BMW 2012 Annual Report Download - page 37

37 COMBINED GROUP AND COMPANY MANAGEMENT REPORT
Sustainability within the value-added chains
Sustainability criteria are a fundamental part of our pur-
chasing terms and conditions and supplier assessments.
Among other requirements, we expect our suppliers to
guarantee that sub-suppliers also comply with our ex-
acting standards. Our Top Two position in the Supply
Chain category of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index in
2012 is testament to the high standards we set. Further
information on risk management procedures applied
within the Purchasing and Supplier network is pro-
vided in the risk report.
Sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series
successfully launched
The new BMW 3 Series Sedan has been available on
markets worldwide since February 2012. Now in its sixth
generation, the latest model is again setting standards
in its class and has received broad acclaim inter nationally
from customers and the media alike. The BMW Active-
Hybrid 5 came onto the market in March. The BMW M6
Convertible as well as the new M Performance models,
M550d xDrive (as Sedan and Touring) have all been avail-
able since May. June saw the launch of the BMW 6 Series
Gran Coupé, the first four-door Coupé in the brand’s his-
tory, as well as those of the BMW X5 M50d, the BMW X6
M50d and the BMW X6 (the latter as a model revision).
The BMW M 135i plus model revisions of the BMW 7 Se-
ries and the BMW X1 reached the showrooms in July.
The extended-wheelbase version of the BMW 3 Series Se-
dan for China and the M6 Coupé became avail able in Au-
gust. The new BMW 3 Series Touring and the new BMW
1 Series three-door version were introduced in Septem-
ber, the latter incorporating the xDrive four-wheel-drive
system in a 1 Series vehicle for the first time. September
also saw the launch of the BMW ActiveHybrid 3. The BMW
Concept Active Tourer celebrated its world debut at this
year’s Automobile Show in Paris, providing an initial in-
sight into a whole array of groundbreaking innovations.
MINI family grows
The MINI Roadster was introduced as the sixth member
of the MINI family in March 2012. The brand’s seventh
model, the MINI Paceman, was presented in Paris,
the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé to appear in the
premium compact segment.
The Countryman John Cooper Works became the sixth
model to be sold under the umbrella of the sports-
oriented John Cooper Works sub-brand. The MINI John
Cooper Works GP, the fastest MINI ever built, celebrated
its world debut in Paris. MINI customers can now choose
between 43 different models.
Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II launched
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars launched the new Phantom
Series II in September. As well as an enhancement to its
timeless design, a whole host of technical innovations
were incorporated in the Phantom Series II. Both cus-
tomer and media reactions to the new series have been
extremely positive. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars also expanded
the scope of its Bespoke Programme for the Phantom
family and for the Ghost.
Entire BMW Group brand spectrum now housed
at the BMW Welt
In October 2012 the BMW Group presented its expanded
brand exhibition at the BMW Welt, which now displays
SALES AND MARKETING