Ayer te mostrábamos las imágenes del nuevo BMW Serie 5. Hoy te ofrecemos un video en el que podrás comprobar el vehículo por fuera y por dentro. Además, Adrian Van Hooydonk, Director de Diseño de BMW Group, expone su visión personal de la berlina.

El propulsor galardonado en la categoría de 1.8 y 2.0 litros ha sido el 2.0 TFSI de Audi. En la de 1.4 a 1.6 litros, el premio lo ha recibido el 1.6 del constructor galo.

Un jurado compuesto por 64 periodistas del motor de 30 países diferentes han elegido al reconocido propulsor de 2.0 TFSI de Audi como el “Motor Internacional del Año” en la categoría comprendida entre 1.8 y 2.0 litros.

Desarrolla potencias que van de los 170 a los 265 CV en el A3, S3, A4, A5, A6 y Q5. En el TTS Coupé entrega 272 CV, acelerando así de 0 a 100 km/h en tan sólo 5,2 segundos.

Más de 1.3 millones de vehículos montan este propulsor.

En la escala de motores entre 1.4 y 1.6 litros, el 1.6 litros Turbo de inyección directa de Peugeot ha sido el elegido como “Motor Internacional del Año”. Este bloque de cuatro cilindros diseñado por PSA Peugeot Citroën y BMW Group lo acoplan el 207 de 175 CV y el 308 THP, también de 175 CV.

MINI ha creado un concesionario para tu móvil desde el que podrás adquirir un MINI Cabrio. Selecciona el color, la tapicería y el equipamiento y compra tu descapotable sin moverte del sillón.

La marca inglesa quiere facilitar las cosas a sus clientes. Para ello ha creado un concesionario virtual (www.minicabrio.mobi) al que podrás acceder desde el teléfono móvil y configurar así tu MINI Cabrio. De esta forma, todo el proceso es mucho más sencillo. Configuras tu descapotable, lo pagas por teléfono (puedes realizar el pago íntegro o una reserva de 1.000 € a través del teléfono en 18 bancos diferentes), enseñas el mensaje multimedia en el concesionario elegido y te llevas tu coche a casa.

Además, MINI premia a los usuarios que reserven su coche a través del móvil, entregándole las primeras unidades matriculadas en España. También se realizará un sorteo que permite conseguir un coche a mitad de precio a todas las personas que accedan al portal y se registren.

2009 Mini Cooper – 50 Years of Production at Plant Oxford

Austin MINI 1959 - United Kingdom

50 Years of MINI production at Plant Oxford Fifty years ago today, the first Mini rolled off the production line at Cowley, now called Plant Oxford. For the first time in half a century that very car is returning to its birthplace for a celebration of 50 years of production. The Mini Minor, finished in Old English White and carrying the registration number 621 AOK, is at Plant Oxford for the day to mark its birthday in style. Plant Oxford built 602,817 Minis from 1959 to 1968, before production was moved to Longbridge.

Since 2001 more than 1.4 million new MINIs have been built at the production facility and in total, more than six million classic and new MINIs have been sold since the car first went on sale in 1959. BMW Group member of the Board of Management for Production, Frank-Peter Arndt, was at Oxford today to celebrate with the Plant. Arndt said: “Anniversaries are always a wonderful opportunity to look back at the past. But on days like today, it’s also good to look to the future. Therefore, our objective is absolutely clear: We are going to continue the success story of MINI and continue to strengthen it. “Where is MINI going? Where will it be in 10, 20 or even another 50 years’ time? Perhaps it’s rather ambitious to look that far ahead, but one thing is certain, MINI is a brand not only with a great tradition, but also a fantastic future.” Dr Jürgen Hedrich, Plant Oxford’s managing director, said: “Little did anyone know just how popular Sir Alec Issigonis’s car for the people would be – or that half a century later it would be reborn as the MINI and once again be built in Oxford. “This is a momentous day in the plant and car’s history. Everyone at the plant is proud to be part of both the heritage and the future of this car.” In the same week as this milestone anniversary, independent publishing house Faber and Faber is launching a book dedicated to the incredible story of MINI.

“MINI: The True and Secret History of the Making of a Motorcar”* is authored by Simon Garfield, who uncovers a fascinating story of British endeavour, ingenuity and masterful marketing by meeting the people behind the scenes. The book is on sale now priced at £17.99. Thousands of visitors from across the globe will also be celebrating MINI’s 50th birthday at MINI United, which is being staged at Silverstone from 22-24 May.

Do you like Hot Dogs? - The Oscar Myer MINI Wiener Mobil

The festival welcomes MINI owners and non-owners, and the stunning entertainment line-up is sure to attract visitors from right around the world. Paul Weller, Calvin Harris and Twisted Wheel are the entertainment highlights and tickets are priced at just £35 for the full festival weekend. Children under 14 are admitted free. Tickets and further information can be found at www.miniunited.com

Source: Motorcities.com

VJ…MINI of South Atlanta

Tysk ekonomi baseras på exporten
Tyskarna besitter den största ekonomin i Europa där exporten spelar en viktig roll, speciellt inom tillverkningsindustrin. Av de fem  företagen som omsatte mest pengar 2004 är tre av dem inom bilbranschen: Daimler AG, Volskwagen AG och BMW Group (wikipedia). Näringslivsminister Michael Glos har beräknat att vart sjätte jobb är kopplat till bilindustrin(länk).

Bilindustri extremt viktig
Om de tyska bil- företagen kommer att följa samma öde som SAAB eller GM håller på att råka ut för,alltså konkurs, innebär det att den starka tyska ekonomin kommer istället kunna liknas vid den lettiska.  Självklart vet den sittande regeringen med förbunskansler Angela Merkel i spetsen om det här, och för att råda bot på problemet måste de handla illa kvikt.

 Är hjälpen tillräcklig?
Den tyska regeringen i Berlin har lagt fram ett stimulanspaket på 12 miljarder euro för att ge ekonomin en skjuts och speciellt rädda jobben inom bilindustrin. Frågan är om detta är tillräckligt. Oppositionen samt några sittande politiker menar i alla fall att det inte är det.(länk)

Befrielse från fordonsskatten
En del av pengarna ska gå till att befria tyskarna ifrån fordonskatten under kommande två år för att få fart på användingen av bilar. Enligt mig en lika dum och kortsiktig lösning som skrotpremien som jag nämnt i tidigare inlägg.

Matthias Wissmann, president för bilindustriföreningen VDA, har kommit på en bättre lösning(länk1,länk2. Han vill att bilskatten ska baseras på koldioxidutsläppen och bilar med utsläpp under 110 eller 120g/km slipper skatt.  Enligt beräkningar kommer man kunna spara fler hundra euro om året på att byta bil och för dem med låga löner kommer det vara en “morot” att skaffa ny bil. Enligt mig är detta en mycket smart skatt i finanskrisens tider då det får konsumenter med lite pengar att ändå vilja konsumera. Då konsumtionen inte minskar behöver man inte varsla anställda vilket stabiliserar ekonomin. 

 Som sagt ett mycket bra lagförslag ifrån Wissmann, inte undra på att hans ord väger tungt i Tyskland. Jag tycker Merkel och hennes koalitonsregering borde lyssna mer på honom innan dem kommer ut med mer förslag som skrotpremien och befrielse från fordonskatten, då kommer dem spara mycket tid på att få igång ekonomin.

Tack för mig

/Robert

BMW has officially brand new 760i and 760Li models which are powered by a newly developed 6.0 liter twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 400 kW (544 hp) and 750 Nm of torque. The cars will make their world debut at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show in China in April.

The new all-aluminum 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 was planned from the ground up and skin the hottest technology such as high precision fuel booster, endless lookalike-VANOS camshaft adjustment, and an amount gush-controlled oil pump. BMW went to great strip specifically to devise the two exhaust gas turbochargers so they would supply unparalleled warrant and performance admirable of the wealthy owners who typically herd to this high-end archetype. Despite the reality that the car boasts more potential than its predecessor, the new 760i actually skin a 4.5 percent grow in fuel reduction for an estimated rating of 12.9L/100km (21.9mpg UK / 18.2mpg US). In the provisos of performance, 0-100 km/h comes in just 4.6 seconds while the top swiftness is narrow to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Read more (details + photos)!!

Power flows to the rear wheels through a newly urban eight-momentum repeated transmission that was designed to bestow uppermost pedals comfort, sportiness and efficiency. By partnering with transmission specialist ZF, BMW was able to find a way to permit the car to use its highest gear at compact engine speeds for superior fuel economy and smoothness.

Exterior styling differences between the BMW 760i and 750i are junior but enter the addition of V12 badges, slightly revised fencing, sole 19-creep light-alloy wheels, and elite dual exhaust tips. Interior changes compose new stainless-steel door guards with illumination, a leather wrapped instrument panel, an alcantara lined roof, and total drawl walnut forest natty.

As BMW’s flagship example, the new 760’s assertion a high demolish of performance powerful apparatus such as dynamic damping hegemony, dynamic powerful inspect, haste precision steering, an air suspension, and the dynamic thrust anti-tube stability routine. Luxury skin contained GPS navigation, four-zone climate inspect, automated supple close doors, cruise limit with natural braking, and park aloofness restraint. On the options tilt there is active cruise running, a night foresight routine with pedestrian detection, a heads-up display, a rearview camera, and high-beam associate.

BMW Group Slovenija tudi letos organizira dogodek BMW xDrive Tour, kjer imajo udeleženci meseca novembra pri pooblaščenih trgovcih vozil BMW po Sloveniji možnost ekskluzivnega testiranja najbolj inteligentnega štirikolesnega pogona na svetu, BMW xDrive in ostalih inovacij BMW.

Udeleženci bodo lahko na dogodkih sami preizkusili modele s sistemom BMW xDrive, BMW serije 3, BMW serije 5, BMW X3, BMW X5 in prvi Sports Activity Coupe na svetu, BMW X6. Na dogodku udeleženci vozila preizkušajo na posebnem poligonu in na off-road izletu. Udeleženci bodo imeli možnost, da se zapeljejo po enem izmed testnih poligonov, ki bo simuliral različne vozne razmere.

Datumi novembrskih dogodkov BMW xDrive Tour 2008 po Sloveniji:
5. in 6. – Maribor
8. in 9. – Celje
14. in 15. – Kranj
18. in 19. – Ljubljana
21. in 22. – Novo Mesto
25. in 26. – Nova Gorica
28. in 29. – Koper

Na dogodku bodo udeleženci preizkusili edini sistem 4×4, ki lahko dobesedno občuti podlago cestišča. Sistem neprestano nadzoruje specifične vozne razmere in se nemudoma odzove na spreminjajočo podlago cestišča. V delčku sekunde se pogonska moč prerazporedi na premo, kjer je ta najbolj potrebna. Na ta način zagotovi sistem štirikolesnega pogona BMW xDrive na vsakem cestišču, vsaki površini in v vseh voznih razmerah edinstveno vlečno silo, optimalno lego vozila, brezhibno varnost in vrhunsko zmogljivost.

Za doživetje dogodka BMW XDrive Tour 2008 se interesenti lahko prijavijo pri najbližjem lokalnem pooblaščenem trgovcu BMW vozil. Vsem, ki se želijo pridružiti temu neponovljivemu dogodku pri BMW Group Slovenija priporočajo, da se prijavijo v najkrajšem možnem času, saj je število udeležencev omejeno.

Več informacij o dogodkih BMW xDrive in prijave na www.bmw.si.

Ich stehe ja auf (nutzlose) Gimmicks und Spielereien. Beim QR-Code-Generator (QR = Quick Response) der Firma Kaywa weiß ich aber nicht einmal, ob das wirklich nur “Spielerei” ist. Neben der Tatsache, dass ich die Idee, eigene Texte, SMS, Bilder oder auch URLs sehr lustig finde, könnte das ganze sogar praktischen Nutzen haben. Zum Beispiel als romantisch-verklausulierte (Liebes)Botschaft an die/den Angebetete/n.

Ich habe das Ganze natürlich sofort einmal ausprobiert …

Nun ja, jedenfalls sei jedem diese Seite empfohlen, zumal der Dienst kostenfrei ist. Wer jetzt noch auf der Suche nach einer Dekodiermöglichkeit ist, kann sich Stefan Hafenegers iPhone/iPod touch App “Barcode” ebenfalls gratis aus dem App-Store holen.

Übirgens: Echte “Mehrwert-QR-Codes” bieten einige Print-Anzeigen der Premiummarke MINI der BMW Group. Neben einem Techniklexikon und Verbrauchsangaben bekommt der Nutzer auch nette Wallpaper, Klingeltöne oder ganze TV-Spots auf das Handy geladen.

(Quelle: PressClub der BMW Group)

(image from  )

• Why should we care? Evidence here: Annual Report to Shareholders, 2007
• Creative networking environment: Facilities Design
• “Flexible” working hours: BMW Leipzig work time models
• Sustainable value: Report
• Globalized production: A flexible, efficient, innovative network

Press Release

BMW GROUP DESIGNWORKSUSA DESIGNS INNOVATIVE PREMIUM HOME SPEAKER FOR THE LEGENDARY KLIPSCH® BRAND

04/21/2008 

Los Angeles – Acoustics and aesthetics blend harmoniously in the new premium Klipsch® Palladium P-3(TM) 9F floorstanding speaker designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA. This collaboration resulted in a compelling design and enhanced concert-quality sound for the company”s flagship speaker series, and audio industry authorities have seen and heard the difference.

Earlier this year, the innovative P-39F garnered a top-ten spot on Germany’s Audio magazine ranking of speaker reviews in recent years. Also, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) TechHome Division recognized the speaker as one of three finalists for the 2008 Mark of Excellence Awards in the “Best Speaker – Floorstanding Speaker” category.

Very few speaker companies have been around as long as Klipsch. For over 60 years, the company has developed premium sound solutions that create the most engaging, emotional and dynamic entertainment experiences. From state-of-the-art home theater systems to audiophile-quality architectural speakers and from compact iPod® speakers to massive professional cinema systems, Klipsch has a product for every lifestyle, application and budget.

“Building on the company’s legacy of audio innovation and trends in furniture design, we created a resonant design theme for the new premium speaker inspired by classic audio and contemporary furniture,” said Verena Kloos, BMW Group DesignworksUSA President. “The theme naturally links contemporary lifestyle aspirations with the essence of Klipsch’s brand values and core technology.”

Finished in a horizontal zebra-grain veneer, the cabinet stands nearly five-feet high and reflects the sophisticated audio technology it encases. Its striking curved form, influenced by the catenaries curve of Physics, intrinsically lends structural and visual benefits and optimizes the aural experience.

The new speaker design also celebrates Klipsch’s hallmark horn-loaded technology, which delivers high-efficiency sound with low distortion, controlled directivity, flat frequency response and wide dynamic range. Showcasing it in a package befitting of a modern lounge or home theater, the metallic horn is recessed into the top of each cabinet in a jewel-like setting. Meanwhile, the low frequency drivers are modestly concealed below, and the speaker appears to float on a brushed aluminum base.

The elegant mix of materials, rich color-stained zebra-grain veneers with high-luster metal finishes, echoes trends in contemporary home furniture design, compliments a wide range of home décor and imparts a distinctly premium Klipsch presence. The Palladium™ P-39F, priced at around $15,000 per pair, will begin shipping to U.S. specialty retail outlets this summer. For more information, visit: www.klipsch.com/palladium.

About Klipsch

Established in 1946, Klipsch-a wholly owned brand of Klipsch Group, Inc.-is a leading global manufacturer of high-performance loudspeakers and other audio products for the consumer and professional markets. Through proprietary horn-loaded technology, Klipsch is committed to developing loudspeakers that create the most engaging, emotional, and dynamic entertainment experiences. A family tradition, chairman and CEO Fred S. Klipsch and his wife, Judy, purchased the company from founder and cousin Paul W. Klipsch in 1989. Based in Indianapolis, Ind., the company’s headquarters is home to one of the most advanced professional audio research facilities in the world. For more information, visit klipsch.com.

About BMW Group DesignworksUSA

With offices in Los Angeles, Singapore and Munich, BMW Group DesignworksUSA is a subsidiary of BMW Group with diverse and cross-functional expertise in the fields of design strategy, design research, brand communications, color and materials, product development, 3D modeling, and engineering. Beyond its automotive design work for BMW Group, the design consultancy is commissioned by a large number of leading companies working in the transportation, consumer electronics, medical, consumer packaged goods, and lifestyle industries. More information can be found at: www.designworksusa.com

BMW Launches New Website
PRNewswire

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Dec. 19 /PRNewswire/ — With an eye toward enhancing its relationship with owners and potential buyers, BMW of North America today launched a new re-design of its website — BMWUSA.com. Using collected (artificial) intelligence technology, BMWUSA.com will continually personalize the user experience for each consumer.

Featuring extensive CGI capabilities offering more than 130 million options for users to configure a BMW, an efficient interface for sharing and saving videos, and future integration with several other BMW service areas such as BMW Assist and Financial Services — the new BMWUSA.com offers a one- click-shop that will aim to provide BMW owners (and prospective owners) a seamlessly integrated and individualized online experience.

“Our relationship with our customers is of the ultimate importance to us here at BMW. Our new website is a reflection of that,” said Jack Pitney, Vice President of Marketing, BMW of North America. “Today, a website can’t just be a static, generic round-up of information. We know that to be valued by our customers — and our potential customers — we need to work hard to provide them the information they want and need, and nothing that they don’t.”

For example, AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) technology will increase the site’s interactivity, speed, functionality and usability.

The re-designed website will also feature content ratings that consumers will use to leave their mark on the site, be heard, and in doing so, assist other site visitors and current or prospective BMW owners. These ratings will help BMW develop a vibrant online community among BMW enthusiasts.

“We approached this not as the re-design of a website, but rather as a full, 360-degree look at how BMW manages its relationship with its customers and potential customers,” said Steve Thibodeau, President and Chief Relationship Marketing Officer, dotglu. “We know that for half of the buyers online, the website will be the first direct interaction they will have with BMW. We had to make sure that this interaction was as performance-driven as the cars themselves.”

Throughout 2008, BMWUSA.com will be expanding profile management capabilities, building site-customized communication based on five user personas. Such personas will be activated by a collected (artificial) intelligence technology that will enhance and personalize the user experience.

Later in 2008, visitors will be empowered to enjoy a deeper level of interaction with dealers and garner information about dealer-installed accessories more easily than ever before. Every content feature of the new site will be available with one-click access, including user configurations, ratings, maps, videos and car maintenance tools.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

CONTACT: Kris Sharbaugh, for BMW of North America, LLC, +1-212-843-8022, ksharbaugh@rubenstein.com

Web site: http://www.bmwgroupna.com/ http://www.bmwusa.com/ http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/ http://www.miniusa.com/ http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/