BMW November News in Brief

BMW named most reliable car manufacturer in Fleet News annual survey

Research into nearly 900,000 cars operated by the country’s biggest 50 leasing companies has found that the BMW 3 Series range is the most reliable model in the 2010 FN50 survey, whilst BMW was found to be the most reliable manufacturer.

The FN50 reliability survey, undertaken by Fleet News and financial consultants Grant Thornton, asks leasing companies to assess reliability according to the number of breakdowns per model on their fleet.  The majority of the vehicles surveyed are used for business and are subjected to higher than average mileage and are constantly used in all conditions.  This testing environment means that winning the FN50 is a true testament to the reliability of the BMW range and specifically the BMW 3 Series.

Fleet News editor, Stephen Briers, said: “BMW has built on its position as the most reliable car manufacturer supplying the UK’s largest contract hire companies with the 3 Series taking first place as the most reliable model, adding yet another attribute to low CO2 emissions, modest overall running costs and rewarding driving behaviour and making its cars more desirable to fleet operators and company car drivers.”

Tim Abbott, Managing Director at BMW UK, said: “We are delighted to have won the overall honour in the FN50 reliability survey. The outgoing BMW 3 Series Saloon and the 3 Series range overall has been and continues to be an outstanding success for us. Awards such as this ensure customers can buy a class-leading vehicle safe in the knowledge that only years of enjoyable, hassle free motoring in a premium car await.”

The new BMW 7 Series Luxury Edition  

In addition to the existing SE and M Sport models, BMW is pleased to announce the latest addition to the BMW 7 Series line up, t he Luxury Edition. 

The BMW 7 Series Luxury Edition offers customers an enhanced specification and is available on all diesel powered 7 Series models.  The Luxury Edition adds 19-inch light alloy multi-spoke wheels, powered bootlid operation, comfort seats, BMW Professional loudspeaker system, rear seat heating, soft-close doors, sports leather steering wheel, exclusive Nappa Leather upholstery and a choice of Azurite or Moonstone BMW Individual metallic paintwork.

This enhanced package, worth £7,785, is available for an additional £1,500, making the 7 Series Luxury Edition available from just £58,920 OTR.

BMW press fleet to be equipped with winter tyres
BMW UK believes so strongly in the benefits of winter tyres that it will equip almost all of its press cars with the special rubber between November and March - the first time any premium manufacturer has taken such a bold step in the UK. This will enable users of the press fleet to experience winter tyres for themselves and allow them to travel throughout Europe without restriction, whether it be a legal, safety or performance issue.

BMW 530d Gran Turismo is the 2011 chauffeur car of choice

The BMW 530d Gran Turismo took home the class win in the under £50,000 category at the Chauffeur Car of the Year Awards 2011.  Commended for its high levels of luxury and impressive economy, the BMW 530d Gran Turismo trumped stiff competition from the Mercedes-Benz E-class, Jaguar XF and Audi A6. 

Paul Gibson, Editor of thechauffeur.com and head of the awards committee, commented: "The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo represents amazing value for money for any chauffeur, especially with the program on offer by BMW.  The vehicle offers the rear seat client almost the same comfort and space as the 7 Series range whilst offering the chauffeur incredible MPG figures and adequate space for luggage. This is what set the 5 Series Gran Turismo apart from its competitors in the category.”

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is 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 £525 per month based on three years or 60,000 miles including servicing, enhanced specification packages and predictable running costs.

BMW crowned Fleet Manufacturer of the Year at GreenFleet Awards 2011

As recognition of the class-leading position BMW Group vehicles command, courtesy of EfficientDynamics technologies, the marque has once again scooped the top prize at the Green Fleet Awards to be crowned Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year.

BMW Group was recognised, for the fourth year in a row, as the car manufacturer that had shown the greatest improvements in CO2 emissions, expanding its range of low emission vehicles available to fleet customers.  This commitment is demonstrated by the introduction of vehicles such as the new BMW 520d EfficientDynamics, which has CO2 emissions of just 119g/km, and the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics, which returns just 109g/km.

Stephen Chater, BMW Group Corporate Operations Manger, said: “It is great news that BMW has once again been crowned Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year.  This award recognises BMW’s continued commitment to reducing emissions through its EfficientDynamics programme, across the entire range.”

BMW EfficientDynamics triumphs at 2011 ACFO Awards

BMW has retained the Environmental Initiative Award for the second year in a row at the 28th annual Association of Car Fleet Operator Awards for its use of EfficientDynamics technologies in reducing fleet emissions.  

The Best Environmental Initiative Award was given to BMW for the suite of technologies, present in every BMW model, which helps businesses to improve their carbon footprint.  The BMW EfficientDynamics programme was first introduced in 2007 and incorporates a wide variety of fuel-saving and emissions-reducing measures across the whole vehicle range as standard.  EfficientDynamics technologies include Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and Active Aerodynamics, amongst a range of other features. 

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 seven 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                      Product 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

Press office fax:                    01344 480306

Media website:                    www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/gb02.nsf
Customer website:              www.bmw.co.uk