The BMW Management Board has decided to restructure BMW Motorsport’s activities and as a consequence will pull out from Formula One after the end of the 2009 season. The BMW Group announces in a press conference, July 29 that the resources freed up by this decision will be dedicated to the development of new drive technologies and projects in the field of sustainability. BMW has confirmed however, that it will continue to be actively involved in other motor sports series. Available video includes general views of the press conference

BMW Group is organizing driver trainings in Namibia, which enables anyone to test the BMW X5 in various situations across South West Africa on a 1,200 kilometre trip. Participants will not only drive, with the help of a roadbook and GPS, through canyons, dried river deltas and across steep mountain passes, but will also experience the African wildlife. Available video includes shots of the BMW X5 on the Adventure Trip in Namibia driving through deep sand, river banks, mountains and on gravel roads.

Cernobbio. The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2009 has produced a brilliant winner. An Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Berlinetta Touring claimed victory in the coveted Trofeo BMW Group, awarded by the Jury to the “best of show” at the Concorso. And it was not only the Jury who were won over by the 1938 Alfa – the two prizes awarded by public referendum, the traditionrich Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este and the Trofeo BMW Group Italia, also went to the car owned by American Jon Shirley. In the Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award for concept cars and prototypes, the public voted for the Aston Martin Lagonda One – 77.

BMW launches the new F 800 R. The bike features parallel twin engine with electronic fuel injection, which develops 87 horsepower from its 798 cubic centimetres, a 86 Newton-metres of torque and has a Akrapovic sport silencer retrofitted, its sound is every bit as impressive as its performance. The 320-millimetre Brembo double disk brake at the front ensures maximum stopping power, while optional BMW Motorrad ABS and TPC Tyre Pressure Control further enhance safety. The bike is also highly manoeuvrable, thanks in part to the lightweight aluminium in its rigid frame and dynamically styled double swing-arm, which helps keep its dry weight down to just 177 kilograms, Available footage includes riding scenes and beauty shots.

Munich. After the successful unveiling of the new MINI Convertible this spring, MINI dips its toe into the stylistic future of travel. Teaming up with renowned brands Airstream and Republic of Fritz Hansen(TM), the carmaker has embraced the theme of “mobile living” in developing an innovative design study with a down-by-the beach feel.

Dealer investments continue to show strong pace. Since 2000, dealers have invested $2.2 billion to prepare for future growth of BMW in the U.S.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 17, 2009… BMW dealer investment for the future continues, even in the current economic climate. “Investments from our BMW dealers are proof of confidence in the future success of the BMW brand in the US,” Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC, said. “Today, our network is one of the strongest in the country and we are all working closely together to extend our leading position in the future.”

British Secretary of State for Business, Peter Mandelson, and Geoff Hoon, the Bristish Secretary of State for Transport as well as Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing, announced their plans for a co-operation to build an infrastructure for electric cars during a press conference in Scotland. After the conference, they test drove the MINI E. Available video includes shots of the press conference, interviews and shots from the MINI E being driven by members

BMW of North America announced
today that all BMW models are now eligible for purchase of a Maintenance
Program Upgrade which extends BMW’s standard Maintenance Program period to
6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first (excludes ALPINA B7).

The BMW works will line up at the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife on 23rd/24th May 2009. This will also mark the debut of the BMW M3 GT4 at this legendary endurance race