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50 years of BMW M: The BMW Museum is marking this anniversary by presenting milestones and successes in a unique exhibition.

BMW:50 years of BMW M: The BMW Museum is marking this anniversary by presenting milestones and successes in a unique exhibition.

Munich. BMW M – the most powerful letter in the world
– is celebrating its 50th birthday, and the BMW Museum in Munich is
joining in the celebrations: the new BMW M exhibition opened on 24 May
2022, marking the very day that BMW Motorsport GmbH was founded on 24
May 1972. It is dedicated to the hugely successful BMW M brand, which
emerged from BMW Motorsport GmbH.

Little could anyone have known how much of a unique success story BMW
Motorsport GmbH would grow into when it was founded half a century ago
– bundling and further professionalising all of BMW’s racing
activities. The newly developed BMW 3.0 CSL won the 1973 European
Touring Car Championship. Since then, BMW M has passed many unique
milestones in the fields of motorsport, technology and design. This is
embedded in the BMW Group’s corporate history in a lively and exciting
new exhibition at the BMW Museum.

The race track as a museum circuit.

Visitors walk through large sections of the museum on a specially
created BMW M circuit, modelled on a racetrack: “We have consciously
integrated the eight BMW M stations into our permanent exhibition to
highlight the BMW M anniversary everywhere,” says Helmut Käs, Head of
BMW Group Classic, explaining the concept: “It is not your usual
temporary exhibition. Instead, we are adding special highlights within
the museum. For example, the ‘Visions’ room is actually all about
future topics. We have set up a stage for the most successful racing
touring car in the early days of BMW Motorsport – the BMW 3.0 CSL –
flanked by the BMW 2002 turbo. That is also a symbol: both vehicles
are an integral part of the tradition which is shaping our tomorrow.”

 
The motorsport gene is still at the heart of BMW M today.

The special exhibition flowing through a further seven rooms
highlights various aspects such as the history of racing touring cars,
the manufacture of the BMW Individual, the complete M Story with
background information on the distinctive colours, the logo and the
anniversary logo launched in 2022. Special aspects such as the BMW Art
Cars and BMW driver training, which would not even exist without BMW
M, are also showcased. The exhibits include the iconic BMW M1 and BMW
M3 as well as design concepts, prototypes, BMW M classics and winning
racing cars such as the BMW V12 LMR, all combining to give a sense of
what the brand is all about: “This motorsport gene from the early days
still thrives in BMW M today,” says Jochen Neerpasch, co-founder and
first Managing Director of BMW Motorsport GmbH from 1972 to 1980: “The
brand owes its dynamism, passion and performance to motorsport.
Innovations such as lightweight construction, aerodynamics, optimised
engine performance or a reinforced chassis still feature in M vehicles today.”

Guided tours and workshops for children bring racing history
to life.

When you know a lot, you see more. The one-hour guided tour through
the permanent exhibition, which currently has a special focus on the
BMW M stations, fully lives up to this motto and gives a wealth of
information. The BMW Junior Museum has come up with something special
that will get even 9- to 14-year-olds thrilled about BMW M. Entitled
“Join the M Team!” it offers exclusive, two-and-a-half-hour BMW M
anniversary workshops. The young participants meet up-and-coming
talents from the BMW Junior Team, experience genuine motorsport
passion and team spirit, learn about historic victories and landmark
vehicles. They complete small challenges and create their own airbrush
BMW M designs, which can be exhibited in the museum and taken home.

The BMW M motorsport exhibition at the BMW Museum runs throughout
2022. All dates, further information – including about guided tours –
and the online ticket shop are at https://www.bmw-welt.com/en/experience/guided_tours.html

BMW Museum tours

The BMW Museum presents a fascinating look at the corporate, brand
and product history of BMW. More than 120 of the brand’s most valuable
and eye-catching cars, motorbikes and engines are on display in the
5,000 m² exhibition area. Information on exhibits and background
information is given in German and English.

The BMW Museum, together with the BMW Plant and BMW Welt,
impressively showcases the brand experience in Munich, providing deep
insights into the tradition, the present and the future of the BMW
brand. Founded in 1973 as one of the first brand museums, it was
redesigned and expanded in 2008.

BMW Museum opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Last admissions at 5.30 p.m.

Guided tours can be booked via the BMW Welt info service on + 49
(0)89 125 016 001. Tickets are available via the online ticket shop at
https://ticket.bmw-welt.com/Exhibitions/Register?refresh=y&id=75026459-1499-e911-9104-02e0ec439a41&shop=D1C6FD86-4613-4437-A931-F2CC660641ED&language=EN.

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BMW Motorrad presents the Urban Collection.

BMW:BMW Motorrad presents the Urban Collection.

Munich. Be it in day-to-day riding, on a long tour or
on an adventure trip – for decades, the BMW Motorrad range of luggage
storage has been offering perfect solutions when it comes to optimally
stowing luggage and travel utensils. With the new Urban Collection,
BMW Motorrad is now presenting another generation of tank bags, a
backpack and side and rear bags alongside the existing Black
Collection. Made of high-quality and easy-care materials (outer
material 100% PA with TPU coating, lining 100% PES), they combine high
durability and functionality with cool design.

Urban Collection Tank Bags.

Available in different sizes and shapes, the three new tank bags in
the Urban Collection cover almost all motorcycle-specific
requirements. The Tank Bag Urban Collection Large
(GS) (11 – 16 litres) is designed especially for motorcycles
with steeply sloping tank shapes, while the Tank Bag Urban
Collection Large (11 – 16 litres) was developed for
motorcycles with semi-circular tank shapes.

With the Tank bag Urban Collection Small (5 litres),
there is a third variant when not so much storage space is required.

Thanks to the anti-slip foam padding on the underside and the strap
fastening, the tank bags, which are equipped with removable waterproof
inner bags, can be fastened easily and securely. Plug-in clasps at the
front and rear also make refuelling easier. Tethers can also be
attached to the luggage rack or the pillion seat.

All tank bags are equipped with a water-repellent and lockable
two-way zip on the main compartment, zippered lid pocket, cable
aperture for a charging cable to the inside and coloured inner lining
for better overview. The Tankbags Urban Collection Large /
(GS) also offer a touch-capable, waterproof transparent
compartment. Motorcycle-specific belt attachments are available
separately for all three models.

Urban Collection Backpack

The Urban Collection Backpack with a volume of 20
litres is the ideal companion for a day trip or travelling to work and
features many practical functions. The waterproof main compartment
with water-repellent, rubberised two-way zip is equipped with a laptop
compartment (up to 15”). Two outer pockets offer practical storage
space for things that need to be at hand quickly. A mesh pocket on the
inside lid, coloured lining to provide a better overview, a carrying
handle and adjustable shoulder, chest and hip straps round off the
range of functions. Reflective stripes provide improved visibility.

Urban Collection Side and Rear Bags

The Side Bags

Urban Collection Large (16 litres) and Urban
Collection Small (10 litres) each offer a waterproof main
compartment, volumes that can be variably adjusted using compression
straps, and reflective strips for improved visibility. Thanks to an
ingenious quick-release system, the Urban Collection Large
Side Bag can also be attached to the motorcycle without
straps. In addition it features a waterproof and removable inner bag,
in which a padded 15″ laptop compartment, key holder, compartment
for smartphone, mesh compartment for drinking flask and a zipped
compartment are integrated.

Thanks to their stylish design and stowable handles and large carry
handle, the Urban Collection Rear Bags Large and
Urban Collection Small always cut a fine figure,
even off the bike. The main compartment is lined with a coloured
lining and can even accommodate a helmet thanks to the generous
opening, while adjustable straps with buckles ensure a secure hold on
the bike. Especially practical: the zip for expanding the volume from
50 to 60 litres or from 37 to 45 litres.

You will find press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad
rider equipment in the BMW Group PressClub at www.press.bmwgroup.com.

In case of queries please contact:


Tim Diehl-Thiele, Head of Communication BMW Motorrad
Tel.:
+49-89-382-57505, tim.diehl-thiele@bmw.de

Jennifer Treiber-Ruckenbrod, Head of Communication MINI and BMW
Motorrad
Tel.: +49-89-382-35108, Jennifer.Ruckenbrod@bmwgroup.de

Internet: www.press.bmw.de

E-mail: presse@bmw.de

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Werner Daemen: “Racing at night at Spa were the most beautiful moments I had on the bike”.

BMW:Werner Daemen: “Racing at night at Spa were the most beautiful moments I had on the bike”.

Spa-Francorchamps. The final preparations are underway for the
next highlight in the 2022 FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM
EWC), the 24H SPA EWC Motos (BEL) from 2nd to 5th June. There are
not many people who know Spa-Francorchamps better than Werner
Daemen, Team Manager of the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. The
Belgian raced at this unique circuit in the Ardennes countless times
and stepped onto the podium of the 24-hour race. Now, as motorcycle
endurance racing returns to Spa and ahead of the 24-hour race, the
home round for his team, Daemen speaks about the magic of Spa.

 

In an interview, he recalls his first Spa experiences that influenced
his decision to become a race rider, takes a look back at
unforgettable racing moments that also led to a close relationship
with Steven Casaer and explains which skills riders need to be strong
in darkness. For the many spectators that are expected for the 24-hour
race, Daemen also has some insider tips about the best spots to watch
the action.

An interview with Werner Daemen.

 

Werner, you are a real Spa-Francorchamps expert. How often did
you race there?

Werner Daemen: “I think it must have been 20 times – and I did the
24-hour race there five times. Spa has always been something special
for me. When I was a young guy, before I started racing, I went there
and when I watched the 24-hour race, I immediately thought that this
is what I want to do in the future – and I want to be on the podium.
Also,  I won my first Belgian Championship race there; that was in the
250 class. When I started to be an international rider, I rode in
French teams and in 2000 we finished the World Championship 24-hour
race in third place overall. That is a race I will never forget
because we had 23 hours of rain – and we stepped onto the podium.”

What makes racing a motorcycle at Spa so special – especially
in endurance racing?

Daemen: “I must say that Spa is made for endurance racing! Because it
is long, it is hard, it is dark, it offers good grip in the rain. It
is a nice track in the rain. And for me Spa is – not because I am a
Belgian, I am independent in this one – for me, Spa is one of the
nicest tracks I know. And it is a unique track. As a rider, you think
you are fast and then you see your lap time and notice that you still
need to improve by five seconds. It is very difficult to learn. It is
not like other tracks that you know after five laps. If you go to Spa,
you need at least two days to be fast. That’s what makes it special.
But you always have a big smile under your helmet when you ride there
because the track is so nice, the environment is nice. And racing at
night at Spa were the most beautiful moments I had on the bike.”

You have special memories of racing at Spa at night…

Daemen: “Yes, in the times we rode there, it was black-black. We had
zero lights around the track and that makes it very exciting to ride.
Sometimes in the middle of the night, when no competitors are with you
on this long track, you feel like you are alone in the world. That
always was a very, very special moment for me. Racing at Spa in the
night, especially when it rained, those were moments of my race career
I will never forget. Nobody will ever forget that. All the guys I
speak with who were doing this from my age they are always speaking
about these hours. Very special.”

Is there a situation or moment that comes to your mind first
when you remember your time racing at Spa?

Daemen: “I think of darkness, rain – and Steven Casaer, who is now my
crew chief. We were riding in these dark and rainy hours together. He
even also mentions it in the books he is writing. He always says: I
remember the hours I rode with Werner at night because we stayed
together. It is something very special. I rode on a factory bike but
it was very difficult to be faster than all the other guys because due
to the heavy rain you did not see anything. I think nowadays, they
would bring out the red flag in moments like that immediately, but
back then, the red flag was not coming out. We had to go on. What
limited us on the straights was the fact that you did not see anything
with so much rain. There was also ten centimetres of water on the
track – it was only about surviving. But they were great times …”

And then you made a deal with Steve regarding having your own team…

Daemen: “Yes, we made a deal afterwards. We were very young guys back
then, he was maybe 25 and I was 30, and we made a deal that once we
will come back to win the Spa race. When we knew that we will really
have our own team, we agreed on three things: that we would win a
24-hour race, that we want to be world champions, and if we go to Spa,
that we want to win Spa. We have won one race now at Most; now we want
to win a 24-hour race, we want to win Spa and we want to be world
champion because that is the highest goal, of course. And I think if
everything is going well at Spa, we are one of the four teams who can
win there. Sure.”

Can you help your riders to tackle this challenge with your
Spa experience?

Daemen: “I have already for quite some time, because we have been
there already a few times and Markus Reiterberger has also set some
new lap records. I was the record holder for nine years and now it is
Markus. Of course, you speak a lot with the riders about where and
when to take the risk and also especially how to ride at night because
normally you do everything with your eyes. If you ride at Spa you need
more senses, like smelling, eyes, ears. At night you change from
looking to more listening and smelling. For example if there is oil on
the track, you change not to seeing the oil but you start to smell the
oil. You don’t go in the turn with your eyes because you will see too
late where to go. You have to change your sense, and that is difficult
in the beginning to explain to young riders but once they are in the
race they understand it very well.”

It’s the home round for you and the team – and we all hope to
see many spectators there. What would be the best spots to watch the race?

Daemen: “The best spot for me is always Radillon, if you go uphill.
Radillon is a corner like the Parabolica at Monza. It exists only
there and something very special. Personally, I also like Blanchimont.
It is a very, very fast left hander just before the Bus Stop. I
remember when I was sitting there as a spectator at three o’clock at
night alone in the woods to see the guys and it was my dream to do
that once again in my life. But Spa is also exciting if you like to
walk. You can walk over seven kilometres or maybe four, five hours to
visit all the different places. Sometimes you are sitting 50 metres
above the track and you can see 50 metres down seeing the riders
racing at night. Those moments I still have in my head. I think
everywhere on the track is unbelievable for watching racing.”

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Digital springtime: New on- and offboard functions for millions of BMW customers.

BMW:Digital springtime: New on- and offboard functions for millions of BMW customers.

Munich. Digitalisation has shaped most people’s lives
for a while now and regular over-the-air updates have become a matter
of course. Updates deliver new features, greater security or enhanced
usability for customers. The BMW Group became one of the first
manufacturers worldwide to introduce Remote Software Upgrades in 2019.
Today, it is able to modify every single line of programming code in
its upgrade-compatible vehicles. This increasingly gives customers the
option of adding functions later, as needed, or activating them for a
limited time. BMW is constantly expanding this offering through “BMW
ConnectedDrive Upgrades” – for example, for driver assistance systems
or comfort functions. BMW will be offering another free Remote
Software Upgrade from mid-May onwards for vehicles with upgrade
capabilities. Since the number of eligible vehicles increases with
every new BMW model, more than 3.3 million BMW cars worldwide
with Operating System 7 and 8 are now upgrade-compatible.

QLOCKTWO widget: a highlight for the BMW iX.

The Remote Software Upgrade available from mid-May
will prepare the BMW iX for the QlockTwo widget on the BMW Curved
Display.
The QlockTwo time display has received multiple awards
for its extraordinary design. The clock displays the time in writing
every five minutes using a word matrix. Subtly illuminated points in
each corner of the matrix indicate additional minutes. Like BMW,
QlockTwo combines high design standards with luxurious workmanship.
QlockTwo will be immediately available in BMW vehicles in a total of
16 languages, once the Remote Software Upgrade is complete. The widget
automatically adopts the language from the settings in BMW Operating
System 8. The driver can easily add the new widget by moving the
existing tiles of the main menu to the far left with the “Add Widget” function.

Other digital functions and options with new Remote Software Upgrade.

• The Lane Keeping Assistant now recognises
that the driver wants to merge back in after overtaking. During this
manoeuvre, it emits a haptic signal only, in the form of steering
wheel vibration, and no longer corrects the steering.

• The steering intervention made by the Lane Keeping
Assistant is more comfortable overall, because it adjusts the
steering time and steering duration to the respective driving
situation: The slower the vehicle leaves the lane, the more gently it
steers back.

• Another fully-electric BMW, the BMW i4, comes with BMW
IconicSounds Electric, composed by Academy Award winner
Hans Zimmer.

• The Remote Software Upgrade enables further vehicles to use
the BMW Personal eSIM, which integrates the vehicle
into an existing mobile phone plan and takes advantage of the 5G
standard for fast data exchange by the customer. After logging in with
their BMW ID, customers can also make phone calls from the vehicle
without their smartphone and stream data via the Wi-Fi hotspot.
Availability of this function depends on the respective mobile
communications provider.

• Some vehicles, like the new BMW 8 Series models, will also get
a new software to improve the Iconic Glow function, which illuminates
the BMW kidney grille.

General notes on Remote Software Upgrades.

Remote Software Upgrade is currently available for
more than 30 BMW models, including nearly all BMW models with BMW
Operating System 7 and 8. Customers can view their software version
and check for available upgrades in their vehicle’s settings menu
under Remote Software Upgrade. Only the next possible upgrade is
available for installation, so the user can never install the wrong
version.
The availability and content of Remote Software Upgrades
depend on the country, model, equipment and installed software
version. The country pages of the BMW
website provide information on the relevant content and
prerequisites for Remote Software Upgrade in each market. Instructions
and tips for Remote Software Upgrade can be found in the corresponding
BMW how-to video.

New features and widget for My BMW app.

Updates to the My BMW app will also expand and
improve its functionality. The latest update for the My BMW app
includes a widget with a selection of features for the home screen of
Apple iPhones and Android smartphones. With the help of the widget,
users can perform remote functions, such as unlocking the vehicle
remotely or starting the climate control, with one click directly from
the home screen. 

The My BMW app update will be available to download from the
Apple and Google app stores from 16 May 2022. Customers can use the My
BMW app to download the new Remote Software, as an alternative to
downloading it through the vehicle. The new software is convenient to
install and rarely takes longer than 20 minutes.
The My BMW app
also offers additional features – for example, connecting drivers
fully with their BMW and providing status updates at any time. A new
tab, “BMW Services & Store”, provides access to digital features
and services from BMW partners, as well as financial services
and information on new models. All activated and available services
are displayed in the Digital Services Hub and can be added with just a
few clicks.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Torsten Julich, press spokesperson, Digital Car/Connectivity

BMW Group

Tel.: +49-89-382-28405, Email: Torsten.Julich@bmw.de

Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.com

Email: presse@bmw.de

Original Press Release

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BMW Group creates closed recycling loop for high-voltage batteries in China

BMW:BMW Group creates closed recycling loop for high-voltage batteries in China

Munich/Shenyang. The BMW Group is stepping up its
commitment to achieving climate neutrality and massively expanding its
use of secondary material in closed recycling loops. For the first
time in China, the BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture (BBA) has
established a closed loop for reuse of the raw materials nickel,
lithium and cobalt from high-voltage batteries that are no longer
suitable for use in electric vehicles. The batteries come from fully
and partially-electric development vehicles, test systems and
production rejects and, in the future, also from end-of-life vehicles.
In this way, the company is laying the foundation for a pioneering
material cycle, which is becoming increasingly important as e-mobility
ramps up. To realise this, BBA is working with a local recycler that
dismantles retired batteries and uses innovative technology to recover
a high percentage of the raw materials nickel, lithium and cobalt from
the battery cells. The raw materials obtained in this way are then
used in production of new battery cells for the BMW Group. The
closed-loop material cycle conserves resources and, at the same time,
reduces CO2 emissions by 70%, compared to using newly
extracted primary material.

Jochen Goller, head of BMW Group Region China: “In light of the
growing scarcity of finite resources and rising commodity prices, it
is especially important to push forward with the circular economy,
increase the percentage of reusable materials and reduce our
dependence on raw materials. The BMW Group will expand its recycling
concept in China in the future – which will not only contribute to
environmental protection, but also effectively support China’s
transition to a low-CO2 economy.”

China is the world’s largest market for electric vehicles. With the
rapid development of this market since 2015, the automotive battery
recycling industry has also experienced fast growth. The China
Automotive Technology and Research Centre expects the total volume of
retired batteries in China to reach around 780,000 tonnes by 2025. At
the same time, prices for domestic raw materials for high-voltage
batteries have increased sharply since last year.

Despite the challenging environment, the BMW Group was able to triple
its sales of fully-electric vehicles in China in the first quarter of
this year alone. Alongside the BMW iX and BMW i4 models, the BMW iX3
also contributed to this increase. Since April, an all-electric
version of the BMW 3 Series offered exclusively in China has
strengthened the portfolio, followed by the new BMW i7 in the second
half of this year.

Seamless traceability of batteries enables second use and
recycling

China’s current policies require a high-voltage battery tracing
system to be established to ensure batteries can be tracked and
recycled once retired. The BMW Group has developed a system for this,
with coding that enables seamless traceability of batteries throughout
their lifecycle. The coding ensures batteries from the entire value
chain, from initial test vehicles to vehicles already in the market,
can be professionally recycled.

Once returned, the batteries are evaluated for potential continued
use. The BMW Group began using end-of-life batteries with a high
residual capacity in forklift trucks at BBA plants in China back in
2020. The plan is for these “second-life applications” for batteries
to be expanded, going forward, to include pallet lifting trucks and
stationary energy storage units with charging capabilities.

If end-of-life batteries do not meet the criteria for second use,
they are recycled. The nickel, lithium and cobalt raw materials
obtained in this way are channelled into production of new battery
cells for the BMW Group. A battery with a capacity of 100 kWh
contains, on average, almost 90 kg of nickel, lithium and cobalt; with
nickel accounting for most of this amount.

Batteries that are not disposed of properly impact the environment
and waste valuable raw material resources that could be used further.
For this reason, the BMW Group operates according to the four
principles of “Re:think, Re:duce, Re:use and Re:cycle”, together with
its suppliers, to maximise the recycling rate for battery raw
materials and to use all resources responsibly.

Circular economy as key element of the “Race to Zero” initiative

The BMW Group became the first German automotive manufacturer to join
the Business Ambition for 1.5° C campaign launched by the
Science-Based Targets Initiative and is committed to the goal of
complete climate neutrality throughout the entire value chain by 2050
at the latest. The company is thus also participating in the
international “Race to Zero” initiative.

However, having a higher percentage of electric vehicles on the roads
is not the only way to achieve climate-friendly mobility. It is also
vital that we minimise the use of primary material and the
environmentally-harmful effects of extraction and processing of raw
materials this entails, which is often energy and CO2-intensive.

Specifically, with a growing percentage of battery-electric vehicles,
the need for numerous raw materials, including cobalt, nickel, lithium
and aluminium for the vehicles’ high-voltage batteries, will increase.
At the same time, this also offers tremendous potential for reusing
these materials in the circular economy. Already today, the BMW Group
uses secondary nickel in the high-voltage batteries of the BMW iX.

Ambitious e-mobility roadmap

The BMW Group is accelerating its expansion of electromobility and
plans to deliver at least 10% fully-electric vehicles already this
year. By 2030, at the latest, at least half our global sales should
come from fully–electric vehicles. The MINI and
Rolls-Royce brands will be all-electric from the early 2030s.

Original Press Release

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Bringing colour into play: the Edition ColorVision for the BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé.

BMW:Bringing colour into play: the Edition ColorVision for the BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé.

Munich. The introduction of two distinctive new model
characters is set to provide an ideal gateway into the world of the
BMW brand. The BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé bring
signature BMW driving pleasure to the premium compact segment, and now
this can be combined with even more eye-catching visuals. The new
Edition ColorVision package introduces targeted upgrades for the
sporting appeal of both models in terms of both their driving
characteristics and their appearance. It is based on the equipment
features in the respective M Sport models and contains additions
including a metallic paint finish and exclusive bi-colour leather
trim. The Edition ColorVision will be available for the BMW 1 Series
and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé from July 2022.

With its exclusive design and equipment features, the Edition
ColorVision shines a particularly bright spotlight on the unmistakable
attributes of the BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé – their
elegantly sporty exterior design, their agile driving properties and
the sophisticated premium ambience of their interiors. The vibrant
character of the two models is focused on driving pleasure, and this
is clearly accentuated by the features of M Sport specification. A
large, three-section lower air intake in the front apron, a dark
diffuser element and vertically arranged air outlets in the rear
apron, and M High-gloss Shadowline create a powerful overall
appearance. The 18-inch M light-alloy wheels in Y-spoke design and
Black/Silver bi-colour finish available exclusively for the
special-edition cars add another exclusive accent.

Elsewhere, BMW M 50 Jahre emblems can be ordered for the bonnet, boot
lid and wheel hubs as a no-cost option, while M Sport suspension with
a 10-millimetre drop in ride height and M sport steering optimise the
dynamic potential of the BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé.

Like the M Sport models, Edition ColorVision specification also
includes a metallic paint finish. Eight expressive exterior shades are
available for both the BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé. In
addition, BMW Individual paint finishes can be ordered as an option,
among them the matt variant Frozen Pure Grey metallic. At BMW Group
Plant Leipzig, where both the BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé
are produced, the special-edition cars can also be finished in one of
50 exceptionally distinctive BMW M colours. Particularly
style-defining and historically significant paint shades such as Dakar
Yellow, Daytona Violet and Macao Blue have been re-issued for the
50-year anniversary of BMW M GmbH.

The special-edition models also bring colour into play for the
interior. An exclusive element of their specification is bi-colour
Dakota leather trim, which can be ordered in the colour combinations
Black/Magma Red and Black/White, adds an embroidered “Edition” badge
and combines with M Sport seats for the driver and front passenger.
These seats come with integral head restraints, high seat bolsters and
wide backrest sides to support a dynamic driving style. The M leather
steering wheel with multifunction buttons, anthracite-coloured
headliner, M stainless steel pedals and M driver’s footrest also
enhance the sporting allure of the interior in the special-edition
cars. The Light package with ambient lighting and floor mats with
bespoke piping are also part of the Edition ColorVision, as are
exclusive door sill cover strips with surfaces in mesh design bearing
“Edition” lettering.

The Edition ColorVision is available for all engine variants of the
BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé with the exception of the BMW
128ti (fuel consumption, combined: 7.4 – 6.8 l/100 km [38.2 – 41.5 mpg
imp] in the WLTP cycle; CO2 emissions, combined: 170 – 156
g/km in the WLTP cycle; figures accorting to NEDC: -). The compact
five-door model can be ordered with three petrol engines and three
diesel units, while the four-door Coupé is offered with two petrol
engines and three diesels. Added to which, the range-topping BMW M135i
xDrive (fuel consumption, combined: 8.0 – 7.4 l/100 km [35.3 – 38.2
mpg imp] in the WLTP cycle; CO2 emissions, combined: 180 –
167 g/km in the WLTP cycle; figures accorting to NEDC: -) and BMW
M235i xDrive Gran Coupé (fuel consumption, combined: 7.8 – 7.2 l/100
km [36.2 – 39.2mpg imp] in the WLTP cycle; CO2 emissions,
combined: 175 – 162 g/km in the WLTP cycle; figures accorting to NEDC:
-) can also be ordered in Edition ColorVision form. So configured,
they combine the performance attributes of their 225 kW/306 hp
four-cylinder engine, their intelligent all-wheel drive and their
model-specific chassis technology – including M Sport braking system,
near-actuator wheel slip limitation and mechanical differential lock
at the front axle – with the exclusive design features of the new
special edition.

BMW M135i xDrive
Fuel consumption,
combined: 8.0 – 7.4 l/100 km [35.3 – 38.2 mpg imp] in the WLTP cycle;
CO2 emissions, combined: 180 – 167 g/km in the WLTP cycle;
figures accorting to NEDC: – )

BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé
Fuel
consumption, combined: 7.8 – 7.2 l/100 km [36.2 – 39.2mpg imp] in the
WLTP cycle; CO2 emissions, combined: 175 – 162 g/km in the
WLTP cycle; figures accorting to NEDC: – )

Original Press Release

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The BMW iX M60 – Additional Media Assets.

BMW:The BMW iX M60 – Additional Media Assets.

Do you need help? Please contact our support team from 9 to 17 CET via support.pressclub@bmwgroup.com.

PressClub Global · Article.

Wed May 25 00:01:00 CEST 2022 Press Release

International Media Launch BMW iX M60 – On location photos and videos.

International Media Launch BMW iX M60 – On location photos and videos available.

CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.

Combined power consumption: 24.5 – 21.9 kWh/100 km according to WLTP;
combined CO 2 emissions: 0 g/km.

Article Media Material.

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BMW Group Streaming

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.

Munich. 11 May 2022

Here you can watch the webcast of the public part of the 102 Annual General Meeting of BMW AG.

Open Streaming Page

CO2 emission information.

Fuel consumption, CO2 emission figures and power consumption were measured using the methods required according to Regulation VO (EC) 2007/715 as amended. They refer to vehicles on the automotive market in Germany. For ranges, the NEDC figures take into account differences in the selected wheel and tyre size, while the WLTP figures take into account the effects of any optional equipment.

All figures are already calculated on the basis of the new WLTP test cycle. NEDC values listed have been calculated back to the NEDC measurement procedure where applicable. WLTP values are used as a basis for the definition of taxes and other vehicle-related levies that are (also) based on CO2 emissions and, where applicable, for the purposes of vehicle- specific subsidies. Further information on the WLTP and NEDC measurement procedures is also available at bmw.de/wltp.

For further details of the official fuel consumption figures and official specific CO2 emissions of new cars, please refer to the following web site www.dat.de.

Original Press Release

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URBAN-X, the platform by MINI for startups reimagining city life, announces JVP as its new venture partner.

BMW:URBAN-X, the platform by MINI for startups reimagining city life, announces JVP as its new venture partner.

Munich/New York. The new partnership between MINI and
JVP invests in, builds, and scales emerging and fast-growth companies
from Seed to Series B that are shaping the future of cities through
novel climate- and urban-focused technology solutions. The joint
venture between MINI and JVP will fuel the next generation of URBAN-X.

With 55
percent of the world’s population living in cities and urban areas
accounting for almost
three-quarters of all carbon dioxide emissions, innovation in
cities is a cornerstone in the global fight against climate change.
With this partnership, MINI and JVP will leverage their global
networks, strong strategic partnerships, and entrepreneurship
expertise to support new ideas and innovators through URBAN-X as they
pioneer new technologies in cities across the globe.

“URBAN-X is committed to supporting the most promising innovators
along their journeys as they move from idea to impact,” said Johan
Schwind, Managing Director at URBAN-X. “Through this exciting new
partnership with JVP, URBAN-X will have even more tools at our
disposal to accelerate the development and deployment of
transformative climate and urban technology solutions.”

The URBAN-X platform combines the expansive network of world-class
design, engineering and brand expertise from MINI and the BMW Group
with decades of investment experience, including $1.6 billion under
management, at JVP. Startup founders will have access to a global
network of public and private partners and receive hands-on guidance
with customer discovery and engagement, product development, talent
acquisition and brand and network-building. Seed to Series B companies
worldwide are encouraged to apply. Applications to join the program
are accepted on a rolling basis and interested startups can apply at
https://www.urban-x.com/apply/.

“Climate tech is the new major technological revolution that is
impacting every dimension of our life. It is more than just about
alternative energy or innovative mobility. When fintech and healthtech
meet climate tech, foodtech and ag tech or when cyber defends the
climate –by bringing all the tech ecosystems together, we can change
the way we eat, the way we live, and help save our planet.” Said Erel
Margalit, Founder and Executive Chairman of JVP and Margalit Startup
City. “The various subsectors of tech – together – can make the
difference, changing the future of our world and the future of cities.
It is time for public and private leaders across the globe, from
Israel to America to Europe to Asia and beyond, to join forces in
bringing in a new paradigm for building technology that protects the planet.”

URBAN-X will be located in Newlab in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and
Margalit Startup City NYC, an international innovation center. The
Margalit Startup City model is a recognized thematic ecosystem that
brings together public, private and social impact stakeholders. Areas
Margalit Startup City has focused on to date include FinTech,
FoodTech, AgTech and Cyber. The model provides a platform for
comprehensive engagement with the latest technologies, academic
research and policy makers to enact real change.

Launched by MINI in 2016 as part of their innovation and brand
strategy practice focused on improving city life, URBAN-X has since
invested in more than 71 startups across the globe. To date, four
URBAN-X portfolio companies have been acquired and 88% of companies
have gone on to raise their next round of capital.

“MINI was built on the foundation of innovative and sustainable urban
design. With this heritage, we recognize the indispensable role that
entrepreneurs, technologists and designers play in the vitality and
longevity of our cities,” said Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI. “In this
next phase of URBAN-X, we’re proud to continue engaging with the most
innovative minds within the business tackling some of society’s
toughest challenges.”

About URBAN-X

URBAN-X is the platform for founders reimagining city life. Built by
MINI in 2016, URBAN-X partners with startups to build bold technology
solutions for a sustainable planet. Breaking from traditional startup
program molds, URBAN-X provides entrepreneurs from Seed to Series B
with individualized and tailored support that accelerates growth and
builds successful businesses for the next generation of climate- and
city-focused innovators. Core to its platform, URBAN-X offers
world-class engineering and design resources, industry-leading
investment capital from our venture partner JVP, a global network of
investors, policymakers, corporate strategies and end-customers, and
premier educational content for a global network of founders. Find
URBAN-X on Twitter & Instagram at @urbanxaccel and on Facebook at facebook.com/urbanxaccel.

About JVP

JVP is an internationally renowned venture capital fund based in
Israel. Established in 1993 by Dr. Erel Margalit, JVP has raised to
date $1.6 billion across 10 funds, and has been listed numerous times
by Preqin, and other rankings, as one of the top-ten consistently
performing VC firms worldwide. JVP has built over 160 companies,
leveraging a broad network of partners and market expertise to help
companies become global market leaders. Among the pioneering firms of
the Israeli venture capital industry, JVP has been instrumental in
building some of the largest companies out of Israel, facilitating 12
Initial Public Offerings on NASDAQ including CyberArk Software
(NASDAQ: CYBR, $3.6 billion mkt. cap.), QLIK Technologies (NASDAQ:
QLIK, then $2.5 billion mkt. cap.) and Cogent Communications (NASDAQ:
CCOI, $2.3 billion mkt. cap.). https://www.jvpvc.com/

In case of queries, please contact:

Urban-X related inquiries:

Molly Hendriksen
E-mail: molly.hendriksen@berlinrosen.com

MINI related inquiries:

Franziska Liebert, Communications MINI
Tel.:
+49-89-382-28030
E-mail: franziska.liebert@mini.com

Andreas Lampka, Head of Communications MINI
Tel.:
+49-89-382-23662
E-mail: andreas.lampka@mini.com


Jennifer Treiber-Ruckenbrod, Head of Communications MINI and BMW
Motorrad
Tel.: +49-89-382-35108
E-mail: jennifer.ruckenbrod@bmwgroup.com

Original Press Release

Posted on

24h Nürburgring: Organisational Information for BMW M Media Test Drives.

BMW:24h Nürburgring: Organisational Information for BMW M Media Test Drives.

As part of the 24-hour race weekend at the Nürburgring, media
representatives will be able to go for test drives in the current
range of BMW M GmbH products. The media test drives will take place
from Thursday 26th May, up to and including Sunday 29th May.

If you are interested in a media test drive, please contact Andreas
Perlinger (+49 151 601 52295) or Andreas Horn (+49 151 601 47418) in advance.

The maximum duration of the drive will be one hour.

The BMW M test vehicles will be issued at the following location from
Thursday to Sunday, between 9:00 and
16:00 on each day:       

Gottlieb-Daimler-Straße 19

53520 Meuspath

Please bring a valid media pass and your driving license with you
when collecting the vehicle.

Original Press Release

Posted on

Successful industrialisation and digitalisation of additive manufacturing

BMW:Successful industrialisation and digitalisation of additive manufacturing

+++ Standard production of metal 3D printing enters final straight
+++ BMBF-funded project successfully implemented +++ Fully automated
production ensures maximum productivity +++

 

Munich/Oberschleissheim. The industrialisation and
digitalisation of additive manufacturing (AM) for automotive series
processes has been successful.
A project consortium funded by
the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and led
by the BMW Group was launched three years ago, with small and
mid-sized enterprises, large companies and research institutes. The
common goal was to revolutionise metal 3D printing in standard
production of cars. 

The 12 members of the consortium presented the successful
implementation of the IDAM (Industrialisation and Digitalisation of
Additive Manufacturing) project at the BMW Group Additive
Manufacturing Campus in Oberschleißheim, where a digitally connected,
fully automated 3D printing production line has been set up and
prepared for automotive standard production. An additional line is
located at the firm GKN Powder Metallurgy in Bonn.

Around 50,000 components per year can be manufactured
cost-effectively in common part production, as well as more than
10,000 individual and new parts, by means of 3D printing using Laser
Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF): The starting material, metal powder, is
remelted with a laser, layer by layer, at the site where the solid
component needs to be created at each level. Using this 3D printing
process means certain tools are no longer required and new design
possibilities can be realised – which greatly increases flexibility.

Having started out from a concept outline in 2019, fully automated
driverless transport systems (FTS) now carry the 3D printers’ mobile
build chambers between modules in the IDAM production lines. The
machines are orchestrated by a central control unit that consolidates
all production data from individual line modules to ensure maximum
productivity and quality.

Over the course of the project, innovative concepts were developed
for automated generation of 3D printing construction data. Fully
automated modules now transport the processed metal powder to
workstations where they prepare the material independently.
Post-processing of the manufactured components takes place at
specially designed stations that are also fully automated. The quality
of the components is top priority. Quality assurance of the finished
parts takes place in-line, during the laser melting process, using
sensors. This includes checking emissions from the molten pool with a
CMOS camera and pyrometer. AI algorithms are used to correlate the
data collected with actual component quality. This means process
deviations can already be identified during production and component
quality evaluated.

Successful implementation of the project called upon the expertise of
all project partners. This was the only way to achieve digitalisation
and automation in mechanical and plant engineering, in component
design and in the area of metal 3D printing.


“From the very first day of the project, you could feel the team
spirit among the partners. Learning from one another, developing
innovative solutions together and making the best use of each
partner’s individual strengths – those were key to successful
industrialisation and digitalisation of additive manufacturing,”
according to Felix Haeckel, consortium leader and BMW Group project manager.

Original Press Release