HSBC calls in the expert

When HSBC bank, the second biggest financial institution in the world, needed a
skilled motorcyclist to perform as a stunt double in its latest TV ad campaign,
it enlisted the help of off-road instructor and Dakar rider Nick Plumb, who
rode an R1150 GS on location in South America.

The 60-second commercial - which continues the bank's campaign theme of "never
underestimate the importance of local knowledge" - tells the story of a biker
travelling through South America. We journey with him across different
landscapes observing him and locals happily interacting, communicating using
the OK sign, until he reaches Brazil where the OK sign is deemed deeply
offensive. We see our hero rapidly escaping on his bike from a cantina where he
has unwittingly offended the owner and fellow diners.

Filming the commercial required a support crew of 25, which travelled to some
of the most remote locations imaginable in order to secure the most atmospheric
shots. During a two-week period the crew filmed in Buenos Aires, Humahuach,
Purmamarca, Mendoza, Wanda and Foz-do-lguacu, shooting Nick as he rode over all
kinds of terrain from salt flats to mountain passes in the Andes.

Plumb, who had originally been employed as a technical consultant, was drafted
in to do the majority of the riding when the actor crashed and was unable to
ride the bike comfortably. His considerable Paris-Dakar Rally experience
ensured that he was able to produce the kind of riding required for "The
world's local bank".

"I had no idea of the lengths that advertising agencies have to go to in order
to produce commercials of this quality," said Nick, who is an instructor on
BMW's award-winning Off-Road Skills course for motorcyclists. "Some days we
would have to ride and drive for hours in order to get to a particular
location. I insisted on using the R1150 GS for this shoot, as it's the only
bike capable of travelling through rain forests, across rivers and up and down
mountains day after day. What you see condensed into a 60-second commercial
took more than two weeks to film, but if it inspires a few people to get on
their bikes and travel, then it will have been worthwhile."

Jeremy Hine, Business Director at Lowe, which produced the commercial, added:
"the end result we believe is fantastic, an energetic and dynamic commercial
which continues to build the HSBC brand and differentiate it from other banks.
Integral to the success of the film was the bike and Nick's ability on it. We
could throw anything at him and the bike, knowing they would deliver. Also, his
Dakar stories were great to hear and helped pass the hours spent travelling
from location to location - that boy's got guts!"

BMW's R1150 GS is the number one choice for long distance adventure motorcycle
travel. Kevin and Julia Sanders have broken two Guinness World Records on BMW
GSs - the Fastest Circumnavigation of the World by Motorcycle (in 2002) and the
Trans-Americas by Motorcycle in 2003.

The new HSBC commercial is currently airing globally.

Ends

Customers can call BMW's information line: 0800 777 155 or visit
www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk

For further press information please contact one of the following:
Andy Dukes / Kylie Maebus 08000 131 282
Tony Jakeman 01344 480185