www.bmw-audiobooks.com - BMW follows the success of "The Hire" series of BMW Films with new innovative on-line activtity

Munich/London. Inspired by the success of BMW's innovative series of
internet-based short films under 'The Hire' banner (starring Madonna, Clive
Owen, James Brown and Gary Oldman, 100 millions viewers), BMW is now entering
another new media arena with audio books. The four debut short stories mix the
best in BMW product with contemporary original literature.

The stories have been designed to be experienced while driving, with the
average length of 45 minutes per story matching the average driver's commute.
The first four stories feature the BMW X3, 1 Series, Z4 and 7 Series models and
scripts have been written by both established and up-and-coming authors - Karin
Slaughter (Kisscut, Faithless, Indelible), James Flint (The Book of Ash, 52
Ways to Magic America), Don Winslow (The Power of the Dog, California Fire and
Life) and Simon Kernick (The Crime Trade, The Murder Exchange).

The first audio book, Don Winslow's Beautiful Ride, features a BMW Z4 and
launches on February 2, 2006, three weeks before the car's European debut at
the Geneva Motor Show. Slaughter, Flint and Kernick's stories will be launched
during the next six weeks.

BMW Audio Books are available for free download via www.bmw-audiobooks.com
Users can then burn their own CDs and / or load the content on their iPods or
other MP3 players. The website also provides background information about the
authors and allows users the opportunity to submit reviews.

The principle behind this new genre for BMW was based on the concept that
senses and experience are influenced by environment. For example, reading a
ghost story while sitting alone at night in a derelict gothic mansion will be
more emotionally involving than reading the same story on a Spanish beach. The
same principle applies to an audio book featuring an exciting or challenging
drive-story heard whilst at the wheel - particularly if the wheel in question
is the same car as described in the story.

Richard Hudson, BMW UK Marketing Communications Manager, said: "BMW Audio Books
are another innovative marketing communication that were inspired by the
success of the BMW Films series. The audio books take a traditional creative
process and twist it into a unique offer for a forward-thinking audience. BMW
has always challenged perceptions and driven new technology forwards and we
believe that BMW Audio Books reflect the same principles. We also think that
the best place to enjoy the stories will be at the wheel of the BMW featured in
the story."

Audio files could be downloaded via the BMW Group PressClub
www.press.bmwgroup.com.