BMW model range will be expanded by the 1 Series and the 6 Series

The all-new small BMW model series will be called 1 Series. Moreover, a
successor to the big 6 Series Coupe will enter the market at some time
within the next few years. Prof. Joachim Milberg, CEO of BMW AG,
announced these two decisions on the enlargement of the model range on
the evening before the start of the Geneva Motor Show. The new BMW
model series, which is being designed according to schedule, will
occupy a position between the BMW 3 Series and the MINI and will
introduce all BMW virtues into the upper end of the lower midrange
segment. Rear-wheel drive, excellent handling as well as prime quality
will provide for an outstanding "driving pleasure". The 1
Series is to be launched in 2004. "The new small BMW model series
will be fully integrated into BMW's nomenclature and accordingly it
will be given the number one within BMW's entire product range, not in
a very spectacular way but most consistently though. In future one can
speak of a BMW 1 Series," Professor Milberg declared. An open-top
version of the 6 Series Coupe is to be launched as well The
model-related decision on the continuation of the 6 Series will satisfy
the customers' demand for a big BMW sport coupe. "On the one hand
the BMW 6 Series Coupe will be very prestigious, and on the other hand
it will embody the sportiness that is typical for BMW cars. We also
plan to put on the market an open-top version of this vehicle,"
the CEO of BMW AG promised. Between 1976 and 1989 the first 6 Series
Coupe was exclusively equipped with straight 6-cylinder engines. At
that time the 6 Series Coupe was the epitome of sportiness and
elegance. This car served as a model for racing cars and it proved on
the racetrack its enormous potential when it comes to sportiness. In
1990 the exclusive 8 Series, the production of which was discontinued
two years ago, had taken the place of the 6 Series. The BMW engineers
have already started to design the future 6 Series Coupe. "The BMW
Group is an automobile manufacturer that follows a clear course and
shows ongoing success pursuing a logical and comprehensible premium
brand strategy. This strategy is convincing and takes into account all
foreseeable trends, potential for growth and changes in demand,"
Professor Milberg said. As proof of the rightness of this strategy
Milberg referred to the economic success of the company in fiscal 2000.
With a turnover amounting to Euro 35.36 billion (an increase by 2.8 per
cent over the previous year) the BMW Group achieved a record-breaking
result. The BMW brand showed an increase of about 20 per cent percent,
which means that the turnover lacking from Rover and Land Rover has
been overcompensated for. "The positive turnover trend enjoyed by
the BMW Group serves as a basis for an excellent operative result. In
the previous year we even surpassed the record figures achieved in
1997, which has so far been the best result in the company's history.
We will also achieve a better return on turnover than in 1997,"
Milberg said.