Recognising outstanding performance Ford

‘M’ Motorsport series, “where driving pleasure meets perfection” and its dream car the BMWi8, which all set new standards in performance and energy-efficiency.

In the hybrid and electric passenger car sectors, BMW also leads the field and continues to win countless awards. This remarkable ability to stay ahead of the field is enhanced by its ‘Efficient Dynamics’ technology, which is a package of intelligent technologies that significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions, whilst increasing the driving pleasure experience.

BMW’s ‘Connect Drive’, whose innovative functions are able to provide optimal integration between the driver, the vehicle and the outside environment, are yet another example of its leading technology in this field.

In another example of its innovative capabilities,, BMW’s all-wheel-drive system, the XDrive, offers driver’s additional safety, control and agility in every conceivable motoring situation, even on difficult road surfaces. The development of ever more innovative and energy efficient technology is an on-going process at BMW. New models deliver effortless efficiency

The company’s new 3 series saloon epitomises modernity and like all other new models from BMW, offers effortless efficiency. This sixth generation of the BMW 3 series saloon is now more powerful, more efficient and more individual than ever before. The smooth, effortless drive is provided by its powerful six cylinder and four cylinder petrol and diesel engines, all of which benefit from the latest BMW ‘EfficientDynamics’ systems.

The new BMW 4 Series coupe also takes a bow and represents a completely new BMW vehicle generation that combines sportiness with advanced styling and aesthetics. The new and stunning BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe perfectly complements this model range with its unrivalled natural elegance. Thanks to their low centre of gravity, ideal load distribution and rigid chassis, enhanced with BMW’s unique twin-power turbo technology, these cars are able to offer a unique driving sensation. The BMW 4 Series Convertible also introduces a new dimension of exciting sportiness blended with its own stylish elegance. The retractable hard-top provides an exhilarating open-air experience and a unique driving experience all year round.

Today the world is full of possibilities and the new BMW X models offer the perfect way to explore them. With high seating positions and economical engines, there is a BMW X model for everyone. The BMW X1 is the perfect vehicle for combining practicality with pure driving pleasure whilst the BMW X3 is the sports activity vehicle that is the founder and leader in its class. This vehicle also impresses with its highly efficient and economical, twin-power turbo diesel and petrol engines. And just like the X3, BMW’s X4 model also cuts a striking figure with its bold design and ‘X-typical’ power train.

Even in its third generation, the new BMW X5 manages to surpass its own exacting standards and as an SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) it offers outstanding performance in every area where the toughest demands are made both on and off the road. At the very top of the X range is the BMW X6, which has a presence that sets it apart as a Sports Activity Coupe. This unique SAV also offers the versatility and high-seating position of an SUV.

Born to be electric

The eagerly anticipated, all new BMW i3 represents an exciting and innovative proposition for the fleet marketplace. With fuel prices continuing to rise and tighter emission targets being set by the world’s governments, running a fleet in today’s market is more challenging than ever.

The new BMW i3 meets all the requirements for an ultra-low emission vehicle and is designed to sit alongside the traditional combustion engine cars on company fleets. Not only will this e-car have a positive effect on the environment, but it will also financially benefit both the fleet companies and the fleet company drivers. The new BMW i3 goes far beyond environmentally conscious and agile driving, its innovative drivetrain was inspired and developed by BMW’s ‘EfficientDynamics’ technology.

Furthermore, company car drivers also benefit from its totally emission-free characteristics while still achieving 0-62mph in just 7.2 seconds. In addition the BMW i3 is also exempt from road fund licences and inter-city congestion charges. With its highvoltage lithium ion battery and intelligent energy management system, the BMW i3 offers an impressive range of 80-100 miles. The new BMW i3 has also been honoured with the title of UK car of the year 2014, while the new BMW5 Series came out top in the ‘Executive’ car class.

The M5 story

It was back in 1982 that a legend was born, when the BMW M535i was launched and established the beginning of the M5 story. With an engine capacity of 3.5 litres the original model achieved 218hp and 310Nm, whilst delivering 0-60mph in 7.2 seconds. Today, in its 5th generation, and to celebrate 30 years of progressive technology, the BMW M5 and the M5 30 Year Edition has been created. With only 300 units being created, the M5 30 Year Edition is poised to become a rare collectors’ item with a price tag of more than 110,000 euros on the road.

This car features the largest power output of any production BMW, at a searing 600hp, which is 40hp more than the standard M5 Series and it achieves 0-60mph in a worldbeating 3.9 seconds, which also represents the fastest time of any production BMW car. n

For further details of BMW’s latest innovative, high-tech models and customer services visit: www.bmw.com

Femalk

In the past five years, Femalk participated in several development projects for BMW, like the I12, the LK or the 35up projects. During this collaboration, almost 60 different parts were developed and designed at Femalk. After the Prototype and Tooling phase, these parts are supplied for BMW out of series production, up till now with 0 ppm.

ALL COMPETENCIES IN ONE COMPANY.

• Full Part Design (2D, 3D and FEM) • Sand or Die Casting for Prototype Phase • High Class Testing Laboratory for Static and Accelerated Life Tests • Tool Shop for Die Casting Molds and Equipments • Die Casting, Machining and Assembly in Series Production

RECOGNISING OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE

The Ford motor company has enjoyed its best performance in recent years with European sales up by 6.6 per cent in April. This marks the fifth consecutive month of market share improvement and the eleventh straight month of sales improvement for the company. The vital contribution made by Ford’s key suppliers makes the difference and the company has rewarded its suppliers’ outstanding performance at a gala award event: the annual ‘World Excellence Awards’. Philip Yorke reports.

The Ford Motor Company is a global automotive industry leader based in Michigan, USA, and distributes vehicles across six continents. With around 200,000 employees and 65 manufacturing facilities worldwide, it remains a major driving force in the global automotive industry. In Europe, Ford sales continue to surge ahead, with sales to the fast-growing BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India & China) countries rising even faster. Overall sales in Europe in April alone amounted to around 100,000 vehicles.

Ford values its dedicated global suppliers and these are recognised annually at its special ‘World Excellence Awards’ ceremony, which this year is held at the company’s headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, USA.

Achieving mutual growth

Ford’s World Excellence Award scheme was first introduced in 1998 in order to recognise suppliers who not only achieve the highest level of cost-competitiveness, quality and delivery and to acknowledge the diverse cultures, values and ideas of the thousands of individuals that they employ.

Mark Fields, Ford’s chief operating officer said, “Congratulations to all our supplier partners who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence as we work together to achieve mutual growth. Our suppliers are key to the success of our ‘One Ford Plan’, including our commitment to accelerate our pace of progress and deliver even more of the great products and innovations that will create even more growth and define our company going forward.”

In May this year, 51 global suppliers were honoured at a special ceremony for their exceptional contribution to the Ford Motor Company in 2013. Top-performing suppliers were recognised for achieving excellence in key areas including quality, cost performance and delivery. In all, 18 countries were represented at the company’s 16th annual World Excellence Awards.

This year’s gold and silver awards were presented to supplier manufacturing sites that demonstrated superior quality, delivery and cost-performance. The coveted awards were given to suppliers who improved customer satisfaction by providing significant contributions in such key areas as new consumer-focused technology, durability and reliability performance, as well as corporate responsibility, diversity development and community service.

OEM of choice

Recently Ford was recognised by the supplier community for its continued emphasis on being the suppliers’ OEM of choice. As part of the Society of Automotive Analysts 2014 Planning Perspectives Survey, suppliers acknowledged Ford as one of the top domestic automakers in supplier relations.

This year’s gold award winners of the 2103 World Excellence Awards, which represent the top 5 per cent of all qualifying suppliers, included the side-airbag manufacturer, Autoliv, La Pobla de Vallbona of Spain, Dee Zee, Des Moines Iowa for running boards, EWI Worldwide, Livonia, Michigan for Auto Shows, Flex-N-Gate Seeburn, Ontario, Canada, for its door hinges and check-arms and NHK Spring, Shiga-ken, Japan for its suspension stabiliser linkages. In addition, Summit Plastics of Nanjing, China won a gold for its instrument panel components, and U-Shin Europe of Hungary for its steering columns. Another gold medal winner was Webasto Roof & Components of Germany for sliding roofs.

Among the winners of Silver awards, which represent the top 10 per cent of qualifying suppliers, there were 26 winners in this category. These included Arge of Cologne, Germany for total waste management, Borg Warner Automotive of Korea for transfer cases, Comstar Automotive technologies of Tamil Nadu, India, for starter assemblies, Hella Slovakia for rear lamps and Huf Espana of Spain for plastic door handles. In addition, there was Kostal Ukraina of the Ukraine for window switches and Thyssen Krupp Presta of Germany for camshafts. For a full list of winners, visit Ford’s corporate website: www.ford.com

In the special achievement category the diverse supplier of the year award went to Dakkota Integrated Systems of Michigan and the award for durability and reliability to Dayco Power Transmissions of Sao Paulo, Brazil. In other special categories, Laird Technologies of the UK won an award for