Groundbreaking product design: BMW Group receives seven accolades at the red dot award 2009.

Munich. A total of seven accolades for high design quality in the field of product development will be bestowed on the BMW Group at the presentation of the 2009 red dot awards . The internationally renowned label goes to the new BMW 7 Series, the new BMW Z4 as well as to the motorcycle models BMW K 1300 S and BMW K 1300 R. Moreover, the leather suits Sport and Atlantis from the BMW Motorrad biker collection as well as the new BMW Cruise Bike will receive awards. The award ceremony will take place during a festive award gala at the Aalto Theatre in Essen on 29 June 2009. With its excellent results achieved in the 2009 red dot award competition, the BMW Group continues its current success story. In recent weeks, further BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles and products have acquired numerous internationally significant awards, including the Design Prize of the German Federal Republic, the IF Product Design Award of the Industry Forum Design in Hanover as well as the Eyes On Design Award and the Good Design Award presented in the USA.

Both the number and the diversity of the products which have been awarded prizes at international competitions substantiate the success of the design philosophy that applies to the entire BMW Group. It forms the basis for brand and product specific design strategies that are oriented in their entirety towards a consistently high quality standard. Just like the vehicles offered by the BMW, MINI, Rolls Royce and BMW Motorrad brands, products from the lifestyle and biker collection boast a design that is characterised by aesthetic quality standards and clearly defined premium requirements. Their design authentically expresses the brand character and the distinguishing features of each product.

Successful start for the BMW 7 Series and the BMW Z4.
In the forefront of the presentation of the 2009 red dot award, the competition jury assessed the design of 3,231 products submitted from all four corners of the world. Four BMW models received accolades in the categories automobiles, transport and caravan. The new BMW 7 Series convinced the jury with a harmonious combination of elegance, sportiness and visual presence. Its body design embodies in the luxury saloon segment both an outstanding degree of comfort as well as superior driving dynamics. Prior to this, the brand's flagship as well as further BMW Group automobiles, these being the BMW 1 Series Coupe, the BMW 1 Series Convertible and the MINI Cooper S Clubman, had already received accolades at the IF Product Design Award.

Even before being launched on the market, the new BMW Z4 had got off to a successful start, now also creating quite a sensation at the red dot award, after receiving the Eyes On Design Award presented during the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. In both cases the jury gave recognition to the modern interpretation of classic roadster styling, which helps the new BMW Z4 take a special position in its segment. Thanks to the elongated bonnet, the flat waistline and the seat position located well to the back in the vicinity of the rear axle, the design of the new BMW Z4, which is also equipped for the first time with a retractable hardtop, offers ideal prerequisites for the unique driving experience in a BMW roadster.

BMW Motorrad achieves series of international victories.
Since the beginning of the year, current models from the BMW Motorrad brand have also been presented with numerous prestigious design awards. The 2009 red dot award goes to the BMW K 1300 S and the BMW K 1300 R. The BMW K 1300 S is the most powerful and the fastest motorcycle ever offered by BMW Motorrad. Its appearance authentically expresses power, elegance, sportiness and perfection.

The BMW K 1300 R is the embodiment of an uncompromising power roadster - both in terms of technology and design. It also sets new benchmarks in performance offered by a BMW Motorrad model in the Naked Bike segment. Accordingly, its outstanding dynamics are emphasised by a decidedly muscular design.

The double victory at the 2009 red dot awards is for the present the climax of a series of victories achieved by BMW Motorrad, towards which four further models have made a considerable contribution. The BMW HP2 Sport, which received a red dot award last year, has now been awarded the Design Prize of the German Federal Republic by the Design Council. Furthermore, the flat twin engine, the technology and design of which was directly derived from racing, received the Good Design Award of the Architecture and Design Museum Chicago Athenaeum, which also additionally honoured the models BMW R 1200 GS, BMW F 800 GS and BMW G 450 X. Like the BMW HP2 Sport, the off-road touring trail bike BMW F 800 GS has also turned out to be a consistent winner. After winning the red dot award in 2008, it has now been presented with the IF Product Design Award.

The presentation of the Good Design Awards in Chicago was not only extremely successful for the BMW Motorrad brand. Prizes were also awarded to the BMW 3 Series Convertible, the BMW 1Series Coupe and the MINI Cooper S Clubman as well as the BMW helmet Sport and the BMW leather suit Sport from the BMW Motorrad biker equipment line. A further Good Design Award went to the BMW Cruise Bike which has now also been honoured with the 2009 red dot award . This puristic bike convinced through distinctive design and a silhouette derived from BMW automobiles. The frame presents innovative hydroforming technology in characteristic BMW styling.

Number one in quality and design: BMW Motorrad biker equipment.
Outstanding material and manufacturing quality, the highest degree of functionality as well as a design that also visually underlines the premium character of the products, characterise the helmets and suits from the BMW Motorrad biker equipment collection. The harmony of functional and creative features consistently results in awards at international design competitions. For instance, the BMW helmet Sport won accolades not only at the Good Design Award in Chicago, but also at the 2009 German IF Award. The most significant feature of this innovative integral helmet are its outstanding aerodynamic qualities that are also concisely reflected in its design.

The BMW leather suit Sport, combing high-class material properties with optimum wearing comfort and expressive design, was given the 2009 red dot award, after having been successful at the Good Design Award. Likewise, the BMW leather suit Atlantis also bears the prestigious red dot label. As a first-class all-weather touring suit and winner of the IF Award for outstanding product design, it offers optimised protection from water and wind.