New BMW M6 Convertible and BMW X1 Sport Activity Vehicle to Make World Debuts at the New York International Auto Show

Additional Featured BMW Vehicles Include the North American Debuts of the
BMW M6 Coupe and BMW X6 M and the U.S. Auto Show Debut of the BMW 640i Gran Coupe

The BMW M6 Convertible and BMW X1 Sport Activity Vehicle will make their World Debuts at the 2012 New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, April 4th at the BMW Stand from 10:15 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (655 West 34th Street at 11th Avenue) in Manhattan.  The BMW M6 Convertible and BMW X1 will be joined by the BMW M6 Coupe, BMW X6 M (North American debuts) and the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (U.S. auto show debut) as the featured BMW vehicles in New York. The BMW i3 and i8 Concepts will also be featured providing a glimpse into the future of mobility.

The iconic BMW M6 Convertible and Coupe return from a two year hiatus more powerful, more athletic, more focused, more luxurious and more efficient than ever before.  Since the “M6” badge was first placed on a BMW back in 1987, this model has exemplified the luxury and daily usability of a top range BMW coupe combined with true super-car performance.  Now, in its 3rd generation, the all-new BMW M6 sports a new 560hp M TwinPower Turbo V-8 mated to a 7-speed M-DCT transmission capable of propelling either model from 0 to 60mph in under 4.3 seconds.  

The hotly anticipated BMW X1 Sport Activity Vehicle comes to the U.S. for the first time. Its rising horizontal lines give it a sporty, elegant profile, while the classic BMW kidney grille, distinctive headlights and L-shaped taillights are unmistakably BMW.  The BMW X1 is also the latest BMW vehicle to offer the TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine which delivers BMW performance with reduced fuel consumption.  The updated BMW X1 will be available in U.S. showrooms in summer 2012.

The recently updated BMW X6 M Sports Activity Coupe combines the athletic and elegant lines of a coupe with the character of a BMW X model and an outstanding driving experience.  The new X6 M receives several design updates and innovative features intended to emphasize its width and track and road-holding prowess.

Introducing the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe – a new 4-door, 4+1 seat addition to the 6 Series line that successfully combines the stunning proportions, design and driving dynamics of the 6 Series Coupe with interior room and amenities for up to five passengers. Harmonious proportions, precise lines and sleekly contoured surfaces give the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe the unique ability to satisfy the driver who wants a luxurious and sporty coupe yet needs a car capable of carrying four adults in comfort and luxury. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be offered as three distinct models in the USA. The TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder powered BMW 640i Gran Coupe is the initial model and arrives early this summer. Later this summer, the TwinPower Turbo V-8 powered 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the range.

DATE:                 Wednesday, April 4, 2012

TIME:                  Press Conference: 10:15 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.  EST
                            Interviews: All Day

PLACE:              Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
                           655 West 34th Street at 11th Avenue  
                           BMW Stand

BMW Executives available for interviews include:

• Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW North America

Ludwig Willisch became President of BMW North America on October 1, 2011 and is available to discuss overall company business in North America.  Willisch began his career with the BMW Group in 1996 as manager of the BMW branch in Düsseldorf.  He later gained further national and international sales experience as head of the local sales subsidiaries in Germany, Japan and Sweden and served as Head of European Sales.

• Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, Managing Director of BMW M, BMW AG

Dr. Nitschke became the managing director of BMW M in May 2011 and is available to discuss the BMW M brand and specific BMW M product offerings including the new 2012 BMW M6 Convertible and Coupe and the BMW M5, which debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November.

• Peter Miles, Executive Vice President of Operations for BMW of North America  

Peter Miles is the Executive Vice President of Operations for BMW of North America and is available to discuss all facets of BMW business in North America including sales and strategy.

• Thomas Schemera, VP of Sales and Marketing BMW M, BMW AG

           Matt Russell, M Brand Manager, BMW of North America
Thomas Schemera is available to discuss global positioning of the BMW M brand and the division’s current product offerings. Matt Russell is available to discuss details and technical specifications of all BMW M product offerings including, but not limited, to the all-new BMW M6 Convertible and Coupe and recently launched BMW M5.

• Dan Creed, Vice President, Marketing, BMW of North America

Dan Creed is available to discuss BMW’s marketing efforts in North America including the company’s current campaign in support of the all-new BMW 3 Series Sedan and involvement in the upcoming 2012 Olympic Summer Games in London.

• Nader Faghihzadeh, Exterior Designer, BMW 6 Series, BMW AG

As exterior designer of the BMW 6 Series, Faghihzadeh is available to discuss the specific design elements of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.

• Rich Steinberg, Manager, Electric Vehicle Operations & Strategy, BMW of North America

Rich Steinberg, Manager of Electric Operations & Strategy, will be on hand to discuss BMW’s strategy for electric vehicles in the United States – including the BMW ActiveE, BMW i3 and BMW i8.

• Paul Ferraiolo, Manager, Product Planning & Strategy, BMW of North America

Paul Ferraiolo is available to discuss the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and all new BMW products for 2012.

• Oliver Ganser, Product Strategy  & Market Research Manager, BMW of North America

Oliver Ganser is available to discuss the technical specifications and model variants of the BMW X1 Sports Activity Vehicle.

• Alanna Bahri, 3, 5, 6 & 7 Series Product Manager, BMW of North America

Alanna Bahri is available to discuss details and technical specifications of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, as well as the BMW 3, 5 and 7 Series models.

• Rob Passaro, Senior Project Manager, BMW Technology Office

Rob Passaro from the BMW Technology Office will be available to discuss the new apps that have been developed and how this technology is being integrated into BMW vehicles, including the company’s recent announcement regarding its plans to integrate Stitcher radio’s on-demand streaming functionality into vehicles equipped with the BMW Apps and MINI Connected technologies.

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