OLYMPIC DIVER BECOMES LEARNER DRIVER

Team GB London 2012 hopeful, and now learner driver Tom Daley has taken delivery of a new MINI One D Hatch just days after his 17th birthday. Tom is a member of the BMW London 2012 Performance Team, an initiative designed to provide Team GB and Paralympics GB with support as they prepare for the Games on and off the field.

Over the coming months, alongside his rigorous Olympic training, including preparation for the July FINA World Championships in China, Tom will take his first driving lessons in his new MINI. Supported by MINI UK, he will also be enrolled onto the MINI Drivers at Goodwood programme, the UK’s first dedicated motor circuit-based young driver training programme which is focused specifically on teaching safety and developing good driving habits.

Speaking at the handover of the car Tom said “like every other 17 year old I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of my first car, but in my case having my driving licence will be a huge help in my training and preparation schedule for the Olympic Games. When I learn a new dive, it’s all about practising until I get it right. I’ll apply the same practice and determination to learning to drive.”

MINI UK is proud to be an official partner to Team GB and the Paralympics GB Team on their journey to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Acting as the biggest fan for both teams, MINI hopes its support will help to inspire extraordinary performances.  

Chosen by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) as the Official Automotive Partner, BMW’s sustainability credentials will help LOCOG deliver a sustainable Games. As part of the partnership, BMW will supply a range of Efficient Dynamic diesel cars, hybrids and electric vehicles, achieving average CO2 emissions below the LOCOG target of 120g/km, as well as bicycles and motorcycles.

These vehicles will play a key part in the smooth running of the Games, supporting Olympic and Paralympic events and transporting the athletes, officials and media. The BMW London 2012 Performance Team will also benefit by being provided with vehicles to support them in their preparation for the Games.

Alongside the BMW London 2012 Performance Team, BMW and MINI dealers will also support athletes across the UK by linking with athletes in their local areas.

To find out more about our performance team and to view the athletes performance moments visit www.bmw.co.uk/London2012.

Ends

The BMW Group

With its three brands – BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce – the BMW Group is one of the world’s most successful premium manufacturers of cars and motorcycles. It operates internationally with 24 production sites in 13 countries and a global sales network with representation in more than 140 countries.

During the financial year 2010, the BMW Group sold 1.46 million cars and more than 110,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for 2010 was euro 4.8 billion on revenues amounting to euro 60.5 billion. At 31 December 2010, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 95,500 employees.

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 six years.

For further information please contact:

Jemma Chalcroft            MINI Media Relations Executive

Tel: 01344 480739         Email: Jemma.Chalcroft@mini.co.uk

Sarah Heaney                  MINI Media Relations Manager
Tel:  01344 480110        Email: Sarah.Heaney@mini.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

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