Sebastian Coe visits the BMW Group in Munich.

Sebastian Coe visits the BMW Group. Two-time Olympic champion is fascinated by BMW Welt.

The BMW Group in Munich welcomed a sporting and political VIP from Britain: Lord Sebastian Coe, two-time Olympic champion and Chairman of the London Organising Committee for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), visited the company headquarters on Tuesday. Accompanied by Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing, Lord Coe toured BMW Welt and the BMW Museum in the morning before being given an opportunity to experience at first hand the future of zero-emission motoring during a test drive in the MINI E through Munich’s snow-covered streets.

At the London Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012, BMW will be the official Automotive Partner, supplying around around 4,000 low-CO2 vehicles to LOCOG.

 Coe, who won a gold medal in the 1,500 meters in Moscow in 1980 and Los Angeles in 1984, commented on his visit: “BMW is an exciting company with an interesting history and fascinating products. I am impressed at how intensively BMW is tackling the challenge of sustainable mobility. As a former sportsman I am particularly pleased to see that sporty driving and environmentally friendly mobility need not be a contradiction. BMW shares our vision of sustainable Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.”

Robertson said: “Sportiness is the core of our identity and the core of the BMW brand. As the world’s most sustainable car manufacturer, we promote and support the idea of sustainable Games – be it in London in the summer of 2012 as Automotive Partner or in the winter of 2018 as National Sponsor. Accepting social responsibility is an inextricable part of our self-image. As a corporate citizen, the BMW Group with its customers and associates around the world stands for international understanding and intercultural exchange.”

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BMW announced as automotive partner of London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

BMW becomes a Tier One Partner and exclusive automotive sponsor of the 2012 Games
4000 low-carbon vehicles to be provided

London. Lord Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has announced that BMW has become the Automotive Partner of London 2012. BMW will provide the 4000 or so vehicles which are required at the Games to transport athletes, technical officials, media, LOCOG operational teams, national Olympic Committees, International Sports Federations, the IOC and marketing partners.

In addition, BMW becomes a Sustainability Partner supporting London 2012’s commitment to deliver its ‘low carbon’ and ‘healthy living’ Games.

Ian Robertson, member of the board of management of BMW AG, responsible for sales and marketing said: “Sustainability is a central pillar of our business and guides all aspects of our operations. This has lead to our being named by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index as the most sustainable automotive company, for the fifth year in a row. Therefore we have a natural affinity with London 2012 and its commitment to low carbon and healthy living.”

He continued, “We see our partnership as a major opportunity, over the next three years and beyond, to focus attention on our range of the most fuel efficient premium cars – and also to shine a light on the future of individual mobility. This partnership will be an inspiration for our customers, employees, dealers and suppliers.”

LOCOG set challenging targets with respect to CO2 and European emission standards for the car fleet. BMW will provide a fleet of cars which not only meet the Euro 6 emissions standard but also beat the maximum average of 120g CO2 / km established by LOCOG. BMW leads the automotive industry in emission-lowering technology through its Efficient Dynamics programme.

The company will also showcase electric vehicles as part of its activation in 2012.

LOCOG Chairman Sebastian Coe commented, “Operationally, an automotive deal is vital for any organising committee and so I’m thrilled BMW is on board. They share our vision to stage a sustainable Games in 2012 and will be a valued partner. We welcome BMW on board and look forward to working with them over the next three years.”

During the Games, BMW bicycles will be available for use by athletes in the Athletes Village and by London 2012 staff. BMW motorcycles will also be used in certain Olympic and Paralympic events.

A proportion of the fleet will be wheelchair-accessible and BMW will convert a number of vehicles for use by disabled drivers and passengers.

BMW has invested over £1bn in the UK since 2000 and employs over 8,000 people in manufacturing, distribution and financial services in Britain. The company has created over 50,000 further jobs through support services, suppliers and dealer distribution networks. BMW will also activate the deal across the iconic Mini brand between now and 2012.

LOCOG and BMW have many shared values which are an important foundation to this partnership agreement. A commitment to fair play, sporting competition and intercultural exchange have always been fundamentals of BMW’s value system – in addition to the central theme of sustainability.