BMW takes lead in efficient, innovative driving experience

German carmaker BMW launched two new models - the 2013 BMW 5 Series Li and the all-new BMW M6 Coupe - at the recent Chengdu auto show, one of the nation's four top motor shows.

Its rich lineup also included the all-new BMW 3 Series and its long-wheelbase version, the BMW X1, X3 and several MINI cars.

"Innovation is the key for the lasting popularity of BMW and it is the foundation of sustainable development," said Ivan Koh, president of BMW China Automotive Trading Ltd.

"Our innovation is not only in technology and products, but also in the brand, sales and the service network," he said.

"It is a persistent pursuit for BMW to build quality in every business area to create more value and improve satisfaction for our customers, which in turn lays the foundation for our continuing success."

BMW has been in the fast lane in China for several years, momentum that continued in the first seven months of this year when the carmaker sold more than 180,000 vehicles, an increase of nearly 30 percent over a year earlier.

Its number of dealerships in the country has now surpassed 320 and is expected to reach 350 by the end of the year. It became the first premium carmaker in China to have dealerships in every provincial capital city when it opened a new outlet in Lhasa last month.

As a long-term partner of Chinese Olympic Committee, BMW showed strong support for the Olympics this year, while its "All for JOY," slogan to characterize the Olympic spirit further improved its brand strength in the country.

The national fencing and sailing teams sponsored by the company won three gold medals in the London Olympics, their best result ever.

2013 BMW 5 Series Li: Leader in tech innovation

Leading the trend of Telematics, the 2013 BMW 5 Series Li launched at the Chengdu motor show introduces the most innovative BMW ConnectedDrive technology to the Chinese customers.

Combined with latest-generation iDrive human-computer interaction system with the innovative handwriting input system, the new model provides customers with the most convenient and intelligent functions and services, and infotainment driving experience and at the same time seamless connection with the mobile Internet.

It is a revolutionary outcome of cross-industry effort by BMW with leading players in the related industries including China Unicom and Baidu.

Dr. Daniel Kirchert, senior vice president of sales and marketing, BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd expressed that "The 2013 BMW 5 Series Li is a showcase of BMW's leadership in innovation and technology. The new model is not only bringing the innovation to automobile technology and information connection technology, but also leading the trend of dynamic and connected business lifestyle. The new model will consolidate BMW 5 Series Li's success in China."

New ConnectedDrive functions and services available in the new 5 Series Li include real-time traffic information, weather, news and the stock market, call center service, Baidu map search, automatic reminder of maintenance and emergency assistance. The 2013 BMW 5 Series Li with applications based on the mobile communication and the Internet can keep customers with non-stop information update during their business trips and is leading a trend among luxury business cars by offering such unprecedented driving and riding experience.

The new model carries the company's most advanced and famed four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine. Outshining other premium brands in the same segment, the 2013 BMW 5 Series Li offers the fastest acceleration and the highest fuel efficiency.

The 5 Series was regarded as the most successful business sedan with its 40 years history. Its global sales by the end of 2011 topped 6 million units, according to the company.

The new generation 5 Series Li was launched in China two years ago. Its sales surpassed 58,000 units in the first seven months this year, up 42 percent over the same period last year. The model's market share increased by 16 percent by the end of July.

All-new BMW M6: Interprets ultimate driving pleasure

BMW also launched the all-new M6 two-door coupe at the Chengdu show. The third-generation M6 is equipped with a 4.4-liter V8 Twin Scroll Twin Turbo engine with 560 horsepower.

Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the engine can power the car from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds and to 200 km/h in 12.6 seconds. Average fuel consumption is still just 9.9 liters every 100 km.

Compared with the previous generation model, the all-new M6 can produce 10 percent more output and 30 percent more torque while reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emission by 30 percent, thanks to the BMW EfficientDynamics.

Lei Sheng, men's foil champion at the London Olympics, was invited to the BMW booth on the media day. "The all-new BMW M6 is a dream car - its high performance brings an extreme driving fun," he said.

MINI at the show

MINI, the iconic British small car brand now owned by BMW Group, brought two limited edition models with unique color schemes to the show: the MINI CLUBMAN Hyde Park and the MINI CLUBMAN Green Park, both named for famed open spaces in London.

It also showcased the MINI INSPIRED BY GOODWOOD, MINI COUPE and MINI TCJ Edition, demonstrating the diverse personality of the brand.

In addition to a number of sparkling new models, BMW also displayed a group of used cars at the Chengdu auto show.

BMW Premium Selection

The company started the BMW Premium Selection program for used cars in 2003 and brought it to China in 2006. The company's used car business has been growing steadily in China with more than 20,000 BMW-authorized second-hand vehicles delivered by the end of 2011.

The company said the success of its used car business is due to the strong brand and high-standard, professional services.

Currently BMW has 84 authorized used car dealerships in China and a second-hand car center in southern city of Shenzhen. The company plans to set up its second used car center later this year in Chengdu.

hantianyang@chinadaily.com.cn