Monday 2 June 2008

2010 BMW M5 saloon

Next year will see the launch of two critical models for German labels BMW and Mercedes-Benz, with both the next-generation 5-series and E-Class sedans plus their different variants expected to be released over the next 12 months. Mercedes-Benz will be first to the table with the launch of its new E-Class and subsequent E63 due at next year’s Geneva Motor Show, however later that same year BMW will unveil its next-generation 5-series.

The car will likely debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the second half of the year and could be joined by the high-performance M5 as well. This latest rendering gives us an early look at a possible design for the new car, revealing that will likely adopt influences from the current M3 but will also feature a pronounced grille and a smoother overall shape than the current model.

Motor Authority

BMW suppliers to absorb raw material price rises

BMW will require suppliers to absorb more of the cost of raw material price rises in the future.

Purchasing chief Herber Diess told Automobilwoche that, since 2004, raw materials price rises have added an additional EUR800m in costs, of which EUR700m have landed on BMW's books. This has had a big impact on the company's financial results.

"We have partners that have managed to pass on to us 100% of raw material prices rises, and a few have even managed to pass on 110%," said Diess. In the future Diess said he wants price rise penalties to be shared three ways - between the second tier supplier, the first tier supplier and BMW.

just-auto.com

BMW launches the 1 Series hatchback in China

BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - Bayerische Motoren Werke said it has officially launched its BMW 1 Series in China.

The German automaker will sell three five-door variants of the rear-wheel drive hatchback in China.

Forbes.com