BMW at the 2011 Auto Shanghai.

As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of premium vehicles, the German carmaker BMW is presenting in addition to the latest products in its model range a number of groundbreaking concepts for individual mobility of the future. The most significant car show of the year on the Asian continent is the scene of the world premiere of the BMW Concept M5. The production-oriented concept car embodies a new interpretation of the business sedan vehicle concept that systematically aspires to reach the level of driving dynamics typical of a high-performance sports car featuring racing-inspired drivetrain and suspension technology. Furthermore, at the Auto Shanghai 2011, the new BMW 6 Series Coupe will be presented to the general public for the first time, a luxury-class model that combines fascinating design aesthetics with exceptionally sporty handling and a myriad of technological innovations for comfort, Infotainment and safety. With an unparalleled wealth of innovations for enhanced driving pleasure through intelligent networking, the impressive concept vehicle BMW Vision ConnectedDrive will be celebrating its Asian debut at the Auto Shanghai 2011.

In addition to captivating design, outstanding driving pleasure and innovative technology, exemplary efficiency is an essential part of the premium character of current and future BMW models. A broad spectrum of innovations implemented within the framework of the BMW Efficient Dynamics development strategy contributes towards a reduction in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Activities encompass a continuous increase in the level of efficiency of vehicles powered by a combustion engine as well as the further development of BMW ActiveHybrid technology and new advancements on the way to emission-free driving with purely electrically powered automobiles.

The Asian premiere of the BMW ActiveE will give a starting signal for emission-free driving pleasure. The four-seater car, which is powered by a 125 kW/170 bhp electric motor, will amongst other markets also be deployed in China. The extensive world wide field tests will begin in 2011 in Europe and the United States and will be extended to China in 2012.

Crucial knowledge 

for the further development of this technology will be gained from the use of the first purely electrically powered BMW in everyday road traffic.

Targeted measures for an increase in efficiency also characterise the new BMW 1 Series Coupe and the new BMW 1 Series Convertible being shown in Asia for the first time at the Auto Shanghai 2011. Here, the main focus is on the Air Curtains aerodynamics measure, which optimises air guidance within the area of the wheel arches. Furthermore, both models have become even more attractive thanks to precise design modifications, newly conceived headlamps and taillights as well as a further refined interior. At the Auto Shanghai 2011, the BMW M GmbH will be presenting its extended product range, including the first high-performance sports car in the premium compact segment. The BMW 1 Series M Coupe, which is making its debut in Asia, enthrals with motor-racing oriented driving dynamics resulting from a 250 kW/340 bhp straight six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo and direct injection as well as a model-specific suspension set-up all combined with typical M bodywork and interior design aesthetics.

With two world and four Asian premieres at the Auto Shanghai 2011, which is being held from 23 to 28 April 2011, BMW will present to the public an exceptionally large number of current highlights with which the company is underscoring the show’s high level of importance as well as the growing significance of the Chinese automotive market. In 2010, the BMW Group’s sales development in China was yet again characterised by remarkably dynamic growth. The number of vehicles sold rose by 86.7 percent to 168,998. In addition, China is becoming more and more important to the BMW Group as a development and production location. With the extension of production capacities at the Shenyang plant prior to the market launch of the long version of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan produced exclusively for the Chinese automobile market, and the start of construction of an additional production facility at this location, milestones for the BMW Group’s intensified involvement in China were set in 2010. At the same time, the integration of local production partners and suppliers was further promoted. Closeness to the market, incorporation of local expertise and strengthening of the value creation process on the spot provide a vital basis for a continuation of the positive development on the Chinese market.