BMW is the chauffeur marque of choice

The BMW 530d Gran Turismo has been crowned Executive Car of the Year in the 2010 Professional Driver Car of the Year Awards, whilst the 530d Saloon finished second in the judging making it a one-two for BMW.

Praised for its abundance of rear leg room, command driving position and its pure versatility, the 5 Series Gran Turismo was honoured because the judges felt like it was designed for chauffeuring.  Its unique interior packaging matched with the choice of powerful yet economic drivetrains and an outstanding satellite navigation system earned the 5 Series Gran Turismo its title.

Mark Bursa, editor of Professional Driver magazine, said: “The judges voted for innovation, with the GT taking the category win. Chauffeurs have been quick to notice the appeal of the GT model, voting it above the exceptional new 530d Saloon.” 

A total of 33 cars were entered for the Professional Driver Magazine Car of the Year Awards, which were judged by more than thirty judges from the chauffeuring and private hire sector and the motoring media.

Thechauffeur.com names BMW 730Ld Chauffeur Car of the Year

The BMW 7 Series has been awarded Chauffeur Car of the Year by top chauffeuring website thechauffeur.com.  The BMW 7 Series was commended for its unrivalled mix of luxury, comfort and driver satisfaction making it the ideal chauffer car both for the driver and the driven. 

Paul Gibson, Editor of thechauffeur.com commented: “For the first time, our awards have judged the manufacturers Chauffeur Programmes which are on offer, and the BMW 730Ld is perfect for any chauffeur looking to operate a luxury vehicle at the right price.

“Along with the affordable chauffeur package, the 730Ld stood out from all the other vehicles in its class when it comes to driver and rear passenger comfort, equipment levels, technology and economy. Judges for The Chauffeur Car of the Year concluded the 730Ld is unrivalled in its class and is the ultimate choice

for any serious chauffeur company.”

Stephen Chater, BMW Group Corporate Operations Manager, said: “We are delighted to win these awards showing the 5 Series Gran Turismo, the 5 Series Saloon and the 7 Series to be class leading competitors in the Chauffeur market.  They also stand for everything that BMW believe in; building cars of the highest quality that, thanks to EfficientDynamics, are amongst the most efficient in their sector.”

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and the new BMW 5 Series Saloon are now available on the BMW Chauffeur Programme along side the BMW 7 Series.  The programme offers competitive contract hire rates, for example a 530d Gran Turismo for £549 per month based on three years or 60,000 miles including servicing, enhanced specification packages and predictable running costs.

To make these vehicles for the driver as well as the driven, tailored benefits include BMW Service Inclusive, which lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles and covers all of the vehicle's basic servicing requirements.  As part of the programme, professional drivers are also covered in the event of an immobilisation which cannot be repaired at the roadside.  Should this occur a replacement vehicle which is PCO licensed for London, can be provided, giving operators peace of mind that clients will always be catered for to the highest standards.

For more information on the BMW Chauffeur Programme visit www.bmwcorporate.co.uk/chauffeur.

Ends

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.

In 2009 the BMW Group achieved a global sales volume of approximately 1.29 million automobiles and over 87,000 motorcycles for the 2009 financial year. The pre-tax profit for 2009 was euro 413 million, 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 five years.

For further information please contact:

Krystyna Kozlowska            BMW Media Relations Assistant

Tel: 01344 480707             Email: Krystyna.Kozlowska@bmw.co.uk

Gavin Ward                           BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel:  01344 480829            Email: Gavin.Ward@bmw.co.uk

Wieland Bruch                      Corporate Communications Manager

Tel: 01344 480113             Email: Wieland.Bruch@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs                       Corporate Communications Director

Tel:  01344 480109            Email:  Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

Main office number:            01344 480320

Media website:                    www.press.bmwgroup.co.uk

Customer website:             

www.bmw.co.uk