PressClub United Kingdom · Article.
The new BMW M3 Saloon and BMW M4 Coupe
Thu Dec 12 00:00:00 CET 2013 Press Release
• Characteristically aggressive M design combines sporting intent with the latest aerodynamic optimisation. • High-revving six-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo engine with 431hp and impressive 550Nm torque across a very wide rev range. • Extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon-fibre, for substantial weight loss over the outgoing model. • Dynamic driving technologies include Active M Differential, Adaptive M suspension and optional M Double Clutch Transmission. • Extensive standard equipment and connectivity; wide range of options. • Launches 21 June 2014 at £56,175 OTR for the M3 Saloon and £56,635 OTR for the M4 Coupé.
Press Contact.
Chris Overall
BMW Group
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Author.
Chris Overall
BMW Group
The launch of the new BMW M3 Saloon and new BMW M4 Coupé heralds the
arrival of the fifth-generation of the iconic high-performance sports
car from BMW M. For the first time the Coupé and Saloon models receive
individual model names, in deference to the different model series
that provide their basis.
Another first is the adoption of a turbocharged engine for this
BMW M model: the high-revving, 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine
with M TwinPower Turbo technology has been specifically developed for
this purpose, and produces a maximum output of 431hp. Its peak torque
of 550Nm is available across a very wide rev range starting at just
1,850rpm, and exceeds the figure recorded by the outgoing BMW M3 by
roughly 40 per cent. In spite of this, the new engine also achieves a
reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of around 25 per cent.
To maximise dynamic ability and ensure excellent efficiency, a
weight loss of over 80kgs has been achieved compared to a comparably
equipped predecessor model. Specific weight-saving measures include
the increased use of lightweight materials: both models now feature a
carbon-fibre reinforced plastic roof.
BMW M engineers have paid particular attention to the car’s
aerodynamic performance, and incorporated the latest Active M
Differential amongst numerous other technical highlights. During the
development process the engineers worked closely with BMW Motorsport’s
professional racing drivers, with extensive testing and set-up work
carried out on the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit.
Model | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | 0-62mph (secs) | Top speed (mph) | Combined (mpg) | CO2 emissions (g/km) |
BMW M3 Saloon | 431 | 550 | 4.3 (4.1) | 155* (155*) | 32.1 (34.0) | 204 (194) |
BMW M4 Coupé | 431 | 550 | 4.3 (4.1) | 155* (155*) | 32.1 (34.0) | 204 (194) |
The balance of the overall concept: high power, low weight,
driving pleasure.
The new BMW M3 Saloon and new BMW M4
Coupé are formed from a host of finely blended elements, all working
in perfect harmony to deliver outstanding performance, precision and
agility on road and track.
With the new BMW M3 Saloon and M4 Coupé, the engineers sought to
optimally channel the air around the car in the quest for ultimate
performance, while also ensuring the engine, powertrain and brakes
receive the requisite cooling. Even when operating under heavy loads
on the racing circuit. The aggressively styled front apron, smooth
under-body and the clearly defined lip spoiler at the rear of the M3
Saloon (or integrated bootlid spoiler at the rear of the BMW M4 Coupé)
reduce lift by an equal amount at the front and rear axle, to the
benefit of handling.
Albert Biermann, Head of Development at BMW M GmbH, said: “The
way in which we channel the inflowing air through the engine oil
cooler creates a venturi efect, which reduces front axle lift and, in
so doing, improves the steering.”
The Aero Curtain and M side gills, the latter with integrated
Air Breathers minimise turbulence in the front wheel arches. These
elements, together with the aerodynamically optimised side mirrors in
familiar M twin-stalk style, are not only distinctive design features,
they also help to reduce drag.
The new six-cylinder in-line engine: high-revving,
turbocharged unit combines the best of both
worlds.
The new BMW M3 Saloon and new BMW M4 Coupé mark
a return to the classic six-cylinder in-line engine configuration, as
used on the second and third-generatios of this iconic sports car.
The new engine sees a slight power upgrade over the previous V8
to 431hp, now delivered between 5,500 and 7,300rpm, with maximum
revolutions set at an unusually high figure for a turbocharged engine:
7,600rpm. Peak torque has been increased by roughly 40 per cent to
550Nm, and is maintained over a very wide rev range (1,850–5,500rpm).
The standard sprint from 0-62mph takes both cars just 4.3 seconds with
manual transmission, or just 4.1 seconds with the optional M DCT,
while the top speed is 155mph (electronically limited). The new
powerplant also boasts excellent fuel economy: the combined
consumption in the EU cycle is as high as 34mpg and CO2 emissions are
as low as 194g/km, an improvement of more than 25 per cent over the
previous model’s figures. Regulated pollutant emissions are EU6-compliant.
The M Twin Power Turbo technology comprises two fast-responding
mono- scroll turbochargers, High-precision direct injection,
VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-VANOS continuously
variable camshaft timing. VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS work in tandem
to seamlessly control intake valve lift. The result is a smooth and
efficient power delivery, with very sharp response and reduced fuel
consumption and emissions.
The six-cylinder engine features a closed-deck crankcase design,
which is very rigid and allows cylinder pressures to be increased for
improved power output. And instead of liners, the cylinder bores
feature a twin-wire arc- sprayed coating, which results in a
significant reduction in engine weight.
A further technical highlight is the forged, torsionally rigid
crankshaft which, as well as providing increased torque-carrying
capacity, is also lighter in weight. This significantly reduces
rotating masses, resulting in improved throttle response and acceleration.
A sporting engine sound, in keeping with BMW M tradition, is
ensured thanks to the lofty rev range of the new engine and an
innovative flap arrangement in the twin-pipe exhaust system. The
electrically-controlled flaps just before the rear silencer minimise
exhaust backpressure and produce a sound that is striking and
unmistakable over the entire engine speed range, as well as giving
precise feedback on engine load.
The different selectable drive modes, programmable with the
MDrive Manager and activated via the iconic steering wheel ‘M’
buttons, offer drivers a choice of preconfigured, perfectly balanced
vehicle set-ups which also feature different engine sound profiles.
Track-ready engine oil supply system for outstanding
performance
On the track, the exceptional driving
dynamics of the BMW M3 Saloon and BMW M4 Coupé place extra demands on
the engine oil supply system, the design of which reflects the
extensive motorsport experience of BMW M. The low-weight magnesium oil
sump, for example, features a special cover to limit movement of the
oil under the effects of strong lateral acceleration. Under extreme
longitudinal acceleration and deceleration, an oil extraction pump and
sophisticated oil return system situated close to the turbocharger
also help to maintain stable oil circulation. Oil is therefore
supplied continuously to all engine components in all driving
situations – whether in everyday motoring or during hard driving on
the track.
Sophisticated cooling concept for maximum
performance
The exceptional performance potential of the
BMW M3 Saloon and BMW M4 Coupé places exacting demands on temperature
management, in not only the engine but also the peripheral assemblies.
In order to ensure optimum operating temperatures across all types of
usage, BMW M engineers have developed an extremely effective cooling system.
For example, alongside the two sophisticated turbocharger units,
the air intake system of the six-cylinder engine also includes an
indirect intercooler, maximising charge pressure and engine output.
Moreover, as well as a main radiator, the cooling system also
comprises a water cooler repositioned to the side for the high and low
temperature water circuits, and the engine and transmission oil (if
the M Double Clutch Transmission is specified). An additional electric
coolant pump cools the turbocharger bearing mounts when the car is stationary.
Six-speed manual gearbox with new throttle blipping
function:
The standard transmission specified is a
six-speed manual gearbox with a robust double-plate clutch. This unit
is considerably more compact than its predecessor and also 12kgs
lighter. To increase shift comfort, the manual gearbox uses innovative
new carbon friction linings in its synchroniser rings. The gearbox
blips the throttle on downshifts - previously a feature reserved for
the M Double Clutch Transmission - improving the smoothness of the
driving experience and helping to enhance stability.
Seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic and
Launch Control
The optional transmission for the new BMW M3 Saloon and M4 Coupé
is the third-generation M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT). As well
as changing gear automatically, in manual mode it enables ultra-fast
gear changes with no interruption in the flow of power. The integrated
Launch Control function ensures optimum sprinting performance off the
line, producing acceleration figures that would be simply unattainable
with the manual gearbox. In addition, the system allows for a range of
extra features, including Stability Clutch Control, which opens the
clutch when the car is understeering to bring it back into line, and
also the selectable Drivelogic modes that give the BMW M3 and BMW M4
more comfortable, more economy-focused or even sportier
characteristics depending on driver choice. The additional seventh
gear over the manual gearbox allows longer gear ratios – and delivers
the efficiency gains you would expect as a result.
Taking advantage of the extremely light yet impressively durable
properties of CFRP (carbon-fibre reinforced plastic), the engineers
have been able to construct the driveshaft from this material.
“The impressive stiffness and low weight of the CFRP tubing
allow the driveshaft to be constructed as a single-piece unit with no
centre bearing. As well as a weight-saving of 40 per cent over its
predecessor, we have achieved a reduction in rotating masses and
therefore improved drivetrain dynamics.” explains Albert Biermann.
The rear-wheel drive chassis with Active M
Differential
The Active M Differential makes a
considerable contribution to the superb dynamics of the new BMW M3
Saloon and BMW M4 Coupé. With further weight-savings thanks to hollow,
and hence lighter, output shafts, the Active M Differential uses an
electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential to
optimise traction and directional stability. Working precisely and
rapidly, the control unit links up with the DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control) system and also takes into account the position of the
accelerator pedal, the rotational speed of the wheels and the car’s
yaw rate.
Every driving situation is therefore precisely analysed and an
impending loss of traction on one side of the car identified at an
early stage. The degree of differential lock – which may be anywhere
between 0 and 100 per cent – is adjusted as required within a fraction
of a second, enabling wheel spin to be prevented on slippery surfaces,
in instances where the right and left rear wheel have widely differing
friction coefficients or in tight bends and when changing direction
with particular vigour.
The M Dynamic Mode – a sub-function of the Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC) system – allows enthusiastic drivers to probe the limits
of the new cars while retaining an electronic safety net at all times.
The system tolerates greater wheel slip and therefore easy drifting,
although DSC will still step in if the car ventures over the limits –
unless it is switched off completely.
Aluminium suspension elements ensure sharper dynamics
The core expertise of BMW M resides in developing cars that
offer superb driving dynamics and real driver satisfaction, yet not at
the expense of everyday usability. In order to achieve these aims with
the significantly increased performance capability of the new BMW M3
Saloon and new BMW M4 Coupé, the suspension of the outgoing BMW M3 has
been redesigned with painstaking attention to detail.
In the front suspension the use of lightweight aluminium
construction for components such as control arms, wheel carriers and
axle subframes saves 5kgs over a conventional steel design. Play-free
ball joints and elastomer bearings developed specially for the cars
ensure an optimum and direct transfer of forces both laterally and
longitudinally, while an aluminium stiffening plate, CFRP engine strut
brace and additional bolted joints between the axle subframe and the
body structure all help to increase the rigidity of the front end.
Also lighter is the new five-link rear axle. All the control
arms and wheel carriers are manufactured using forged aluminium, which
reduces the unsprung masses of the wheel-locating components by around
3kgs compared with the previous model generation. The rigid connection
between the rear axle subframe and the body – without the use of
elastic rubber elements – is borrowed from motorsport and serves to
further improve wheel location and therefore directional stability.
Tyre development was critical from the outset, and both cars
feature 19-inch wheels as standard for the UK market, in either Ferric
Grey or optionally Jet Black. These specially developed forged wheels
make a significant contribution to the reduction in the cars’ unsprung
masses. BMW M engineers have taken great care to ensure all the
components between the steering wheel and tyres work together
harmoniously and therefore provide maximum driving precision and
lateral stability, while retaining good ride comfort.
Electric Power Steering with three settings
The
electromechanical steering system in the new BMW M3 Saloon and new BMW
M4 Coupé represents a new development from BMW M. The integrated M
Servotronic function electronically adjusts the level of steering
assistance according to the car’s speed. The system offers the driver
three settings as standard, which can be selected at the touch of a
button: COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes allow the level of steering
assistance to be adapted to suit any given situation and the driver’s
personal tastes.
The Adaptive M suspension, fitted as standard for the UK market,
also provides COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes, enabling the driver to
choose between a more comfortable damper setting for urban driving,
for example, or a stiffer set-up for dynamic driving on country roads.
A third option minimises body movements and maximises dynamic
performance for use on the track.
The standard new BMW M Compound brakes boast impressive feel,
outstanding stopping power and a high resistance to fade. Far lighter
than conventional equivalents, they contribute to a substantial
reduction in unsprung masses. Even lighter BMW M Carbon ceramic brakes
can be specified as an option - gold callipers denote their fitment.
Lightweight engineering: shedding weight in all the right
places.
Intelligent lightweight design was a top
priority in the development of the BMW M3 Saloon and BMW M4 Coupé. The
goal was to minimise kerb weight in order to give both models
outstanding driving dynamics and exemplary efficiency. These measures
have delivered impressive results, with the BMW M4 Coupé (manual
transmission) weighing 1,497kgs, around 80kgs lighter than a
comparably equipped predecessor model – with all the benefits that
reduction brings.
On the outgoing models, the CFRP roof was confined to the Coupé
version. Now, for the first time, the four-door BMW M3 Saloon gets
this striking design and functional feature as standard. The CFRP roof
brings weight-savings of 5kgs in the case of the BMW M3 Saloon and
more than 6kgs in the case of the BMW M4 Coupé. It also lowers the
vehicle’s centre of gravity, which has a positive impact on driving dynamics.
Aluminium is used for the front wings and the bonnet, as opposed
to conventional steel, and makes an important contribution to the low
overall weight, while at the same time improving axle load distribution.
On the M4 Coupé, the shape of the new bootlid has been optimised
for aerodynamic performance, while the use of a carbon-fibre and
plastic compound saves additional weight.
The new BMW M3 Saloon and new BMW M4 Coupé also feature a CFRP
driveshaft. The high rigidity and low weight of the CFRP tube mean
that the driveshaft can be produced as a single-piece component,
without a centre bearing. This achieves weight-savings of 40 per cent
over the previous model and a reduction in rotating masses, which in
turn results in more dynamic powertrain response.
A further use of CFRP can be found in the engine compartment for
the engine strut brace. Weighing only 1.5kgs it offers superior
rigidity to a comparable aluminium component, and at the same time
plays a key part in the excellent steering response and precision of
both vehicles. The use of carbon-fibre in these models is a reminder
that BMW is a global leader in high-strength, lightweight CFRP
construction, and that it was BMW who brought out the first
mass-production vehicle with a body consisting entirely of this
material – the innovative BMW i3.
Design: striking use of forms underlines standout performance
capability.
“The superior performance of the BMW M3
Saloon and BMW M4 Coupé should be obvious at first glance,” explains
Karim Habib, Head of Design at BMW Automobiles. “Indeed, the exterior
design has a visual impact that elevates the BMW M design language to
a new level of expression, highlighted by a purposeful character,
emotional appeal and dynamic verve.”
Viewed from the front, the BMW M3 Saloon and BMW M4 Coupé have a
powerfully expressive ‘face’, with a modern take on the twin headlight
arrangement and a distinctive double-slat kidney grille with M
designation. The aggressive front apron, with its trio of large
intakes, supplies cooling air to the engine and brakes. Among the
other hallmark BMW M design features is the characteristic powerdome
on the bonnet, which hints at the potential of the muscular M
TwinPower Turbo engine and creates space for the intercooler. The
twin-stalk side mirrors are another classic BMW M design feature.
The sides of both cars clearly show the hallmark BMW proportions
of a long bonnet, long wheelbase, set back glasshouse and short front
overhang, further emphasised by familiar M design elements. The new M
side gills perform both a stylistic and a functional role: integrated
into them are Air Breathers, which team up with the Aero Curtains in
the front apron to help optimise the airflow around the wheel arches
and therefore improve aerodynamics.
The dark colour of the CFRP roof (with its contoured roofline)
gives both models a lower-slung and more compact appearance, as the
eye perceives the roof pillars – painted in body colour – to be the
uppermost point of the car. A flowing roofline then gains in momentum
once again as it heads rearwards, increasing aerodynamic downforce and
giving the rear a more muscular look at the same time.
At the rear, there are greater differences in the two models.
The BMW M3 Saloon is fitted with a lip spoiler to reduce lift, while
the tailgate of the BMW M4 Coupé features an integrated rear spoiler
and is made from a carbon-fibre compound.
Both models feature prominently flared rear wheel arches, which,
in combination with the wide track, give the cars a very purposeful
stance. The high-gloss pair of twin exhaust tailpipes are framed by
the sculptural rear apron with its integrated diffuser.
Interior design: flawless ergonomics in a sporting
ambience.
Inside, drivers will be greeted by the
interior architecture prioritising unimpeachable ergonomics and a
clear driver focus. However, the emphasis has naturally been put on an
even more sporting ambience. There are a host of traditional BMW M
equipment details, including M door sill finishers, M gearshift lever,
M design circular instruments with white graphics, M leather steering
wheel (with M logo, chrome trim and iconic triple-colour contrast
stitching) and metallic shift paddles (if the M DCT gearbox is
specified). The BMW Individual headlining is finished in Anthracite.
The bespoke front seats take inspiration from the bucket seats
fitted in racing cars, and feature a full-size single-piece back
panel. This means the construction of the seats is very flat, while
the high, width-adjustable side bolsters and low-set seat surface
allow an ideal seating position and provide excellent support. Despite
this, these BMW M seats also include electric adjustment and heating
as standard. On the seat surface, the stitching, upholstery
segmentation and perforation lend the seats a slim-fitting feel,
whilst the BMW M logo on the seat is illuminated for the first time.
Like the front seats, the distinctively contoured backrests of
the rear seats also offer exceptional lateral support: they are made
from a lightweight composite material and can be folded in a 60:40
split. This gives the BMW M3 and BMW M4 a level of everyday usability
that is well beyond the norm for high-performance sports cars.
Equipment: extensive standard equipment joined by a host of
options that enhance dynamics and comfort.
The new BMW
M3 Saloon and new BMW M4 Coupé possess an extensive list of standard
equipment, which reflects their performance-oriented character but
also their excellent everyday usability. The UK specification has been
enhanced substantially from the predecessor model with a number of
additions; these include technical features such as Adaptive M
suspension, 19-inch M light alloy wheels and front and rear PDC;
comfort items such as the heated and electric BMW M seats and
exterior-folding mirrors; aesthetic features such as High-gloss
Shadowline exterior trim and finally the full BMW Professional Media
package with upgraded Bluetooth system.
In addition, customers can choose from a broad range of optional
equipment to give the cars either an additional sporting edge, or
boost comfort levels further still. For those buyers wishing to
personalise their cars yet further, the wide-reaching spectrum of BMW
Individual – including BMW Individual paint finishes, BMW Individual
Merino leather and BMW Individual interior trim elements – will be
available later in 2014.
Further options for comprehensive driver
information
For track drivers BMW M has developed a free
BMW M Laptimer app, which allows owners to analyse their personal
driving style. Once their smartphone is hooked up to the car – via USB
cable or the car’s snap-in adapter – customers can operate the BMW M
Laptimer app easily using the iDrive Touch Controller. The app then
records speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, engine revs, the
gear engaged, steering angle, accelerator position and fuel
consumption. The data can subsequently be analysed via graphic
displays on the customer’s smartphone, including the driver’s
reactions. Another feature allows two recordings on the same circuit
to be compared corner-by-corner: the readings can be either the
driver’s own or data shared via email.
Naturally, the BMW M3 Saloon and BMW M4 Coupé are also available
with the wide variety of driver assistance systems and mobility
services introduced under the BMW ConnectedDrive banner, some of which
will already be familiar from the BMW 3 Series and BMW 4 Series. Among
the highlights are the latest-generation of the Professional
Navigation system, offering extra capability, sharper graphics and 3D
elements for the map display; Driving Assistant Plus, which warns the
driver of a looming collision with a pedestrian; Adaptive full LED
headlights with an intelligent anti-dazzle High-beam Assistant and a
further developed version of Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function.
The optional M Head-up Display comes with additional, M-specific
functions such as a gear display, rev counter and Optimum Shift Indicator.
Production: return to the birthplace of the BMW
M3.
It was at the Preußenstraße headquarters of BMW
Motorsport GmbH in Munich, 28 years ago, that the company’s then
managing director Paul Rosche developed the idea for the BMW M3.
Production began just a few months later at the original BMW plant
next door. And now, almost 23 years later, production is returning to
BMW Plant Munich with the build of the new BMW M4 Coupé. The BMW M3
Saloon will continue to be built at BMW Plant Regensburg where 222,293
units of the second, third and fourth-generations of the BMW M3
combined have been produced since 1992.
The first-generation.
In spring 1985, the BMW
Motorsport department began development of a new machine to compete in
touring car racing. The road-going version required for homologation –
5,000 examples of which had to be built to satisfy the sporting
regulations – was conceived from the outset as a race-ready Group A
machine. The model made its debut in the summer of 1986. Its naturally
aspirated four-cylinder engine developed 195hp (or 200hp without
catalytic converter) from a 2.3-litre engine; accelerated from 0-62mph
in 6.8 seconds (6.7 seconds) and had a top speed of 143mph (146mph).
The first-generation BMW M3 exceeded all sales expectations:
including the Convertible variant, the various evolution stages of the
car and the special-edition models, BMW sold a total of 17,970 M3s
worldwide by the time production ceased in 1991.
The second-generation.
The successor to the
original M3 was not designed as the basis for a racing car. However,
it was developed from the outset in three body variants: the two-door
Coupé, which made its debut in 1992, was followed onto the market in
1994 by a Convertible and – for the first time – a four-door Saloon. A
six-cylinder 3.0-litre engine developing 286hp powered all three
models to 62mph from a standstill in less than six seconds; top speed
was electronically limited to 155mph. A low-run M3 GT variant was
added to the range in 1994, with 295hp, and then in 1995 the
displacement was increased to 3.2-litres, with engine output rising to 321hp.
In 1997 the BMW M3 became the world’s first volume-produced car
to be available with a Sequential M Gearbox (SMG). This transmission
was based on the conventional gearbox for the M3, but with a clutch
that was activated electro-hydraulically. 71,242 units of the Coupé,
Convertible and Saloon combined were produced at Plant Regensburg.
The third-generation.
The third-generation of
the BMW M3 arrived in 2000, available in Coupé or Convertible form
only. Its six-cylinder in-line engine still displaced 3.2-litres, but
now developed 343hp, and that meant the M3 could accelerate from 0 to
62mph in just 5.2 seconds – or 5.5 seconds for the Convertible model.
New also was a variable differential lock at the rear axle, allowing
anywhere between 0 and 100 per cent lock. Added to which, the
second-generation of the Sequential M Gearbox (SMG II) now also
allowed the driver to change gear using paddles on the steering wheel.
The pinnacle of this generation was the BMW M3 CSL, introduced
in 2003. The suffix stood for “Coupé Sport Lightweight”, justified by
elements such as a carbon-fibre roof, centre console and door panels,
a lighter rear window and the omission of numerous comfort-oriented
features. With a kerb weight of just 1,385kgs, it weighed 110kgs below
the standard M3. All 1,383 units of the 360hp vehicle were sold within
just a few months.
The fourth-generation.
In 2007 the
fourth-generation BMW M3 was launched with an all-new V8 engine – the
first time an M3 had appeared without the now classic six-cylinder
powerplant. Built in Coupé, Saloon and Convertible form (the latter
joined the range in 2008) the new 3,999cc engine developed 420hp and
some 85 per cent of its maximum 400Nm of torque was available across a
huge 6,500rpm rev range. Weight-saving gained increasing importance,
and BMW M engineers responded with the Coupé in particular. As with
the previous CSL model, the roof was now made from CFRP; the bonnet
with its characteristic powerdome was made from aluminium, as were
large sections of the newly developed lightweight chassis.
Highlights during the production run included the BMW M3 GTS,
which contained a larger 4.4-litre V8 to produce a peak output of
450hp. The GTS featured specially developed chassis components and
aerodynamic measures, plus a two-seat cockpit conceived for track use.
Only available with Fire Orange paintwork, the GTS was aimed
specifically at circuit driving as well as road use. Just 135 examples
of this model were delivered to customers, with just 15 coming to the UK.
Ends