BMW of North America Demonstrates Premium Brands' Contribution to Economy and Industry

\ Woodcliff Lake, NJ – November 10, 2009… During a one-day information session with top media, analysts and opinion leaders taking place today, BMW Group demonstrate the contributions, and more importantly, the value that premium brands offer customers. Amid a changing marketplace and shifting consumer trends, BMW Group continues to invest in and launch new products, technology and manufacturing processes that help drive the company, the industry and the US economy forward.

“BMW Group is committed to shaping the future of mobility for our own customers and the industry as a whole,” said Jim O’Donnell, President BMW of North America. “The premium market fills an important and necessary role providing direction for the industry and bringing innovation and technology to market that meets customer, social and regulatory needs.”

The definition of premium is changing to incorporate more about what a company is, in addition to the type of vehicles it produces. For BMW Group, this means that the organization and its brands will ensure sustainability in all forms, including the environment, the company’s daily business model and the products and technologies brought to market.

BMW Group executives and industry experts host interactive discussions today with thought leaders about topics that are critical for all automotive manufacturers, and speak specifically about BMW Group’s plan to remain the leader in the premium segment.

Presentation materials can be located on BMW’s website http://www.bmwusanews.com.

Available content is included for the following subjects:

What Consumers are Learning from the Recession and Consequences for Premium Products – Madelyn Hochstein (DYG Inc), Jack Pitney (BMW Group) and Jim McDowell (MINI USA).

Automaker’s role in Reducing Emissions – John DeCicco (University of Michigan), Tom Baloga and Axel Rose (BMW Group).

How Culture, Society and Lifestyle will Drive Success of Alternative Fuel Vehicles – Dahlia M. Garas (Institute for Transportation Studies, University of California at Davis) and Rich Steinberg (BMW Group).

The Future of Premium Manufacturing – Rich Morris (BMW Group) and Imtaz Haque (Clemson University)

Mining the World of Innovation to Stay at the Leading Edge of the Market – Stephan Durach (BMW Group Tech Office) and Verena Kloos (DesignworksUSA)

Traffic Management: How Connecting Drivers with Surroundings will Change the Way We Drive – Dirk Kessler, Tom Baloga and Jan Urbahn (BMW Group)