In addition, Colin Powell, Speaker at the World Business Forum (Milan, 23-24 October), and successful entrepreneurs like Renzo Rosso, Diesel, and Domenico Procacci, Fandango. A chapter apart instead deserves International Film Festival in Rome, during which the BMW 7 Hydrogen accompanied on the red carpet celebrities the likes of Francis Ford Coppola, Monica Bellucci, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Dépardieu, Sean Penn, Jane Fonda and Ted Turner , and many others.

The project CleanEnergy
With the BMW 7 Hydrogen the House of Monaco offers the first flagship luxury powered hydrogen produced serial, adapted to guide daily, virtually emission-free. The car is the result of a coherent strategy of BMW Group to exploit already hydrogen, the energy source capable of replacing long-term fossil fuels. Hydrogen (H chemical symbol) is a component of water and is available in virtually unlimited quantities. The BMW 7 Hydrogen is equipped with an engine endotermico bivalent a 12-cylinder that works both hydrogen and petrol. The propeller produces an output of 190 kW/260 hp, and an acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 9.5 seconds. In hydrogen can travel more than 200 km from 500 km adding to the gasoline mode


PressClub Mexico

BMW Group Mexico consolida su liderazgo dentro del sector automotriz Premium, rompiendo récord de ventas en 2007.
09.01.2008

Mexico City, January 09, 2008 .- BMW Group Australia announced that the closed 2007 with the highest level of sales since its arrival in the country in 1994, with a total of 9,902 vehicles sold by BMW and MINI brands and 1210 BMW Motorrad motorcycles, which gives a total of 11112 units.
BMW Group Australia automobiles reported an increase of 11.3% compared to 2006, which reaffirms the trend rate of growth of the brands.

In detail, BMW reported sales of 7832 vehicles, 745 more than in 2006, which means an increase of 10.5%. This growth was supported with launches of new and exciting models which were very well received by consumers, as the second edition of BMW X5, the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series convertible, the new BMW 1 Series now in its version of three doors; as well as introduction of new lines of the models already on the market in Mexico.

The MINI brand ended with 2070 units, surpassing the record of 2006 when it recorded 1806 cars, which represented a growth of 14.6%. This significant figure could be reached with the arrival of the new generation of successful MINI arrived with a more powerful engine and a new aesthetic to remain the favorite of millions of people around the world.

For its part, BMW Motorrad got a hike of 19.4% compared to 2006, reaching the figure of 1210 units sold in 2007. Period during which models BMW Moto X G 650, G 650 and G 650 Challenge X X Country came to our country to challenge adventurers of speed.

Additionally, BMW Group Australia reported that in addition to having an excellent annual result, during December 2007 also showed a clear positive trend, compared with the same period of 2006. The number of units, BMW brand sales rose 28%, MINI achieved 22%, while BMW Motorrad exceeded 32%.



In short: BMW Group sales during the 2007 Mexico

December 2007 December 2006% growth in December
2006 to 2007 January-December 2007 January-December 2006 Variance units from 2007 to 2006% growth from 2006 to 2007
BMW Group Australia 1374 1079 + 27% 11112 9906 1206 + 12.1%
BMW 1025 801 + 28% 7832 7087 745 + 10.5%
MINI 227186 +22% 2070 1806 264 +14.6%
Coming Soon 122 92 +32% 1210 1013 197 +19.4%



PressClub Middle East

The BMW Calendar 2008 highlights projects from the company's international cultural commitment.
01/07/2008

Munich. With a circulation of just under 120,000 copies, the annual BMW Calendar 2008 features selected projects dealing with the company's international cultural commitment. Architecturally spectacular places of cultural interest such as the Munich Pinakothek der Moderne, the Louvre in Paris, the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow or La Scala in Milan provide the setting for the presentation of the latest models from the BMW product range. The diversity of the calendar motifs illustrates only a small part of the BMW Group's extensive cultural commitment, which includes for example the exhibition of the BMW Art Car Collection in South Korea, or the "Festival de Mexico", the largest street festival in Mexico City, or the BMW Edge at Federation Square in the heart of Melbourne, Australia.
The BMW Group sponsors numerous culture projects at locations which reflect the company's objectives and values at a global and local level, these being targeted at employees and interested members of the public alike. The BMW Group operates in more than 120 countries worldwide, employing staff from over 90 different nations. For more than 30 years now the company has been seriously aware of its responsibility as a corporate citizen for the sustainable support of culture. By defining this mission both for and about culture, the company attaches great importance to the active involvement of well-known personalities and projects in contemporary art as well as classical music, architecture and design.
Below the spectacular motifs featured, the BMW Calendar offers space for entering appointments and notes. The Corporate Calendar is distributed throughout the world and is obtainable exclusively from local BMW dealers.

Winter tips for safe driving. Just in case: the BMW ConnectedDrive emergency call facility
01/07/2008

Munich.The chances of having an accident on the road is six times as high in the winter months as during the summer. In most cases, accidents at this time of year are caused by drivers failing to adjust their speed to the weather and road conditions, vehicles fitted with the wrong tyres, limited visibility due to iced-up windows and drivers leaving an insufficient distance to the vehicle in front. This distance should be three times as great in winter as when the road surface is dry. Particular care is required on bridges and shady sections of road, as here icy patches may still linger for some time after the temperature has risen back above freezing. As a general rule, drivers should be prepared for changing road conditions during the winter, as dry sections of road can give way to ice, slippery packed snow or slush without warning. The key is therefore to drive in an anticipatory manner, adjust your speed to the road conditions and steer, accelerate and brake as smoothly as possible.

If, despite taking every care at the wheel, you are still involved in an accident, the emergency call function of BMW ConnectedDrive will respond with a life-saving service. It is triggered either manually or by an automatic impulse when the crash sensors and airbags are activated. The precise position data along with the chassis number, vehicle model and colour are automatically transmitted by the car, whereupon BMW staff at the call centre - which is manned around the clock - contact the emergency services. This allows the rescue team to reach the car in question in the quickest way possible, saving precious time that in extreme cases could mean the difference between life and death.

Apart from Germany, Austria, Italy, Great Britain and France, the BMW emergency call function is also available in Canada, the USA, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Australia. Incidentally, German is used to communicate with BMW drivers from Germany in Italy, France and Switzerland too.

About BMW ConnectedDrive
BMW combines individual online, assistance and service systems in the vehicle under the overall concept of ConnectedDrive. These are services that can be directly accessed using the navigation system or phone and they make a significant contribution to the enhancement of comfort and safety. For example, BMW Assist accesses the latest traffic information and provides a personal information service, alongside the emergency call function. Any data requested on restaurants, cinemas or hotels can be incorporated directly in the BMW navigation system as a destination. Internet-based services such as calling up share prices, weather reports and free parking spaces come under BMW Online. The vehicle uses BMW TeleServices to contact a BMW Service Partner automatically when it needs a service - and this operation can now also be performed manually.

Further information on BMW ConnectedDrive and Personal Radio is available online at www.bmw-connecteddrive.com

[Mika]

PressClub UK

BMW Group combines record sales with high profile events to remain the UK’s number one premium car company
01/07/2008

Record new and used BMW sales
Record new and used MINI sales
EfficientDynamics technologies contribute to sales and emission targets
BMW shares in The O2 success story

Record new car sales

BMW Group achieved record UK new car sales in 2007 with 169, 236 BMW and MINI vehicles registered, an increase of 10 per cent over 2006.

The BMW brand accounted for 121, 575 sales, an increase of five per cent compared to 2006 and the seventh successive year for record sales. MINI achieved 47,661 registrations, its best annual sales performance since the vehicle’s UK launch in July 2001, representing a 25 per cent increase over 2006.

Combined, the BMW and MINI brands accounted for seven per cent of the total UK market in 2007 (BMW five per cent and MINI two per cent) bolstered by the introduction of a record 99 new derivatives last year.

Jim O’Donnell, Managing Director BMW (UK) Ltd, commented: “2007 proved to be another extremely successful year for BMW Group in the UK. Although it has been a competitive year, BMW and MINI have yet again achieved record sales. The introduction of a range of cars equipped with EfficientDynamics features helped us to consolidate our position as the leading manufacturer of premium vehicles.”

The sales performance was supported by the launch of EfficientDynamics fuel saving and emissions technologies including Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and the optimum gear shift indicator. Over 94 per cent of all BMW models sold in the UK at the end of 2007 were equipped with elements of the technology that reduces emissions and fuel consumption yet increases power and performance. All MINI Hatch and Clubman models benefited from these technological revisions with the MINI Cooper D, already BMW Group’s cleanest ever car, capable of returning 72.4mpg and CO2 emissions of just 104 g/km.

“EfficientDynamics set BMW and MINI apart from the competition in 2007. And it looks set to widen the gap in 2008. It is the perfect scenario for both private and corporate buyers: cleaner, greener, faster, more dynamic and less expensive to run. In my view no other car company has done more than BMW Group in 2007 to address both environmental issues and consumers’ desire for enjoyable driving. And that progress has been reflected in our record UK sales,” said Tim Abbott, Sales Director, BMW (UK) Ltd.

2007 saw 87 per cent of BMW sales volume in the UK fall below 225g/km and 14 per cent below 140g/km. These emission figures will further improve in 2008 with 95 per cent of BMW UK sales volume set to be less than 225g/km and over 40 per cent less than 140g/km. All MINIs sold in 2008 will fall below the 225g/km level, with 50 per cent below 140g/km.

Significant contributions to BMW brand sales included:

• The 3 Series range delivered 58,544 registrations in 2007, an increase of 17 per cent compared to 2006. This was underpinned by the fourth generation M3 Coupé, which went on sale in September, and the 3 Series Coupé, in its first full sales year. The two models combined recorded 14,812 registrations. The new 3 Series Convertible, the first with a retractable hard-top, went on sale in March and achieved 6,749 sales. The 320d SE Saloon proved to be the most popular car in BMW’s model range in 2007.

• The second generation BMW X5, which went on sale in April, delivered 7,202 registrations in 2007, an increase of 15 per cent compared to 2006.

• The 1 Series range, joined by the new three-door version in May and the Coupé in November, continued to perform strongly. With the introduction of the world’s most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in the 123d, the extended model range posted a five per cent increase compared to 2006 with 23,190 registrations.

• The revised 5 Series Saloon and 5 Series Touring models recorded a combined two per cent increase on the previous year’s sales to deliver a 5 Series sales record in the UK of nearly 20,000 cars.

The new record reflects a successful first full sales year for the second-generation MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S. Joined by the MINI One and MINI Cooper D in April, total Hatch sales reached 38,053 in 2007, a 32 per cent increase compared to 2006. The MINI Cooper proved again to be MINI’s most popular model with 17,173 sales, 20 per cent higher than last year. The MINI Convertible performed strongly with 7,795 sales and remained the second best-selling convertible in the UK.

Overall MINI sales were bolstered by the arrival of the new MINI Clubman in November. This is the third model in the MINI range, joining the Hatch and Convertible, with nearly 3,000 orders placed for the new car in 2007.

The fast pace of product introductions will continue in 2008 with the launch of the BMW 1 Series Convertible and M3 Saloon in April and the new BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupé in May.

A record year for used car sales…again

The popularity of BMW Approved Used Cars and MINI Cherished vehicle sales was again underlined in 2007. BMW (UK) Ltd achieved record used car sales through its dealer network in 2007. Over 105,000 BMW Approved Used Cars and MINI Cherished vehicle sales were recorded in 2007. This shows an increase of 11.8 per cent compared to last year’s record year.

Sales of BMW Approved Used Cars accounted for 76,500 vehicles in 2007, an increase of over nine per cent compared to 2006.

The top 10 BMW Approved Used Car models through the BMW network were:
Ranking BMW Model Volumes sold 2007
1 X5 3.0d Sport 3100
2 320d SE Saloon 2482
3 X3 2.0d SE 1782
4 320d M Sport Saloon 1321
5 530d M Sport Saloon 1297
6 116i SE 1276
7 525d M Sport Saloon 1024
8 320i SE Saloon 984
9 118d Sport 965
10 M3 Coupé 962

MINI recorded a total of 28,567 Cherished sales, exceeding the previous record of 23,746 in 2006 by 20.3 per cent, and emphasising the increasing demand for its used cars. Andy Hearn, MINI UK’s General Manager, said: “The MINI Cherished programme has helped more UK motorists get behind the wheel of used MINIs than ever before with the assurance that they are buying a MINI in the best possible condition for their driving adventures.”

The Cherished programme offers significant benefits to customers, including a minimum 12 month warranty and emergency service cover, as well as the renowned MINI tlc servicing package. The reassurance provided by MINI’s high residual value is also not to be underestimated. Six years after its launch, the car still tops the residual value charts and makes ownership a sound financial prospect.

This exceptional performance underlines the growing importance of the used car market to BMW UK. In 2007 the total UK volume for used cars was more than three times that of the new car market.

Success at The O2

One of BMW’s other great success stories of 2007 was its co-operation with AEG at The O2 . This groundbreaking music, sports and entertainments facility opened its doors to the public for the very first time on 24 June 2007, in Greenwich, London. It is now regarded as the UK’s number one live venue for the world’s top acts. In 2007, these included Prince, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Barbara Streisand and Justin Timberlake.

As the automotive founding partner of The O2, BMW has a three year commitment which provides the company with an unprecedented level of product and brand exposure. It has presented a unique opportunity for BMW to widen its target audiences and to showcase its brand and cars. It also has enabled BMW to host events such as the ‘BMW Power at The O2’ in July 2007. This featured the British Grand Prix at Silverstone which was projected live onto The O2’s giant screen. BMW is the title sponsor of the VIP entrance and walkway and features a Welcome feature in the main Entertainment District.

With an anticipated seven million people expected to visit The O2 between 2007 and 2009, at least 150 events per year are planned with a target average audience of 15,000 people. The Tutankhamun exhibition alone is attracting 6,000 visitors a day, whilst the Vue cinema is now London’s second most popular cinema.

And finally, another highlight of the year was Guernsey man Andy Priaulx steering his BMW UK 320si to his third World Touring Car Championship in a row. Good luck to Andy for his fourth!


Bike Candy:


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