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DEARBORN, Mich – Ford Motor Company Fund today announced Ford employees, and others contributed $1,133,447 million to COVID-19 related relief efforts around the world, surpassing its goal.

The COVID-19 Donation Match Program was established in April to provide Ford employees, their families and friends a way to help fight the growing pandemic that kept them at home and unable to volunteer in traditional ways.

“Giving back is one of Ford’s key values and that is most exemplified in our employees,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company. “We received so many requests from employees asking how they could help in the early days of the pandemic. The donation match program provided a meaningful way for employees to join the fight against COVID-19 – even at a time they could not physically be there to pitch in and help make a difference.”

Through the match program, 47 nonprofits and community groups in 20 countries and 14 U.S. states received funds donated by Ford employees and others that were then matched by $500,000 from the Ford Fund and personal contributions from Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford.

The donation match supported community projects in markets with significant coronavirus-related needs and a substantial number of Ford employees. Nearly one-third — 29% — of the funds went to hunger relief efforts. The next highest share, 24%, was earmarked for projects that met a blend of basic human needs – food, shelter and clothing. Educational efforts received 19% of the funds. Remaining donations supported health-related projects, along with efforts to keep arts programs alive virtually and preserve jobs at institutions that provide historical and cultural education.

“This pandemic has impacted every aspect of our daily life and put many nonprofit organizations at risk of being unable to serve their communities,” said Mary Culler, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Thanks to the generosity of our employees and others, we were able to support a wide range of projects around the world and continue the critically important work these nonprofits are doing.”

The program was administered by GlobalGiving, Ford’s longtime disaster relief and global grant-making partner.

Below is a sample of how nonprofits around the world used donations to make an impact in their own communities.

In Brazil, Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce fed nearly 1,200 families for a month and delivered nearly 20,000 lunches to homeless citizens.

In Ontario, Canada, the David McAntony Gibson Foundation distributed 35,000 hygiene kits; 150,000 kg (330,700 lbs) of dried food; as well as 26,000 “thank you” gifts to frontline workers who are caring for the most vulnerable in their communities.

In England, St. Mungo’s supported the transition of more than 2,700 homeless individuals off the streets or out of emergency shelters into individual hotel rooms. Their trained outreach teams also provided a full assessment of each individual, and delivered food and other essential supplies based on specific needs.

In Tamilnadu, India, the Indian Association for the Blind provided financial support to more than 250 families with visually challenged members to help pay for groceries, medications and rent.

In Italy, Mission Bambini helped more than 600 low-income families transition their young children to online learning during strict quarantine orders. The donations helped provide electronic devices, technological training and emotional support.

In Mexico City, Fondo Unido Mexico collaborated with multiple nonprofits on more than 33 community projects that delivered food, personal hygiene kits, medical supplies and emergency kits to people in need. Additional projects addressed education-related needs, mental health and emergency relief assistance.

In Craiova, Romania, Asociatia Club Rotary Craiova Probitas partnered with Ion Tiriac Foundation to purchase virus testing equipment and increase daily tests by 10-fold at the community hospital.

In Madrid, Spain, Apadrina La Ciencia provided financial support to laboratories making COVID-19 tests specifically for the elderly in nursing homes, resulting in the administration of more than 1,000 additional tests.

In South Africa, the Waqful Waqifin Foundation (Gift of the Givers) distributed food and cleaning supplies to low-income residents while testing people in triage tents erected at key hospitals. In total, more than 180 hospitals and clinics were served, and 120,000 food boxes were delivered to families across the country.

In Taiwan, Teach for Taiwan purchased electronic tablets for school children maintaining their classes online.

In Istanbul, Turkey, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty Foundation provided masks, ventilators and lifesaving medical supplies for its COVID-19 intensive care units. They also provided essential supplies to healthcare workers in one of the country’s oldest and largest teaching hospitals supporting 3,500 medical students.

In Vietnam, Centre of Live and Learn for Environment and Community provided meals and face masks to 80 classrooms of visually impaired students in Ha Noi. In Hoan Kiem, 120 families in were given food baskets, face masks and supermarket gift cards. In addition, four tons of rice were donated to Ho Chi Minh residents, and 150 students of Ho Chi Minh University of Technology were given 2,250 meals and SIM cards.

Fourteen nonprofits across the United States also received donations. Among them:

The Detroit-based United Way for Southeastern Michigan awarded 580 grants to local nonprofit agencies, childcare facilities and community centers.
The Pope Francis Center, a Detroit homeless shelter, used its donations to continue providing meals, showers and clothing to homeless people.
In Ann Arbor, Mich., The Ark folk music club created “The Ark Family Room Series” – livestream programming that features four to five performances a week, provides income for musicians and a way for international audiences to participate in the experience. The Ark is also pursuing virtual youth and educational programs and expanded social media outreach, keeping people connected to music and each other.
The Greater Cleveland (Ohio) Food Bank delivered more than 20 million pounds of food to 800 community organizations that distribute meals to families.
In Olympia, Wash., the Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington received a grant to remain open under state COVID-19 restriction guidelines and provide essential childcare services. In San Clemente, Calif., the Boys & Girls Club of South Coast Area delivered nearly 25,000 meals and home activity kits to low-income families during stay-at-home restrictions.
In Northern California, Volunteers for Interamerican Development Assistance (VIDA) provided hospitals in California with medical equipment such as hospitals beds, gurneys, IV supplies and surgical gowns. They also provided assistance in Latin American countries and sent 74 pallets of personal protection equipment and medical supplies to countries throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, as well as 20 pallets to China. In addition, its U.S. arm outfitted 200 U.S. medical professionals traveling to the Philippines to address respiratory issues.
The COVID-19 Donation Match program is one example of how Ford Fund is providing critical assistance to local communities coping with pandemic-related issues. To date, Ford Fund has invested nearly $3 million to support nonprofits in their efforts to address hunger, shelter, mobility and other urgent needs throughout Southeast Michigan, across the United States and around the world. To learn more about Ford Fund’s response to COVID-19 and ways you can help, visit www.fordfund.org/covid19.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services. Ford employs approximately 188,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

About Ford Motor Company Fund
As the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, Ford Fund’s mission is to strengthen communities and help make people’s lives better. Working with Ford employees, dealers and nonprofit partners in more than 50 countries, Ford Fund provides access to opportunities and resources that help people reach their full potential. Since 1949, Ford Fund has invested more than $2 billion in programs that support education, promote safe driving, enrich community life and encourage employee volunteering. For more information, visit www.fordfund.org or join us at @FordFund on Facebook and Twitter.

About GlobalGiving
GlobalGiving makes it safe and easy for individuals and companies to give to local projects anywhere in the world, providing nonprofits with the training and support they need to become more effective. Since 2002, GlobalGiving has helped raise more than $450 million from more than one million donors and has worked with more than 350 corporate partners. GlobalGiving vets and supports organizations in 170 countries, so when disasters like COVID-19 occur, GlobalGiving can quickly deliver funds to community-driven organizations that are best-suited to provide relief in their communities. GlobalGiving is a top-rated (4-star) charity on Charity Navigator and accredited by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. For more information on our corporate giving programs, please contact partnerships@globalgiving.org.

Buchloe, Germany – BMW of North America and ALPINA are proud to announce that the new BMW ALPINA XB7 Sports Activity Vehicle® has begun series production at BMW’s Spartanburg, SC factory, and that the XB7 “Build Your Own” configurator is now fully functional at BMWUSA.com. Incidentally, dealer and customer orders for the XB7 model have already satisfied available production capacity through the balance of calendar year 2020.

The BMWUSA.com site now features a fully functional ALPINA XB7 configurator for consumers to build examples of the 612-horsepower SAV in available colors, trims, and equipment configurations, complete with functionality to save and share example builds, and to search dealer inventory for similar matches. Traditional exterior colors ALPINA Blue Metallic and ALPINA Green Metallic will become available at later dates. Returning ALPINA customers will be eager to view the newest ALPINA wood interior trim, called Walnut Nature Anthracite (Black). An open-pore design with “floating” ALPINA logo affixed, optional Walnut Nature Anthracite joins standard ALPINA Myrtle wood trim and available ALPINA Piano Black trim, both of which were already available on ALPINA models offered in North America including the 2021 ALPINA B7 Sedan (0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, top speed up to 205mph). Additionally, US customers can view wheel and tire choices for the XB7, which begin with 21-inch ALPINA DYNAMIC light-alloy wheels with Run-Flat Summer or Run-Flat All-Season tires, and massive new 23-inch ALPINA CLASSIC forged-alloy wheels that save 28 pounds of unsprung mass and include bespoke-compound Pirelli P-ZERO “ALP” non-runflat summer tires. A compact spare is available as an option.

More than enough orders from US and Canadian dealers for the ALPINA XB7 have been received to keep the production line and ALPINA final assembly workshop busy past the end of 2020. News of the first-ever XB7 was received enthusiastically by North American dealers and customers, who began placing orders for the model after its mid-May announcement. With global sales of ultra-exclusive ALPINA models stable at just under 2,000 units annually, spotting an ALPINA model on the road anywhere in the world is perhaps only 25 percent as likely as seeing a Rolls-Royce motor car! As with any ALPINA model sold through BMW of North America, US-based BMW dealers may continue placing orders for the XB7 and will be advised regularly with lead-time estimates for production.

The hand-finished ALPINA XB7, with seating for up to seven, is the first full-size BMW SAV to receive the refined ALPINA performance luxury treatment and follows the mid-size ALPINA SAV models including the ultra-high-performance diesel XD3 model and XD4 Sports Activity Coupe (neither offered in North America). The XB7, which started production in August for September deliveries in the US market, is based on the BMW X7 and advances the merits of that model with power, handling, and aesthetic details taken to previously unseen levels of development. A small galaxy of unique ALPINA parts ensure that the ALPINA XB7 specifications include a 0-60mph dash in 4.0 seconds, a top speed of up to 180mph, handling and braking to match the power, and a look and feel signature to ALPINA, with the attention to detail clients of the boutique automaker have come to expect since 1965.

The BMW ALPINA XB7 is eligible for the Performance Center Delivery experience at the BMW Performance Driving School in Spartanburg, SC.

MARKET LAUNCH
The all-new BMW ALPINA XB7 became available to order from May 2020 with deliveries planned to commence in September 2020. Just as with the 2021 BMW ALPINA B7 Sedan, all official BMW dealers in the United States and Canada are eligible to sell and service the all-new ALPINA XB7. The XB7 has been featured on the Future Models page of the BMWUSA.com website, and the full Build Your Own page is now live on the site.

ABOUT ALPINA AND BMW IN NORTH AMERICA
ALPINA Automobiles, privately owned and operated since 1965, has enjoyed a decades-long technical partnership with BMW Group, providing development and testing services to the Munich-based automaker. ALPINA is recognized by the German Ministry of Transport as an independent automobile manufacturer. Selected BMW ALPINA automobiles (currently the B7 and XB7) are sold and serviced by the existing BMW dealer networks in the United States and Canada. These models are covered by BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty and applicable maintenance programs.

ALPINA – MANUFACTURER OF EXCLUSIVE AUTOMOBILES

Burkard Bovensiepen founded the automobile manufactory ALPINA Burkard Bovensiepen KG in 1965. Ever since, Buchloe has been home to probably the world’s most renowned automobiles based on BMW models, developed and produced by the independent family-owned business in cooperation with BMW. This close partnership forms the basis for the continued success of the ALPINA brand: individual automobiles are manufactured with great love for detail and technical finesse, which, however, at the same time meet the high quality and safety standards of series production. Since 1983, ALPINA is officially registered as an automobile manufacturer by the German Ministry of Transport, the Kraftfahrtbundesamt.

Elegant understatement is at the very core of ALPINA’s brand philosophy, which is manifested in an interior with the focus on comfort, above-average driving performance and a discreetly sporty exterior. BMW ALPINA automobiles have regularly caused sensations, both on the road and the racetrack – the result of a remarkable model history.

Founder Burkard Bovensiepen runs the company together with his sons Andreas and Florian.

BMW GROUP IN AMERICA
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; technology offices in Silicon Valley and Chicago, and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 349 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 145 BMW motorcycle retailers, 121 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

DETROIT – General Motors has received N95 certification for the filtering facepiece respirators made at the company’s Warren, Michigan facility. The approval was completed through the new public-health emergency process implemented by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In response to the urgent need to increase the inventory of NIOSH-approved respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff at NIOSH’s National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory has worked tirelessly to quickly evaluate new domestic respirator applications for approval. These efforts are helping to increase the supply of available certified filtering facepiece respirators while ensuring that new respirators meet the protective standards workers need and expect from NIOSH-approved respirators.

As defined by NIOSH, the term N95 refers to the filter class, not the respirator. However, many filtering facepiece respirators have an N95 class filter and many people refer to them as N95 respirators. A filtering facepiece respirator that filters out at least 95 percent of airborne particles during “worst case” testing using a “most-penetrating” sized particle is given a 95 rating.

Achieving an N95 rating required an entirely new manufacturing process with four separate stations to help create a tight seal around the user’s face:

• Station 1: Four layers of fabric are sandwiched together, tack-welded in place and then cut into rectangular “blanks”
• Station 2: Blanks are loaded into a template that welds the outer perimeter as well as the pocket for the wire nose piece
• Station 3: The wire nose piece is inserted, the blank is folded horizontally and a sonic weld in the shape of a hockey stick is installed from the nose to chin
• Station 4: The excess material is trimmed

To expedite the launch of the N95 line, GM repurposed sonic welders from the Brownstown Battery Assembly plant. These sonic welders were previously used to form sub-assemblies in the Chevrolet Volt’s battery packs. For the N95 line, the equipment was updated with new templates to create the weld patterns needed for respirators.

After being trimmed to shape, the N95 masks follow the existing assembly process at Warren: ear bands are manually welded in place; completed masks are subject to a quality check; and then masks are cleaned, bagged and prepared for shipment.

As with face masks, GM will donate some of the N95 respirators to frontline workers. To date, the Warren facility has delivered more than 4 million face masks and 230,000 face shields to frontline workers.

To learn more about GM’s efforts to help during the COVID-19 outbreak, please visit https://www.gm.com/coronavirus.html.

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company committed to delivering safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Holden, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

Munich. The BMW Group is well prepared to react swiftly and decisively at all times to new developments during the corona pandemic by systematically identifying potential scenarios. This approach is all the more important given that the BMW Group expects the consequences of the corona pandemic to constrain the operations of the entire automotive industry for quite some time to come. It is also becoming apparent that delivery volumes in key markets are not going to return to normal in the space of just a few weeks. The BMW Group is developing strategies for various scenarios and is prepared to take additional measures to safeguard its financial position and use its underlying strength to steer itself through this challenging phase.

“Quite clearly, the situation remains serious and market forecasts are subject to constraints under these circumstances. We are gradually ramping up our production again according to demand in each market. However, we are monitoring developments extremely closely to be able to respond with maximum flexibility,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in Munich on Wednesday. “We are keeping a tight rein on inventory levels because liquidity has absolute priority in this situation.”

At the same time, the BMW Group is keenly aware of its responsibility as an employer and as an integral part of society. It promotes the protection and health of its employees and endeavours to strike the best possible balance to ensure the enduring success of the enterprise. The BMW Group is also helping public authorities to procure personal protective equipment, providing vehicles for aid organisations, and has even started producing respiratory masks. Zipse went on to say: “We are doing all we can to leverage our expertise to combat the virus. We are contributing towards protecting public health. At the same time, we are also doing our part to help kick-start the economy and revive public life in a number of countries. Both of these factors are highly relevant and they can only work in unison.”

Setting the course at an early stage is paying off
Even in the current situation, the BMW Group’s strategic decisions are paying off. It set about meeting currently applicable CO2 targets at an early stage, an important aspect of which was the decision to systematically electrify its model range. With its Performance > NEXT programme launched in 2017, the BMW Group laid the foundations for achieving greater efficiency and stronger operating performance. It has also strategically secured access to the raw materials needed to deliver electric mobility. Since the beginning of the current year, the BMW Group has been procuring the required cobalt and lithium directly and passing those resources on to the suppliers who manufacture battery cells.

At the same time, the BMW Group remains convinced of the importance of focusing consistently on customer needs and therefore on the innovations required to meet those needs as crucial to its enduring success: “We remain focused on investing to enhance our future success. We will continue to electrify our fleet as planned and make no compromises when it comes to highly automated driving. Our iNEXT is designed to provide Level 3 performance on highways. We will also continue to invest in hydrogen fuel cell technology. Furthermore, as a dependable partner within our society, we continue to train young people,” said Zipse with emphasis. “In no way does the pandemic call our business model into question. Driven by technology and innovation, our business model will remain future-proof after the current crisis has ended.” With these aims in mind, the BMW Group continues to invest in broadening its expertise in key future-oriented fields of technology. By 2025, the Group intends to invest over 30 billion euros in research and development to further establish its role as an innovation leader.

Firm commitment to meeting CO2 targets
The BMW Group continues to work tirelessly to reduce CO2 emissions levels in its new model fleet and is again set to achieve the stipulated CO2 fleet target for new vehicles registered in Europe this year. This is around 20% below last year’s target. The Group expects to achieve one third of the required reduction through further improvements to its conventional drivetrain systems and the remaining two thirds by increasing the number of electrified vehicles it produces. The BMW Group’s efforts to meet future, mandatory CO2 and fuel consumption limits are therefore based on the combined impact of Efficient Dynamics technologies – which the Group has deployed continuously since 2007 – and the progressive electrification of its fleet. Zipse confirmed: “We remain firmly committed to the CO2 targets agreed within the European Union and to the introduction of the Euro 6d emissions standard. We simply cannot afford to rest on our laurels when it comes to protecting the environment.”

As a pioneer of electric mobility, the BMW Group is already a leading supplier of electrified vehicles and currently in the process of expanding its range significantly. By the end of 2021, the BMW Group will be able to offer customers a choice of five all-electric series production vehicles. In addition to the BMW i3, the all-electric MINI Cooper SE* went into production at the Group’s Oxford plant (UK) at the end of 2019. This year, production of the BMW iX3 will begin at the Shenyang plant in China, followed in 2021 by the BMW iNEXT and the BMW i4 at the Dingolfing and Munich plants respectively – all of which will be equipped with fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology.

The next generation of the BMW 7 Series will undoubtedly mark a new milestone. The BMW brand’s flagship also offers customers the “Power of Choice” and is set to be available with four different drivetrain types: as a highly efficient diesel- or petrol-powered version, as an electrified plug-in hybrid and, for the first time, as an all-electric BEV model, which will also be equipped with fifth-generation electric drivetrain technology. With this combination, the BMW Group is underscoring its aspiration to offer every customer the right technology for more sustainable mobility.

Investing with a sense of proportion – liquidity position remains strong
Again in the first quarter of 2020, the BMW Group incurred substantial upfront expenditure on the road to providing tomorrow’s mobility – nevertheless maintaining cost and capital discipline. At € 1,380 million, research and development expenses for the three-month period remained high (2019: € 1,396 million; -1.1%). Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets amounted to € 687 million (2019: € 999 million; -31.2%) for the first quarter.

“Our proven strategy of targeted investment with a sense of proportion applies more than ever. In view of the current situation, we will either put certain projects on hold or subject them to further review. We therefore expect to reduce capital expenditure from almost 5.7 billion euros in the previous financial year to less than four billion euros in 2020,” said Nicolas Peter, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Finance. “The BMW Group has additionally bolstered its already strong liquidity position by increasing liquid funds to almost 19 billion euros at the end of the quarter. We continue to have the best credit rating of all European carmakers and the second-best worldwide. Our long-term strong creditworthiness enables us to continue benefiting from excellent access to international capital markets.”

Over the past three years, the BMW Group has already achieved an excellent starting position with its Performance > NEXT programme. One of the many positive outcomes of this initiative is that development times for new vehicle models have been reduced by as much as one third. On the product side, up to 50% of today’s drivetrain variants will be eliminated from 2021 onwards in the transition to creating enhanced flexible vehicle architectures. Moreover, the BMW Group’s model portfolio is regularly assessed with a view to finding additional potential ways of reducing complexity. Potential for greater synergy and efficiency in indirect purchasing as well as in terms of material and production costs is also being leveraged throughout the Group. By the end of 2022, the Group intends to save more than 12 billion euros through efficiency-boosting measures.

First-quarter Group revenues up slightly
The BMW Group delivered a total of 477,111 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles to customers worldwide in the first three months of 2020 (‑20.6%). Group revenues increased slightly to € 23,252 million (2019: € 22,462 million; +3.5%) year-on-year. Profit before financial result amounted to € 1,375 million and was therefore significantly higher than the previous year’s corresponding figure of € 589 million. However, the result posted for the first quarter of 2019 was negatively impacted by the recognition of a provision for approximately € 1.4 billion in connection with the Statement of Objections received from the EU Commission concerning ongoing antitrust proceedings. Despite a number of significant items of expense recognised within the financial result, the Group profit before tax (EBT) finished at € 798 million, still slightly higher than one year earlier (2019: € 762 million; +4.7%). Items influencing the first-quarter financial result included negative valuation effects arising on interest rate hedges due to lower interest rates in the USA. In addition, a one-time revaluation gain arising on the pooling of mobility services with the Daimler Group had positively impacted other financial result in 2019. The Group’s EBT margin for the first quarter came in at 3.4% (2019: 3.4%). Group net profit for the period amounted to € 574 million (2019: € 588 million; -2.4%).

Automotive segment achieves good product mix
Automotive segment revenues between January and March totalled € 17,989 million (2019: € 19,213 million; -6.4%). Positive product mix effects and improved selling prices on the back of the further rejuvenated vehicle range cushioned the impact of the significant drop in volumes. Segment EBIT amounted to € 229 million (2019: negative EBIT of € 310 million), giving an EBIT margin of 1.3 % (2019: -1.6%).

In total, 411,809 BMW brand vehicles were delivered in the first three months of the year (-20.1 %). The MINI brand delivered 64,449 units during this period (‑23.4%). Rolls-Royce Motor Cars handed over 853 vehicles (-27.2%) to customers during the first quarter.

In total, 30,692 electrified BMW and MINI brand vehicles were delivered worldwide (+13.9%). “We are therefore well on track for meeting the EU’s CO2 targets,” pointed out Zipse.

A total of 221,024 (-18.3 %) BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles were delivered to customers in the Europe region during the first three months of the year. In Germany, with a total of 66,004 vehicles delivered, the year-on-year decrease (‑8.8%) was less pronounced than that seen across the market as a whole. The number of vehicles delivered to customers in China was down by 30.9% in the first quarter (116,577 units). The trend reversal in March and April is an encouraging sign that points to a market recovery. Similarly, the latest figures from South Korea indicate a move in the right direction. In the USA, the BMW Group sold a total of 64,956 (-17.4%) units during the first three months of the year, of which 59,455 (-15.3%) were BMW brand vehicles.

Motorcycles segment deliveries moderately lower
BMW Motorrad handed over 34,774 motorcycles and maxi-scooters to customers during the first quarter (-9.9%). Segment revenues totalled € 557 million (2019: € 586 million; -4.9%). EBIT declined to € 72 million (2019: € 89 million; -19.1%), giving a segment EBIT margin of 12.9% (2019: 15.2%).

Financial Services segment increases revenues
The retail customer contract portfolio under management within the Financial Services segment grew by 0.5% to stand at 5,516,068 contracts at 31 March 2020 (31 December 2019: 5,486,319 contracts). During the first quarter, 449,687 new credit financing and lease contracts were signed with retail customers (2019: 469,624 contracts; -4.2%). Segment revenues increased to € 7,598 million (2019: € 7,146 million; +6.3%). Profit before tax amounted to € 484 million (2019: € 627 million; -22.8%). A significant reason for the deterioration in earnings was the increased risk provisioning expense recorded in conjunction with the expected consequences of measures taken by governments to contain the corona pandemic.

BMW Group updates target for Automotive segment EBIT margin
The BMW Group sets itself ambitious targets, even in politically and economically turbulent times. However, the uncertainty surrounding the global spread of coronavirus and its consequences makes it difficult to accurately forecast the BMW Group’s business performance for the financial year 2020. The BMW Group still expects the spread of coronavirus and the necessary containment measures to seriously dampen demand across all major markets over the entire year 2020.

Against this background, Automotive segment deliveries to customers worldwide in 2020 are expected to be significantly down year-on-year. Consequently, Automotive segment earnings are forecast to deteriorate, particularly in the first half of the year. As announced on May 5th the company has widened the guided range for the EBIT margin of the Automotive segment due to the extremely volatile situation. The company now expects the EBIT margin for 2020 to be within the range of 0% and 3%.

In the Financial Services segment, the number of new contracts is expected to decrease and the refinancing cost to increase. The return on equity is now forecast to drop moderately year-on-year.

Motorcycles segment deliveries over the twelve-month period are now expected to be significantly below the previous year’s level. The EBIT margin is forecast to be within a range of 3% and 5%.

Taking into account the effects described above, Group profit before tax is predicted to be significantly lower than in 2019.

The workforce will be slightly below the level of the previous year. As already communicated, reductions in staff numbers due to natural fluctuation will be used to manage the workforce size. Under the current circumstances, all new recruitment will be considered very carefully.

The updated guidance does not, in particular, include, a longer and deeper recession in major markets, a more severe economic slow-down in China as a result of recessions in other parts of the world, significant market distortions due to an even stronger competitive environment and possible implications caused by a second wave of infections and associated containment measures. The BMW Group continues to monitor further developments closely and is well prepared to take any necessary measures at short notice.

DEARBORN, Mich – Ford is delaying the restart of production at its North America plants to help protect its workers. The company had been aiming to restart production April 6 at Hermosillo Assembly Plant and April 14 at several key U.S. plants – and now has further postponed startup dates, which will be announced later.

“The health and safety of our workforce, dealers, customers, partners and communities remains our highest priority,” said Kumar Galhotra, Ford president, North America. “We are working very closely with union leaders – especially at the UAW – to develop additional health and safety procedures aimed at helping keep our workforce safe and healthy.”

Rawsonville Components Plant will restart the week of April 20 to produce the Model A-E ventilator, in collaboration with GE Healthcare, supported by paid volunteer UAW workers. The Model A-E ventilator is a basic, cost-efficient design that addresses the needs of most COVID-19 patients. Production will quickly scale up to produce 50,000 ventilators by July 4 – helping to meet the growing demand in the U.S. Approximately 500 paid volunteer UAW workers will be building these ventilators. At this time, ventilator production will be the only work being done at the Rawsonville plant.

“Today’s decision by Ford is the right decision for our members, their families and our nation,” said UAW International President Rory Gamble. “Under Vice President Gerald Kariem, the UAW Ford Department continues to work closely with our local unions and Ford to make sure that as we return to production all members are safe, and our communities are protected from this spreading pandemic.”

When Rawsonville Components Plant begins production of ventilators, the workforce will notice additional health measures in place. Workers will have to self-certify online every day that they are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. If they are, they will not be allowed to work. Work stations will be spaced at least six feet apart to maintain proper social distancing. Shifts will be separated so there is no contact between workers in the different shifts.

Ford and the UAW are also working on several high-tech solutions to help keep our workforce safe.

As developments unfold, we will share additional details.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 190,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit corporate.ford.com.

About UAW
The UAW International Union represents over 400,000 members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Spartanburg, S.C. BMW Manufacturing led the nation in automotive exports by value for the sixth consecutive year, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. During 2019, the South Carolina plant exported 246,014 BMW X models with a total export value of approximately $9.6 billion. The BMWs produced in Spartanburg, South Carolina, were exported through the Port of Charleston, SC (nearly 195,000 units), and through five other southeastern ports: Savannah, GA; Brunswick, GA; Jacksonville, FL; Miami, FL; and Everglades, FL. More than 18,000 BMWs were also exported via rail.

“Every day, the Plant Spartanburg team produces five top-selling BMW X models, four Motorsport X models and two plug-in hybrid X models sold in more than 125 countries around the world,” said Knudt Flor, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “In addition to being the largest U.S. automotive exporter by value, our plant continues to be the largest facility in BMW’s global production network. These achievements are significant and clearly reinforce BMW’s ongoing commitment in the United States.”

In 2019, BMW Manufacturing set a new production record with 411,620 BMW X models produced. Last year was also a significant year for launches at the Spartanburg plant.

(April) Launch of the first-ever BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M
(August) Launch of the third-generation BMW X6
(August) Launch of BMW X5 xDrive45e (second generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicle)
(December) Launch of first-ever BMW X3 xDrive30e (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle)
(December) Launch of the third-generation BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M
First full production year for the first-ever BMW X7.

“When the first BMW rolled off the assembly line at the Spartanburg facility a little more than 25 years ago, South Carolina’s economic landscape began a transformation that would go on to define S.C. as a true brand state,” said Bobby Hitt, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce. “The remarkable partnership between BMW and South Carolina continues to thrive, and this is evident by the fact that our state remains the nation’s leader in the export sales of completed passenger vehicles.”

“For more than 25 years, S.C. Ports Authority has had a strong partnership with BMW Manufacturing,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of S.C. Ports Authority. “Our Inland Port Greer operation brings vehicles from the Upstate to the Lowcountry via rail, and the Port of Charleston enables BMW to export 70% of its South Carolina-made vehicles to more than 125 countries. The automotive manufacturing sector is a vital part of our state’s economy. We are proud to support the shipping needs of the automotive industry, and we look forward to future success and growth for BMW.”
From 2010 – 2019, BMW Group Plant Spartanburg exported 2,285,285 vehicles out of 3,335,871 total vehicles produced. This means nearly 70 percent of the plant’s total production was exported during the decade. Later in 2020, the plant will celebrate a significant production milestone as it produces the five millionth BMW built in South Carolina.

BMW Group Plant Spartanburg produces more than 1,500 vehicles each day and has an annual capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles. The factory represents an investment of over $10.6 billion and employs more than 11,000 people.
# # #

BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC
BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC is a subsidiary of BMW AG in Munich, Germany, and is the global producer of the BMW X3, X3 M, X5, X5 M and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles and X4, X4 M, X6 and X6 M Sports Activity Coupes. In addition to the South Carolina manufacturing facility, BMW Group North American subsidiaries include sales, marketing and financial services operations in the United States, Canada and throughout Latin America; and a design firm and technology office in California. For more information on BMW Manufacturing, visit www.bmwusfactory.com.

BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; technology offices in Silicon Valley and Chicago, and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 348 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 145 BMW motorcycle retailers, 121 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

DETROIT — Finding an available public charging station and initiating a charging session has never been easier for Chevrolet Bolt EV owners. As General Motors moves toward its vision of a world with zero emissions, the company is making enhancements to Energy Assist, a standard feature available in the myChevrolet mobile app1 for Bolt EV owners.
Energy Assist, first available for customers in 2017, currently enables Bolt EV owners to plan and manage their routes more effectively, locate available charging stations – both along their route and in the area – monitor their route and receive real-time alerts if their range projections change dramatically. Energy Assist is integrated with data from the vehicle, which enables intelligent planning and precise charge time predictions.
“We’re providing EV owners with the tools to easily find available public charging stations,” said Rick Spina, GM vice president AV/EV commercialization. “The enhancements to Energy Assist offer Chevrolet Bolt EV owners a holistic charging experience while they’re on the go – whether traveling near home or on a cross-country road trip.”
Energy Assist enhancements include:
Dynamic Data Integration
GM is now displaying dynamic data from charging networks EVgo and ChargePoint within Energy Assist, so Bolt EV owners can have a more seamless charging experience with their GM vehicles. Information provided by charging networks includes real-time data on charge station status to indicate if a charging station is available. GM will integrate dynamic data from additional charging providers throughout 2020, which will include EV Connect continuing to enhance the customer experience.
Start-to-Charge
At eligible charging stations, owners can now link their EVgo account to activate and pay for charging sessions right from the myChevrolet mobile app, eliminating the need to toggle between apps and streamline the payment process. Eligible charging stations are noted within the myChevrolet mobile app. GM will continue to add eligible charging stations throughout 2020.
More Than 40,000 Stations
Energy Assist provides Bolt EV owners access to all Bolt EV-compatible charging station locations, regardless of the charge point operator. EV owners can now view more than 40,000 charging stations in North America, with access to 30 percent more DC Fast Chargers compared to 2019.
Review and Rate
With crowdsourcing on the rise, GM is implementing a new feedback feature for Bolt EV owners. Coming in early 2020, Bolt EV owners will be able to review and rate charging stations within the myChevrolet app. Similar to other popular crowdsourcing technologies, this feature will rely on Bolt EV owners to share their valuable insights about charging stations by providing a star rating and leaving comments about the station.
Original purchasers of new Bolt EVs have access to the Energy Assist features in the myChevrolet mobile app at no additional cost for five years from the vehicle delivery date, after they accept the myChevrolet mobile app terms. Energy Assist is available for Bolt EV owners in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
The Energy Assist enhancements are a continuation of GM’s commitment to an all-electric future; offering EV owners the solutions they need to charge at home, at work or on the road. Earlier this year, GM announced that the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant will be GM’s first plant 100 percent devoted to electric vehicles, and will build the new GMC HUMMER EV with initial availability in fall 2021. In 2019, GM announced a collaboration with LG Chem to mass produce battery cells for future battery-electric vehicles, and with Qmerit to create a more accessible at-home charging solution.
1Available on select Apple and Android devices. Service availability, features and functionality vary by vehicle, device and the plan you are enrolled in. User terms apply. Device data connection required. See onstar.com for details and limitations
General Motors (NYSE:GM) is committed to delivering safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Cadillac, Chevrolet, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, Maven, its personal mobility brand, and Cruise, its autonomous vehicle company, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – Today, BMW is proud to be named one of WardsAuto’s 2020 10 Best Engines and Powertrains Award winners for the 382 hp B58 TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter Inline six-cylinder tuned by BMW M powering the 2020 BMW M340i Sedan, Z4 M40i Roadster and the X3 M40i and X4 M40i Sports Activity Vehicles. The latest iteration of BMW’s iconic six-cylinder inline engine produces 382 hp @ 5,800 – 6,500 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 – 5,000 rpm. Performance and efficiency are not mutually exclusive as this six-cylinder version of BMW’s modular family of engines allows the M340i xDrive Sedan to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds while still returning 30 mpg highway.

This updated award winning 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine features an aluminum crankcase and cylinder head. A new single Twin-scroll turbocharger with an integral, compact, steel exhaust manifold and impellers that weight approximately 25% less than those of preceding models, builds boost pressure more rapidly. Fuel is supplied by means of new High Precision Injection technology which allows injection pressures up to 5,076 psi. The current version of M TwinPower Turbo technology also features VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control and Double VANOS variable camshaft control.

Accepting the award on behalf of everyone at BMW who has worked tirelessly and passionately to bring the new engine to production was Ralph Mahler, Head of Product Planning and Strategy for BMW of North America. “The inline six-cylinder engine has been the heart and soul of the Ultimate Driving Machine for over eighty years.” said Mahler. “Every new updated version continues to improve the engine’s refinement, smoothness, power delivery and efficiency; all traits which are valued by our customers today and without doubt for many more years to come. We are extremely grateful and thankful for this recognition by the WardsAutos jurors.”

BMW’s inline six-cylinder passenger car engine history began 87 years ago with a 1.2 liter 30 hp version powering the BMW 303 sedan. Today, as one of the most versatile engines in the modern BMW lineup, the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine configuration can be found powering vehicles from almost every BMW model line, with versions from 335 hp up to 503 hp.

“We tested this B58 inline six-cylinder turbo a year ago in the larger X5 and it won, with 335 hp.” said Tom Murphy, WardsAuto Managing Editor. “Now, just a year later, it comes to us in the all-new 3-Series, which is quite a bit lighter, with an extra 47 hp. The B58 was great then – it’s even better now. Stretching its legs, the M340i exhibits a glorious, throaty exhaust note, especially when cycling through gears with paddle shifters. This engine is remarkably flexible, great for daily driving and thrilling under a heavy foot.”

BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; technology offices in Silicon Valley and Chicago, and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 348 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 145 BMW motorcycle retailers, 121 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Arlington, VA
The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, on U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao’s announcement of AV 4.0 at CES 2020:

“CES is the showplace for vehicle tech innovation, and we’re thrilled Secretary Chao announced AV 4.0 on our keynote stage. Self-driving technology is the future of mobility—making our roads safer and improving mobility for seniors and the disabled.

“Our industry must continue to work with government to ensure the success and adoption of self-driving vehicles. The partnership between the White House and U.S. Department of Transportation is proof government is prioritizing the adoption of self-driving technology. We look forward to our continued work together on policies that enable this technology to thrive.”

AV 4.0, a set of guiding policy principles for self-driving technology, is a first-ever partnership between the Department of Transportation and the White House.

CES 2020 provides access to the most transformative tech across various marketplaces, such as 5G, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, smart home, smart cities, vehicles, digital health and more. Industry leaders and rising stars will come together to pioneer future innovation driving the ever-evolving tech industry. CES was named one of USA Today’s 10 Best Auto Shows and nine out of the ten top global auto suppliers are represented at the show. Visit CES.tech to learn more.

RALEIGH, N.C. & HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., – Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE: AAP) has acquired the DieHard brand from Transform Holdco LLC (“Transformco”), for $200 million utilizing cash on hand.

This asset acquisition will give Advance the right to sell DieHard batteries, the most trusted brand in the automotive battery category, and enables Advance to extend the DieHard brand into other automotive and vehicular categories. In addition, the deal allows Transformco to sell DieHard brand batteries through its existing channels pursuant to a supply agreement with
Advance. Advance is also granting Transformco an exclusive royalty-free, perpetual license to develop, market, and sell DieHard branded products in non-automotive categories.

“We are excited to acquire global ownership of an iconic American brand. DieHard will help differentiate Advance, drive increased DIY customer traffic and build a unique value proposition for our Professional customers and Independent Carquest partners. DieHard has the highest brand awareness and regard of any automotive battery brand in North America and will enable Advance to build a leadership position within the critical battery category,” said Tom Greco, president and CEO, Advance Auto Parts. “DieHard stands for durability and reliability and we will strengthen and leverage the brand in other battery categories, such as marine and recreational vehicles. We also see opportunities to extend DieHard in other automotive categories. We remain committed to providing our customers with high-quality products and excellent service. The addition of DieHard to our industry leading assortment of national brands, OE parts and owned brands will enable us to differentiate Advance and drive significant long-term shareholder value.”

“DieHard is among the most successful and one of the most widely trusted brands in the auto industry, and we have long believed that the brand has even more potential,” said Peter Boutros, President of Transformco’s Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard business unit.

“DieHard revolutionized the automotive battery category when it launched in 1967, and has continued to be a leader in the category. Advance Auto Parts’ acquisition of this iconic American brand will complement our plans to introduce new DieHard products in nonautomotive categories such as sporting goods, lawn and garden, authentic work wear and other exciting new categories.”

About Advance Auto Parts
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider that serves both professional installer and do-it-yourself customers. As of October 5, 2019, Advance operated
4,891 stores and 152 Worldpac branches in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Company also serves 1,260 independently owned Carquest branded stores across these locations in addition to Mexico, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and British Virgin Islands. Additional information about Advance, including employment opportunities, customer services, and online shopping for parts, accessories and other offerings can be found at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.

About Transformco
Transform Holdco LLC is a leading integrated retailer focused on seamlessly connecting the digital and physical shopping experiences to serve its members – wherever, whenever and however they want to shop. Transformco is home to Shop Your Way®, a social shopping platform offering members rewards for shopping at Sears, Kmart and other retail partners. Transformco operates through its subsidiaries with full-line and specialty retail stores across the United States.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (“FCA”) (NYSE: FCAU / MTA: FCA) and Peugeot S.A. (“Groupe PSA”) have today signed a binding Combination Agreement providing for a 50/50 merger of their
businesses to create the 4th largest global automotive OEM by volume and 3rd largest by revenue.

The proposed combination will be an industry leader with the management, capabilities, resources and scale to successfully capitalize on the opportunities presented by the new era in
sustainable mobility.

With its combined financial strength and skills, the merged entity will be particularly well placed to provide innovative, clean and sustainable mobility solutions, both in a rapidly urbanizing environment and in rural areas around the world. The gains in efficiency derived from larger volumes, as well as the benefits of uniting the two companies’ strengths and core competencies, will ensure the combined business can offer all its customers best-in-class products, technologies and services and respond with increased agility to the shift taking place in this highly demanding sector.

The combined company will have annual unit sales of 8.7 million vehicles, with revenues of nearly €170 billion, recurring operating profit of over €11 billion and an operating profit margin of 6.6%, all on a simple aggregated basis of 2018 results. The strong combined balance sheet provides significant financial flexibility and ample headroom both to execute strategic plans and invest in new technologies throughout the cycle.

The combined entity will have a balanced and profitable global presence with a highly complementary and iconic brand portfolio covering all key vehicle segments from luxury, premium, and mainstream passenger cars through to SUVs and trucks & light commercial vehicles. This will be underpinned by FCA’s strength in North America and Latin America and Groupe PSA’s solid position in Europe. The new Group will have much greater geographic balance with 46% of revenues derived from Europe and 43% from North America, based on aggregated 2018 figures of each company. The combination will bring the opportunity for the new company to reshape the strategy in other regions.

The efficiencies that will be gained from optimizing investments in vehicle platforms, engine families and new technologies while leveraging increased scale will enable the business to enhance its purchasing performance and create additional value for stakeholders. More than two-thirds of run rate volumes will be concentrated on 2 platforms, with approximately 3 million cars per year on each of the small platform and the compact/mid-size platform.

These technology, product and platform-related savings are expected to account for approximately 40% of the total €3.7 billion in annual run-rate synergies, while purchasing – benefiting principally from scale and best price alignment – will represent a further estimated 40% of the synergies. Other areas, including marketing, IT, G&A and logistics, will account for the
remaining 20%. These synergy estimates are not based on any plant closures resulting from the transaction. It is projected that the estimated synergies will be net cash flow positive from year 1 and that approximately 80% of the synergies will be achieved by year 4. The total one-time cost of achieving the synergies is estimated at €2.8 billion.

Those synergies will enable the combined business to invest significantly in the technologies and services that will shape mobility in the future while meeting the challenging global CO2 regulatory requirements. With an already strong global R&D footprint, the combined entity will have a robust platform to foster innovation and further drive development of transformational capabilities in new energy vehicles, sustainable mobility, autonomous driving and connectivity.

The merged entity will benefit from an efficient governance structure designed to promote effective performance, with a Board comprised of 11 members, the majority of whom will be
independent. Five Board members will be nominated by FCA and its reference shareholder (including John Elkann as Chairman) and five will be nominated by Groupe PSA and its reference
shareholders (including the Senior Non-Executive Director and the Vice Chairman). At closing the Board will include two members representing FCA and Groupe PSA employees. Carlos Tavares
will be Chief Executive Officer for an initial term of five years and will also be a member of the Board.

Carlos Tavares, Mike Manley and their executive teams have a strong track record in successfully turning around companies and combining OEMs with diverse cultures. This experience will support the speed of execution of the merger, underpinned by the companies’ strong recent performances and already robust balance sheets. The merged entity will maneuver with speed and efficiency in an automotive industry undergoing rapid and fundamental changes.

The new group’s Dutch-domiciled parent company will be listed on Euronext (Paris), the Borsa Italiana (Milan) and the New York Stock Exchange and will benefit from its strong presence in
France, Italy and the US.

Under the proposed by-laws of the combined company, no shareholder would have the power to exercise more than 30% of the votes cast at shareholders’ meetings. It is also foreseen that there
will be no carryover of existing double voting rights but that new double voting rights will accrue after a three-year holding period after completion of the merger.

A standstill in respect of the shareholdings of EXOR N.V., Bpifrance, Dongfeng Group (DFG) and the Peugeot Family (EPF/FFP) will apply for a period of 7 years following completion of the
merger, except that EPF/FFP will be permitted to increase its shareholding by up to a maximum of 2.5% in the merged entity (or 5% at the Groupe PSA level) by acquiring shares from Bpifrance
and/or DFG and/or on the market. EXOR, Bpifrance and EPF/FFP will be subject to a 3-year lock-up in respect of their shareholdings except that Bpifrance will be permitted to reduce its shareholdings by 5% in Groupe PSA or 2.5% in the merged entity. DFG has agreed to sell, and Groupe PSA has agreed to buy, 30.7 million shares prior to closing (those shares will be
cancelled). DFG will be subject to a lock up until the completion of the transaction for the balance of its participation in Groupe PSA, resulting in an ownership of 4.5% in the new group.

EXOR, Bpifrance, the Peugeot Family and Dongfeng have each irrevocably committed to vote in favor of the transaction at the shareholders’ meetings of FCA and Groupe PSA.

Before closing, FCA will distribute to its shareholders a special dividend of €5.5 billion while Groupe PSA will distribute to its shareholders its 46% stake in Faurecia. In addition, FCA will
continue work on the separation of its holding in Comau which will be separated promptly following closing, for the benefit of the shareholders of the combined company. This will enable
the combined group’s shareholders to equally share in the synergies and benefits that will flow from a merger while recognizing the significant value of both Groupe PSA and FCA’s assets and
strengths in terms of market share and brand potential. Each company intends to distribute a €1.1 billion ordinary dividend in 2020 related to fiscal year 2019, subject to approval by each
company’s Board of Directors and shareholders. At closing, Groupe PSA shareholders will receive 1.742 shares of the new combined company for each share of Groupe PSA, while FCA shareholders will have 1 share of the new combined company for each share of FCA.

Completion of the proposed combination is expected to take place in 12-15 months, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by both companies’ shareholders at their
respective Extraordinary General Meetings and the satisfaction of antitrust and other regulatory requirements.

Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board of Groupe PSA, said: “Our merger is a huge opportunity to take a stronger position in the auto industry as we seek to master the transition to a
world of clean, safe and sustainable mobility and to provide our customers with world-class products, technology and services. I have every confidence that with their immense talent and
their collaborative mindset, our teams will succeed in delivering maximized performance with vigor and enthusiasm.”

Mike Manley, Chief Executive Officer of FCA, added: “This is a union of two companies with incredible brands and a skilled and dedicated workforce. Both have faced the toughest of times
and have emerged as agile, smart, formidable competitors. Our people share a common trait – they see challenges as opportunities to be embraced and the path to making us better at what we
do.”

About FCA
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is a global automaker that designs, engineers, manufactures and sells vehicles in a portfolio of exciting brands, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep®, Lancia, Ram and Maserati. It also sells parts and services under the Mopar name and operates in the components and production systems sectors under the Comau and Teksid brands. FCA employs nearly 200,000 people around the globe. For more information regarding FCA, please visit www.fcagroup.com

About Groupe PSA
Groupe PSA designs unique automotive experiences and delivers mobility solutions to meet all customer expectations. The Group, which employs 210,000 people, has five car brands, Peugeot,
Citroën, DS, Opel and Vauxhall and provides a wide array of mobility and smart services under the Free2Move brand. Its ‘Push to Pass’ strategic plan represents a first step towards the achievement of the Group’s vision to be “a global carmaker with cutting-edge efficiency and a leading mobility provider sustaining lifetime customer relationships”. An early innovator in the field of autonomous and connected cars, Groupe PSA is also involved in financing activities through Banque PSA Finance and in automotive equipment via Faurecia.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – MINI USA is pleased to announce the U.S. market pricing on its all-new battery electric MINI Cooper SE. The 2020 MINI Cooper SE will reach US showrooms in early March of 2020 with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $29,900 plus an additional $850 Destination & Handling fee.

“U.S. pricing of the new MINI Cooper SE was set to establish this new battery electric as a true class leader in making premium electric mobility more accessible to a broader range of customers.”, said Michael Peyton, Vice President, MINI of the Americas. “We at MINI are pleased to offer more people the ability to experience a drive charged with passion in the form of the MINI Cooper SE, an EV that is built “for the drive”.”

The Cooper SE makes electric mobility more “MINI” by maintaining authentic attributes of design, handling, and fun that are found in every MINI model. The MINI Cooper SE harkens back to the mission of the very first Mini developed by Sir Alec Issigonis in 1959 – to develop a creative solution for a highly efficient car with a small footprint that was fun to drive, and accessible to the masses.

Power and Performance
With a low center of gravity, a powerful electric powertrain, and dynamic handling, the MINI Cooper SE is a true performance car that retains all the fun-to-drive attributes MINI owners have come to know and love. The front wheel drive electric motor generates 181hp and 199 lb.-ft. of torque enabling the new MINI Cooper SE to go from 0 – 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 93 mph.

Attainable Electric Mobility
While the MINI Cooper SE has an MSRP of $29,900, federal tax credits and state electric vehicle tax credits make the MINI Cooper SE even more attractive. In some cases, qualified consumers can get a MINI Cooper SE for as low as $17,900, along with additional incentives such as HOV lane access in some states.

“Premium” Well Defined with High Level of Standard Equipment
The MINI Cooper SE comes standard with a base trim level that offers a full complement of premium features and equipment. Beyond the standard equipment, two additional trim levels will be offered giving customers the choice to easily add two bundled packages of premium equipment.

MINI DNA Carries on in Electric Form
Based on, and dimensionally almost identical to the MINI Hardtop 2 Door launched in 2014, the MINI Cooper SE has been engineered to be electric. Modifications include a height increase of 18 mm (.7 inch) to accommodate floor mounted battery packs and a new, more efficient HVAC heat pump to maximize range during colder weather. Despite these modifications, the MINI Cooper SE has the same distinctive style and identical interior dimensions and cargo space as the internal combustion MINI Hardtop. It also includes a closed, uniquely styled grill for better aerodynamics.

Charging and Regeneration
The MINI Cooper SE comes standard with AC Charging at up to 7.4 kW, which allows for a 100% charge at home in as little as 4 hours, as well as DC Charging at up to 50 kW, which allows for charging at public stations in as little as 35 minutes to achieve an 80% charge, and utilizes the SAE Combo fast charging standard. From the outside you will immediately notice the new EV Specific Filler Flap with LED status indicator for when the vehicle is in charge mode. The MINI Cooper SE also includes a programmable locking feature that can prevent the charge cord from being unplugged when charging and can automatically unlock when fully charged to allow others needing charge access to the charger. The MINI Cooper SE also comes standard with a two-mode regenerative braking system to help maximize the recharging of the battery while also meeting your personal driving style preference.

Inside the Cockpit
The MINI Cooper SE come standard with a new Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster which features a digital speedometer and graphic indications for Charge Level and Power Level, as well as scrollable data including remaining range and charging/charge level during charging. This puts essential EV operations and energy consumption data all in one convenient place.

The new MINI Cooper SE will go on sale early March 2020 at MINI dealers across the U.S.

About MINI in the US
MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC, located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey and includes the marketing and sales organizations for the MINI brand. The MINI USA sales organization is represented in the U.S. through a network of 122 MINI passenger car dealers in 39 states. MINI USA began selling vehicles in the U.S. in 2002 with the introduction of the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Hardtops. Since then, the MINI Brand in the U.S. has grown to encompass a model range of five unique vehicles.

DETROIT – As General Motors moves toward its vision of a world with zero crashes, the company partnered with the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute to understand the real-world effectiveness of some of its available active safety, driver assistance, and advanced headlighting features that may prevent or mitigate different types of crashes. The results show that several of these features are making a statistically significant impact in helping to reduce crashes.

The study leveraged 3.7 million GM vehicles across 20 different models from 2013-2017. Fifteen different systems were evaluated using police report crash databases available to UMTRI from 10 states.

After comparing the crash instances involving vehicles with and without active safety features, the study showed that certain features evaluated had an impact in preventing the types of crashes the features were designed to help prevent or mitigate.

Significant findings include:

Automatic Emergency Braking (or Forward Automatic Braking) with Forward Collision Alert reduced rear-end striking crashes by 46%.
Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning reduced lane departure-related crashes by 20%.
Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert reduced lane change crashes by 26%.
Rear Vision Camera alone, Rear Park Assist functionality, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (which nearly always includes the two previous backing features) and Reverse Automatic Braking (which includes all the previous backing features) produced, respectively, an estimated 21%, 38%, 52%, and 81% reduction in backing crashes.
IntelliBeam and High-Intensity Discharge headlight features provided 35% and 21% reductions, respectively, in nighttime pedestrian/bicyclist/animal crashes, with a 49% reduction when offered together.
“This study is groundbreaking in terms of the broad range of vehicles and active safety and headlighting features examined,” said GM Safety Technical Fellow, Raymond Kiefer. “The results show that the GM active safety systems evaluated are addressing a wide range of common crashes that cause a staggering amount of injuries, property damage and cost to our customers and society, putting GM well on its way toward a vision of zero crashes.”

“A key finding of this work is that we can make substantial gains in safety through deployment of advanced driver assistance systems such as forward and rear emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and others. In addition, we found that the more automated the system, the greater the benefits,” said UMTRI Research Associate Professor, Carol Flannagan. “This work looked at reduction in crashes associated with systems already in the hands of drivers in real-world driving environments. Our working relationship with GM is critical to our ability to evaluate the effects of these systems, and we hope that what we learned can motivate more widespread deployment of the most effective technologies.”

Smarter, safer vehicles will play a critical role in helping to save lives now and in the future. These technologies are critical to GM’s vision of a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion.

For more information and to read the full report, visit http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/150660

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is committed to delivering safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Cadillac, Chevrolet, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, Maven, its personal mobility brand, and Cruise, its autonomous vehicle ride-sharing company, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

Mountain View, Calif (September 12, 2019)… BMW i Ventures announced an investment in Trifacta, the global leader in data wrangling. The new capital will accelerate the company’s continued expansion into new geographies and product areas, in particular expanding upon the company’s use of intelligent automation throughout the platform.

“As we face an exponential growth in big data—from machines in our factories to connected cars on the road—we believe that Trifacta’s data prep solution will be key to accelerating the feedback loop between the hordes of data produced everyday and the types of insights and actions taken by large organizations,” said Marcus Behrendt, partner, BMW i Ventures. “Trifacta’s toolset is key to harvesting the data lakes and is therefore an enabler when shifting to a truly digital organization.”

With an exponential amount of data moving to the cloud, more data quality, preparation and pipeline workloads are moving there as well, causing an increased need to derive faster insights and deliver bottom line business results. Organizations can no longer rely on legacy, siloed data integration processes to handle the speed, scale and diversity of today’s data if they are going to take advantage of the transformational business opportunities provided by the advent of artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

“AI, machine learning and analytics have become the primary growth opportunities for the cloud today. Yet, it’s this meteoric growth that is causing barriers to success as AI projects overwhelmingly face the same problem — data quality,” said Adam Wilson, CEO, Trifacta. “As the pioneers in data wrangling,Trifacta offers the leading platform for managing data quality, preparation and pipelines that is natively integrated with all of the major cloud providers. A growing number of industry-leading organizations, including technology pioneers such as IBM and Google are choosing Trifacta to remove the critical barrier data wrangling presents to success with analytics and machine learning;.”

Through Trifacta’s unique combination of human-computer interaction, machine learning & scalable data processing it guides users through the process of exploring and preparing data. By democratizing the data wrangling experience, Trifacta empowers technical data scientists and engineers as well as non-technical business analysts to work beyond data silos to deliver quality outputs with greater efficiency to downstream analytics initiatives.

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About BMW i Ventures
BMW i Ventures, BMW’s EUR 500 million venture capital fund, invests money and resources in startups in the fields of autonomous driving, digital car and automotive cloud, e-mobility, artificial Intelligence and data, industry 4.0, shared and on-demand mobility, customer digital life, and energy services. The firm has already partnered with innovative companies such as Xometry, Yellowbrick, Zum, Urgent.ly, Lime, and Bright Machines. BMW i Ventures invests in all stages from seed and incubation to growth companies.

ABOUT Trifacta:
Trifacta is the global leader data wrangling. Trifacta leverages decades of innovative research in human-computer interaction, scalable data management and machine learning to make the process of preparing data faster and more intuitive. Around the globe, tens of thousands of users at more than 10,000 companies, including leading brands like Deutsche Boerse, Google, Kaiser Permanente, New York Life and PepsiCo, are unlocking the potential of their data with Trifacta’s market-leading data preparation solutions. Learn more at trifacta.com.

Medinah, IL – August 14, 2019… The 2019 BMW Championship officially got underway today at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Illinois, marking the event’s return to its traditional home in the Chicago area. Defending BMW Championship winner Keegan Bradley will look to become the first repeat champion since BMW became title sponsor in 2007, and only the third golfer to win multiple BMW Championship titles.

The annual BMW Championship Gardner Heidrick Pro-Am kicked off tournament week, with another star-studded field. Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Fame member Bo Jackson and baseball legend and World Series champion Roger Clemens were among the notables playing alongside PGA TOUR players. Also, teeing it up was former Miss Missouri and social media sensation, Katie Kearney. They participated in the largest fundraising event for the Evans Scholars Foundation, which provides full tuition and college scholarships to caddies throughout the country with limited financial means.

As always, all net proceeds from the 2019 BMW Championship will benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation, which provides full housing and tuition college scholarships to hardworking young caddies. Since the tournament’s inception in 2007, the BMW Championship has raised more than $30 million for the Evans Scholars Foundation. For the coming 2019-2020 academic year, 1,000 caddies will be attending 18 major colleges and universities on Evans Scholarships – a goal that BMW has helped come to fruition. Currently there are more than 11,500 Evans Scholarship Alumni nationwide.

Once again, BMW will also provide a full, four-year tuition and housing grant through the Evans Scholarship Foundation in the name of the first PGA TOUR player to record a hole-in-one during the 2019 BMW Championship.

The BMW Championship is the penultimate event of the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup Playoffs and for the first time, will be played in August – Thursday, August 15 through Sunday, August 18.

The 70-player field is expected to include some of the most accomplished golfers in the sport such as two-time BMW Championship winners Tiger Woods and Dustin Johnson, and other notables including Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Jason Day and Phil Mickelson. All four of this year’s major championship winners (Woods, Koepka, Gary Woodland and Shane Lowry) will take on Medinah’s world-famous Course No. 3 layout, alongside reigning FedExCup winner Justin Rose.

PGA TOUR players will also have the opportunity to earn some significant prizes by carding a hole-in-one on the 17th hole. The first player to record an ace during competition rounds will receive the all-new BMW M8 convertible.

As always, fans attending the BMW Championship will have a multitude of interactive activities on the grounds, in addition to the golf, including:

BMW Fan Challenge Powered by Topgolf CRUSH
Located across from the driving range, is your chance to test your skills against the best golfers on the PGA TOUR awaits at the BMW Fan Challenge Powered by Topgolf CRUSH. This five-shot game challenges you to beat the scores of your favorite players. High scores throughout the week will receive prizes, compliments of BMW. The highest score of the week will win a trip to the BMW Performance Center in Thermal, California, where they’ll experience power, speed and adrenaline through the BMW M School program.

Biergarten
Nestled between the first tee and 18th green, fans can prepare for Oktoberfest, as the Biergarten offers all patrons a place to relax and experience the BMW Championship without missing any of the action. The space features natural shade, picnic tables, authentic German beer, and yes, pretzels. With a large video board showing live tournament coverage, you can take a break and enjoy a taste of Germany while enjoying the competition of the BMW Championship.

BMW Owners’ Pavilion
A BMW key unlocks the best views that the BMW Championship has to offer. Once inside the BMW Championship, Owners and a guest can access the BMW Owners’ Pavilion by simply showing their BMW key fob. There, they are invited to relax and enjoy premium concessions as well as unparalleled views of the 16th green, 17th tee, and 17th green.

For updates during the 2019 BMW Championship, follow the conversation with:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BMWChampionship
Twitter: @BMWchamps, @PGATOUR, @WGAESF, @MedinahCC
Instagram: @BMWChamps, @PGATOUR, @BMWUSA, @medinahcountryclub
Hashtags: #BMWChamps #BMWGolf #PGATOUR #FedExCup, #LiveUnderPar

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About the BMW Championship
The BMW Championship, conducted by the Western Golf Association, dates back to 1899 when it debuted as the Western Open, making it the third-oldest tournament on the PGA TOUR schedule, behind only the British Open and U.S. Open. BMW has sponsored the tournament since 2007 when it became the penultimate event of the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup Playoffs. The BMW Championship features a field of the top 70 players in the FedExCup standings to determine the final 30 players for the FedExCup finale at the TOUR Championship in Atlanta. To learn more, visit www.bmwchampionship.com.

About the Western Golf Association
The Western Golf Association conducts three national golf championships and sponsors the nationally acclaimed Evans Scholars Foundation. Headquartered in Golf, Illinois, the organization was founded in 1899 by 11 Chicago-area golf clubs to promote their interests in golf. In addition to the BMW Championship, the WGA conducts two prestigious amateur championships, the Western Amateur and the Western Junior. To learn more, visit www.wgaesf.org.

About the Evans Scholars Foundation
The Evans Scholars Foundation, the nation’s largest scholarship program for caddies, provides full housing and tuition college scholarships to young caddies who show academic promise and financial need. Overseen by the Western Golf Association, the golf charity has helped more than 11,500 caddies graduate from college since 1930. This fall, 1,000 Scholars are attending 18 universities nationwide.

Emphasizing safety by design, 11 industry leaders across the automotive and automated driving technology spectrum today published “Safety First for Automated Driving,” (SaFAD), a non-binding organized framework for the development, testing and validation of safe automated passenger vehicles.

These 11 leaders — Aptiv, Audi, Baidu, BMW, Continental, Daimler, FCA US LLC, HERE, Infineon, Intel and Volkswagen — comprise the broadest representation across the industry and have published, to date, the largest report on how to build, test and operate a safe automated vehicle.

The SaFAD white paper authors’ purpose is to emphasize the importance of safety by design, along with verification and validation, as the industry works toward creating standards for automated driving.
For the first time, SaFAD offers automated vehicle (AV) developers and operators a system for clear traceability that proves AVs to be “safer than the average driver” through components such as cameras or steering systems.

It is also the first time presenting a summary of widely known safety by design and verification and validation methods of Level 3 and Level 4 automated driving as defined by the SAE (J3016).

The foundation of the SaFAD white paper is its 12 Guiding Principles, which are further refined into capabilities of the automated vehicle, from which safe-by-design elements are derived to support the capability and achieve the guiding principles. “Safety First for Automated Driving” combines the expertise from key companies in the automaker, supplier and technology industries to help direct development of safe automated vehicles.

Interest and development of automated driving technology has grown at a dramatic rate the past several years, fueled by the goal of reducing fatalities related to vehicle crashes, improvement of traffic flow and the introduction of new mobility concepts. This rapid growth brings a wide range of development methodologies from established companies and the growing roster of new enterprises.

With publication of “Safety First for Automated Driving,” authors and experts from each of the participating partners will present the group’s work at industry and technology conferences internationally over the next several months.

Note: In the spirit of collaboration, the companies are issuing a common press release. Journalists seeking more details are encouraged to contact one or more of the listed media contacts.

DETROIT — General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today released “Transformation in Progress,” its ninth annual sustainability report to update employees, investors, policymakers, advocacy groups and customers on the aggressive moves the company made in 2018 to achieve its vision of a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion. The report also extensively covers GM’s drive to build a world-class, inclusive and customer-focused culture with strong corporate governance and transparency.

“For years, we have said that the auto industry is experiencing more change today than in the past 50 years. That pace of change is only accelerating,” said Mary Barra, General Motors chairman and CEO. “With the right team, technology, resources and scale to achieve our vision, I believe the only thing that can stop us is not acting quickly enough. Disruption creates uncertainty, but it also creates vast possibilities that will lead to a better world.”

Results from the 2018 report include:

GM reduced its manufacturing carbon intensity since 2010 — three years ahead of its goal. GM set a new goal to reduce emissions by 31% by 2030 compared to a 2010 baseline, consistent with the level of decarbonization required by science-based methodology.
Renewable energy powers 20% of GM’s electricity needs today and will power 100% by 2050.
Cars being tested by Cruise, GM’s self-driving, ride-hailing subsidiary, drove 3.5 times more miles in 2018 than in 2017. That underscores the tremendous progress the company is making toward the commercial introduction of self-driving cars — a key part of its zero-crashes vision. Cruise secured commitments for more than $5 billion of external investment, demonstrating the high level of confidence in its vision.
Cadillac will be GM’s lead brand for electrification technologies, and the company will double its engineering resources focused on EV and AV programs in the next two years.
GM is the first automotive company to commit to the future of sourcing sustainable natural rubber for tires to mitigate deforestation and its effects on climate change.
Chevrolet debuted an industry-first Buckle to Drive feature in the 2020 Traverse to help young drivers develop safe driving habits by reminding them to buckle up every time they get behind the wheel.
GM supported initiatives promoting STEM education, vehicle and road safety and community development via grant funding in 28 states, serving 1.4 million individuals.
GM ranks 14th and industry-highest on the JUST 100, a ranking of companies whose business behaviors align with priorities of the American public in environment, social and ethical factors.
GM ranks first worldwide on Equileap’s 2018 Gender Equality in the Workplace.
GM is the fourth most transparent S&P 500 company for ESG disclosure as evaluated by HIP Investor.
Learn more about the ways General Motors is driving value through environmental, community and governance factors.

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is committed to delivering safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Cadillac, Chevrolet, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, Maven, its personal mobility brand, and Cruise, its autonomous vehicle company, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

Woodcliff Lake, N.J., and Spartanburg, S.C. – June 26, 2019… BMW of North America announced today the openings of two new technician training facilities in Spartanburg, SC and Atlanta, GA, and the expansion of training capacity in Ontario, CA and at the company’s headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ. The $56 million investment will support the development of new and existing technicians for employment at BMW and MINI dealers in the U.S. through several programs including BMW Group University’s flagship program, STEP (Service Technician Education Program). Open house events to formally mark the new openings in Spartanburg and Atlanta will be held on June 26 and July 25, respectively.

BMW’s STEP (Service Technician Education Program) is a 16 week BMW technical training program that accepts candidates from post-secondary automotive training programs and provides them with a hands on BMW technical education for employment within the nationwide BMW dealer network. The program is currently taught in nine locations across the country, where students develop the skills needed to repair and maintain the current and future generations of BMW vehicles. Since 1997, nearly 5,200 students have completed BMW’s STEP program, 95% of which have been offered well-paying jobs at a BMW dealer.

“As vehicle technology becomes increasingly complex, the need for highly trained and skilled technicians becomes critical to providing the premium level of service our customers demand”, said Claus Eberhart, vice president BMW Aftersales. “These new facilities will not only ensure that our technicians will have the ability to maintain and service both current and future generations of BMW vehicles, but also the opportunity to have a successful career in the automotive industry.”

BMW Training Center: Spartanburg
The Spartanburg training center is located adjacent to BMW Plant Spartanburg, which will allow students to fully engage with and immerse in the BMW brand via the company’s flagship STEP training program. The new 35,000 square foot facility includes two technical training workshops as well as four paint and body training rooms. BMW’s $10 million investment into the training location is part of the company’s ongoing investment into the region.

BMW Training Center: Atlanta
The brand new facility in Atlanta spans over 53,000 square feet and will offer students technical training, STEP/Apprentice training, Motorrad and body and paint dealer training. The $17 million investment will service dealers and customers throughout the region.

This new investment is another example of BMW’s ongoing commitment in the U.S. and commitment to delivering the highest level of customer service to its owners.

Additional BMW Group Technician Training Programs.
BMW Group in the U.S. offers several technical training programs at more than 10 locations nationwide which are designed to identify, train and develop candidates who will become skilled technicians to support its dealer network of more than 650 BMW, MINI, BMW Motorrad and Rolls-Royce dealers nationwide. These include:

The MSTEP ( Military Service Technician Education Program) program was launched in 2018 at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California to assist veterans in seamlessly transitioning from a military career to a civilian career in the automotive industry. The program was launched in partnership with UTI (Universal Technical Institute), making BMW the first premium automotive manufacturer to deliver technical training on and active military base.

The BMW Apprentice Program was launched in 2002 to provide disadvantaged youths in metro areas the opportunity to develop a trade. The six-month program features rotations at both a BMW center and at a BMW Group University training center, allowing students greater flexibility. Graduates enter the work force as entry level line technicians.

The BMW Scholars program is an apprenticeship program offered by BMW Manufacturing that educates and trains students to work in the highly-technical environment of advanced manufacturing. The program size was recently doubled to include 200 apprentices, and added a fourth education partner in Piedmont Technical College. Since first announcing the Scholars program in 2011, BMW has partnered with three technical colleges near the company’s U.S. manufacturing facility, Plant Spartanburg. In the program, students attend class full-time and work at the BMW plant for 20 – 25 hours per week. BMW covers the cost of tuition and books, provides healthcare benefits and pays students for their work at BMW.

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BMW Group in America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; technology offices in Silicon Valley and Chicago, and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 347 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 148 BMW motorcycle retailers, 122 MINI passenger car dealers, and 37 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.