BMW Has Maxi Expectations for Its Next, Slightly Larger Mini Cooper October 11, 2006
BMW is hoping the new Mini?s 372 different interior options and 319 exterior options, like wide racing stripes on the hood, will help the brand keep its buzz. OXFORD, England ? At first glance down the assembly line at BMW?s plant here, it?s almost impossible to tell the new Minis from the newer Minis. Even the workers have to glance at television screens, which show each car in every color. On a recent Saturday, a black Mini Cooper S was followed by a red convertible and finally by a bright ochre Mini that was the latest version for 2007. Only …
Behind the Wheel | 2007 BMW 328i and 335i: A Lot More Firepower for BMW?s 6-Shooter October 6, 2006
For 2007, BMW has brought out new fifth-generation coupes, the BMW 328i and 335i, cheering enthusiasts who haven?t seen a new two-door 3 Series since 1999. IT has been nearly 30 years since two debuts, of an engine and a car, ushered in the modern era of BMW. At the 1977 Frankfurt Motor Show, the company displayed a new version of its highly respected in-line 6-cylinder engine. That was also the year when BMW began importing its 3 Series coupe to America. At that point, the first 3 Series car, the 320, had been on sale in Europe for nearly …
Behind the Wheel | 2007 BMW 328i and 335i: A Lot More Firepower for BMW?s 6-Shooter September 30, 2006
For 2007, BMW has brought out new fifth-generation coupes, the BMW 328i and 335i, cheering enthusiasts who haven?t seen a new two-door 3 Series since 1999. IT has been nearly 30 years since two debuts, of an engine and a car, ushered in the modern era of BMW. At the 1977 Frankfurt Motor Show, the company displayed a new version of its highly respected in-line 6-cylinder engine. That was also the year when BMW began importing its 3 Series coupe to America. At that point, the first 3 Series car, the 320, had been on sale in Europe for nearly …
BMW?s Custom-Made University August 29, 2006
BMW?s $10 million gift to Clemson University in 2002 has led to some unusual privileges for the German automaker. CLEMSON, S.C. ? When Clemson University received $10 million from the German automaker BMW in 2002, the money helped jump-start a $1.5 billion automotive research and educational center. It also led to a partnership that both the automaker and the university acknowledge has grown extraordinarily close. In return for the largest cash donation ever received by the school, Clemson gave the company some unusual privileges, including a hand in developing a course of study. Clemson?s president drives a silver BMW X5 …
BMW achieves record Q1 earnings May 5, 2006
German car maker BMW has achieved record quarterly earnings, reaching a net income of $1.2 billion, a rise of 80% on the previous year. BMW said the number of cars sold in the first three months also represented a new high, leading the company to predict a very good year for 2006. The total number of BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce brand cars sold increased by 13.9% to 332,923 units from 2005. “We are well on our way to achieving our target of a group profit before tax of E4 billion,” said Helmut Panke, the chairman of BMW. “We also …
BMW develops iPod interface for next generation models April 12, 2006
The march of the iPod continues, with BMW announcing that is next generation models will feature an iPod interface, allowing drivers to integrate iPod functionality into their car’s music system. Read more
BMW targets record $4.8 billion pretax profit in 2006 March 15, 2006
MUNICH (Reuters) — BMW expects record earnings this year due to an easing burden from raw material costs and currency movements as well as one-off gains from the sale of Rolls-Royce Plc shares. Read more
BMW Group profit slips in 2005 March 13, 2006
Despite reporting a decline in full-year profit, the BMW Group has maintained that 2005 was a “strong and successful” year, and one which saw the company achieve its previously communicated targets. Read more