BMW presents new BMW 7 Series in a fascinating installation on Red Square in Moscow

Munich/Moscow. A unique vehicle presentation on Red Square in Moscow (Russia)
on 8 July 2008 marked the start for the BMW Group of the countdown for the
European market launch of the new BMW 7 Series in the autumn of this year. With
the motto "Never stand still", the world's most successful provider of premium
segment automobiles had an hourglass almost twelve metres high built against
the historic backdrop of St Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin. With the largest
hourglass in the world, BMW impressively presented its new flagship to around
400 international guests and Moscow citizens.

Success is the driving force
The hourglass on Red Square has been attracting attention since 6 July 2008. In
the upper half of the acrylic glass and steel structure stands the new BMW 7
Series - initially hidden by more than 180,000 silvery, glittering balls. These
gradually dropped into the lower half, finally revealing the new BMW 7 Series
completely as the high spot of the event on Tuesday evening. "The new
generation of the BMW 7 Series is continuing the success story that started
over 30 years ago", said Jan-Christiaan Koenders, Head of Brand Communications
BMW and Group Marketing Services. "The promise that we will keep improving on
our own achievements is intrinsic to our brand. The BMW 7 Series exemplifies
this particular concept", says Koenders as an explanation of the idea behind
the event motto "Never stand still".

Taking what has been achieved as the starting point for new outstanding
achievements - this concept is also the motivation for the international
artists who appeared at the vehicle presentation. These included the ballet duo
Mark Peretokin and Ilze Liepa from the famous Bolshoi Theatre, the renowned
conductor and orchestra and shooting star Adele. These artists use the fact
that they are amongst the best in their field today as a motivation to continue
to develop all the time.

A dynamic capital
"Moscow is developing at an extraordinary pace. The capital city and Russia in
general are also particularly important for the BMW Group", says Christian
Kremer, Managing Director of BMW Group Russia. "The Russian market plays an
increasingly important role for us. Today's presentation reflects the
confidence that the BMW Group has in this country's potential." The car
manufacturer has been represented in the world's largest country, in terms of
area, since 1992, and has had its own sales company here since 1999. By the end
of 2008, the dealership network will have grown to 63 branches in 47 cities.
This means that the BMW Group will be represented in all the major Russian
cities. The country's economic growth is also reflected in rising sales figures
for BMW Group. "Our sales of BMW and MINI vehicles have risen by 33.4 percent
in the first six months in comparison with last year. It is our aim to awaken
even more enthusiasm for all the BMW Group brands in Russia. Exclusive vehicle
presentations, such as the showing of the new BMW 7 Series in Moscow, are one
key way of doing this", continued Kremer.

For further information and image material,
visit www.press.bmwgroup.com and
www.never-stand-still.com.

If you have any questions please contact:

Corporate and Governmental Affairs
Micaela Sandstede, Business and Finance Communication, Marketing
phone: +49 89 382-61611, fax: +49 89 382-24418

Marc Hassinger, Business and Finance Communication
phone: +49 89 382-23362, fax: +49 89 382-24418

Internet: www.press.bmwgroup.com
e-mail: presse@bmw.de