BMW set to drive British athletes’ performance

London 4th January 2011: Today BMW, the Official Automotive Partner of London 2012, announced the launch of the BMW London 2012 Performance Team. An initiative designed to provide Team GB and ParalympicsGB with support as they prepare for the Games on and off the field, with plans already underway to utilise BMW’s technological and performance expertise.

The first twelve athletes have joined the BMW London 2012 Performance Team ranging from medal prospects Tom Daley, Louis Smith and Ellie Simmonds to 2012 hopefuls Jonathan Brownlee and Giles Scott. More athletes will join the Team over the coming months and will be announced in due course.

As part of the BMW London 2012 Performance Team, athletes will share key moments and unique insights into their preparation for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games on their home soil. Members of the public will have the chance to follow the athlete’s preparation journey at www.bmw.co.uk/London2012.

Speaking from the launch at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, Team GB diver Tom Daley said, “It’s no secret that I’ll be looking to win a gold medal at London 2012 but what I do in the run up to the Games, is as important as what I do on the day itself. Having the support of the BMW London 2012 Performance Team throughout my training will help to drive me towards my dream and hopefully to pass my driving test this year too - I can’t wait to get into my MINI!”

Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW UK said, “Our position as the world’s most sustainable automotive company makes us a natural partner for a sustainable Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. Our Efficient Dynamics programme means our cars are extremely fuel efficient, with low CO2 emissions, while still delivering great performance – just like our athletes who strive for maximum energy efficiency and performance. That’s why we’re delighted to be launching the BMW London 2012 Performance Team and we look forward to supporting these athletes as they prepare for London 2012.”

Chosen by London 2012 as the Official Automotive Partner, BMW’s sustainability credentials will help London 2012 deliver a sustainable Games. As part of the partnership, BMW will supply a range of Efficient Dynamic diesel cars, hybrids and electric vehicles, achieving average CO2 emissions below the LOCOG target of 120g/km, as well as bicycles and motorcycles.

These vehicles will play a key part in the smooth running of the Games, supporting Olympic and Paralympic events and transporting the athletes, officials and media. The BMW 2012 Performance Team will also benefit by being provided with vehicles to support them in their preparation for the Games.

Alongside the BMW London 2012 Performance Team, BMW and MINI dealers will also support athletes across the UK by linking with athletes in their local areas.

To find out more about the BMW Performance Team and to view the athletes performance moments visit www.bmw.co.uk/London2012.

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For further information please contact:

Graham Biggs                         Corporate Communications Director, BMW Group UK

Tel: + 44 (0) 1344 480 109      Email: graham.biggs@bmw.co.uk

Mob: + 44 (0) 7771 976867

Wieland Bruch                       Corporate Communications Manager, BMW Group UK Tel: +44 (0) 1344 480 113     Email: wieland.bruch@bmw.co.uk

Mob: +44 (0) 7525 977067

Jenny Mitton PR Manager,    Synergy Sponsorship

Tel: + 44 (0) 203 1286844    Email: Jennifer.mitton@synergy-sponsorship.com Mob: + 44 (0) 7855 323245

Notes to Editors:

The BMW London 2012 Performance Programme Team attending the launch:

Tom Daley, Louis Smith, Elie Simmonds, Jonathan Brownlee, Alistair Brownlee, Giles Scott, Mark Lewis-Francis, Tom Aggar, Martyn Bernard, Mark Hunter, Richard Mantell and Simon Mantell

BMW and London 2012

BMW Group is the world’s most sustainable automotive manufacturer and the natural automotive partner for the first sustainable Olympic and Paralympic Games. BMW Group was chosen by London 2012 due to its ability to meet the emission targets set by London 2012.

The Efficient Dynamic, hybrid and zero emissions cars, motorcycles and bicycles provided by BMW Group for London 2012 provide essential mobility for athletes and officials that is vital for the operational success of the Games.

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 24 production facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

The BMW Group achieved a global sales volume of approximately 1.29 million automobiles and over 87,000 motorcycles for the 2009 financial year. Revenues totalled euro 50.68 billion. At 31 December 2009, the company employed a global workforce of approximately 96,000 associates.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last six years.