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Tag: BMW

  • New Generation BMW Z4 Launched In India

    New Generation BMW Z4 Launched In India

    Having teased its new convertible weeks ago, BMW India has finally launched the much awaited new-generation Z4 Roadster in the country. Prices for the 2019 BMW Z4 Roadster start at ₹ 64.90 lakh for the sDrive20i variant, while the M40i is priced at ₹ 78.90 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom India). The all-new offering bring back the Z4 nameplate to India and has been developed in collaboration with Toyota. In fact, the new Z4 shares its engine with the all-new Toyota Supra that was revealed last year. The BMW convertible comes as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) and bookings are open at the automaker’s dealerships pan India.

    Speaking on the launch of the new Z4 Roadster, BMW Group India President (act.), Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels said, “BMW has a rich history of roadsters that have stood out as icons of pure driving pleasure. The all-new BMW Z4 Roadster is our brand-new addition to BMW’s long history of engrossing roadsters. With dynamic proportions, emotional design and thrilling sportiness, this open-top two-seater takes the classic roadster into the world of tomorrow. When the roof opens, there are no limits to driving pleasure in the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster.”

    The all-new BMW Z4 Roadster gets an evolutionary styling over the previous generation model, and is actually similar to the Z4 concept that was showcased a couple of years ago. The model gets the wide kidney grille up front that grabs all the attention, while the headlamps get the smoked finish and the LED treatment.  The bumper gets larger air intakes with the fog lamps neatly integrated in the design. The convertible rides on 18-inch or 19-inch alloys, while the rear gets wraparound LED taillights that look sharp with the gloss black finished bumper and twin exhaust tips. The new Z4 looks aggressive and certainly proper eye candy that will grab a lot of attention on the road. BMW says the new Z4 Roadster can be further spruced up visually with the Sport Line or M Sport Package on the sDrive20i that add a sportier appearance to the convertible.

    The new BMW Z4 Roadster is available in two engine variants. The Z4 sDrive20i uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol motor that churns out 194 bhp and 320 Nm of peak torque. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 6.6 seconds. The more powerful and feature loaded Z4 M40i is powered by the 3.0-litre petrol motor tuned for 335 bhp and 500 Nm of peak torque. The M40i can sprint from 0-100 kmph in just 4.5 seconds. Both engines are paired with the 8-speed Steptronic Sport Transmission. Like all BMW models, the Z4 Roadster too gets 50:50 weight distribution for optimum drive with power sent only to the rear wheels.

    The cabin on the new Z4 Roadster is a familiar affair sharing the design with other BMW models. The massive 10.3-inch multimedia display takes prominence in the centre, while a 12.3-inch digital display replaces the conventional instrument console. The two-door also comes with two-zone climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, ambient lighting and more. The M40i also gets a 364 watt Harman Kardon system and a Head Up Display (HUD).

    On the safety front, the Z4 Roadster is loaded with pedestrian detection, emergency braking, rear collision warning, lane departure warning and cross traffic alert. The convertible also gets an auto parking feature and adaptive cruise control.

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  • 2020 Karma Revero Gets BMW’s TwinPower Turbo Engine

    2020 Karma Revero Gets BMW’s TwinPower Turbo Engine

    Karma Automotive is all set to reveal its all new 2020 Revero luxury electric vehicle at Auto Shanghai 2019 and while there’s one teaser out yet, we didn’t know what the car will be powered by. The company announced that the 2020 Revero will use a BMW TwinPower turbo three-cylinder in-line engine supplied by BMW AG to power an on-board electric generator. BMW AG started working with Karma in 2015 to help develop the onboard generator systems used in the company’s new Revero.

    Karma’s engineering team embarked on a complete redesign of the all-electric powertrain that underpins the new 2020 Revero. After extensive evaluation the team selected the highly-charged BMW engine as the optimal choice to support a new and more powerful high-voltage NMC lithium-ion battery pack and a new, transversely mounted, twin-motor rear drive module (RDM).

    Thanks to this engine the performance of the Revero will be improved too and the car will be able to go from 0-96 kmph in just 4.5 seconds which is a second faster than the model it replaced. The 2020 Revero, along with Karma’s Pininfarina-designed concept car and its all-electric Vision concept car, will form the automaker’s product announcement at Auto Shanghai 2019.

    Bob Kruse, Karma’s Chief Technology Officer said, “BMW AG is a natural fit for Karma’s luxury-tech focus because it is a proven technology leader renowned for conceiving and delivering ground-breaking innovations.”

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  • European Union Says BMW, Daimler, VW Colluded To Limit Emissions Technology

    European Union Says BMW, Daimler, VW Colluded To Limit Emissions Technology

    European Union authorities said Friday that German automakers BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen colluded to limit the development of emissions-cleaning technology in cars. The finding adds to the car industry’s woes after Volkswagen in 2015 admitted to cheating on emissions tests in the U.S., which led to a worldwide reevaluation of how cars are tested and how to limit emissions to make air cleaner and fight climate change.

    The EU antitrust regulator said that after an in-depth investigation, it found that BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen, including its Audi and Porsche units, broke EU laws from 2006 to 2014 by illegally agreeing among themselves to limit the roll-out of the technology. The technology helps eliminate nitrogen oxides, which can be harmful to human health, from both gasoline and diesel passenger cars.

    The alleged actions could have limited Europeans’ opportunities to buy less polluting cars, but would not have affected price, the EU said. It did not explain how the companies might have profited.

    The probe is separate from other legal procedures against carmakers for allegedly breaching environmental laws or using illegal software in car engines. EU authorities raided the offices of the three companies in October 2017 and opened their investigation on this case in September last year.

    BMW said discussions among engineers were meant to improve exhaust gas technologies and that the whole industry was aware of these talks. It said they did not involve any secret agreements or intend to hurt customers.

    Daimler said it was cooperating with the EU and does not expect to receive a fine. Volkswagen said it was also cooperating and would issue a statement once it has reviewed the EU investigation. The EU noted that its preliminary findings do not prejudge the final outcome of the investigation.

    The case comes after Volkswagen admitted four year ago to using software in diesel car engines to cheat on U.S. emissions tests. It has set aside some 27.4 billion euros ($32 billion) for fines, settlements, recalls and buybacks. Former CEO Martin Winterkorn was criminally charged by U.S. authorities but cannot be extradited; Audi’s division head was jailed.

    Renewed scrutiny of diesel emissions revealed that cars from other automakers also showed higher diesel emissions in everyday driving than during testing, thanks in part to regulatory loopholes that let automakers turn down the emissions controls to avoid engine damage under certain conditions. The EU subsequently tightened its testing procedures.

    Anti-trust fines can be steep. In 2016 and 2017 the EU Commission imposed a fine of 3.8 billion euros after it found that six truck makers had colluded on pricing, the timing of introduction of emissions technologies and the passing on of costs for emissions compliance to customers.

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  • BMW Group India Shows Strong Growth Sales

    BMW Group India Shows Strong Growth Sales

    BMW Group India has registered the highest-ever Q1 sales. All three brands – BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad – helped in achieving this strong growth in sales. In Q1 2019, BMW Group India delivered 2982 cars (BMW + MINI) registering a growth of 19 per cent as compared to Q1 2018. BMW India sold 2822 cars, clocking a notable growth of 19 per cent. MINI India led the niche small-premium car segment with sales of 160 cars and a growth of 18 per cent. BMW Motorrad India posted a remarkable growth with sales of 597 units.

    The BMW 5 Series and the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo have contributed strongly to the growth story. BMW also saw significant contribution coming from the locally-produced X range with introduction of the all-new BMW X4 Sports Activity Coupe that created a novel segment in the luxury car market and generated new demand. The locally-produced Mini Countryman together commanded a share of over 80 per cent in Mini sales. The sub-500 cc offerings of BMW Motorrad – BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS got the lions share with over 80 per cent sales. The recently launched BMW R 1250 GS and BMW R 1250 GS Adventure have also created high demand among motorcycling enthusiasts.

    Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (Act.), BMW Group India, said, “BMW Group India will continue its unwavering focus on maximizing performance, bringing best-in-class products to the Indian market and exceeding expectations on each and every service that is offered. We are confident that the growth strategy for BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad will yield even higher results in the coming months and we will continue to grow the luxury vehicle market in India.”

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  • BMW F 850 RS Patented In Brazil

    BMW F 850 RS Patented In Brazil

    BMW Motorrad has applied for a patent for the F 850 RS in Brazil with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INP). Yes! It spawns from the company’s F 850 GS motorcycle but while the GS is an off-road biased model, the F 850 RS will be a tarmac loving sport-touring machine, somewhat similar to the BMW S 1000 XR. The F 850 RS began life as the stunning 9Cento concept which was showcased in May 2018 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy which had a rather sexy, head-turning design. In fact, the production version of the 9Cento concept was spied testing sometime in November 2018 and then, it was rumoured to be called the F 850 GT, but a leaked dealer brochure confirmed the name of the new motorcycle as the F 850 ₹

    The patent image shows that the overall look and design of the F 850 RS will be quite similar to the 9Cento concept. And the engine on the F 850 RS will be the same as the one on the F 850 GS, which is a 853 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled motor making 93 bhp of max power and 92 Nm of peak torque while being paired to a six-speed gearbox. Expect the engine to be tuned differently for on-road touring. Also, the RS could be wearing thicker on-road rubber with alloys instead of spoked rims and dual-purpose tyres that the F 850 GS is shod with. We expect the BMW F 850 RS to be unveiled at the 2019 EICMA Motorcycle Show in November this year. Once it is internationally launched, we expect BMW Motorrad to eventually bring the F 850 RS to India sometime later in 2020 as well.

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  • 2019 BMW Z4 Teased Ahead Of Its India Launch

    2019 BMW Z4 Teased Ahead Of Its India Launch

    The all-new third-generation BMW Z4 was revealed globally last year and is one of the 12 new models which BMW has planned to launch in India this year. The new Z4 has also been spied before in India and the new teaser reaffirms it being one of the models in the pipeline. BMW India took to Twitter and Instagram to tease the third-generation Z4 and has hinted about its launch which could be sooner than you can guess and the company is planning to unfold it today.

    The test mule which underwent the homologation process was the Z4 M40i variant which is most likely to be the one for India. It is powered by a 3.0-litre, twin-turbo, inline six-cylinder engine which churns out 340 bhp and takes 4.6 seconds to clock triple-digit speed. Its top speed is electronically limited to 250 kmph. The Z4 will also feature sports suspension with electronically controlled dampers, M-Sport brakes and an electronically controlled M-Sport differential in the rear-mounted transmission. The car also has 50-50 weight distribution.

    The new BMW Z4 is quite close to its concept design and has retained the new conjoined Kidney Grille which we have also seen on the 8-Series. In fact, the fascia overall is related to quite an extent sporting the almost identical headlamp cluster with typical BMW daytime running lights. The rear of the car, however, is discrete and looks very similar to the outgoing model. The cabin is similar to what we have seen in the M-Sport variants of BMWs. You get a three-spoke steering wheel, a very typical BMW centre console and a central tunnel with a silver finish too. The silver or brushed accents also continue on the steering wheel and on the dashboard. You also get an all-digital instrument cluster panel.

    The new BMW Z4 is expected to cost around ₹ 1 Crore and will take on an array of different drop tops. Obvious rivals for the Z4 are the Porsche 718 Boxster, the Jaguar F-Type 2.0 Roadster and the Mercedes-AMG SLC43. However, it will also go up against slightly more relaxed cabriolets like the C-Class cabriolet and the Audi A5 Cabriolet.

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  • BMW X5 Launch Details Revealed

    BMW X5 Launch Details Revealed

    We had exclusively reported that BMW will be launching 12 new models in India this financial year. The Bavarian carmaker will be beginning with the launch of the 2019 BMW X5 and will be launching the all-new SUV in Indian on May 16. The new-generation BMW X5 is spawned by the same CLAR platform which also underpins several other BMW models like the 5 Series, 7 Series and the X3. Upfront, the new BMW X5 gets a wide BMW kidney grille with single-piece surround. The new model is also equipped with BMW’s latest LED headlights which have new blue X-shaped beam what split the light inside the headlights. At the side, there is not much change in the design to point out, however, the new X5 has grown in dimensions which is quite apparent when you look at it from this angle. It also gets the new LED tail lamps which have a three-dimensional layout and is sharply sculpted at the edges.

    The cabin of the new BMW X5 is equipped with a 12.3-inch all-new digital instrument cluster with a control display. The layout of the cabin is also in-line with other new BMW models with a revamped central console which integrates the controller and the new gear knob along with the new driving mode selector. The design of the air-con vents too has been tweaked. Moreover, it gets the four-zone climate control system and the panoramic glass roof which is 30 per cent larger than the outgoing model.

    The current BMW X5 is sold in India only in the 30d iteration, however, the new model is also likely to be offered with petrol variants. The diesel will be the same 3.0-litre, turbocharged, six-cylinder unit which develops 335 bhp and 450 Nm of peak torque. The petrol in the 540i variant is also likely to be the 3.0-litre, turbocharged, six-cylinder unit. Both the engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and also get the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system as standard. The BMW X5 range in some of the global markets also gets a 4.4-litre V8 engine which makes a whopping 456 bhp and a heavy peak torque of 650 Nm. However, we are not sure if BMW will consider it for our market. BMW engineers have also shared that the new X5 also has better off-road abilities than before while keeping its handling prowess intact. In terms of safety features, the BMW X5 gets the collision warning and pedestrian warning system. It is also offered with an Active Cruise Control system as an optional feature.

  • 2020 BMW 1 Series Details Revealed

    2020 BMW 1 Series Details Revealed

    The 2020 BMW 1 Series is all set to be revealed but before it does, the company  is still testing the car at the BMW proving ground in Miramas, Southern France. Of course, it’s taken 5 years of development before this to change to the modern BMW front-wheel drive architecture.  The company says that the front wheel drive layout will improve the driving dynamics of the cars and it will be agile too. A crucial element for the car’s agility is ARB technology (actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation) known from the BMW i3s, which we’ll get to see for the first time in a car with a combustion engine.

    The ARB technology will be standard on the 2020 BMW 1 Series and will feature a slip control system positioned directly in the engine control unit instead of in the control unit for the DSC function (Dynamic Stability Control). BMW Performance Control will also be part of standard equipment on the 2020 BMW 1 series. This will help enhance the torsional stiffness of the body structure by the targeted use of additional struts such as a standard rear-end boomerang strut.

    Under the hood of the 2020 BMW 1 series will be a powerful 4-cylinder motor for the top of the line model. The BMW M135i xDrive will feature the most powerful  2-litre 4-cylinder engine from the BMW Group BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. This engine churns out 302 bhp and it gets a reinforced crank drive, new pistons and cod rods, a larger exhaust turbocharger as well as optimised fuel injection valves.

    Inside, BMW says that the 1 Series has more to offer thanks to the new front-wheel drive architecture with transverse engines and a low centre tunnel. Legroom for rear-seat passengers has increased by 33 mm and headroom at the back by 19 mm. Access to the rear compartment is now easier and luggage compartment capacity has increased by 20 litres to 380 litres. The company will reveal more details closer to the reveal of the car

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  • BMW Previews iX3, i4 and iNext EVs

    BMW Previews iX3, i4 and iNext EVs

    BMW i is preparing to launch the next generation of pure electric models and three of its cars are currently going through a key phase of their series development process at the BMW Group’s winter test centre in Arjeplog, Sweden. In fact the company is so kicked about this, that they couldn’t help but share a teaser of the cars undergoing some winter testing at the edge of the Arctic Circle. Seen here in the picture are the BMW iX3, i4 and the iNext  all-electric vehicles.

    Together with the BMW iX3 already due to go on sale next year, the BMW i4 and the BMW iNEXT, will be brought to market in 2021. These are currently completing an intensive test programme. The drive and suspension components of these electric cars are being put to the test under extreme weather and road conditions. On the icy surfaces of frozen lakes, on snow and in the bitter cold, the electric motors, the high-voltage batteries and the power electronics of BMW eDrive technology as well as the suspension control systems will be put to the test in terms of durability and reliability.

    The BMW iX3 will already feature the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology for the first time. It’s a powerful electric motor and a high-voltage storage unit featuring state-of-the-art battery cell technology facilitate purely electric driving pleasure in a new dimension. With a range of over 400 kilometres and the possibility to use DC charging stations with a capacity of 150 kW to charge its battery, the first all-electric SAV is ideally suitable for day-to-day use and long-distance travel. The BMW iX3 will be the first model produced for the entire global market by the BMW Brilliance Automotive Joint Venture at the Chinese production location in Shenyang.

    The BMW i4 is a four-door coupe positioned in the premium midrange segment  and will use the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. This will give the car an all electric range of over 600 kilometres. The BMW i4 sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 4 seconds and reaches a top speed of over 200 km/h. The BMW i4 will be produced at the BMW Munich plant starting 2021.

    The BMW iNEXT is based on the Group’s future modular construction system, it combines the latest innovations in the areas of design, automated driving, connectivity, electrification among others. The BMW eDrive ensures a range exceeding 600 kilometres and the car is equipped with the latest connectivity features and designed for Level 3 automated driving. The BMW Group’s new technology flagship will be produced at the BMW Dingolfing plant as from 2021.
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  • All-New BMW 1 Series Launch on The Agenda for this Year

    All-New BMW 1 Series Launch on The Agenda for this Year

    The 2019 BMW 1 Series has been one of the long-awaited launches not only for the Indian market but also globally. The 1 Series is BMW’s most affordable offering and has been around since 2011 globally. The hatchback also made its way to India in 2012, however, it was soon taken off the production line in India pertaining to its low demand. That said, BMW has heavily updated the next-generation BMW 1-Series and it will make its first public appearance at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The company has also confirmed that the all-new BMW 1 Series will be launched in Europe in 2019 and will make its way to the other global markets in 2020. The all-new BMW 1 Series will have a similar interior design to the latest 3-Series.

    The new BMW 1 Series has been developed on the FAAR platform and will embody BMW groups latest design language with its face picking up cues from the 8-Series Coupe. The cabin of the new BMW 1 Series is also inspired by the bigger models of the family and the dash will be quite similar to what we have seen on the latest 3 Series sedan. However, the size of the infotainment screen and instrument panel is still uncertain. The key highlight, however, is that the new 1 Series will be front-wheel driven like the BMW X1 and, unlike its predecessor which was rear-wheel driven.

    At the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, the next-generation 1 Series will be showcased alongside the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. While the latter is unlikely to be considered for the Indian market, we still hope the BMW 1 Series could return given the fact that BMW is planning to launch 12 new models in India in the 2019 Fiscal year. The new 1 Series will also be a feature loaded model, unlike the previous one which lost its sheen being bare basic for a luxury car brand. Moreover, being a front-wheel-drive model, it’s likely to be cheaper than its predecessor.

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  • BMW Blames Trade Headwinds with Emissions Tests

    BMW Blames Trade Headwinds with Emissions Tests

    Profits at German high-end carmaker BMW tumbled in 2018, the firm said Friday, with trade headwinds and tough new EU emissions tests’ drag on performance set to last into this year.

    “Challenges facing the entire sector are unlikely to diminish in the coming months,” chief executive Harald Krueger said in a statement. Net profit at BMW slumped 16.9 percent to 7.2 billion euros ($8.2 billion), the group said.

    The Munich-based firm pointed to “political uncertainty, a cooling global economy… rising production costs to meet regulatory requirements, exchange rate effects and rising raw materials prices” as weights on its earnings.

    Operating, or underlying, profits fell less sharply, shedding 7.9 percent to 9.1 billion euros. Revenues were less strongly affected, falling 0.8 percent to 97.5 billion. Other carmakers’ scramble to sell cars not certified under the so-called WLTP test cycle before its introduction in September led to “unexpectedly intense competition”, BMW said, penalising the group for its decision to adopt the new procedure early.

    Meanwhile the group’s bottom line also suffered as it was ordered to recall over a million diesel cars to replace faulty components. BMW boosted unit sales at its flagship brand slightly, to 2.1 million cars, but deliveries of Minis fell back 2.8 percent, to 361,500. Luxury subsidiary Rolls-Royce lifted shipments 22 percent, to 4,107. Looking to different world regions, sales in Europe were flat while the Americas and Asia recorded slight growth.

    “Volumes grew signficantly” in China as BMW ramped production of X3 SUVs locally, the group said.

    Bosses said they would offer shareholders their second-highest dividend payout ever, at 3.50 euros per share. Looking ahead to 2019, BMW expects a “slight increase” in unit sales, in part thanks to new models. Investors offered a mildly positive reaction to the news, with BMW stock gaining 1.1 percent to trade at 74.59 euros around 11:30 am in Frankfurt (1030 GMT).

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  • BMW And MINI Lifestyle Collection Now Will Be Available On Amazon

    BMW And MINI Lifestyle Collection Now Will Be Available On Amazon

    In a bid to make its original lifestyle collection more accessible to automotive enthusiasts in India, BMW India today announced launching the latest range of BMW and MINI branded products on Amazon India. Customer now have access to a wide range of original BMW and MINI branded clothing, accessories, luggage, and many other types of merchandise, which can now be purchased online.

    Customers now have access to wide range of original clothing, accessories, luggage, and more

    Hans-Christian Baertels, President, BMW Group India said, “The fascinating BMW and MINI Lifestyle Collection is created to add a touch of style, sophistication and inspiration to everyday life. We are thrilled to introduce the unique BMW and MINI Lifestyle Collection for our customers on Amazon India. This will enhance the reach and accessibility of our authentic and aspirational range of lifestyle products beyond the existing retail area in our showrooms. Be it golf equipment, bags, wallets, watches, t-shirts, jackets or even miniature cars, there is always something for everyone.”

    The collection will include products themed after the multiple branches within the BMW family like – BMW M Collection, BMW Motorsport Heritage Collection, BMW i Collection, Montblanc for BMW Special Edition, the BMW Iconic Collection and BMW Miniature Collection. A similar collection of MINI-branded clothing and bags to luggage, accessories and mobility items will also be on offer.

  • BMW Korea announces recall of 99,000 additional vehicles

    BMW Korea announces recall of 99,000 additional vehicles

    BMW on Wednesday announced another recall of an additional 99,000 vehicles, with 20,000 of them recalled immediately on concerns of engine fires. The remaining 79,000 will be recalled if replacement parts are found to be faulty. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on Wednesday announced that it has told the German carmaker to follow up with a recall plan that it submitted last week.

    The recall plan followed the investigation results announced by a joint investigation team on Dec. 24 in regard to BMW vehicle catching fire in Korea.

    The investigation team at the time announced that the fires were not only caused by the emission reduction system, or exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, but also by the intake manifold.

    The 20,363 vehicles that were in the first recall in July last year will be the first in line to be re-recalled, this time to check the intake manifold.

    These are vehicles with EGR modules that have not been replaced.

    The government said it will also inspect 80,000 BMWs to see if they have any leakage problems.

    Last year, BMW recalled 106,000 vehicles after they began bursting into flames last summer.

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  • BMW Group Malaysia achieves another record year of sales

    BMW Group Malaysia achieves another record year of sales

    BMW Group Malaysia delivered a total of 14,338 units of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles last year, marking its eighth consecutive year of record sales. The total number of vehicles delivered last year was 13% higher than 12,681 units delivered in 2017. The group said in a statement that the strong performance in Malaysia reflects the group’s business performance worldwide last year, where a total of 2.65 million BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles were delivered.

    Globally, the BMW brand delivered a total of 2.12 million (+1.8%) vehicles, while MINI saw 361,531 new owners. BMW Motorrad also achieved record deliveries with 165,566 new owners, an increase of 0.9% compared to 2017.

    “In 2018, BMW Group Malaysia achieved numerous milestones which contributed to the success we celebrate today. Over the course of the year, we introduced 12 new models across the BMW and MINI brands – of which four were electrified vehicles. We also unveiled two new concept vehicles for the first time ever not only in Malaysia, but in Southeast Asia,” said BMW Group Malaysia managing director Harald Hoelzl.

    Hoelzl said the group also grew its infrastructure for electromobility in Malaysia by introducing new BMW i Charging Facilities in four different states to facilitate its vision for future mobility in Malaysia.

    In 2018, the BMW brand saw 12,008 new owners in Malaysia, 13% higher than 10,618 new owners in 2017 while MINI recorded a double-digit growth of over 18%, delivering 1,200 vehicles last year compared with 1,011 units previously.

    BMW Motorrad saw 1,130 new owners in 2018, which recorded a growth of over 7% compared to 1,052 in 2017.

    BMW Group Malaysia also recorded its best performance for its electrified vehicles in 2018. Of the total cars delivered, 57% comprised of electrified BMW and MINI (7,532).

    Meanwhile, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia achieved a strong business portfolio with over 6,100 contracts signed in 2018. It successfully financed every four out of 10 BMW and MINI vehicles delivered last year as well as every six out of 10 BMW Motorrad vehicles last year.

    “2019 will be another exciting year for the BMW Group in Malaysia with a strong portfolio of products to be introduced here, mirroring the biggest model offensive for the company worldwide,” said Hoelzl.

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  • BMW adding Tmall genie to connected-cars in China

    BMW adding Tmall genie to connected-cars in China

    Alibaba Group’s smart assistant, Tmall Genie, will launch in select vehicles from the BMW Group in China by the end of the year, the two companies announced at CES in Las Vegas. Tmall Genie, a product made by Alibaba’s artificial-intelligence research division, A.I. Labs, will be fully integrated in BMW vehicles, offering drivers a number of in-car entertainment and shopping options while on the road, the companies said.

    As Chinese consumers have come to expect a seamless, digital experience both at home and at brick-and-mortar retail spaces, they should expect the same experience in their car, said Dieter May, senior vice president of Digital Services and Products at BMW Group.

    “With the integration of Alibaba’s Tmall Genie in BMW vehicles in China we are adding a digital ecosystem, which will open up new possibilities that customers can access quickly and safely from the car,” May said. “This development sees BMW reaching a new milestone in China in terms of intelligent connectivity between the customer’s vehicle and their digital touchpoints.”

    The global connected-car market is expected to grow 270% by 2022, with more than 125 million connected passenger cars to be shipped between 2018 and 2022, according to a report from market research firm Counterpoint Insights. The report, released last year, pointed to the technology’s rapid uptake in China as one of the key drivers.

    Monday’s announcement follows the integration last year of “BMW Connected,” the German automaker’s connected-car app, with Tmall Genie. Consumers with Tmall Genie in their home could perform functions such as double checking to make sure the doors and windows of their BMW were open or closed. Now, they will be able to operate vehicle functions through the in-car Tmall Genie.

    Drivers can also use Tmall Genie to place online orders, view cinema listings, listen to their favorite playlist or check the weather at their destination, as well as access information from Tmall Genie via audio output or in text and image form on the BMW Display Screen. And they can use Tmall Genie to call up appointments saved in BMW Connected.

    “We launched the ‘AI+Car’ solution last year to provide a more-intelligent and connected experience for Chinese car users through Tmall Genie’s AI-powered voice interaction and service capabilities for cars,” said Alibaba Group Vice President Miffy Chen, who serves as general manager of Alibaba A.I. Labs.

    “Among our collaboration with premium automakers, we are very glad that BMW will be the first premium auto brand to bring selected car models that fully integrate Tmall Genie to the China market,” she said.

    The deal with BMW Group is just the latest involving Tmall Genie’s integration with automobiles. In September, A.I. Labs said it would integrate Tmall Genie into some vehicles made by Gothenburg, Sweden-based Volvo Cars, giving drivers the ability to monitor and control their smart home devices from their cars. Tmall Genie is also compatible with Volvo’s connected-car app, as well as those of Germany’s Daimler and Audi.

    Elsewhere in the autos sector, Alibaba Cloud in September said it would collaborate with German engineering and electronics company Robert Bosch GmbH on a self-parking feature in select sites in China that is powered by cloud software. At the same time, Alibaba also unveiled the latest model of its internet car in partnership with U.S. automaker Ford, which was part of a tie-up signed by the two companies in 2018. Ford Kuga SUV customers now can order a 10.4-inch center screen and software powered by Alibaba-designed operating system AliOS.

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