thoughts from the boardroom H
Chris Brownridge. CEO BMW (UK) Ltd.
ow we’ve already reached the month of May this year is a bit of a mystery. It seems like a scant few weeks ago that I was taking down the decorations and looking forward to 2022. I’m reminded of Christmas, though, as I currently feel like I have a number of new models all wrapped up under the tree, but I can’t reveal what they are yet. Having said that, one of the most eagerly anticipated new models has been glimpsed in an official YouTube video where the team at BMW M have given us a sneak preview of what’s in store. Yes, I’m talking about the upcoming new M3 Touring, which has been previewed in an online presentation and I can’t wait for you to see it in the flesh; it’s going to be quite the machine. Before that happens though there’s another new BMW that as I write is still firmly under wraps, the new 7 Series, which will have received its global reveal by the time you read this. For the first time the 7 Series will be available with a fully electric drivetrain and I have every confidence it will be a phenomenal luxury car. I won’t spoil the debut now, but I’m always fascinated when a new 7 Series is launched as the pinnacle of the range gives us a glimpse of technologies that will filter down to other models in years to come. When the original 7 Series, the E23, came to market it was the first BMW to
8 BMW Car Club Magazine May 2022
feature an onboard computer and was also the first BMW to be offered with ABS. While the next generation, the E32, was the first German car to feature a V12 engine in the post-war period. I think I’m right in saying the third model, the E38, was the first BMW that could be ordered with Active Cruise Control as an option and of course the E65 7 Series was the first ever car to use a six-speed automatic transmission as well as being the pioneer of iDrive, too. Admittedly not all of our model series have utilised a V12 engine, but all the other features have been widely available on other BMW models. I’ve been lucky enough to have unwrapped some more awards this month with the i4 crowned the Best Electric Executive Car at the Top Gear Electric Awards, while the iX took home the gong for Best Luxury Electric Car. I was also very proud that our groundbreaking i3 garnered a Lifetime Achievement Award as it nears the end
of its production life. It’s not only our cars that have garnered plaudits, though, as BMW has been highlighted as a Green Hero at the Electryfing.com awards. This award recognises companies who are committed to reducing their environmental impact through carbon neutral manufacturing, the reduction of rare earth metals, use of recycled materials and auditing of the supply chain. We have set ourselves an ambitious target; by 2030 we aim to have reduced the CO2 lifecycle emissions per vehicle by at least 40 per cent from 2019 levels and I’m delighted that BMW’s commitment has been rewarded with this award. I think I just about have enough space to mention this year’s BTCC campaign, where we will be competing in the world’s first hybrid touring car championship. The 330e is already a class leader on the road and I’m hoping the 330e M Sport will prove to be a winner on track too. The Team BMW cars will once again be driven by Colin Turkington and Stephen Jelley and I’d like to thank everyone at West Surrey Racing who have done a superb job in preparing the cars for the coming season. Testing at Donington Park and Croft has gone well with Team BMW topping the time sheets at both tracks. By the time you read this the first rounds of the series will have taken place. Here’s hoping Team BMW will be unwrapping some more trophies.
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