Tag Archives: Munich

BMW

Electric Mobility: BMW Debunks Myths in Video Podcast

Electric mobility is progressing rapidly, with a continuous rise in registrations of fully electric vehicles and the expansion of charging infrastructure. However, there are still many misconceptions surrounding electric vehicles. To address these misconceptions, BMW has launched a ten-part video podcast series called “Electric Myths.” Hosted by British tech enthusiast Tomi Adebayo (also known as GadgetsBoy) and transgender racing driver Charlie Martin, the podcast aims to debunk common myths and provide factual information about the advantages and possibilities of electric vehicles.

In each entertaining episode, the hosts discuss real-life anecdotes and answer questions that skeptics often have. They explore the day-to-day benefits of electric cars, their range capabilities, their cost-effectiveness, and their impact on the environment. The podcast also addresses the misconceptions surrounding hydrogen-powered vehicles and their safety.

The ten episodes will be released weekly, presenting a fun and informative way to understand electric mobility. Martin and Adebayo emphasize the enjoyable driving experience offered by electric vehicles from BMW, taking driving pleasure to a new level.

The podcast aims to create a better understanding of electric mobility without overwhelming the audience with contradicting statements. The episodes focus on lively exchanges, maintaining a modern and youthful vibe. Starting from June 22, 2023, the first two episodes will be available on BMW’s audio channels on Spotify, Apple, and Google Podcasts, as well as in video form on BMW.com and the company’s YouTube channel.

This podcast series, “Electric Myths,” follows BMW’s successful sustainability podcast, “CHASING THE GREENEST CAR.” In the previous series, environmental activist Anne Therese Gennari explores the sustainable efforts of BMW and the significance of electric mobility in reducing the company’s carbon footprint. The podcast delves into topics such as recycling, circular economy, social impact, and the future wave of innovations.

With a commitment to sustainability, the BMW Group aims to drive the transformation towards electric mobility. The company already offers fully electric models in all relevant segments and plans to increase the delivery share of all-electric vehicles to 50% by 2025 under the Neue Klasse models, while further reducing the carbon footprint over the entire product lifecycle.

Link to the podcast: https://www.bmw.com/en/electric-future/electric-car-myths-podcast.html

BMW

BMW M Team RLL is ready for the Six Hours of The Glen with the new BMW M Hybrid V8

The BMW M Team RLL and its BMW M Hybrid V8 racing cars are well prepared for the upcoming race at Watkins Glen. The Six Hours of The Glen is the fifth round of the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the third endurance race of the season. The team has already achieved two podium finishes with the new BMW M Hybrid V8 in the GTP class at Sebring and Long Beach, and they are hoping for more success at Watkins Glen.

The number 25 car will be driven by Connor De Phillippi and Nick Yelloly, while Augusto Farfus and Philipp Eng will share duties in the number 24 BMW M Hybrid V8. A recent two-day test at Watkins Glen resulted in the engineering staff and drivers being eager to return for the six-hour race. The team also finished their preparations with pit stop practice at their new headquarters in Indiana. Prior to switching to the GTP class this year, BMW M Team RLL had achieved six podium finishes at the Watkins Glen Six Hour race with BMW M’s GT class cars, including a victory in 2017.

In addition to the BMW M Hybrid V8, there will be three BMW M4 GT3 entries in the GTD and GTD Pro classes. Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow continue to lead the GTD class points with the number 1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3. Turner Motorsport will bring the number 96 BMW M4 GT3 for Michael Dinan, Robby Foley, and Patrick Gallagher, as well as the number 97 GTD Pro entry for Bill Auberlen, Chandler Hull, and John Edwards. In the last IMSA endurance race, the Twelve Hours of Sebring, the two BMW GTD entries of Paul Miller Racing and Turner Motorsport finished first and second respectively.

The race at Watkins Glen will start at 10:40 local time on Sunday, June 25th.

Here are some quotes ahead of the Watkins Glen race:

Bobby Rahal (BMW M Team RLL Team Principal): “I think everyone knows what I think of Watkins Glen. It is one of those historic challenging circuits that separates the men from the boys. In fact, I had my first Formula One race there in 1978. Our BMW team has had reasonably good success there. This year, with the GTP cars, it should be a very exciting weekend for the fans.”

Connor De Phillippi (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “Watkins Glen is one of my top favorites on our IMSA calendar. The combination of speed and grip allows us to really unleash the potential of these GTP cars. With that said, it’s typically the hottest and most physical track on the schedule, so all of us will need to bring our A-game for the six-hour event. I’m excited to get on track and feel we have what it takes to battle for our first victory.”

Nick Yelloly (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “Back at another USA classic event! Looking forward to getting in again at Watkins Glen, having had my first experience of the track a few weeks ago I can see what the hype was about. The high speed flowing nature of the track is a joy to drive.”

Philipp Eng (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I’m really looking forward to Watkins Glen. It’s a track that demands everything from a driver. We were there recently for testing, and we’re on a very good path. The car felt great, and driving the BMW M Hybrid V8 on this track is incredibly enjoyable. The team has done a fantastic job, and I hope we can secure another podium for the team, as well as the first one of the season for Augusto and myself.”

Augusto Farfus (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “Our test at Watkins Glen went very well. The high speed and high grip of the circuit suits our BMW M Hybrid V8.”

BMW

Peter Hickman impresses with three wins and new lap records on the new BMW M 1000 RR at Isle of Man TT

Peter Hickman and the Monster Energy by FHO Racing BMW Team had a fantastic week, winning three races and setting new lap records at the Isle of Man TT. This year, Hickman won both Superstock TT races and the prestigious Senior TT, setting a new outright TT lap record and new lap records in the Senior TT and the Superbike TT. The new BMW M 1000 RR bike also made its debut at the Isle of Man TT and won both Superstock races. Hickman now has a total of 13 Isle of Man TT wins, with ten victories in the 1,000 cc class on BMW bikes.

Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, congratulated Hickman and the FHO Racing team for their successful performance. He praised Hickman’s ability to continue BMW’s success story at the Isle of Man TT with the new M 1000 RR bike and acknowledged the hard work put in by Hickman and the FHO Racing Team.

The race week began with the Superbike TT, where Hickman faced technical difficulties but managed to set a new Superbike lap record and finish second. He then switched to the Superstock TT version of the M 1000 RR and won both Superstock TT races, setting a sensational new official outright lap record at the Isle of Man TT with an average speed of 136.358 mph. The week concluded with the six-lap Senior TT, which Hickman won comfortably, setting a new Senior TT lap record and finishing almost 20 seconds ahead of second-place Dean Harrison.

Hickman praised the competition at the Isle of Man TT, especially Michael Dunlop, and thanked everyone for their support. His teammate Josh Brookes returned to Isle of Man TT after five years and finished with a personal best of 132.529 mph.

BMW had 16 road racers competing at this year’s Isle of Man TT, with Hickman’s BMW M 1000 XR prototype providing a preview of the third M model at BMW Motorrad.

BMW

BMW Group successfully completes €8bn revolving credit facility

Munich. The BMW Group has signed a €8.0 billion syndicated revolving credit facility (RCF) with a tenor of five years and two one-year extension options.

A total of 43 international and regional banks from Europe, America and Asia have taken part in the transaction. With BNP Paribas, Citi and Deutsche Bank as coordinating bookrunners, the BMW Group has replaced the existing RCF of €8.0 billion signed in 2017.

For the first time, the BMW Group has consistently presented its strategic focus on sustainability within the syndication process: First, it handed a newly developed, comprehensive sustainability factsheet over to the banks involved to provide transparent information on its progress and goals. In a second step, the BMW Group issued questionnaires to the lenders, aiming at reflecting the outside-in perspectives of its sustainability performance, providing impetus for the continuous further development of sustainability communications.

“At the BMW Group, sustainability is practiced in its three facets -economically, ecologically and socially. It is present in the various divisions of the company, its goals are omnipresent, and sustainability is the focus of our long-term strategy. For the first time, we have comprehensively revealed our corresponding activities in a global financing process,” said Walter Mertl, Chief Financial Officer of BMW AG in Munich on Wednesday. “For us, sustainability means more than just achieving selected key figures. Our cross-company approach goes far beyond that, and we present our progress transparently and comprehensibly for the capital market and the public.”

The syndication process was completed by an exchange of the participating banks with the company’s sustainability experts, who explained and made transparent in more detail the strategic direction and sustainable transformation of the BMW Group.

The syndicated revolving credit line is one of the standard financing instruments of BMW Group Corporate Finance and serves to secure short-term access to liquidity. In the history of the company, the RCF has never been drawn.

If you have any questions, please contact:

 

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Britta Ullrich

Spokesperson Finance

Telephone: +49 89 382-18364

Email: britta.ullrich@bmwgroup.com

Eckhard Wannieck

Head of Corporate, Finance and Sales Communications

Telephone: +49 89 382-24544

Email: eckhard.wannieck@bmwgroup.com

Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.com

Email: presse@bmwgroup.com

BMW

BMW Motorrad Unveils the M 1000 XR Prototype

BMW Motorrad has presented the M 1000 XR prototype, which is the third M model at BMW Motorrad, as a long-distance sports bike with high long-range capability and a performance-oriented experience on the road and the racetrack. This model is designed for customers with the highest demands for performance, exclusivity, and individuality.

The M 1000 XR prototype is a preview of a supersports motorcycle that provides excellent performance on the country road, long-distance travel, and racetrack equally. It’s a crossover bike that opens up dynamic riding dimensions in the sports motorcycle segment.

The four-cylinder engine from the BMW S 1000 RR super sports bike with BMW ShiftCam technology for varying the timing and valve lift is used in the M 1000 XR prototype. It delivers an engine output of more than 147 kW (200 hp), a DIN empty weight of only 223 kg fully fuelled, and is aerodynamically designed for high-performance road use, long-distance riding, and fast laps on the racetrack. The M Competition Package, available as an optional extra, reduces even more weight and increases riding dynamics. The M XR prototype’s top speed is around 280 km/h.

The specifications for developing the M 1000 XR prototype included drive and suspension technology as well as aerodynamics. The new M 1000 XR was given winglets to ensure superior riding stability even at high speeds. The winglets help achieve the best possible contact between the wheels and the road surface, counteract the wheelie tendency during acceleration, and regulate the traction control system to convert more drive power into acceleration. The M XR also features the M brake, developed directly from the experience gained with the racing brakes on BMW Motorrad factory racing machines in the Superbike World Championship.

BMW Motorrad will release further information on the new BMW M 1000 XR in the second half of 2023. The M XR prototype is a perfect fusion of performance, design, and innovative technologies; it is a long-distance sports motorcycle that meets the highest demands for riding on the racetrack, the country road, and long-distance journeys.

For more information, please contact:

  • Damien Cagnart, Spokesperson BMW Motorrad | Telephone: +49-151-601-95806 | Email: Damien.Cagnart@bmw.de
  • Tim Diehl-Thiele, Head of Communications BMW Motorrad | Telephone: +49-151-601-57505 | Email: Tim.Diehl-Thiele@bmw.de
  • Jens Lemon, Head of Communications MINI and BMW Motorrad | Telephone: +49-151-601-23635 | Email: Jens.Lemon@bmw.de

Press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad rider equipment is available at BMW Group PressClub (http://www.press.bmwgroup.com).

BMW

BMW Presents Hollywood Action and Sustainable Marine Experience at Cannes

BMW stunned the crowds with its environmentally-conscious luxury, innovative mobility on water, and electrifying action at the Cannes Film Festival. As the Official Partner of the event, BMW offered guests, VIPs, and festival participants a fleet of over 200 fully-electric cars. The most powerful of these vehicles was the brand new BMW i7 M70 xDrive, the lead actor in BMW Films’ latest creation debuted at the festival. The shuttle service that took the attendees around the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès allowed them to experience a locally emission-free premium ride in a sophisticated BMW.

The ICON: Revolutionary Marine Experience

BMW partnered with boat maker TYDE to showcase The ICON, a watercraft that has revolutionized the approach to environment-friendly marine mobility through its electric propulsion system. The craft boasts hydrofoils that maintain a top speed of 30 knots (55 km/h) and a range of more than 50 nautical miles. With its elegant design and soundless movement through water, it was a popular attraction among the festival-goers. The ICON focuses on modern urban lifestyles and can be further personalized by customers for use in both the private and commercial sectors.

BMW Films’ “The Calm”

Bollywood royalty such as Pom Klementieff and Uma Thurman graced the world premier of BMW Films’ “The Calm.” The seven-minute spy thriller features the BMW i7 M70 xDrive in a dramatic car chase scene. Attendees got to watch the film from the comfort of the luxurious rear compartment of the BMW i7 while viewing it on the BMW Theatre Screen. After the event, viewers who missed the in-car screening experience were able to see “The Calm” on the BMW YouTube channel.

BMW i7 M70 xDrive: Electric power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 23.8 – 20.8, WLTP.

BMW

BMW Motorrad’s Award-Winning Brand Room at BMW Welt

The BMW Welt in Munich boasts the Brand & Customer Institute, which is the only one of its kind in the automotive industry. It allows chosen partners and employees to immerse themselves in BMW Group’s brands, including BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and BMW Motorrad, which has had its own brand room since January 2022.

BMW Motorrad’s brand room was named “Brand Architecture” in the “Spatial Communication” category of last year’s Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design. The “Red Dot Design Award” has been adjudicating for the awards since 1954, with the red dot symbolising quality and excellence and becoming internationally recognised.

BMW Motorrad received the iF DESIGN AWARD as the latest recognition, which has been a globally accepted symbol of excellent design since 1954 and is one of the leading global design awards. The BMW Motorrad brand room was able to win over the 133 independent and international experts on the jury for the award for its excellent architectural design and an emotionally crafted brand training programme, making it one of the leading design honours.

The design challenges for the BMW Motorrad brand room were significant because of the small area of 38 square metres, which required the immersion of imaginative brand concepts in inspiring architecture. The solution was a multi-sensory interior design that harmonised with the iconic glass facade of the existing building and supported the interactive experience in the space. The result was an experience that excited curiosity and creativity in visitors who could explore the BMW Motorrad brand and its world.

The customers and fans of BMW Motorrad know that the brand embodies an active lifestyle and experience-oriented attitude, which is the brand promise of “Make Life a Ride.” In the BMW Motorrad brand room designed to cater to personal experiences, the brand’s thematic focus areas are offered through fascinating brand access points that serve as interactive immersion experiences. The BMW Motorrad brand room is a place of communication and dialogue, analogous to a motorcyclist gathering around the campfire that provides a perfect backdrop for training sessions.

In essence, the BMW Motorrad brand room is a holistic experiential concept, featuring elements that appeal to all the senses, including sound, light, and natural materials. The combination of unique features and holistic design makes the BMW Motorrad brand room a memorable and creative experience.

BMW has made it easy to experience the BMW Motorrad brand among other BMW Group brands in the BMW Motorrad brand room at BMW Welt Munich since January 2022. The Brand Mover Training immersive experience in the BMW Motorrad brand room gives visitors all the insight into the brand and its customer types and values through interactive training sessions that simulate all the senses.

If you are interested in BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad rider equipment, you can find the press material in the BMW Group PressClub, accessible via www.press.bmwgroup.com. You can also contact Sarah Bauer, Corporate, Product and Innovation Communications, at +49-151-601-94180, or via email at Sarah.Bauer@bmw.de.

BMW

BMW Motorrad Motorsport Ready for WorldSBK at Misano

After a month-long break, BMW Motorrad Motorsport is heading to Misano in Italy for round five of the FIM Superbike World Championship 2023 (WorldSBK) from 2nd to 4th June. The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, with Scott Redding and Tom Sykes, and the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team of Garrett Gerloff and Loris Baz had a productive two-day test at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli three weeks ago to prepare for the upcoming races.

The BMW M 1000 RR riders had different programmes at the Misano test for their individual requirements. They compared components, worked on geometry and weight distribution, and Scott and Garrett focused on these aspects. Tom Sykes is stepping in for Michael van der Mark, who is currently injured. According to Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director, the test was good preparation for the coming races, with BMW riders well equipped.

Quotes Ahead of the Misano Round

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director, said that the team’s goal is to perform well with both teams and all four riders at Misano. He wants to convert their hard work into good results and is confident that Loris Baz will be stronger at Misano after his weigh-in test, which was about getting a feel for the bike after his leg injury. He also gave Tom the opportunity to get familiarized with the BMW M RR and Michael’s crew.

Garrett Gerloff is looking forward to the Misano event and showing off what he can do on Friday. It’s a track he enjoys, and he mentioned that the team had a test a few weeks ago, so they feel they are in a good place for the setup. Scott Redding is also happy about the weekend, and he hopes they can make improvements from Barcelona where they tried different setup changes. Tom Sykes said he’s excited to compete for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and looks forward to heading to Misano, where the circuit always produces great racing. Loris Baz said he’s finally feeling 100% going into this race, and it feels good. He stated that he loves going to Misano and that he’s confident heading into the race.

Track Facts for Misano

Track Facts Misano.

Circuit length

4.226 km – clockwise

Corners

16 – 10 right-handers, 6 left-handers

Pole position

Right

Longest straight

510 metres (start-finish straight)

Grip level

Medium

Track layout

Several long straights, partly fast corners, hard braking zones

Strain on brakes

Medium

Amount at full throttle

30 %

Top speed / lowest speed

276 km/h / 55 km/h

Best overtaking opportunity

T1, T8

Key factors

Good feeling on the brakes, stability, traction
BMW

New BMW 5 Series Launches with AirConsole Gaming Platform

The BMW Group has teamed up with AirConsole, a gaming platform, to introduce a unique in-car gaming experience for the first time in the new BMW 5 Series. Passengers and drivers can enjoy playing casual games while the vehicle is stationary, waiting for the vehicle to charge or a meeting to start, for instance. The AirConsole app will be introduced in other BMW vehicles, but the new BMW 5 Series will be the first. The BMW i5 with a unique gaming design created by the BMW Group Design will be unveiled exclusively for the new BMW 5 Series launch.

The in-car gaming experience is easy with the smartphone acting as the controller and the BMW Curved Display. Starting the AirConsole app in the vehicle and scanning a QR code on the Curved Display intuitively establishes the connection between the smartphone and car. Multiple players can go straight into playing, and the app can support participation from rear passengers as well. Players can play alone, jointly, or in competition mode.

AirConsole offers casual games that are easy to understand and control, including racing, sports, quizzes, music quizzes, simulation, strategy, jump-and-run, and puzzle games, with about 15 titles available for the market introduction of the new BMW 5 Series saloon. Examples of the games available at launch include “Go Kart Go”, “Golazo”, “Music Guess,” and “Overcooked”.

To mark the launch of in-car gaming, the BMW Group presents a BMW i5 with a unique gaming wrap that honours the 8-bit era of computer games, with large pixels serving as a symbol for the gaming experience and a nod to the various games available on AirConsole. The design captures the essence of the in-car gaming solution of AirConsole, where users leverage their smartphones as controllers to access all gameplay options.

Other BMW models from the mid-range and luxury segments will gradually get the AirConsole app. BMW Operating System 8.5 updating via Remote Software Upgrade will be set up for BMW 7 Series made after 07/22 and BMW iX made after 03/23, as well as BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X7, BMW XM, BMW X5 M, BMW X6 M produced after 04/23.