BMW, TED Extend Partnership with Launch of New TED.com

• - New website represents companies' shared commitment to innovation, independence and the sharing of ideas
• - Features groundbreaking technology and 100 videos of extraordinary TED speakers

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Underscoring a belief in the power of ideas -- and the sharing of knowledge and inspiration on a global scale -- BMW today announced its support for the new TED.com. It is a completely redesigned website that promotes the free exchange of "Ideas Worth Spreading." The new site, which marks the latest venture between the two companies, features the most extraordinary talks made famous by the TED (Technology, Entertainment, & Design) Conference held annually in Monterey, California.

BMW first teamed with TED in June 2006 as the exclusive sponsor of the hugely successful TEDTalks podcast series, which brought talks from the TED Conference to the public for the first time. The TEDTalks have been viewed 8 million times by 3 million people worldwide. The new TED.com offers a vast selection of never-before-seen content and technological offerings that enhance the user experience.

Among the features of the new TED.com:

* More than 100 full-length TED talks, including 30 never-before-seen outside the exclusive TED Conference.
* Ideas and insight from diverse speakers including BMW Group Design Director Chris Bangle, Jeff Bezos, Bono, Majora Carter, Bill Clinton, Richard Dawkins, Dan Dennett, Anna Deveare-Smith, Eve Ensler, Malcolm Gladwell, Jane Goodall, Al Gore, Nicholas Negroponte, Tony Robbins and Stefan Sagmeister.
* Unmatched high-resolution video that can be viewed online or downloaded as audio or video to playback on a computer, iPod or set-top box, such as the new Apple TV. The videos are also available on www.bmwusa.com/tedtalks .
* First-of-its-kind video player with innovative chapter-marking technology that lets users find and skip to key moments in a given talk.
* Unique ratings system that allows users to describe talks using adjectives (such as Courageous, Eloquent, and Inspiring) and find content accordingly.
* Social networking tools -- Profile Pages, Comments and Favorites -- that allow for interaction among members of the TED Community.

"We are extremely pleased to be partnering with TED again on a venture that falls so perfectly in line with BMW's commitment to technology, sustainability, passion and the profound experiences that the power of ideas can deliver," said Jack Pitney, Vice President of Marketing, BMW of North America. "As the inaugural sponsor of this project, we are helping TED deliver groundbreaking, inspiring content to everyone, everywhere. As evidenced by our previous project with TED, we truly believe that many of the breakthrough talks on TED.com -- topics such as design, innovation and sustainable energy alternatives, which are so central to BMW -- will help shape our future."

"This is an important moment in TED's history," said Chris Anderson, curator of TED. "With the launch of our new website we're really saying to the world: we want to share with you our best content for free, and we want you to connect with like-minded people inspired by these talks. In other words, we see the site as a way of dramatically expanding our community from the 1,000 people who attend the conference to millions of knowledge seekers around the globe. We're grateful to BMW for their support in this endeavor."

"Our first venture with BMW, the TEDTalks podcast series, proved hugely successful. We were astounded by how quickly that audience grew," said June Cohen, Director of TED Media. "But what surprised us even more was the impact the talks had on viewers. The extensive discussion in the blogosphere, and the depth of the emotional response was what inspired us to create this new site. A year ago, BMW took a huge chance on us when this was just an idea, and we're thrilled to have their continued support as we take TED.com to the next level."

BMW's sponsorship of the new TED.com offers visitors a chance to engage more deeply with the idea of a post-carbon future by presenting a front-page "Ideas from our Sponsor" video by Dr. Klaus Topfer, former UN Director for Environmental Policy. TED.com also details how and why TED and BMW chose to work together on both TED's website and at the recent TED2007 Conference. The two independent, idea-driven organizations have discovered much common ground as a result of the growing partnership-with one of BMW's big ideas holding particular interest with the TED audience: a hydrogen-powered world.

The BMW CleanEnergy program is leading the paradigm shift towards a hydrogen-based economy in the long term. With the BMW Hydrogen 7 -- the first hydrogen-powered luxury performance sedan -- BMW is seeking to build widespread acceptance of hydrogen as replacement of fossil fuels -- and looking to TED and the new TED.com to help support this strategy. In addition to a strong presence on the new website ( www.TED.com), the BMW Hydrogen 7 was a featured automobile at TED2007 and the focus of much discussion and interaction among the conference's high-profile attendees and speakers.

Based on the BMW 7 Series, the BMW Hydrogen 7 is powered by a 260 hp twelve-cylinder engine and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 9.3 seconds. It features a dual-mode internal combustion engine that switches at the push of a button from hydrogen to gasoline. Since the start of research and development in alternative fuel sources, BMW has focused on liquid hydrogen as the appropriate source of energy for the automobile. BMW launched the BMW Hydrogen 7 in Fall 2007 to help stimulate public interest for the development of a viable hydrogen infrastructure.

BMW - A Company of Ideas

BMW has a unique corporate culture, which puts a premium on constant innovation and inspiration. This is reflected in projects like BMW CleanEnergy, BMW's commitment to a sustainable future for mobility using renewable hydrogen fuel, BMW Design, which sets trends in interior and exterior styling, and the award-winning BMWfilms(TM). BMW believes there is nothing more rewarding than helping great ideas live on.

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, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm 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 Z4 models and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 81 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwgroupna.com
www.bmwusa.com
www.bmwmotorradusa.com
www.miniusa.com
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com


Source: BMW Group in America

BMW Turns up the Heat with Driving School Upgrades

Spring Fever: Calling all Enthusiasts - New 'Real Roads' and 'Other-Roads' Tracks among Key Enhancements

SPARTANBURG, S.C., April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Spring is in the air at the BMW Performance Center and Performance Driving School with updates to existing courses and exciting new driving school offerings. Additions include a track extension adding a different dimension to the high-performance M School that rivals popular race tracks, an "other-roads" course to showcase the capabilities of the BMW X-5 Sports Activity Vehicle, and the return of BMW on Location. A totally new complement of motorcycle courses will also debut later this summer.

"The updates and improvements we've made to our numerous offerings this year will captivate the customer. There's something for everyone - BMW owner or not," says David Trimble, manager of driving programs and events for the BMW Performance Center. "High performance courses like the M School simulate race track driving while teaching advanced car control and safety skills. Our other-roads track enhancements are phenomenal with gravity-defying angles that will dispel the myth that a luxury brand like BMW isn't made to get dirty."

In with the New: Exciting Upgrades for 2007

The ultimate driving experience has gotten even better with the extension of the track at the BMW Performance Driving School, already known for its course that can be configured 35 different ways. The new 1.5 mile long track offers a half-dozen more configurations with a true racetrack feel that allows for more high-speed approaches and slower technical turns simulating a multitude of driving conditions.

The newly revamped other-roads course will be included as part of the two- day school offerings this spring. At 1.4 miles long with more aggressive sections at 34 degrees and higher, the new course teaches drivers the safest approaches to difficult-to-navigate terrain and shows off the extensive capabilities of the BMW X5 vehicle.

Based on its popularity in 2006, BMW on Location, the traveling program that brings the BMW Performance Driving School to the backyards of enthusiasts has plans to go back to the California Speedway this fall. In addition to California, dates are being scheduled for early September in Chicago. The "On Location" driving school teaches exercises ranging from accident avoidance maneuvers and car control skills to more advanced exercises including skid pad, autocross, and high speed lane change and slalom courses.

In addition to the new driving school updates, programs such as the Performance Center Delivery will continue throughout 2007. The complete experience provides an introduction to the BMW brand and heritage. During a one-on-one session with a knowledgeable BMW delivery specialist, owners receive a personalized and thorough introduction to their vehicle. Every aspect of the BMW ownership experience is reviewed, from vehicle warranties and maintenance to safety features and controls. Following an in-depth overview of their BMW, owners receive a hands-on driving session. The package is complete with a visit to the BMW museum (subject to availability), overnight accommodations at a local first class hotel and dinner for two.

Gift certificates are available for each driving program. For more information, pricing and to reserve your seat behind the wheel at BMW Performance Center Driving Schools, visit:
http://www.bmwusa.com/bmwexperience/performancecenter

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, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm 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 BMW Z4 models and BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 81 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

http://www.bmwgroupna.com/
http://www.bmwusa.com/
http://www.bmwmotorradusa.com/
http://www.miniusa.com/
http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/


Source: BMW Group

Hella Supplies Exterior, Interior Lighting for BMW 5 Series

Hella, a global supplier of automotive lighting and electronic equipment, is providing exterior and interior lighting for the 2007-model BMW 5 Series.

Hella, working in collaboration with BMW engineers, has developed the BMW 5 Series' front headlights and combination rear taillights. Hella also supplies the car's headlight power-washing system, interior lighting and reading lamps.

Featuring a clear-glass look, the Hella supplied twin-round headlamps offer a striking, jeweled appearance to the 5 Series. The car's base model is equipped with H7 halogen bulbs for low- and high-beam lighting, as well as four light-guide rings.

The 2007 BMW 5 Series also can be outfitted with Hella's Bi-Xenon headlamps that generate low-beam and high-beam lighting from the same module. A fixed, daytime running light is positioned next to the main lamp. As soon as the BMW 5 Series engine starts, all four light-guide rings automatically switch on for visibility during daytime driving.

When the driver switches on night-time lights, the light-guide rings dim, but their intensity level is controlled by the low- and high-beam switch.

Hella's adaptive bend-lighting system and static cornering light are available as optional equipment on the 5 Series. The system is controlled in real time by the steering-wheel angle, yaw rate and vehicle speed.

"The adaptive bend-lighting system works with both low-beam and high-beam functions and continually adapts to the respective driving speed," said Dr. Raymund Heinen, president of Hella Lighting North America. "This feature nearly doubles the low-beams' range when a vehicle rounds a corner."

The 2007 BMW 5 Series front turn-signal lights are equipped with seven high-power, light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in a light strip in the "eyebrow" position above the headlights. The combination rear-lamps feature Hella's non- patterned lens covers, similar to the headlights, providing a clean, technical look.

Both the BMW 5 Series sedan and touring models feature a combination rear- lamp with 18 LEDs for the turn-signals, a reflex reflector and LEDs for side- marker lamps and Hella's parallel light-guides.

The sedan's five "beam-shaped," parallel light-guides are fed by one LED light source each. Behind the light-guides are two-stage brake lights that have two concealed bulbs as light sources and a red reflex reflector and white backup light.

The touring model divides rear lights into two parts, with the inner part on the hatchback trunk lid and the outer portion on the rear quarter panel. Its four parallel light-guides are divided between the inner and outer parts of the taillight but thanks to its special geometric design, there is no need for an optical separating joint.

Hella, a global supplier, develops and manufactures components and systems for lighting and electronics for the automotive industry, including driver- assistance systems to enhance safety and comfort. In addition, its joint- venture companies produce complete vehicle modules, air-conditioning systems and vehicle-electric systems. Hella is also one of the world's largest companies selling automotive aftermarket parts and accessories, with its own sales companies and partners in more than 100 countries. Annual consolidated sales for the Hella Group total $4.4 billion.

Hella is one of the 100 largest industrial companies in Germany. More than 24,000 people are employed in 70 production facilities, production subsidiaries and joint-venture companies. Nearly 2,900 Hella engineers and technicians work in research and development. Customers include all of the world's leading automakers and system manufacturers, as well as the automotive aftermarket.

Additional information is available at www.hella.com

Source: Hella KGaA Hueck & Company

BMW Group Reports 3.9 Percent Increase in First Quarter 2007 U.S. Sales

The BMW Group (BMW and MINI brands combined) reported year-to-date sales of 75,433 vehicles, a 3.9 percent increase over the 72,588 sold in the first quarter of 2006. The BMW Group also reported an increase of 2.2 percent in March sales, for 28,980 vehicles over the 28,352 vehicles reported in March 2006.

BMW Brand Reports Sales

Year-to-date, sales of BMW brand vehicles were up 6.7 percent, as the company reported sales of 67,360 vehicles compared to 63,103 vehicles sold in first quarter of 2006.

March sales increased 3.4 percent for a total of 25,325 vehicles compared to 24,501 reported last March.

BMW Automobile Sales

BMW's automobile first quarter sales were up 3.5 percent, to 51,617 automobiles compared to 49,884 in the first three months of 2006. In March automobile sales declined slightly 1.2 percent, to 18,746 versus 18,966 in the same month a year ago.

BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Sales

Year-to-date, sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles are up 19.1 percent, to 15,743 vehicles compared to the 13,219 sold in the first three months of 2006. March sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles are up 18.9 percent to 6,579 vehicles over the 5,535 sold last March.

Certified Pre-Owned

The company reported sales of 7,838 BMW CPO vehicles in March 2007, down 3.7 percent. Year-to-date, CPO were down 6.2 percent, to 19,008 over the 20,262 reported in the same period in 2006.

MINI Brand / MINI Automobiles

MINI USA reported March sales of 3,655 automobiles, down 5.1 percent from the 3,851 cars sold in March 2006. Year-to-date, MINI reported sales of 8,073 automobiles, 14.9 percent less than the 9,485 cars reported in the first quarter of 2006.

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, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm 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 BMW Z4 models and BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 81 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwgroupna.com
www.bmwusa.com
www.bmwmotorradusa.com
www.miniusa.com
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

                   BMW Car Sales Report for March 2007

                                                     2007    2006

March                                              18,746  18,966
Year-to-Date                                       51,617  49,884


Model                                       Year-to-        Year-to-
                                     March   Date    March   Date
                                     2007    2007    2006    2006

325i (E90 & E46)                      317     557   4,181  12,026
325Ci (E46)                            13      19     346     858
325Ci Convertible (E46)                 9      25     454   1,018
325i Sports Wagon (E91)                 0       0       0       4
325xi (E90 & E46)                      12      28   1,355   4,296
325xi Sports Wagon (E90 & E46)          7      17     232     611
328i  (E90)                         3,389  12,282       0       0
328i Coupe (E92)                      828   2,727       0       0
328i Convertible (E93)                708     708       0       0
328i Sports Wagon (E91)               121     457       0       0
328xi  (E90)                        1,640   6,190       0       0
328xi Coupe (E92)                     574   1,664       0       0
328xi Sports Wagon (E91)              143     484       0       0
330i (E90 & E46)                       59     154   1,526   3,999
330Ci (E46)                             1       3     202     532
330Ci Convertible (E46)                 3      15     481   1,108
330xi (E90 & E46)                       6      13     894   2,430
335i  (E90)                         1,710   4,551       0       0
335i Coupe (E92)                    1,093   2,663       0       0
335i Convertible (E93)                560     560       0       0
335 xi (E90)                           62      62       0       0
M3 (E46)                                1       3     273     562
M3 Convertible (E46)                    3       9     149     335
  3 Series                         11,259  33,191  10,093  27,779
Z4 2.5i Roadster (E85) - US            13      41      36     180
Z4 3.0i Roadster (E85) - US           413     938     372     491
Z4 Roadster 3.0si (E85) - US          236     457     167     184
Z4 M Roadster (E85) - US               52      94     145     145
Z4 Coupe 3.0si (E86) - US              90     204       0       0
Z4 M Coupe (E86) - US                  64     172       0       0
Z4                                    868   1,906     720   1,000
525i (E60)                          1,127   2,971   1,355   3,167
525xi (E60)                           569   1,301     495   1,655
530i (E60)                          1,129   3,023   1,283   3,086
530xi (E60)                           838   2,019     794   2,433
530xi Sports Wagon (E60)              108     317     261     812
545i (E60)                              0       0       0       6
550i (E60)                            416   1,147     702   1,698
M5 (E60)                              128     349     375   1,242
5 Series                            4,315  11,127   5,265  14,099
645Ci (E63)                             0       0       0      21
650i Coupe (E63)                      171     429     288     714
645Ci Convertible (E64)                 0       0       0      16
650i Convertible (E64)                415     846     629   1,390
M6 (E63)                              106     281       0       0
M6 Convertible (E64)                  162     365       0       0
6 Series                              854   1,921     917   2,141
ALPINA B7                              42      68       0       0
745Li (E65)                             0       0       0       0
750i (E65)                            337     827     489   1,079
750Li (E65)                         1,052   2,528   1,439   3,671
760i (E65)                              0       0       7      17
760Li (E65)                            19      49      35      97
7 Series                            1,450   3,472   1,970   4,864
Z8                                      0       0       1       1
Z8 Alpina                               0       0       0       0
Z8                                      0       0       1       1



            BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (light trucks) Sales
                         Report for March 2007

                                                   2007      2006

March                                             6,579     5,535
Year-to-Date                                     15,743    13,219


                                                Year-         Year-
Model                                    March to-Date March to-Date
                                         2007   2007   2006   2006

X3 2.5i  (E83)                              2      2     30    128
X3 3.0i (E83)                              66    161  3,043  5,915
X3 3.0si (E83)                          2,804  6,511      0      0
X3                                      2,872  6,674  3,073  6,043
X5 3.0i (E53) - US                         22     75  1,811  5,380
X5 3.0si (E70) - US                     2,416  5,894      0      0
X5 4.4i (E53) - US                         32     57    554  1,519
X5 4.8i (E70) - US                      1,230  3,036      0      0
X5 4.8is (E53) - US                         7      7     97    277
X5                                      3,707  9,069  2,462  7,176


                    MINI Sales Report for March 2007

                                                  2007      2006

March                                            3,655     3,851
Year-to-Date                                     8,073     9,485


                                                Year-         Year-
Model                                    March to-Date March to-Date
                                         2007   2007   2006   2006

MINI Cooper (R50)                         383  1,738    926  2,781
MINI Cooper (R56)                       1,130  1,627      0      0
MINI Cooper S (R53)                       266  1,535  1,942  4,298
MINI Cooper S (R56)                     1,159  1,641      0      0
MINI Cooper Convertible                   288    639    258    752
MINI Cooper S Convertible                 427    868    725  1,654
MINI Cooper S JCW GP                        2     25      0      0

Total MINI                              3,655  8,073  3,851  9,485

Source: The BMW Group