Fields BMW Winter Park

The Globally Successful BMW X1 comes to the US in the Fall 2012.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - April 4th 2012, 6:00AM EDT...Having demonstrated that it is the perfect blend sports sedan-like driving dynamics and SUV utility in markets around the world, the BMW X1 is setting out to conquer the US. The talented Sport Activity Vehicle of the premium compact segment will make its US market debut armed with state-of-the-art powertrain technology, innovative features, selective design modifications and extensive interior refinements. The new 2013 BMW X1 celebrates its US premiere at the New York International Auto Show and will arrive in authorized BMW Centers in the fall of 2012 starting at an MSRP of $31,545 (including $895 Destination and Handling).

The smallest BMW X model - produced at BMW Plant Leipzig - will take the leap across the pond with a renewed spring in its step, the result of a carefully judged honing of its core qualities. The design of the BMW X1 body now provides an even more intense expression of the vehicle's muscular presence, contemporary allure and versatile sporting capability. Its interior includes newly designed surfaces, more polished controls and high-quality touches exuding the exclusive premium ambiance of a compact BMW X model.

The BMW X1 has adopted a pioneering role among its premium class rivals in its current markets - and a repeat performance in the US is expected. Blending the versatility and robustness of a BMW X model with a high level of agility and compact exterior dimensions, the X1 has set new standards from the word go. Powerful engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a broad spectrum of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies fitted as standard worldwide give the new BMW X1 the tools to further increase its lead over the competition in terms of sporting ability and efficiency.

Design: new touches to sharpen its contemporary looks and enhance its versatility and sporting flair.
Typical BMW proportions, expressive, vibrant surfaces and signature BMW X model design cues shape the appearance of the BMW X1. A sweeping hood, long wheelbase and set-back passenger compartment emphasize the vehicle's dynamic talent, while attractive light and shade effects hint at its inherent agility. The versatility and robustness of a BMW X model are reflected in elements such as the black edging at the lower edge of the body and wide wheel arches.

When viewed from the front, the powerful stance of the new BMW X1 on the road and its aura of quality are now accentuated with even greater intensity. A larger number of surfaces painted in body color highlight the vehicle's enhanced elegance. The path of the vehicle's lines, which converge on the license plate mount from either side of the BMW kidney and forge outwards in the lower section of the bumper, is borrowed from BMW X models in higher vehicle segments. The newly designed headlights allow a detailed view of the advanced light technology within. And a chrome-coated accent strip now cuts across the top of the twin circular headlights. Meanwhile, an LED accent light - included as part of the optional xenon light package, complete with LED light rings for the daytime driving lights - provides the classic BMW focused look.

The distinctive profile of the X1 is defined by a main character line that rises steadily to the rear of the vehicle while another line visually extends the contours of the side window surrounds as it flows towards the rear. The pronounced side skirts - that are a signature feature of BMW X models and the powerfully bulging wheel arches add sporting flair. Finally, the turn signal indicators are now integrated into the newly designed exterior mirrors.

The premium feel of the new BMW X1 is also underlined at the rear by the new subdivision of fascia, bumper and under-tray, with the repositioned reflectors now also bordered by surfaces painted in body color. As a result, the black elements are slimmer, while the silver-colored under-tray has a more striking surface structure.

Interior: precise lines, high-quality materials, sophisticated color scheme.
The modifications to the design of the new BMW X1 interior create an even more vivid showcase of the sporty driving pleasure, cutting-edge versatility and premium feel this vehicle provides. The side of the center console angled towards the driver is now shallower, spotlighting the driver-focused nature of the cockpit design.

High-quality electroplated trim surrounding for the gearshift lever and center console cupholders, a chrome strip for the headlight switch and chrome touches for the side edging of the Control Display ? when the optional navigation system is specified ? all add the finishing touches to the interior's premium feel. Plus, the air vent surrounds are given a high-gloss black surface.

The BMW X1: more sporting and efficient than ever.
The variants of the BMW X1 offered in the US market will be powered by BMW TwinPower Turbo gas engines. This package of technology consists of twin-scroll turbocharging, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-Vanos variable camshaft control. In both the award-winning 6-cylinder inline engine under the hood of the BMW X1 xDrive35i - developing 300 hp - and the 240 hp 4-cylinder engine powering the BMW X1 sDrive28i and BMW X1 xDrive28i ensure instantaneous power delivery, impressive acceleration and exceptional efficiency.

Both engines are paired with an automatic gearbox and extensive BMW EfficientDynamics technology. Features including the Auto Start-Stop function (28i only), Brake Energy Regeneration and demand-based operation of ancillary units all help to achieve a blend of performance and fuel economy unique in the market.

The BMW X1 sDrive28i with customary BMW rear-wheel drive and the all-wheel-drive xDrive35i will be offered exclusively in the US market. The intelligent all-wheel drive of the BMW X1 xDrive35i and BMW X1 xDrive28i varies the distribution of drive between the front and rear wheels, as required. This electronically controlled power distribution ensures optimum traction and unbeatable directional stability in all weather and road conditions, as well as noticeably sportier responses through dynamically taken corners.

The BMW X1 sDrive28i, the X1 xDrive28i and the X1 xDrive35i will retail for $31,545, $33,245 and $39,345 respectively (including $895 Destination and Handling).

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, a strategic design consultancy 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 X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 139 BMW motorcycle retailers, 113 MINI passenger car dealers, and 32 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

The BMW X3 was rated a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In order to be considered a Top Safety Pick a vehicle must receive a rating of "Good", the Institute's highest rating in all tests including frontal off-set crash, side impact, rear impact and roof crush. It also must have electronic stability control as standard equipment.

"Safety has always been a top priority at BMW and our vehicles have always done well in IIHS tests," said Tom Baloga, Vice-president Engineering (US) for the BMW Group. "As well as the X3 will protect its driver and passengers in a crash we believe that it is even more important that the X3 has been engineered to help the driver avoid the crash in the first place."
In addition to front, side and head protection airbags, the newest BMW X3 also includes knee-protection airbags. Responsive handling, worthy of the Ultimate Driving Machine® is further enhanced with Dynamic Stability Control and xDrive, BMW's intelligent all-wheel drive system. An available head-up display helps keeps the driver's eyes on the road.

The BMW X3 is available with BMW Assist™ which includes the industry's first enhanced Automatic Collision Notification system, developed in cooperation with the William Lehman Injury Research Center in Miami, FL. In the event of a severe collision an assessment of the risk of severe injury, determined using a sophisticated set of algorithms assessing crash data, is transmitted as part of the automatic collision notification call placed to the BMW Assist emergency call center. This helps first responders to be better prepared for those first critical moments after arriving at an accident scene.

The new BMW M5: Soon to be a star on the road, sooner still a star on the screen. High-performance sedan makes exclusive appearance as cover car for the Limited Collector's Edition of the Xbox 360 racing game Forza Motorsport 4 ? Launch also marks the start of the BMW M5 Forza Cup ? Winner's prize is a BMW M5. Munich. The upcoming launch of the new BMW M5 has set pulses racing, thanks, among other things, to its athletic and elegant design, V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology developing 412 kW/560 hp, seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic, and Active M Differential. And now the Forza Motorsport 4 racing simulation game for the Xbox 360 console provides the perfect outlet for this excitement. Ahead of the car's official road launch, ambitious gamers can now thread the high-performance sedan around the world's most spectacular race circuits on their TV or computer screens. The Limited Collector's Edition of the latest version of Forza Motorsport sees the new BMW M5 not only taking on the role of "hero car" but also featuring as the game's cover star. On the same day as the game is released (October 14, 2011), registration will open for the BMW M5 Forza Cup. The competition to set the fastest virtual laps in the new M5 will build to a climax in the finale at the BMW Welt. The fastest gamer will earn him or herself the keys to a very real high-performance experience; the winner's prize is a BMW M5. A few weeks after the car's world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) ? but ahead of its market launch in December 2011 ? the Forza Motorsport community will have the chance to rack up the first virtual laps with the new BMW M5. The latest version of the globally popular racing game uses high-resolution HD graphics and state-of-the-art simulation technology to deliver an exceptionally realistic driving experience. Gamers can piece together their preferred race scenario from around 500 different cars and more than 100 circuits. The highlight is the new BMW M5, which will sample its first taste of virtual race action in Forza Motorsport 4. Gamers will compete to set the quickest times on circuits such as the Nürburgring's Nordschleife track, where BMW M GmbH engineers have been fine-tuning the actual car over recent weeks and months. Forza Motorsport 4 offers a range of difficulty levels and driving aids, allowing both rookies and experienced gamers to experience the thrills and excitement of the game ? and the new BMW M5 ? straight off the start line. For the first time, gamers will have the choice of using the controller or the innovative new Kinect control system for the Xbox 360 to pilot the car. Added to which, the game also features a garage mode, in which the selected car can be explored and configured. As well as the new BMW M5, the range of cars players can choose from includes a host of other BMW models, from the BMW M1 to the new BMW 6 Series Coupé.

The MyDealerLot solution, using passive UHF radio frequency identification technology, enables the dealerships' maintenance and sales staff to greet customers personally, and provide more efficient service.

By Claire Swedberg with rfidjournal.com

Oct. 21, 2011?Following the success of an RFID pilot undertaken at Fields BMW Winter Park, a car dealership located near Orlando, Fla., Fields Automotive Group is installing the RFID-based solution, provided by MyDealerLot, at all of its 10 Chicago and Southeast U.S. dealerships. The expansion plans follow the conclusion of the Winter Park pilot, during which the technology successfully improved efficiency and customer service by enabling staff members to identify every car arriving at the lot for service or washing, as well as loaner vehicles being returned to the dealership.

MyDealerLot's Automated Customer Recognition & Messaging System includes Alien Technology's Squiggle passive EPC Gen 2 RFID tags and ALR-9900+ readers, as well as a plasma screen to display information regarding customers who have arrived or are scheduled for service, and software to manage that data.

At the entrance to Fields BMW Winter Park's service area, a pair of RFID reader antennas identify a car's owner's upon arrival.

The solution was initially tested at the lot as a way to improve customer service, says Joe Allegra, Fields BMW Winter Park's service manager. The BMW dealership, he says, strives to provide high-quality customer service, to make those who drive its cars feel welcome and recognized upon arrival. To encourage customers to return to the lot, the dealership offers unlimited car washes at no cost to the driver, as well as maintenance services. Typically, the facility serves 100 to 125 vehicles daily.

To make the process more efficient, and to ensure that customers are immediately recognized, the dealership began working with MyDealerLot to pilot the use of radio frequency identification. The firm installed two MyDealerLot RFID reader portals, one at the service area entrance, and another at the entrance to the car wash.

MyDealerLot also provided a large screen that lists the names of individuals entering the lot, which can be viewed by employees to make sure they can greet those visitors by name, and serve them as soon as they enter.

When a new car is sold, or when a vehicle comes in for service, an adhesive ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID tag is attached to that car's windshield. The tag stores a unique ID number, explains George Cresto, MyDealerLot's founder and CEO, and information about the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the owner's name is linked to that ID in the MyDealerLot software. A record of the car's purchase, along with the service provided to that vehicle, is subsequently stored in the database.

When a customer enters the service area, the portal's ALR-9900+ reader interrogates the RFID tag and forwards the ID to standalone software, residing onsite. The software then displays that individual's name on the plasma screen in the service area, and rings an audible alert to let workers know of a status change on the screen. An employee can then view the name listed on the screen, respond immediately to that customer by meeting him at his car and greeting him by name. At the same time, the software sends a text message or e-mail to the appropriate client advisor (the individual on the sales floor who sold that customer the vehicle), prompting the advisor to stop by the service area and greet him personally.

An RFID reader and antenna were also installed at Fields BMW Winter Park's car wash.

Upon receiving BMW service, the customer is entitled to free use of one of the lot's 62 loaner cars, which are also equipped with a UHF Gen 2 RFID tag. When a customer is assigned a particular loaner, his name is input with the ID number stored in the software for that vehicle. When the driver later returns with that loaner, another e-mail or text message is sent?in this case, to the service advisor, who then knows which vehicle the individual has arrived to pick up. In the event that a customer's car is taken to the car wash as part of the service process, the portal at that location reads the vehicle's tag, and the status is listed on the screen in the maintenance area, informing the staff of its whereabouts.

When a loaner car is returned, an alert is displayed on the receptionist's screen, indicating that a customer has brought back the vehicle and will be picking up his own car and paying for service, and thereby improving efficiency for both the staff and customers. The receptionist can then prepare the vehicle owner's paperwork before that person enters the office, so that he can quickly pay for the service. That feature has resulted in the payment process becoming more efficient, and fewer customer queues taking place throughout the day.

Upon arriving at the car wash, a customer passes though the RFID reader portal, which recognizes that vehicle's tag number, permitting it to drive through the car wash without requiring the owner to provide identification to employees.

Allegra says customers have told him that they like the personalized service and appreciate being greeted personally upon arrival, as well as the faster processing time at the cashier's desk.

George Cresto, MyDealerLot's founder and CEO

The technology also allows dealerships to combine the efforts of maintenance and sales departments, by enabling sales teams to learn of a customer's arrival at the service area. They can then greet that individual, discuss his car with him and potentially make another sale.

Based on the pilot's success, the installation at the Fields Winter Park BMW dealership is now permanent, with approximately 5,000 tags in use on cars. Nine additional lots are expected to install a similar system, in order to track vehicles at maintenance and car washes.

MOG On-Demand Streaming Music Service and BMW to develop in-car integration for on demand music for BMW USA.



Woodcliff Lake, NJ and Berkley, CA ? BMW of North America announced that it is partnering with MOG to develop a new BMW Apps Certified App, which the companies expect to bring MOG's award winning, on-demand streaming music service to BMW vehicles equipped with the BMW Apps smartphone app integration option. The two companies will demonstrate a beta version of the app at the North American press launch of new 6 Series Coupe.

"The partnership with MOG is another great step for BMW Apps, as we continue to listen to our customers and work to assess, develop and launch the apps they want most in a timely manner," said Paul Ferraiolo, Manager of Product Planning and Strategy for BMW of North America. "The development of BMW Apps enables us to bring new features into the car with a speed that simply was not possible before. Stayed tuned, there will be more to follow."

"We're thrilled to work with BMW to unveil a premium automotive integration of an on-demand music service," said David Hyman, CEO of MOG. "We remain focused on giving people ways to enjoy music wherever they are, and we are jointly designing a MOG user experience specifically for BMW USA that makes it fast, easy and safe for drivers to enjoy unlimited, uninterrupted music and still focus on the road. People listen to music while driving more than anywhere else, so it's critical for us to offer MOG in the car," Hyman added.

The demonstration app that will debut in Monterey will preview the advantages of offering an on demand music service that is deeply integrated into BMW's premium ConnectedDrive technology.

• On-demand streaming: Unlimited, ad-free listening to any artist, album, or song at any time from virtually anywhere.
• Seamless integration: Easy to browse and search, play, re-play, or skip to your favorite songs using the existing BMW iDrive controller and steering wheel controls.
• Storage: MOG will allow users to store their MOG music on their phone, enabling access to their favorite titles even when a data connection is not available.
• MOG radio: Only MOG offers patent-pending "MOG Mobius" music discovery engine, which enables users to switch between true "artist only" radio or a full mix of similar artists.
• Curated content: Users will have access to New Releases, Editor's Picks, top Charts, Featured Playlists, and Custom Radio in addition to their own tagged songs from within the MOG music service.
• Highest quality audio: MOG downloads music at 320kbps, which provides the highest quality listening experience.

The final MOG app would allow BMW USA customers to download the MOG app, connect an iPhone via USB, and MOG will immediately work with the existing BMW Navigation systems equipped with the BMW Apps option.

MOG offers a $9.99 per month MOG Primo subscription plan, which provides subscribers with access to MOG for unlimited, on-demand listening access online at MOG.com, through the MOG app on iPhone and Android phones, through compatible CE devices from major manufacturers such as Roku, Sonos and LG, and soon Samsung and Vizio, , all via a single MOG account.

About MOG
MOG, Inc. is a next-generation music media company founded in June 2005 by David Hyman, former CEO for Gracenote. MOG's all-you-can-eat, on-demand listening service provides access to a vast library of over 11 million songs and over one million albums through its mobile apps on iPhone and Android phones, online, and on streaming entertainment devices. MOG, Inc. is also the provider of The MOG Music Network (MMN), the premier destination for music content online and largest music focused advertising network consisting of over 1500 music sites, reaching nearly 40 million people each month.

Headquartered in Berkeley, California, MOG Inc. investors include Menlo Ventures, Balderton Capital, Simon Equity Partners, Universal Music Group and Sony Music. Grammy-winning record producer Rick Rubin, named by TIME Magazine as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the world," is a member of MOG's Board of Directors.

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, a strategic design consultancy 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 X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 138 BMW motorcycle retailers, 107 MINI passenger car dealers, and 36 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

For those of you who missed CNBC's look inside the BMW brand lastnight, not to worry. CNBC will be repeating it throughout the week and month as it gears up for part two in the series. And for those who really have no idea what the show is about, here's a full description:

CNBC goes inside one of the most successfully managed brands and companies in the world ? BMW. Its familiar blue and white logo stands as the symbol of prestigious, high-performance, luxury cars. A one-time aircraft engine manufacturer that eventually moved to motorcycles and offbeat sports sedans, BMW today commands brand recognition and respect that is the envy of the commercial world.

CNBC Correspondent Carl Quintanilla takes viewers inside BMW's secretive Tech Center, where teams of engineers obsess over the technical and mechanical details that the company says justify its cars' high prices. Acoustic specialists consider every sound in the car, from the exhaust note to the window motors; ergonomic engineers labor over the stunningly complex mechanical labyrinth that is a modern seat; and crash specialists deliberately wreck a parade of high-dollar vehicles to improve safety.

BMW is a company enjoying success, but also facing significant challenges. Growing environmental and political pressures are making it increasingly tough to market high-performance cars, but BMW is staking its future on its ability to build vehicles that are both sustainable and fun. BMW also faces daunting competition, not only from other German manufacturers like Audi, but also from carmakers in Japan, Korea ? and soon, China.

BMW: A Driving Obsession is the fascinating story behind a once small, struggling company that transformed itself into a global luxury car powerhouse, and is now going flat out to maintain its edge.

BMW is back in Hollywood with Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Munich/Los Angeles. Back in Hollywood. BMW is pleased to announce their participation in the upcoming Paramount Pictures release "Mission: Impossible ? Ghost Protocol" as the film's main automotive partner. High performance with fewer emissions is the name of the game: One of the BMW vehicles provided for Tom Cruise´s next film is the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car. It has been recognized as having the most sophisticated technology and the most striking design among the current concept electric supercars. In a few years the BMW i8, which was inspired by the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept vehicle, will enter series production. "We are thrilled to be involved again in another Hollywood Blockbuster," said Ian Robertson, BMW AG Board Member for Sales and Marketing. "The BMW Group leads the way in developing future mobility with a focus on sustainability. One great example is the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car which will be presented in the film. With its futuristic design and large glass surfaces, the car offers a fascinating perspective on the future of sheer driving pleasure ? in combination with maximum efficiency. Also with BMW ConnectedDrive technology, it is the perfect car for Ethan Hunt to outsmart his pursuers through narrow streets and busy city traffic."

Munich - March 1, 2012... BMW i spells visionary vehicles and a new take on premium mobility that has sustainability very much at heart. Pivotal to the new BMW sub-brand are alternative drive systems that are specifically conceived for use in the city and dictate the design process from start to finish. BMW i sets out to rethink mobility and come up with pioneering solutions to the challenges posed by cars of the future. These are the driving forces behind the groundbreaking LifeDrive concept ? a unique, purpose-built vehicle architecture geared to electric mobility and boasting highly innovative use of materials.