BMW wins three awards in J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study
J.D. Power and Associates has released its 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, and BMW has emerged victorious in three individual vehicle segments. The APEAL survey ?measures owner delight with the design, content, layout and performance? of new vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership, according to J.D. Power. Over 91,000 buyers and lessees were interviewed between February and May of 2007, and the results determined this year?s rankings.
The three BMW models recognized as winners include the 3 Series (Entry Premium Car), 6 Series (Premium Sporty Car) and X5 (Midsize Premium Multi-Activity Vehicle). Furthermore, BMW ranked second out of 35 manufacturers in overall brand satisfaction.
Source: J.D. Power and Associates
BMW plans new online ad approach for second-generation X5 SUV
As a means of targeting a select group of avid BMW fans, the German automaker will employ several online marketing techniques in publicizing the second-generation X5 SUV that debuts for the 2007 model year. Tom Stepanchak, a manager in BMW?s marketing department, indicated that mediums such as Internet blogs and Webcasts will be used in addition to traditional media.
Stepanchak was responsible for BMW?s successful film series The Hire, a 2001 Internet collection of eight films led by prominent movie directors highlighting the capabilities of several BMW models. Eventually, the series was released in limited quantities on DVD, with customers ordering from BMW North America only required to pay shipping charges. Copies of the discontinued DVD are often highly sought after today.
The new strategy aims at web users who embrace blogs, the online encyclopedia Wikipedia and the video resource YouTube. According to BMW, over 50 percent of first-generation X5 buyers were new to the brand, indicating the substantial benefit that a successful marketing campaign could achieve.
Source: Automotive News [Subscription required]
Image: BMW press
50-state legal BMW diesel engines headed to United States
Although specifications have not yet been released, BMW has announced that the company will bring diesel engines to the United States marketplace in 2008. Meeting the Environmental Protection Agency?s tough Tier 2 Bin 5 requirements, these powerplants will be available to BMW customers in all 50 states.
BMW sees the expansion of its diesel program in the U.S. as ?another step in its strategy for profitable and sustainable growth.? Currently the United States is the manufacturer?s strongest market, so adding diesel variants throughout the lineup will bolster BMW?s position as a leader in clean and efficient engine development.
In the past, BMW diesel engines have been recognized for combining dynamic performance, smooth operation, low fuel consumption and advanced technology into a package delivering a driving experience without the traditional diesel drawbacks. BMW promises the new compression engines will enliven its vehicles as sporty, efficient and clean alternatives to gasoline-burners.
Source: BMW press via Green Car Congress
Image: BMW press
BMW begins building flagship Hydrogen 7 sedan
Initially planned for a manufacturing run of just 100 units, BMW?s Hydrogen 7 entered production yesterday. Based on the BMW 7-series model, the world?s first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan will officially appear publicly at the Los Angeles Motor Show, beginning November 28. Next year, ?selected users? will receive the hydrogen-burning car capable of 0-62 mph acceleration in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph (electronically limited).
A 12-cylinder internal combustion engine burning either gasoline or liquid hydrogen yields 260 horsepower regardless of which fuel it utilized. A steering wheel mounted button allows the switch between hydrogen and gas, and BMW claims a range of 125 miles on H2 and another 300 via gasoline. Priority is given automatically to hydrogen, although the system switches seamlessly when the alternative fuel is depleted. According to the company, no performance difference can be perceived in either mode.
Source: BMW press via AutoblogGreen
Image: BMW
BMW will offer six-speed manual transmission in 2007 M5 sedan
BMW released details on the 2007 BMW M5 sedan this week, and part of the specification chart includes information on a conventional six-speed manual transmission. For the 2006 model year the M5 employed only the clutchless seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG), but strong customer demand in North America for a three-pedal setup prompted BMW to fit a manual gearbox.
A no-cost option, the six-speed manual give the 2007 BMW M5 a truly sporty character that engages the driver more than the SMG transmission, at least according to some people. Due to the Sequential Manual Gearbox?s speed and efficiency, the conventional transmission is not likely to make the 500-horsepower M5 any faster off the line, but will certainly increase satisfaction of those customers who value true double-clutch downshifting.
Source and image: BMW press
BMW not buying Aston Martin, says company CEO
A lot of speculation has surrounded the sale of Aston Martin, the historical English brand now owned by Ford Motor Company. Some auto analysts have considered BMW a potential buyer, but Norbert Reithofer, BMW?s Chief Executive Officer, has announced the German carmaker has no intention of acquiring Aston Martin. "We are a focused company and we want to stay a focused company. We're not interested," he said during a conference call.
Aston Martin has struggled financially for decades but posted a profit in 2005, the first in 40 years. Ford announced it would sell Aston Martin back in August as a means of raising capital, even though all of its investment during Ford?s 12 years of full ownership is beginning to pay off. This may be a smart move for Ford, however, as the company has finally proven Aston Martin can be profitable and is thus worth more.
BMW has traditionally embraced British marques, one of the reasons for the speculation that the company would pursue AM. Currently BMW ownes MINI and Rolls-Royce and in the past held Land Rover, which it eventually sold to Ford.
Source: Detroit News
Image: Aston Martin media [DB9 Volante pictured]
