Jeddah - The BMW 7 Series, BMW’s flagship model and major contributor to the brand’s Middle East growth, continues to remain at the forefront of the luxury segment by offering the latest in automotive innovation and technology development.

The fifth generation model, launched in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, offers a host of driver assistance technologies including innovative safety features, such as Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Warning systems.

The Lane Departure Warning system alerts the driver before the vehicle drifts over the marked edge of the lane. Using a camera integrated in the rear-view mirror, the system recognises if the vehicle is threatening to stray outside the lane and the driver is alerted by a vibration of the steering wheel.

Lane Change Warning system helps the driver avoid collisions when overtaking and changing lanes. Radar sensors at the rear of the car monitor the traffic behind, and trigger the appearance of a dark symbol on the wing mirror whenever any vehicle moves into a potentially dangerous position. This symbol begins to flash and the steering wheel vibrates as a warning to the driver.

Commenting on these safety features, Anees Jamjoom, General Manager of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, the exclusive importer of BMW in Saudi Arabia, said: “Both these advanced driver assistance technologies demonstrate BMW’s commitment to road safety and innovation by reducing the potential risk of accidents by providing the driver with greater information on surrounding road users through industry-leading assistance technologies.”

The new BMW 7 Series represents some of the most significant technology developments in the automotive industry. Combined, these features not only contribute to a more dynamic driving experience, but also increased safety for the driver and other road users.

Both the Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Warning features are optional on BMW 7 Series vehicles and can be specially ordered with the vehicle.

12.01.2010

Adding to its range of driver assistance technologies that bring unmatched driver engagement, handling and safety features to the luxury performance segment, BMW Group Middle East has launched the industry’s first Arabic-language iDrive control system. The system will be available as a standard feature for most BMW models fitted with navigation, and will be available to customers in the Middle East region from early May.

The BMW iDrive control system has an up to 10.2 inch Control Display with standardised menu guidance that grants easy access to the radio/CD, telecommunication functions and satellite navigation and others. The interface for the satellite navigation system comprising maps, menus, directions, data entry and voice guidance. All these functions are provided in Arabic with a male Arabic voice, and with an option to switch to English and other languages.

The BMW onboard navigation system is extremely easy to operate and guides you quickly and directly to your destination. Your current location is established automatically by the navigator with the help of the Global Positioning System (GPS), down to an accuracy of 10 metres. Using this information, the system calculates the best route to your destination, and guides you step by step to your goal. Instructions are given visually as easy-to-follow arrows, and/or as clear verbal instructions over the sound system.

Hamid Haqparwar, Manager Product & Price for BMW Group Middle East, says: “We are very excited to bring this new feature to our Arabic customers in the Middle East. This project has been a few years in the making and we have invested a considerable amount into research and development, which proves our ongoing commitment to servicing our Arabic-language customers with an added driver-assist benefit.“
For more information on model availability and pricing, please contact the local BMW importer.

24.02.2010

Jeddah - Once again defining a brand new segment in the market, BMW has announced the arrival of the all-new Gran Turismo in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. An embodiment of the leading premium automotive manufacturer’s commitment to innovation, the BMW Gran Turismo combines the characteristic features of a prestigious sedan, the functionality and space of an SAV and elements of a traditional grand touring car.

The exterior of the car combines the proportions so typical of a BMW, an elegantly stretched silhouette and a coupé-like roofline, as well as four doors with frameless windows to create one complete, harmonious unit. The front view of the car animates powerful dynamism through the sheer presence of the upright BMW kidney grille, large air intakes and dual round headlights slanted back at an attractive angle. For the first time the daytime driving light function is provided by corona rings with LED technology, while the rear end is enhanced by L-shaped rear light clusters with illuminated rows of lights in LED technology and a two-piece tailgate.

The luxurious interior of the BMW Gran Turismo enables the driver and passengers to vary the generous space inside the car to their individual, personal requirements. This superior feeling of comfort is further enhanced by the large window areas, the optional panorama glass roof, as well as high-class materials with supreme quality of finish.

Commenting on the arrival of the vehicle in Saudi Arabia, Anees Jamjoom, Managing Director of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, the exclusive importer of the BMW Group in Saudi Arabia, said: “BMW has a proud history of pioneering automotive innovations, and the success of the BMW X6 proved that there is a healthy demand for a completely new segment of innovative and aesthetic vehicles. The BMW Gran Turismo is the only vehicle of its kind in the market right now.

“We are confident that this new model will strengthen BMW’s position in the luxury performance class, and our customers can be assured of a truly exceptional offering backed by excellent customer service,” Mr. Jamjoom added.

The BMW Gran Turismo enters the market carrying over BMW EfficientDynamics into a new segment in the automobile world, allowing the model to set new standards in terms of economy and emission management.

The Gran Turismo will enter the Saudi market initially with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the in-line six cylinder 535i.-The BMW 535i Gran Turismo has a maximum output of 306 hp with a top speed of 250 km/hr and acceleration from 0–100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.

A host of safety and comfort options are available on the model, including Integral Active Steering to improve manoeuvrability and safety at low and high speeds, Driving Dynamic Control for variable drive settings depending on road conditions and adaptive headlights - a function that varies the angle of the headlight beam when it detects a change in direction. Active and passive warning systems such as the Lane Change and Lane Departure Warnings ensure that the driver stays within lane limits.

The BMW Gran Turismo also comes with a wide range of comfort touches and innovative entertainment options, including telecommunication and navigation systems, a multi-channel audio system, a DAB double tuner, USB port, 80 GB Hard Disk, DVD entertainment system in the rear, four-zone automatic air conditioning, and a panorama glass roof.

03.03.2010

Jeddah - BMW Group Middle East has announced that 2009 sales of BMW and MINI in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia achieved a 28% increase over 2008 sales figures. Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, the exclusive importer of the BMW Group in Saudi Arabia, ranked the third best performing market for BMW Group Middle East. The growth also signals the importance and strength of the Saudi Arabian market despite a challenging year for the automotive industry.

Contributing to Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors’ solid performance in 2009, the BMW 7 Series saw a 116% increase in sales in Saudi Arabia and was the top selling BMW vehicle. The BMW 7 Series combines ultimate style, comfort and luxury with supreme driving dynamics and pleasure, and has been designed around BMW’s robust EfficientDynamics strategy to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, making it the most fuel efficient engine in its class.

Anees Jamjoom, General Manager, Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors said, “In a challenging economic climate, where many car manufacturers suffered losses, a 28% increase in our sales confirms the loyalty of our customers and the strength of the BMW and MINI brands.

Another area of business that delivered strong growth was BMW Premium Selection, the company’s approved used-car programme, which achieved an increase of over 41% in Saudi Arabia. Overall BMW Premium Selection sales across the Middle East were up 25% in the eight markets that offer the programme.

Jamjoom added: “We anticipate some of the challenges faced in 2009 will remain, but are confident that Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors is in a strong position to achieve further growth during 2010. We have five new models to launch in Saudi Arabia during the first five months of the year: two ActiveHybrids, the new BMW 5 Series, Gran Turismo and BMW X1. We are confident that these new models will have a positive effect on 2010 sales and our brands will maintain their strength in the market.”

Overall, the BMW Group Middle East ended 2009 with a moderate 9% decrease in sales compared to 2008. Despite the premium automotive sector being down 25%, the BMW brand managed to gain a 4% increase in market share against its core competitors, with a total of 14,557 BMW and MINI vehicles sold across 14 Middle East markets.

06.03.2010

Jeddah - The world’s most successful premium automotive manufacturer has announced that the new BMW 5 Series will arrive in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the end of March 2010. The launch off the sixth generation model marks the epitome of aesthetic design and supreme driving pleasure in the midrange premium segment.

With its sporting and elegant design, excellent comfort and the highest standard in efficiency in its class, BMW’s latest executive sedan sets the benchmark in driving dynamics.

Commenting on the imminent launch, Anees Jamjoom, Managing Director of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, said: “The 5 Series is a core product and one of BMW's best selling models, globally and in Saudi Arabia, so we are looking forward to a very successful launch of this new model in March. l. It is a totally different car from its predecessor in terms of design, comfort, technology and engineering. The car comes with new high performance engines and a host of new driver assistant features such as Head-Up Display that projects speed and navigation instructions directly onto the driver's field of vision and Parking Assistant that measures parking gaps and steers the 5 Series while the driver continues to operate the brake and accelerator pedals.

"These are only two of a host of innovative features available in The New BMW 5 Series. The new model is imaginative, creative and effective. BMW designers and engineers have worked hand-in-hand to ensure the perfect interplay of design and technology. It's the perfect combination of sportiness, elegance and charisma." added Jamjoom.


The new BMW 5 Series sedan will initially be available with one eight-cylinder and one six-cylinder petrol engine offering outstanding performance. Two further six-cylinder engines will be available as of May. The model is a class leader in emissions reduction. It has been designed around BMW's successful Efficient Dynamics strategy that encompasses many technology innovations to offer outstanding performance and a reduction in fuel consumption.

The interior of the new BMW 5 Series has a stylish and modern design with exciting lines that create a generous and harmonious ambience. High quality materials and superior craftsmanship underline the premium interior ambience.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan will clearly stand out from the crowd, convincingly demonstrating its ability to offer the Sheer Driving Pleasure typical of the BMW brand.

09.03.2010

Jeddah – After a resounding success in 2009, Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors (MYNM), of BMW in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, recently hosted a second BMW ‘Passion for Performance’ event in Jeddah.
MYNM organized the drive event to enable customers to experience the performance and handling of BMW cars including the high-performance M cars, without the distractions of traffic and to test the limits of the vehicles in a safe and controlled environment.

“BMW is a leader in the premium segment when it comes to innovation, technology and sporting dynamism, and driving events like ‘Passion for Performance’ are the perfect platform to enable people to experience the thrill of driving a BMW on an open race track,” says Mr. Anees Jamjoom, Managing Director of MYNM.

For the first day of the event, an audience from the College of Business Administration were treated to forum discussions with MYNM that highlighted BMW EfficientDynamics technologies, which minimise fuel consumption and CO2 emissions through maximised engine efficiency and, as in the case of BMW M cars, using lightweight parts which minimise fuel consumption. Students were invited to experience the power and latest technology of BMW cars at the ‘Passion for Performance Drive’ event.

A special ‘M Night’ forum was also held for existing and prospective M customers, and included a presentation by a BMW M specialist at the MYNM showroom in Jeddah. And finally, the ‘Passion for Performance’ Jeddah Raceway event provided an opportunity for those who had signed up to the event to test drive fifteen different BMW cars on the track including the BMW 1, 3, 5, 7 Series and BMW X models. Participants were also able to experience the BMW M cars, which offer pure-bred motor racing technology for everyday use on the road, in a lap around the track with BMW instructors at the wheel.

Mr. Jamjoom added: “’Passion for Performance’ is a continuation of the very successful event series we started in 2009 in Riyadh and Jeddah, from which we had a lot of positive feedback from our customers. So this year we decided to make it bigger and better and give different sectors of the Jeddah community a chance to get up close and personal with the BMW models and experience sheer driving pleasure.

“We were also able to communicate BMW and MYNM’s commitment to social and leading the College of Business Administration students in a discussion about the importance of sustainability and green automotive technology.”

08.03.2010

Jeddah -The Middle East debut of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan marks the epitome of aesthetic design and supreme driving pleasure in the upper midrange segment. With its sporting and elegant design, excellent comfort and the highest standard in efficiency in its class, the sixth generation of this immensely successful executive sedan is expected to continue the success story.

The new BMW 5 Series design is imaginative, creative and effective, with BMW’s designers and engineers working hand-in-hand to ensure the perfect combination of design and technology.

The core product in BMW's portfolio and one of the top selling models in the Middle East, the new 5 Series is set to strengthen BMW’s position in the premium midrange segment.

In terms of design, the new 5 Series has the longest wheelbase in the segment, a long and sleek engine compartment lid, short overhangs front and rear and a coupé-like, graceful roofline. The interior has a stylish and modern design with exciting lines that create a generous and harmonious ambience. High quality materials and superior craftsmanship underline the premium interior ambience.

The new BMW 5 Series will enter the Middle East market with one eight-cylinder and three six-cylinder petrol engines. The top model is the BMW 550i powered by a V8 with BMW TwinPower Turbo featuring High Precision Injection (407 hp).The straight-six with BMW TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC in the BMW 535i delivers maximum output of 306 hp; while the two straight-six power units featuring High Precision Injection and lean-burn operation develop 258 hp in the BMW 528i and, respectively, 204 hp in the BMW 523i.

The new BMW 5 Series is a class leader in emissions reduction. It has been designed around BMW's successful Efficient Dynamics strategy encompassing many technology innovations to minimize fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while maximizing power and dynamic performance.

Some of the wide range of sophisticated driving and comfort features offered in the new BMW 5 Series include Dynamic Drive Control with three modes: comfort, normal, sport and sport +; Comfort Start; Head-Up Display; Multi-Channel Audio System, Rear Seat Entertainment; Four-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning and BMW iDrive control.

BMW ConnectedDrive also offers a unique range of driver-assist technology functions for enhanced comfort and safety. For the first time the new BMW 5 Series comes with a Parking Assistant, an optional feature that facilitates the process of parking; Active Cruise Control , Surround View and Rear View Camera, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning and BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition.

Commenting on the launch of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, Mr. Anees Abdeljaleel Jamjoom, Managing Director of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, the exlusive BMW importer in Saudi Arabia, said: “The launch of the new BMW 5 Series opens up the latest chapter in a truly impressive BMW success story. This sixth generation model is a totally different car from its predecessor in terms of design, comfort, technology and engineering for an experience of ‘sheer driving pleasure.’

The 5 Series has always been one of our best sellers in Saudi Arabia, so we are naturally delighted to introduce this new model into the market. We are confident that it will be well received and help us maintain our position at the forefront of the European luxury car market.”

The new BMW 5 Series sedan is available at Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors from March 2010.

22.03.2010

Jeddah – BMW Financial Services has announced a partnership with AQSAT, the financial company of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi, to provide a Shariah-compliant financial package to BMW Group customers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

From the 28 April 2010, customers looking to purchase a BMW or MINI from Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, BMW’s exclusive importer in the Kingdom, can avail of a new financial solution which will enable customers to directly finance cars as opposed to only leasing them.

Commenting on the new partnership, Mr. Helmut Maier, Vice President New Markets, Importer Finance for BMW Financial Services said: “With this partnership, we are enriching the BMW and MINI product offering by making financing easier for people to own their own cars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“BMW Financial Services offers the safest insurance and warranty products specifically designed for our vehicles, providing customers with absolute peace of mind from the moment they drive their BMW or MINI out of the showroom. Our customers now have the option to finance their cars whether it’s a retail customer or a corporate client."

Sheikh Mohammed Yousef Naghi, President and Chairman of AQSAT, said: “We are very pleased to offer our products under this partnership to our BMW and MINI customers, which comes with a comprehensive insurance plan to guarantee a better price and service to our customers. At Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors we always strive to offer a premium quality service, and this partnership with BMW Financial Services is evidence of our commitment both to the BMW Group and our customers.”

BMW Financial Services offers a wide range of finance solutions tailored to meet the needs of the BMW and MINI customer across the Middle East. The company also provides financing to BMW dealers and importers for expanding facility capabilities and enhancing overall operations.

02.05.2010

Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, BMW’s exclusive importer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, recently hosted two exclusive gatherings for their corporate clients and customers to highlight the opportunities of fleet ownership and the new opportunities presented by their recent partnership with BMW Financial Services.

During the events, which took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh and the Hilton Hotel in Jeddah, clients and potential customers were informed about the benefits of operating a BMW Group fleet in their companies or corporations, and utilizing BMW Financial Services that are now available in the Kingdom. The guests were also given insights into the range of models available, including the all-new BMW Gran Turismo and recently-launched BMW 5 Series, and the low costs of running and operating fleets through Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors.

Speaking at the event, Anees Jamjoom, Managing Director of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors said: “BMW Group vehicles are the car of choice for many corporations, companies and governments across the world, none more so than here in Saudi Arabia. We also ensured that the BMW Financial Services team was also on hand to provide information about flexible financing solutions for fleet vehicles”
Through a recent partnership with AQSAT, private and corporate customers can now avail of a Murahaba financial solution, a Shariah-compliant financial package enabling customers to directly finance cars as opposed to only leasing them.

Mr. Jamjoom also reflected on the success achieved by Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors in the Kingdom during the last year, during which the company announced a 28% growth in BMW Group sales over the previous year, making 2009 the most successful year in the company’s history.

“This is a remarkable achievement for Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors and one which we are extremely proud of. This result is a testament to the dedicated work of our staff and the quality and excellence of our products and services. Moreover, it’s a direct reflection of our huge investment in the business, which has enabled Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors to have a presence all over the Kingdom,” he said.

14.07.2010

Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, BMW’s exclusive importer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, recently hosted two exclusive gatherings for their corporate clients and customers to highlight the opportunities of fleet ownership and the new opportunities presented by their recent partnership with BMW Financial Services.

During the events, which took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh and the Hilton Hotel in Jeddah, clients and potential customers were informed about the benefits of operating a BMW Group fleet in their companies or corporations, and utilizing BMW Financial Services that are now available in the Kingdom. The guests were also given insights into the range of models available, including the all-new BMW Gran Turismo and recently-launched BMW 5 Series, and the low costs of running and operating fleets through Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors.

Speaking at the event, Anees Jamjoom, Managing Director of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors said: “BMW Group vehicles are the car of choice for many corporations, companies and governments across the world, none more so than here in Saudi Arabia. We also ensured that the BMW Financial Services team was also on hand to provide information about flexible financing solutions for fleet vehicles”
Through a recent partnership with AQSAT, private and corporate customers can now avail of a Murahaba financial solution, a Shariah-compliant financial package enabling customers to directly finance cars as opposed to only leasing them.

Mr. Jamjoom also reflected on the success achieved by Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors in the Kingdom during the last year, during which the company announced a 28% growth in BMW Group sales over the previous year, making 2009 the most successful year in the company’s history.

“This is a remarkable achievement for Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors and one which we are extremely proud of. This result is a testament to the dedicated work of our staff and the quality and excellence of our products and services. Moreover, it’s a direct reflection of our huge investment in the business, which has enabled Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors to have a presence all over the Kingdom,” he said.

14.07.2010

Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors’ participation in the 2010 EXCS Motor Show comes hot on the heels of one of their most successful years ever. The exclusive importer of BMW Group cars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recently announced a 19% increase in sales for BMW and MINI cars during the first half of 2010 compared to the same period last year. This remarkable achievement places the Saudi Arabia importer among the top three best-performing markets for the BMW Group Middle East.

The success can be attributed to the wide range of initiatives undertaken by Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors in the past year, most notably the launch of six new BMW models, including the environmentally-friendly ActiveHybrid models of the BMW X6 and BMW 7 Series, the BMW Gran Turismo, BMW X1, BMW X5 and most importantly, the all-new BMW 5 Series.

The BMW 5 Series, a core product for BMW, combines sporting and elegant design, excellent comfort, the highest standard in efficiency in its class and sets the benchmark in driving dynamics and safety having recently achieved five stars in the Euro NCAP vehicle safety assessment programme. It was launched in the Kingdom by Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors in March this year – making Saud Arabia the first market in the Middle East to officially launch the vehicle.

Visitors to this year’s EXCS Motor show will be able to see this new model in Silver Titanium with 19-inch rims and sports body kit. Also, on show will be the all new BMW X5, the powerful ‘M’ versions of the X5 and X6, and the height of luxury – the BMW 750i with an Alpina kit.

Never a company to rest on its laurels, Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors continues to invest in the training of its staff and the procurement of the latest in technological innovations for its servicing centers.

The company has also made purchasing the cars easier through a recent partnership with AQSAT and BMW Financial Services, through which private and corporate customers can now avail of a Murahaba financial solution, a Shariah-compliant financial package enabling customers to directly finance cars as opposed to only leasing them.

Furthermore, the company regularly hosts drive events for its customers at the Jeddah Race Track and Rim International Circuit in Riyadh to enable customers to experience the performance and handling of BMW cars, including the high-performance M cars, without the distractions of traffic and to test the limits of the vehicles in a safe and controlled environment.

With a host of new car launches planned for 2011 including the eagerly anticipated arrival of the MINI Countryman, the first ever MINI Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors is expected to further build on it success in the coming year, continuing to provide the best in servicing, customer care and finance packages.

01.09.2010

Following the 2010 red dot design award, the BMW 5 Series Sedan also takes the 2011 prize from the German Design Council.

Munich. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan has won Silver in the 2011 Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany, presented annually by the German Design Council. The country’s most prestigious prize for product design is one of several honors already bestowed by the Design Council in recognition of the excellence of BMW Group Design. The Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology and will be presented at a public ceremony in Frankfurt on 11 February 2011.

The presentation forms part of the opening event of Ambient, the world’s biggest trade fair for consumer goods.

Since its launch in 1969, the Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany has been conferred each year on outstanding international achievements in the categories of product and communication design, as well as on a personality from the world of design and on up-and-coming young talent. The winners are chosen by an independent jury consisting of ten representatives from industry, academia, design and the media, who are appointed by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology. The selection criteria for the design award are rigorous: all entries must already have received a national or international award and must embody trends and developments with a defining impact on future design. A further entry criterion is the nomination by the Trade and Industry Ministries and Senators of the federal states or by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology.

The design of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan deftly translates the vehicle’s attributes into an authentic formal language. Sheer presence and stylish elegance lend expression to the Sedan’s premium quality and outstanding ride comfort. Its sporty driving characteristics are reflected in the dynamic lines of its bodywork and the overall impression is that of a thoroughly athletic automobile.

The Superior aesthetics of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan are also conveyed by its perfectly balanced proportions and meticulously executed details.

The unique quality of BMW Group Design has already been recognised several times over by the Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany. In 2010 this “prize of prizes” went to the Kinetic Sculpture of the BMW Museum (Gold), in 2009 it was awarded to the BMW HP2 Sport motorcycle (Silver), in 2008 to the BMW G650 Xcountry motorcycle (Gold), and in 2007 to the BMW Cruise Bike (Silver).

For the new BMW 5 Series Sedan this is not the first award of the year: in 2010 its exceptional design already resoundingly persuaded the jury of the internationally renowned red dot awards.

03.11.2010

Munich. By launching the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, the German premium automobile manufacturer is setting new standards not only in aesthetics and driving pleasure, but also in safety. This exceptional position has now found renewed and impressive testimony in the US NCAP crash test. The BMW 5 Series Sedan is the first vehicle that was awarded straight away the highest number of points, 5 stars, in the new and considerably more stringent test procedure of the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The same number of points had already been awarded previously to this four door model in the Euro NCAP crash test. Moreover, the BMW 5 Series Sedan ranks among the first winners in Europe that Euro NCAP experts have honoured in addition with a special award, in recognition of its Assist Advanced eCall, an advanced emergency call system with automatic localisation and accident severity detection. In the USA too, the new BMW 5 Series received yet another honour for outstanding passenger protection: the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) voted it the Top Safety Pick on the strength of its top grades in all test categories.

This double award of 5 stars and the additional honours all reflect the outstandingly high safety level of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan that will be meeting the complex requirements on the international autombile markets. As a global provider of premium cars, BMW develops for all of its models fully integrated safety concepts that are not optimised solely for specific test procedures, but whose safety scope and quality provide the basis for excellent results in all relevant crash tests throughout the world. This ensures the maximum of protection not only for the dummy in the laboratory, but also for thevehicle’s occupants in actual traffic conditions when a critical situation arises or a collision is unavoidable.

Following extensive revisions this year, the US NCAP crash test was performed on a total of 33 current models from American, German, and Asian manufacturers. The tests included e.g. a head-on collision with a solid obstacle, two side collisions, and a rollover scenario. The crash test properties are assessed in particular with respect to occupant cell stability, safety equipment scope and effectiveness, and risk of injury to occupants as determined by the sensors fitted on the dummies.

New to the program is a so-called pole side impact, and in addition there was a significant increase in the stringency of thresholds relevant to top score achievability. As one of the consequences, vehicles that had been awarded top marks earlier under the previous test conditions were being downgraded by the NHTSA in some cases to as low as three stars. Whereas in earlier years, up to 90% of all tested vehicles were being awarded five stars, this year saw only two of thirty three models. Solely the new BMW 5 Series Sedan passed the demanding test program straight away with an overall grade of five stars. Another vehicle was likewise honoured with top grades following a second test run with subsequently optimised safety measures, but all other models achieved only two to four stars in the overall assessment.

For the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, the series is continuing the line of outstanding ratings from renowned safety testing institutes. Previously too, in extensive crash tests analogous to the traffic safety administration NHTSA, the US institute IIHS funded by the insurance sector had already awarded top marks to the Sedan for its occupant safety. One special feature of this test program is the lateral impact of a 1.5 t deformable barrier at a particularly high point on the vehicle’s side, simulating thereby a side collision with an SUV. In addition, the IIHS also utilises a roof strength test to investigate the stability of this structure in rollover scenarios. Having achieved the best grade in all test categories, the BMW 5 Series was voted Top Safety Pick.

The IIHS panel classified both the crash test properties and the safety equipment of the Sedan as exemplary. For instance, the crash active headrests fitted as standard prove to be a particularly effective measure for reducing the risk of whiplash injuries in the event of a rear collision. On this point the IIHS confirmed the positive judgment that the seats of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan had already received previously in the Euro NCAP crash test.

In Europe too, the positive ratings reach beyond the overall assessment of 5 stars. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan was the very first vehicle to achieve 100% in the safety equipment category of the Euro NCAP crash test. In the Euro NCAP pedestrian protection category, with a far higher priority than in the US program, the BMW 5 Series could likewise achieve the best score to date. The Sedan’s active engine compartment lid rises automatically during a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist, presenting an enlarged crumple zone for reduced risk of injury.

Moreover, this institution funded by European governments, automobile associations, and insurance companies is expanding its assessment program this year to include for the first time safety relevant technologies that are not being considered yet in the scope of previous crash tests. These innovative safety systems to a stringent test procedure that is intended to verify a perceptible gain in safety for actual accident situations. In the case of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, this Euro NCAP Advanced Award went to the Assist Advanced eCall, an advanced emergency call system with automatic localisation and accident severity detection by BMW ConnectedDrive. In the event of a collision, this function automatically alerts emergency services and transmits additional data serving to locate the vehicle and assess the potential risk of injury to the occupants.

07.11.2010

Riyadh – BMW invited its customers to experience the ‘Joy’ of driving at its first ever ‘M meets X’ driver training session at Riyadh’s state-of-the-art Reem Racetrack. More than XX VIP customers and members of the media took part in the event, in which BMW driving trainers guided attendees through the wide range of driving options on BMW M and X vehicles.

Organized by Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, the exclusive importer of BMW in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, customers benefited from specialized sessions on how to handle M and X vehicles in a variety of different conditions, such as breaking, slalom and cornering. Attendees also enjoyed a unique track driving experience that allowed the drivers to test the limits of their vehicles in a safe and controlled environment.

“The flat and repetitive terrain of city driving here in Saudi Arabia means that many customers have never experienced the true power of a BMW M or X vehicle,” said Anees Jamjoom, Managing Director of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors. “Events such as these allow them to gain a greater appreciation for the technology and innovations that go towards ensuring 'Sheer Driving Pleasure’ and further convinces them of the quality built into every BMW with regards to performance, comfort, safety and design.”

Guests at the event had the opportunity to drive the full range of new vehicles from ‘M’, BMW’s exclusive, sporty and dynamic sub-brand, including the BMW M3, X5 M and X6 M. They were also able to experience the all-wheel drive ‘X’ range, including the BMW X5, X6 and recently-launched X1 in situations highlighting the vehicles’ on-road and off-road capabilities.

“BMW is not just about aesthetics and design, but driveability based on dynamism, power and performance. Our customers were able to get a better understanding of the full capabilities of the powerful M Series vehicles, the versatility of the ‘X’ range, and the Joy of driving a BMW, whether on track or road,” added Jamjoom.

Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors and BMW are committed to promoting road safety through regular BMW Driver Training sessions such as their series of ‘Passion for Performance’ events in Jeddah and Riyadh. Furthermore, the brand has increased safety on the roads through the introduction a host of driver assistance technologies such as Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Night Vision and Park Assist.

24.11.2010