BMW International Polo Series to debut BMW i3 and BMW i8 ahead of SA launch

Midrand - Style, sophistication and prestige have come to define the annual BMW International Polo Series. This exhilarating tournament is set to kick off with the first test at the Durban Shongweni Club on 7 September 2014 and the second test at the spacious Waterfall Polo Estate, Johannesburg on 14 September 2014.

This year marks a milestone in the event’s heritage as BMW South Africa celebrates its 25-year partnership with the South African Polo Association.

“As one of the longest-running consecutive sports sponsorships in South Africa, we are yet again proud to be part of the 2014 tournament. Our brand represents dynamism, innovation and beautiful aesthetics. With that, the characteristics of the BMW International Polo Series certainly mirror the BMW core values,” said Mr Antonio Antela Martinez, BMW South Africa’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “This year will also mark the first official public appearance of the BMW i3 and BMW i8 ahead of their local launch next year. With these cars, the BMW Group is revolutionising individual mobility,” added Martinez.

The BMW i3 is the first “born electric” premium vehicle to combine customer-friendly electromobility with typical BMW driving pleasure in an urban environment. On the other hand, the BMW i8 is the BMW Group’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle and combines the driving performance of a high-performance sports car with the fuel consumption and emissions of a small car. The BMW i3 and BMW i8 will go on sale in South Africa in March 2015.

This year spectators can look forward to the compelling tests that will see the USA national polo team and recently announced South African team compete for victory. The American visitors have previously toured South Africa and have been victorious on three of their five visits.

“The synergy of controlled speed, passion and highly-developed skills shared by BMW’s fleet of magnificent cars and South Africa’s top-rated polo players combine to make our partnership a perfect match,” commented Mr Mark Davies, President of the South African Polo Association.

“We have enjoyed fantastic backing from BMW for 25 years and this has enabled us to grow and expand the development of both the sport and the event, which is the envy of polo associations all over the world,” he continued.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the match at the Shongweni Club will start from R80 per person for the West Bank General Admission and R50 per person for the East Bank General Admission. 

General tickets for the match at the Waterfall Polo Estate in Johannesburg will start from R120.

Children under the age of 12 will enter free of charge at both venues. Tickets will be available on the SA Polo website, www.sapolo.co.za or at the gate on the day of each match. Tickets can also be pre-purchased on www.itickets.co.za  

Purchase a ticket before 29 August 2014 and visit www.bmw.co.za to stand a chance of winning upgraded tickets.

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If you have any queries regarding this press release, please contact:

BMW South Africa Group Communications and Public Affairs Division:

Mr Guy Kilfoil

General Manager: Group Communications & Public Affairs

BMW South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Phone: +27-12-522-2204

Cell: +27-82-583-6262

Email: Guy.Kilfoil@bmw.co.za

Cheryl Reddy

Ogilvy Public Relations

Phone: + 27-11-709-9621

Email: Cheryl.Reddy@ogilvypr.co.za   

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is the leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2013, the BMW Group sold around 1.963 million cars and 115,215 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2012 was €7.82 billion on revenues amounting to €76.85 billion. As of the 31st December 2012, the BMW Group had a workforce of 105,876 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

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