Another world first for BMW as it opens the door to in-car, on-line communications

BMW has announced details of the world's first in-car communications centre
featuring on-line access. Acting like a newspaper, on-line directory, personal
assistant and virtual co-driver all rolled into one, this latest automotive
breakthrough from BMW means drivers and their passengers can stay in touch
whenever and wherever they go in the UK.

BMW Online
BMW Online will be available from 28 April, 2003 to coincide with the UK launch
of new 730d and 760i/Li models. Initially available as an option across the 7
Series range, the system allows drivers and passengers to access news and
business information, and to send and receive email without leaving their
vehicle.

It uses a dedicated BMW portal which links to selected on-line partners
Michelin, The Press Association and D&B (Dun & Bradstreet). As well as access
to key data and market information, these partners open up a rich seam of
leisure information, including local places of interest, theatres, restaurants,
cinemas and weather forecasts.

The package is interactive too, with links from BMW Online to the in-car
telephone and GPS satellite navigation. Subscribers can, for example, find a
local restaurant and transfer contact details to the in-car phone. After making
a reservation, the driver is guided to the front door courtesy of GPS
Navigation.

It is activated via the vehicle's iDrive system, with information and images
delivered straight to the car's on-board monitor. All complete in a push and
few clicks of the iDrive controller.

Commenting on the system, BMW Great Britain managing director Jim O'Donnell
said, "BMW is a world leader in automotive innovation and we are committed to
developing technologies that offer real benefits to our customers. The launch
of BMW Online means new 7 Series buyers now have the option of staying in touch
whenever they are using their car. This is a truly groundbreaking step forward
for in-car communications, matching the ever-increasing demands of our
communications age."

BMW Online is the latest innovation in BMW's ConnectedDrive programme, a
concept that is bringing safer and more efficient motoring through a blend of
online communication, telematics and driver assistance systems.

What you need to access BMW Online?
7 Series customers specifying BMW Online as an option must also have in-car
telephone and GPS navigation system. It will be available at a cost of £450
(inc VAT) which includes subscription to the service for one year.

What services are available via the BMW Online portal?

Mobile Office
The mobile office section gives subscribers access to a dedicated e-mail
account and a personal address book. The address book can be set up through
www.bmw-online.co.uk, and contact details can also be transferred to the in-car
telephone and navigation system.

Business Directory - in association with D&B (Dun and Bradstreet)
This comprehensive on-line business directory allows customers to find a
business contact, searching by category within a chosen location.

Hotels and Restaurants - in association with Michelin
Partners Michelin promote access to a range of listed hotels and restaurants.
Choose by category, within a chosen location.

Entertainment and Leisure - in association with The Press Association and
Michelin
This includes theatres and cinemas brought to drivers by The Press Association,
with the option to search for the nearest cinema showing a specific film. It
also includes a 'places to visit' search, courtesy of Michelin.

News and Weather - in association with The Press Association
The latest headlines, world, sport and entertainment news are accessible, as
well as weather information including three-day forecasts.

Business and Markets
Latest company and market news can be sourced, including graphs and diagrams
such as up-to-date FTSE trends.

Mobility Service
Mobility Service features a directory of BMW dealers.

My BMW Online
Owners can bookmark favourite BMW Online services for quick and convenient
access.

As well as accessing these services from a BMW 7 Series, customers can also
manage their personal account via www.bmw-online.co.uk from a PC at home or in
the office. It is also possible to view the BMW Online portal from a wap mobile
(wap.bmw-online.co.uk).

BMW Assist - a rapid response vehicle
Accidents and vehicle breakdowns are unpleasant experiences, particularly for
lone drivers, however with BMW Assist, another new 7 Series option, drivers can
be confident that help will soon be on its way.

BMW Assist allows users to contact emergency services at the touch of a button,
through Emergency SOS Call or, in the event of a breakdown, to call BMW
Breakdown Service. Operators pinpoint the vehicle's exact location remotely
using the vehicle's GPS, sending assistance with the minimum of delay.

In more serious accidents, Emergency SOS call is activated directly by vehicle
airbag sensors. This means that even seriously impaired occupants can be
confident that emergency services know exactly where to send help.

BMW Assist - Information Plus
Clicking on the Information Plus option on the control display also allows
drivers to connect to an operator by on-board telephone to source information
on points of interest. This is then sent directly to the driver's on-board
monitor via SMS where it can be transferred into the navigation system or
telephone.

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