Auto news and reviews from Car Buyer's Notebook.com: Rolls-Royce Archives

August 11, 2008

BMW global sales up 2.2% in July

Munich -- The BMW Group increased its sales volume in July of this year. In total, 125,812 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand cars were delivered to customers.

This represents an increase of 2.2% compared to the same month last year (123,089 units). For the period to the end of July, sales rose by 4.4% to reach 890,699 units (January - July 2007: 853,142 units).

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July 8, 2008

BMW Global Sales up 4.7%

Munich -- The BMW Group increased sales of its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands by 4.7% in the period from January through June to reach a total of 764,874 automobiles (prev.yr.: 730,285).

This made the first half-year of 2008 the most successful in the history of the BMW Group in terms of sales. Nevertheless, the company was not entirely able to avoid the difficult economic trends in important individual markets such as the USA and Japan. As such, global sales slipped 2.8% in the month of June to 146,138 units (prev.yr. 150,308).

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May 27, 2008

Rolls-Royce Unveils Design Sketch for RR4, "Baby" Rolls

Rolls-Royce has trotted out the first design sketches of the "RR4" which will be available in showrooms in 2010.

Both smaller and most likely less expensive than the Phantom model lineup, the RR4 might be seen as some as a pimped out BMW 7-Series, as the Bavarians are now the owners of the famed Rolls-Royce marque.

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May 12, 2008

2008 Fuel Economy Guide Available for Download

The EPA has issued a comprehensive PDF guide to fuel economy of all 2008 vehicles, which you can download by right-clicking here.

In today's gas market, buyers are more sensitive than ever about buying cars that get good mileage, and more important, they want the government ratings to be as accurate as possible -- nobody wants to buy a vehicle that gets 10% worse mileage in the real world than the sticker rating.

To address this situation, the EPA has started using an updated test to assign more accurate MPG ratings to new vehicles, and you can learn about that by watching the video in this post.

May 8, 2008

BMW Group posts 12.5% increase in global April sales

Munich -- The BMW Group once again continued its upward sales trend for all three car brands in April. Overall, in a month-on-month comparison, the company recorded a 12.5% increase in the number of vehicles delivered to reach a total of 133,205 (prev.yr.: 118,378).

For the year to April, 485,155 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles have been sold. This is an increase of 7.5% (prev.yr.: 451,311) compared with the same period in 2007.

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April 22, 2008

BMW Announces Executive Management Appointments

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. -- BMW announces today the following four executive management appointments:

Tom Purves has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited. In this capacity he is responsible for the overall global Rolls-Royce business, including production, sales and marketing.

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April 20, 2008

Rolls-Royce's Robertson Addresses China Auto Show

Remarks of Ian Robertson, Rolls-Royce Chairman, Beijing Motor Show 2008

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us this afternoon.

It is a pleasure to be back in China for the Beijing motor show, a very significant event for Rolls‑Royce as China has become such an important market for us. I am delighted not only to have the chance to speak with you today but also to unveil the latest car from Goodwood for the first time in this region – but we’ll come to that in a few minutes.

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April 8, 2008

Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe to Debut in China

Goodwood -- Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will unveil its new Phantom Coupé for the first time in the Asia Pacific region at the 10th Auto China 2008 Beijing, to be held at the New China International Exhibition Center, on Sunday, 20 April 2008.

The Coupé, the fourth new model from Rolls-Royce under BMW Group ownership, is the most driver-orientated model in the Phantom line-up. This two-door, four-seater model has already seen outstanding demand with this year’s production already sold.

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April 7, 2008

BMW Group Posts Record Global Sales

Munich -- The BMW Group increased its sales in the first quarter of 2008 by 5.7% to 351,787 automobiles (prev.yr.: 332,933). Deliveries of BMW brand cars to customers in the first three months rose by 2.7% to 293,550 vehicles (prev.yr.: 285,840).

MINI recorded a significant increase of 23.6% to 58,054 units (prev.yr.: 46,980). Rolls-Royce Motor Cars handed 183 automobiles over to customers in the first quarter (prev.yr.: 113/+61.9%).

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March 18, 2008

BMW expects all-time high sales volume levels for three brands

Munich -- The BMW Group intends to continue its successful business performance in the current year.

"We are aiming towards a current year profit before tax -adjusted for the exceptional gain on the settlement of exchangeable bond on shares in the British aero engine manufacturer, Rolls-Royce, in 2007 - that is higher than in the previous year", said Norbert Reithofer, the Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG at the BMW Group Annual Accounts Press Conference in Munich on Tuesday.

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March 14, 2008

BMW posts higher global profit

Munich -- As well as achieving new sales volume and revenues records in 2007, the BMW Group also achieved its earnings target for the year, reflecting the con-tinued success of its business strategy.

Profit before tax, at euro 3,873 million (2006: euro 4,124 million), was 6.1% down on the record level achieved in the previous year.

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March 7, 2008

BMW Global Sales Rise 9% in February

Munich -- In February, BMW Group continued to gain momentum strongly again, as planned. In the month under review, the number of automobiles delivered rose by 9.0% to 105,994 (prev.yr.: 97,256).

For the year to the end of February, 198,628 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles were sold (prev.yr.: 191,357). This corresponds to a growth rate of 3.8% in comparison with the same period last year.

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February 17, 2008

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars to Debut Phantom Coupe at Geneva

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will unveil its new Phantom Coupé at the 78th International Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday, 4 March 2008. Production of the new car will start at Goodwood in the summer of 2008.

The Coupé is the most driver-orientated model in the Phantom line. A number of subtle but significant modifications have been made that change its character. It is noticeably more dynamic, whilst still offering incredible levels of comfort.

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Sir Alan Sugar Meets Rolls-Royce Apprentices

Editor's note: Sugar stars in the BBC TV series The Apprentice, from 2005-2007. The series is based upon the American television show of the same name, featuring entrepreneur Donald Trump.

Sir Alan Sugar has met the future workforce of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars during a visit to the super luxury car manufacturer’s production facility at Goodwood, England. Sir Alan chatted with apprentices from the wood, leather, assembly and paint departments and saw their work at first hand during a tour of the plant.

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February 8, 2008

Jim O'Donnell Named President of BMW North America

Woodcliff Lake, NJ -- BMW Group has announced that Jim O'Donnell will join BMW of North America's executive management team as President of BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) starting April 1, 2008. He will also assume Howard Mosher's role as Vice President Operations. Howard Mosher will retire on March 31.

Jim O'Donnell has been with the BMW Group for 17 years. He currently holds the position of Managing Director of BMW (UK) Ltd. Prior to that he worked as Sales and Marketing Director of BMW South Africa and Sales Director of BMW (UK) Ltd.

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BMW Groups Posts Slight Decline in Global January Sales

Munich -- The BMW Group started the new year with a slight decrease in sales of 1.6%. In January, 92,629 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles were delivered to customers (prev.yr.: 94,101).

The BMW brand reported 77,156 sales in January, which, in a monthly comparison, was 4.1% below the level of the same month last year (80,458). The market launch of the BMW 1 Series Cabrio and BMW X6 is coming up. These new models, amongst other factors, will give a boost to sales developments over the next few months.

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February 5, 2008

Rolls-Royce Appoints New Marketing Chief

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today announced that Graham Lenden (41) will join the company as the new Head of Marketing.

He will assume his position at Rolls-Royce later this month, replacing Paul Ferraiolo, who was recently appointed President of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America.

In his new position, Lenden will be responsible for all Rolls-Royce worldwide marketing activities. He will be based at the company’s head office and manufacturing plant at Goodwood, West Sussex in southern England.

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February 2, 2008

Current Auto Rebates Has All the Updated Rebates!

With auto sales down 4.3% in January 2008, many automakers are increasing the rebate and incentive offers they have on the hoods of their vehicles.

Yet keeping track of all the rebate programs can be difficult work, which is why we began publishing Current Auto Rebates, the Internet's first document that lists every rebate program for every vehicle for same in the United States.

This 13-page PDF makes it easy for you to look up rebates on any model you're interested in, and even allows you to contact your local dealer who will give you a free price quote on the ride of your choice.

Since rebate programs can change several times per month, you may want to sign up for free updates to the publication -- when we update the document you'll get an email from us letting you know a refreshed version is available for you to download.

And if someone you know is currently shopping for a new vehicle, you may want to download a copy and email it to them -- they'll thank you for doing so!

BMW Sets Global Revenue Record in 2007

Munich -- The BMW Group has achieved a new sales revenue record in 2007. Compared to the previous year, group revenues rose by 14.3% to euro 56,018 million (2006: euro 48,999 million). Revenues of the Automobiles segment went up by 12.7% to euro 53,818 million (2006: euro 47,767 million).

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January 30, 2008

With Home Prices Dropping, Car Prices Are Sure to Follow

It's accepted wisdom now that overall auto sales will drop in 2008. This is seen as a function of the housing bust, during which as much as 20% of new car purchases were funded by residential real estate profit, home equity cashouts and the general euphoria in real estate related industries.

Now that home prices are dropping -- and will continue to do so until they fall in line with median income -- we believe the average new vehicle transaction price will drop as well. If houses can fall 10%-30% in value, why not cars?

In November we ran a story from Comerica Bank stating the average transaction price of a new vehicle was $29,024. Our projection is this number will fall below $25,000, perhaps in 2009 if not this year, for several reasons:

1. Less money to spend. The option of taking cash out of a home to finance a new purchase is gone. The psychology of spending "free money" to buy a luxe ride will give way to folks actually having to make the payment out of their own pocket. And with many people paying even more for housing due to adjustable rates, they will choose cheaper rides.

2. Gas prices. While $3 a gallon gas isn't as draconian as five bucks, it will have an effect over time. People are already choosing more efficient crossovers and smaller SUVs over the big buses, and V8s are going out of favor. Look for more people to choose V6s in cars and for four-cylinders to pick up in popularity.

3. Negative equity. A greater percentage of folks are upside down in their cars, and have been rolling their balances into new loan agreements. To catch up, their new purchases will have to be cheaper and it's going to take years to eat away at the balance.

4. New frugality. In a tough economy, the value of money becomes more dear. People will start thinking twice about how much money they spend. They will choose cheaper cars, perhaps with more options, but the luxe-marques are in for a rough ride.

5. New wage structures. The Detroit car companies have made big headlines with their new labor deals, that allow them to replace higher paid union workers with new hires at a lower wage scale. The higher wages translated into higher sticker prices; the lower wages will allow for slimmer price hikes and even reductions.

6. Battle for fewer consumers. Don't let the tough talk fool you. As fewer cars are sold throughout 2008, the rebate war will kick into full swing -- and spiffs will help bring down the average transaction price.

This last reason is why we launched Current Auto Rebates, a site that publishes all the rebates for every model in a single PDF file, to make bargain hunting that much easier.

January 23, 2008

Harness the power of free price quotes!

Many of you have seen the link to get a free dealer price quote on our pages, as well as in our Current Auto Rebates report.

The free price quote is one of the best tools for savvy vehicle shoppers -- it's convenient, and there is absolutely no obligation to buy anything. Here are some of the other advantages:

-- You are essentially putting a bid out to local new vehicle dealers to compete for your business. In many cases, several dealers will respond to your price quote request. Armed with your knowledge of MSRP and rebates, you can then have dealers compete on price for your car buying dollars!

-- You can fill out a free price quote for each vehicle you are cross-shopping.

-- Schedule your test drive appointments. Just think, you know longer have to suffer the indignity of walking into a dealership and either being ignored or descended upon like a piece of fresh meat.

-- The dealership will have the vehicle you are interested in ready and waiting [if they are pros, which many are nowadays, given the competition of the Internet.]

-- You will be doing 90% of the work that goes into buying a new vehicle from the convenience of your own computer -- how civilized is that!

Get your free dealer price quote today!

Current Auto Rebates -- What You Don't Know Could Cost You Thousands of Dollars

Want to see all the rebates on every make and model vehicle for sale in the United States?

Current Auto Rebates has just launched a valuable 13-page PDF report that is the first of its kind -- listing all rebates for all vehicles. What you don't know about current auto rebates could cost you thousands of dollars!

Aren't you tired of clicking through page after page on web sites to find the information you need? This report has everything you need in one convenient, easy-to-use package.

Check out CurrentAutoRebates.com and get your free PDF report today!

January 10, 2008

BMW Increases Global Sales by 9.2% in 2007

Munich -- The BMW Group continued its successful course last year, reaching its best sales levels for all three automobile brands. Worldwide, 1,500,678 vehicles were delivered to customers (prev.yr.: 1,373,970), which corresponds to a 9.2% growth in sales.

For the BMW brand, sales reached 1,276,793 vehicles, outstripping the previous year's level (1,185,088) by 7.7%. MINI also recorded a robust rise - in comparison with the previous year (188,077), the brand increased by 18.5% to 222,875 units sold to customers.

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December 11, 2007

Study: BMW Financial Services Ranks Highest in Luxury Lease Satisfaction

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. -- BMW Financial Services of North America, LLC (BMW FS) ranked highest in satisfaction with initial consumer leases for luxury nameplates in the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Consumer Financing Satisfaction Study released today.

The top ranking in this study marks the first time BMW Financial Services has received the highest ranking in this important segment and reflects a 47 index point increase that takes it from seventh to first place.

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December 8, 2007

BMW Group on track for global sales record in 2007

Munich -- The BMW Group is on track for a new record for sales for 2007 as a whole. Up to the end of November this year, 1,347,998 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand cars were delivered to customers.

Compared with the figures for the same period last year (1,244,778), this is an increase of 103,220 vehicles, or 8.3%. This means that, in the first eleven months of 2007, almost as many vehicles were delivered as in the whole of the previous year (2006 in total: 1,373,926). In November 2007, the company increased its car sales by 13.2% to 129,460 units (prev.yr.: 114,331).

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November 8, 2007

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October 29, 2007

Rolls-Royce Appoints U.S. Communication Mgr

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today announced that Karen Vonder Meulen will join the company as the new Corporate Communications Manager for North America. She will assume her position at Rolls-Royce in January 2008, replacing Bob Austin, who will retire from the company at the end of 2007.

Vonder Meulen brings more than 15 years of communications and media experience to Rolls-Royce. She joined BMW North America in 1998, where she is presently the Marketing, Events, Sports and Cultural Communications Manager.

In this role she has been responsible for media relations and communications strategy for a wide range of projects and initiatives, including the development of the company’s arts and culture program.

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Rolls-Royce confirms plant expansion

ROLLS-ROYCE CONFIRMS EXPANSION PLANS FOR GOODWOOD

The purpose-built, flexible nature of the manufacturing plant will allow expansion to take place within the existing footprint of the building.

The most visible change will be the addition of a second assembly line in 2008. The two lines will run simultaneously, one producing the existing Phantom models and the other building the new model series. A second working shift will be introduced in 2009.

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October 26, 2007

Volvo and Volkswagen Top Certified Pre-Owned List

LAS VEGAS -- IntelliChoice has announced the winners of its ninth annual ranking of certified pre-owned (CPO) manufacturer-sponsored programs.

Overall, Volvo beat out Cadillac for the best Luxury program—one year after Cadillac ended Jaguar’s long reign in the category—while Volkswagen was recognized for the fourth straight year for best Non-Luxury program. The rankings were unveiled at the 2008 National Remarketing Conference & Used Car Expo, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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October 23, 2007

Consumer Guide Announces 2008 Best Buys

LINCOLNWOOD, Ill. -- Consumer Guide Automotive, the leading publisher of authoritative, objective new and used car reviews for 40 years, today announced the recipients of its 2008 Best Buy and Recommended Awards.

The annual list, designed to make car buying easier for consumers, represents the best overall values in 18 categories and includes a total of 87 vehicles.

The editors then use objective criteria, such as price, features, performance, accommodations, fuel economy, reliability records and resale value, to assess each vehicle. The winners are divided into two categories: The Consumer Guide Automotive "Best Buy" and "Recommended" winners.

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October 9, 2007

Rolls-Royce Cranks at Full Production to Meet Demand

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced today that the manufacturing plant at Goodwood is working at full production to meet unprecedented customer demand. Additional shifts and extended working hours have been introduced and will continue throughout the remainder of the year.

This level of demand is reflected in the quarterly sales figures, also announced today. By the end of September 2007 the company had retailed 22 per cent more cars compared to the same period last year with demand for all models increasing. Forward orders for the four-door models stretch well into 2008 and for the new Phantom Drophead Coupé, extend right through next year.

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October 7, 2007

Rolls Royce to launch new aluminum coupe in 2008

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has confirmed that a series version of the two-door, four-seat experimental car, 101EX, will be launched in 2008. Production is scheduled to begin next summer. It will be hand-built at the company’s manufacturing plant in Goodwood, England.

This model will complete the Phantom family line-up alongside the Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase and Phantom Drophead Coupé.

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September 26, 2007

'Buy American' Desire Drives Many New Shoppers to Purchase Domestic Rather Than Import Nameplates

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Despite the fact that import vehicles make up nearly 49 percent of the U.S. auto market, the country of origin still plays a crucial role in consumer choice of which make and model to purchase, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Escaped Shopper Study released today. The study provides a comprehensive evaluation of why consumers may consider one model, but ultimately purchase another.

Nearly 80 percent of new-vehicle buyers limit their consideration set to include only domestic models or only import models. Among those who cross-shop for both import and domestic models, consumers who ultimately buy a domestic frequently do so because they simply decide they do not want an import. Buyers of domestic new-vehicles also frequently decide against import brands for financial reasons, most often citing that the import didn't offer aggressive rebates or other incentives.

Continue reading "'Buy American' Desire Drives Many New Shoppers to Purchase Domestic Rather Than Import Nameplates"

September 20, 2007

Rolls-Royce Motor Unveils Phantom Drophead Coupé in Middle East

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has today unveiled the new Phantom Drophead Coupé for the first time in the Middle East, presented by the company’s official importer in Qatar, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha.

This two-door, four-seater convertible combines the latest in light-weight engineering technology with the finest hand-crafted materials. It features several unique design options, like a stainless steel bonnet and teak decking – inspired by sailing yachts. Each car is individually built by highly skilled craftsmen and women at the company’s world headquarters in Goodwood, on the south coast of England.

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September 13, 2007

Jackie and Aristotle Onassis' Rolls-Royce on the block

ATLANTA -- The thrill and excitement are here again with Red Baron's Fall Auction. This time Red Baron will auction off Jackie and Aristotle Onassis' personal car.

Their custom-made 1952 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith is on the block, but only at Red Baron's Auction 75, October 13-14 in Atlanta, GA. Along with this incredible piece of regal history they will sell over 2,000 other magnificent lots to include a very important Tiffany Window, a real NASCAR Racecar, and a $10,000 "Binion" bill.

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August 25, 2007

Report: Auto Finance Providers Exploring Direct Lending Initiatives

WESTLAKE VILLAGE -- As competition in the auto finance market intensifies, many lenders are deploying full-spectrum strategies, which consists of lenders servicing both prime and sub-prime customers, to increase volume and market share and to improve service to their dealers, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Dealer Financing Satisfaction Study released today.

The study finds that many prime finance providers are making the transition to the sub-prime market, with 57 percent of dealers utilizing traditionally prime lenders for sub-prime customers. Conversely, only 33 percent of dealers report using traditional sub-prime lender services for their prime customers.

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August 18, 2007

Diana's 1996 Rolls acquired by auto museum

VOLO, Ill. -- From the Flying Lady on its hood to the double-R emblem on its trunk, the black, 1996 Spur exudes understated elegance -- the perfect conveyance for the 20th century's most luminous royal.

That's what Vernon Smith determined after he was contacted by the British Consulate in 1996 to arrange transportation for none other than Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Wales.

Princess Diana would spend three June days casting a spell on Chicago and Evanston. The black Rolls Royce with rich leather seats took her from airport to hotel, symposiums, hospital bedsides and an elegant benefit gala where she raised money for cancer research.

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August 10, 2007

Report: Buick and Lexus Brands Tie for Highest Vehicle Dependability

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Buick ties with Lexus to rank highest among nameplates in vehicle dependability -- marking the first time in 12 years that another brand ties with Lexus for the highest-rank position, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM) (VDS) released today.

The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of 3-year-old (2004 model year) vehicles, finds that Buick and Lexus tie for the top rank position with a score of 145 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Following in the top five rankings are Cadillac, Mercury and Honda, respectively.

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July 25, 2007

BMW wins design team of the year

Munich -- The exhibition dedicated to this year's winners of the red dot award hosted by the red dot design museum, which is situated on the grounds of Essen's World Cultural Heritage, the coal mine "Zeche Zollverein", was extended until 5 August, 2007.

At the centre of this presentation of outstanding product design are highly acclaimed design projects accomplished by the this year's winner of the title "Design Team of the Year" -- BMW Group.

The show in Essen, which has already been extended once before, demonstrates how BMW Group always succeeds in fascinating customers of the BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorcycle brand with the design of their vehicles while also convincing the automotive experts.

Continue reading "BMW wins design team of the year"

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