BMW global sales continue their upward surge, putting the company on track to break its record of 2000, a success put down to a marketing "offensive" which will see the product range double in the next six years.
BMW has revised the 3 Series, Britain's best-selling junior executive car. Prices are up by around 1.5%, but it has new sportier suspension and faster steering, and a new grille and headlights for saloon and Touring models. Aircon is standard and all six-cylinder cars have dynamic stability control. The 318i has a new engine and power is boosted by 25bhp to 143bhp. It costs £19,930, compared with Audi's £18,640 A4 2.0 and the Mercedes C180 Classic (£21,140). The entry level 316i costs £18,070.
BMW's new 2-litre engine for the 3 Series owes a small part of its development to Rover's K-series engine. The revised 318i's 1,995cc engine (replacing the 1,895cc) and a 1.8-litre version in the Compact 316ti are built at Hams Hall, BMW's engine plant in the West Midlands.
Volkswagen has today confirmed that Bernd Pischetsrieder, the former BMW chairman, will succeed Ferdinand Piech as the chairman of its management board.
The BMW Group is planning a major increase in sales and turnover volume in the next six years. Based on the retail situation of the current year, the company is aiming for an increase of around a third in terms of sales.
BMW is recalling all new Minis because of a fault that could cause a fire when the cars are being filled with fuel.
BMW has today announced the addition of extra standard equipment for many of the models in its range and confirmed the specifications for the new-look 3 Series models, effective from today.
BMW has given the go-ahead for a £60m plant at Goodwood, near Chichester, which will make about 1,000 Rolls-Royce cars a year from January 2003.
BMW has reported total group profits for the half year to June 30 up 192.8% - the best performance ever – to 934m euro (£578m).
Manheim Auctions has hosted its 100th sale for BMW Financial Services Group, attracting more than 150 registered buyers and achieving a total average of 102% against Cap Clean values.
Prestons BMW in Colne has appointed a new dealer principal, Richard Hargraves.
Mini dealers should enjoy high retention levels for accident repair business after BMW launched an insurance scheme in conjunction with Green Flag.
MG Rover expects to breakeven next year, despite having reported a loss of £254m on turnover of £961m in the last eight months of 2000 following its sale by BMW.
The Government's financial rescue package for the Midlands made available to counter the effects of the Rover/BMW crises is paying dividends for the manufacturing sector according to a report published today.
BMW is set to bring sales to major fleet customers in-house after successful trials of its Direct operation. A spokesman said BMW Direct would initially target larger fleets, offering them an improved service with a central contact point for sales.
BMW described the opening weekend of sales of the new Mini as 'phenomenal', with all 148 of participating dealerships reporting packed showrooms.
The John Clark Motor Group, the multi-franchise group which operates in Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh, has opened its new £2.2 million flagship BMW dealership.
The Passat W8 is the first vehicle in Volkswagen's ambitious assault on German luxury marques. Badge snobbery aside, Steve Moody wonders if being very good is enough to compete against Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz
Toyota - due to confirm a small-car platform alliance with PSA Peugeot Citroen today - is tipped to be the supplier of diesel engines for BMW's Mini from 2003.
BMW GB's £7m Mini advertising and marketing launch campaign will include a series of “mini blockbuster films”, now premiering at cinemas.
