Today we had the opportunity to have an introduction to a true visionary company, the Bavarian Motor Works. The luxury automobile company (famous for its beautiful sedans and sports cars, Minis, motorcycles and high-level customer service), offered us a presentation at its BMW Welt (world headquarters) on its new line of electronic cars.
BMW i is about the development of visionary vehicles and mobility services, inspiring design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability, a paper for the media provided for us stated right up front. And that’s just what Manuel Sattig, communications director for project i, explained to us. BMW has carefully researched and tested electronic mini and BMW vehicles before getting ready for its launch of the BMWi this year and the BMW i8 next year (the urban, city vehicle one year and its racier, flashier sports car the next). Mr. Sattig explained that what they’re creating is more than just an electric care — It’s offering 360 degree electronics and the joy of driving, long the company’s mantra. But, he said, BMW, is at the point of ionic change, and the future means it must focus on sustainability and mobility. Sara is writing much more about this, so all will have to read her article to understand this product R&D, launch, marketing and promotion.
A fact that left an impression upon me: By 2030 more than 60 percent of the world’s population will live in cities, a reversal (particularly in the U.S., where people had fled to the suburbs). So the new to control emissions, conserve energy and suit urban lifestyles is critical. BMW is reaching into the mobility business that reaches way beyond the cars and motorcycles it is famous for that are beloved by its customers.
He impressed upon us BMW’s attention and devotion to superior products and service, and in our BMW museum tour, led by an excellent guide originally from Milwaukee, that resonated with me. We saw how products are created, traced the company’s history back to the early 20th century, marveled at the Rolls Royce automobiles that company now produces, oohed and ahhed over the race cars and specialty luxury vehicles, and learned a great deal about the company and its customers.
A favorite part: Watching customers come to BMW Welt to pick up their automobiles. It costs extra, but it sure seems worth it if this is the car you can afford and strive for. The new owners and introduced to their cars inside and out, bring family members to check it out, and then drive it off the museum floor onto to open road after spotlights are shined upon the new car and its owner.
Interesting fact: That the Rolls Royce motors are hand built. When the starting price is 245,000 euros, it should be …. including the paint stripe along the graceful car’s side. (Loved the doors that open bench style … very cool.)
The BMW contacts treated us just as royally. We had an excellent lunch in the small cafe in the headquarters, and we each received a model car of the BMW i8. The box included the title Mission: Accomplished BMW Vision EfficientDynamics. Indeed!
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