Conveying the Appeal of the New BMW X1 in Real Time

Following its initial exhibition as the "Concept X1" at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the "New BMW X1" was first unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Announced in Japan on April 20, it has garnered attention as the first SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) in the premium compact segment, realizing functionality, spaciousness, agility, and exhilarating driving. The debut event for this model will be held on May 15 and 16 at BMW authorized dealerships nationwide.

What's particularly noteworthy is the special event "BMW xDrive Tour," a new format where four reporters will travel across Japan in the new BMW X1, experiencing firsthand the various joys that connect people through the BMW X1, and broadcasting these experiences nationwide via the internet and social networking media.

The new BMW X1's greatest appeal is its versatility, making it suitable for all purposes. To fully express this point, the "BMW xDrive Tour" welcomes four BMW reporters: Kenta Uragi (professional skier), Hitomi Kai (professional golfer), Eri Kitagawa (talent), and Hayato Maki (professional surfer, talent). They will stream their experiences enjoying their respective activities nationwide via Twitter and USTREAM.


Furthermore, this event will be streamed to showrooms via "BMW Interactive Vision," a dedicated communication system installed at BMW authorized dealerships nationwide that are holding debut events on the same day. Reporters are also scheduled to visit dealer showrooms in various locations.

The "BMW xDrive Tour" is scheduled to commence at 7:00 PM on Friday, May 14, from the BMW Group Studio, BMW's corporate showcase in Marunouchi, Tokyo.

Additionally, as a debut campaign, those who apply via the BMW Japan website will be entered into a lottery for a chance to experience the various activities firsthand by driving the BMW X1. Applications are accepted until June 30, 2010.

BMW X1 Official Twitter
http://twitter.com/bmwjapan

BMW X1 Special Event "BMW xDrive Tour" Broadcast - USTREAM
http://www.ustream.tv/user/bmwjapan

BMW X1 Special Event "BMW xDrive Tour" Site
http://news.bmw.co.jp/newcar/2010/05/bmw-xdrive-tour.html


BMW Customer Support
0120-55-3578

BRAND HISTORY
Instantly recognizable by its "kidney grille" and quad round headlights, BMW's front fascia is distinctive. While consistently popular in the Japanese import car market, surprisingly few people can immediately answer what the name signifies.

Bayerische Motoren Werke. Literally translated, it means "Bavarian Motor Works." Its predecessor, Rapp Motorenwerke, was an aircraft engine manufacturer founded in Bavaria, Germany, in 1913 by Karl Friedrich Rapp. Rapp partnered with fellow Bavarian aircraft manufacturer Otto-Flugzeugwerke to achieve business success. In 1916, it was renamed Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH. Two years later, it was reorganized into a stock company and registered its propeller logo mark, inspired by the blue sky and white clouds of Bavaria.

BMW continued to enhance its presence through innovative technology, but the defeat in World War I forced the cessation of aircraft engine production. BMW then channeled its expertise into motorcycles, attracting attention with the shaft-driven "BMW R32" in 1923. However, not content with this, the company acquired Dixi, which held a license to produce the Austin Seven. This provided a foothold in the automotive business, and in 1929, BMW launched the "BMW 3/15 PS," marking the start of its history as an automobile manufacturer.

Incidentally, Otto-Flugzeugwerke, which had a close relationship with BMW, was founded by Gustav Otto, the son of Nikolaus August Otto, who established the theory of the internal combustion engine. This history likely explains BMW's continued focus on internal combustion engines.