BMW 2015 Annual Report Download - page 43

43 COMBINED MANAGEMENT REPORT
BMW i Ventures invests in start-ups and growing com-
panies that concentrate on mobility requirements in
large urban areas. To date, the BMW i Ventures port-
folio
comprises 14 investments.
BMW continues new model offensive
The BMW brand forged ahead with its new model offen-
sive in 2015. As successor to the 1 Series Convertible,
the new BMW 2 Series Convertible has been on sale
since February 2015. The BMW X5 M and X6 M models
were launched in March. The updated models of the
BMW 6 Series and M6 vehicles as well as the BMW 1 Se-
ries have also been available since March.
In the com-
pact class, the facelifted BMW 1 Series excels
with its sig-
nificantly changed, more dynamic design. It is now
available for the first time with powerful, highly efficient
3-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
Launched in June 2015, the new BMW 2 Series Gran
Tourer is the first BMW to enter the multipurpose vehi-
cle segment. It offers up to seven seats and space for
three children’s seats in the second row as a new
stand-
ard feature.
The updated BMW 3 Series Sedan, the 3 Se-
ries Touring and the M3 have all been on the market
since the end of July. The new-look design highlights
the sporting flair of the 3 Series, while new engines de-
liver instant power more efficiently than ever before.
The second generation of the BMW X1 was launched in
October 2015. Alongside best values to date in terms of
dynamics and efficiency, this highly successful model
also comes with numerous optional features – a com-
bination
that will surely enable this new generation to
continue where its predecessor left off. The extremely ef-
ficient
BMW X5 xDrive40e arrived on showroom floors
in the USA in early October and launched worldwide in
November. It is the first BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
to combine the BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system with
a more advanced plug-in hybrid system. This
vehicle
represents the next step in the process of transferring
innovative drivetrain systems from BMW i models to the
core BMW brand.
New integrated marketing approach adopted for
BMW 7 Series market launch
With the sixth generation of its 7 Series, the BMW Group
is heralding a new era in the luxury segment. As the
year’s most important market launch, the 7 Series not
only strengthens the brand, it also delivers an innovative
interpretation of luxury. The new BMW 7 Series cele-
brated its world debut at the International Motor Show
(IAA) in Frankfurt in September and its market launch
at the end of October 2015.
For the first time ever, exclusive product presentations
were deployed to address potential customers well in
advance of official announcements. For example, several
months prior to market launch, more than 26,000 exist-
ing and potential customers from several countries were
invited to stylish presentations, where they had the
opportunity to acquaint themselves with upcoming vehi-
cles and their many new features.
Moreover, market launches were underpinned by select
communication media, showcasing trendsetting inno-
vations
with a range of state-of-the-art technologies to
highlight the exclusive luxury and exceptional comfort
of the new BMW 7 Series. For example, Gesture Control,
the new Display Key, BMW Touch Command, Executive
Lounge, Ambient Lighting and the outstanding quality
of materials were presented and described with all their
special features.
New models for the third-generation MINI
The new MINI John Cooper Works has been available
since April 2015.
The new MINI Clubman followed at
the end of October 2015. With its increased size and ad-
ditional functionality, the Clubman has taken on a new
dimension and now easily fits the bill as a household’s
first
car. The model’s outstanding chassis technology de-
livers a high degree of driving comfort.
Also in October, MINI presented the new version of the
Convertible, which remains the only model of its kind
in the small car premium segment. The fully automatic
textile top, featuring a totally automated opening and
closing mechanism and sliding roof function, can be
opened in 18 seconds, even while driving at speeds of
up to 30 km / h.
Rolls-Royce presents new luxury convertible
At the IAA, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars officially introduced
a luxury convertible, the Rolls-Royce Dawn. The specially
designed roof of the Dawn reduces noise in the vehicle’s
interior to a minimum
. Rolls-Royce also announced its
intention to develop an all-terrain vehicle.