Car Blog

Total U.S. Dealer Investment Tops $2 Billion Over The Last 10 Years

BMW continues to modernize its dealership network in the U.S. with state-of-the-art facilities. The latest addition is BMW of Minnetonka located just outside of Minneapolis, MN. The 223,000 square foot, multi-level facility is big enough to park 500 vehicles indoors, house 80 work bays and even a 12-seat movie theater.

The new facility is a $30 million investment and adds to the $2 billion spent by the BMW dealer network over the last ten years. Even in 2009, during one of America’s worst recessions, BMW Center owners invested $340 million to update and expand their sales and service areas. All of them recognized the need to provide not only superior levels of customer service, but also on improving their facilities to exceed the needs of today’s customers.

Currently, a total of 100 people are employed at the Center. A BMW of North America internal training and career development program guarantees employees learn about the latest business and technological developments and can continue to grow in their career path. Nationwide, BMW dealerships employ 20,000 people giving BMW a considerable impact in local communities.

“Minneapolis is a young, vibrant, dynamic place with a diverse and modern business mix,” said Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. “BMW of Minnetonka reflects the city’s energy and is a perfect fit for BMW’s future growth plans in the U.S.”

To ensure the best customer experience, BMW of Minnetonka is equipped with an escalator, latest surround sound system, automatic climate control, driving simulators, and a custom-built Business Center with the most advanced computers, printers, and fax machines.

Recognizing future requirements of the auto industry have changed, energy efficiencies and environmental solutions have been implemented such as using reclaimed water in their car wash, recycled waste oil and fluids to heat the service department, and wallpaper made from recycled plastic bottles. Additionally, highly efficient lighting fixtures are located throughout the facility to provide optimal brightness, while using the least amount of electricity.

During the grand opening celebration on April 21st, Peter Hasselquist, Dealer Principal, commented, “Our Center was designed to provide our customers and guests with the ultimate sales, service and parts experience – we expect the dealership to perform well and increase BMW’s presence in the region.”

Internationally acclaimed artist Jeff Koons will create the 17th BMW Art Car in the 35th anniversary year of the program.

Koons and Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW North America jointly made the announcement today at an event held at Koons’ New York City studio. “I always thought it would be an honor to work on a BMW Art Car,” said Jeff Koons. “I look forward to participate in a tradition set forth by such great artists as Calder, Lichtenstein, Stella, and Warhol.”

“The entire BMW Group is looking forward to this celebration of contemporary art by Jeff Koons, one of the greatest artists of our time,” said O’Donnell in making the announcement.

Koons will join an illustrious group of artists that include Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, Robert Rauschenberg, and Alexander Calder – each of whom has made a unique artistic statement about the appearance and meaning of cars.

The Koons BMW Art Car will be revealed later in the year. Details of the model and preliminary design will be announced in due course.

Koons and BMW

The germination of the idea began in 2003, when Koons expressed his desire to create a BMW Art Car. His relationship with BMW started over two decades ago when he drove a BMW while residing in Munich, home to the BMW Group headquarters. Koons is known for his heartfelt appreciation of cars. Earlier this year he was even recognized by music icon Bono of U2 as the one of the ideal artists to design a car that would make the world fall in love with automobiles again.

“We are enormously pleased about Jeff Koons’ eagerly anticipated contribution to the BMW Art Car series, celebrating its 35th anniversary,” said Frank-Peter Arndt, member of the Board of Management for the BMW AG and responsible for BMW Group’s international cultural formats. “Art Cars are part of the DNA of BMW’s cultural engagement. As manifested in Koons’ latest sculptural work, what unites us is the belief that nothing is impossible. Our company and Jeff Koons are drawn to permanent innovation and cutting-edge technology.”

BMW Art Cars

Since 1975, artists from throughout the world have turned BMW automobiles into art signifying a particular period through the Art Car program. In 2007, the latest installment was revealed with Olafur Eliasson’s “Your Mobile Expectations: BMW H2R project.” Many of these have been exhibited in renowned museums throughout the world including the Louvre, the Guggenheim Museums, and the Shanghai Art Museum. They have been displayed at the BMW Museum in Munich, between 2006 and 2010 and many went on a world tour throughout Asia, Russia, Africa, India, the United States and Mexico.

With over 100 major projects worldwide, BMW Group cultural programs have been an integral part of the company’s contributions to society for almost 40 years. Besides contemporary art, architecture and design, classical music and jazz are key components of this engagement.

For a link to photos and more information visit: http://www.bmwusanews.com/artcars_2010

A jury of 49 veteran automotive journalists has selected the Ford Fusion Hybrid as the 2010 North American Car of the Year and the Ford Transit Connect as the 2010 North American Truck of the Year.

It was only the third time in 17 years that one automaker has won both awards. Honda won both awards in 2006 and General Motors won both in 2007.

The awards are unique because — instead of being given by a single media outlet — they are given by automotive journalists from the United States and Canada who represent magazines, television, radio, newspapers and web sites.

The awards are designed to recognize the most outstanding vehicles of the year based on factors that include innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.

There were three car finalists: The Ford Fusion Hybrid got 241 points, the Volkswagen Golf/TDI/GTI got 146 and the Buick LaCrosse got 103.

There were three truck finalists: The Transit Connect had 213 points and beat the Chevrolet Equinox with 183 points and the Subaru Outback with 94.

Juror Csaba Csere said, “Though not the first hybrid on the market, or even the second or third, The Fusion Hybrid is simply the best one ever built. In addition to delivering terrific mileage, it looks and drives like a regular car — and a very good one indeed.”

Jim Mateja, of the Chicago Tribune, said, “A U-Haul that fits in your garage. Holds people and soooo much of their stuff — bikes, snowmobiles, lawn mowers, skis, tents, boats, ladders, furniture, you name it. Defines multi-purpose and boasts a reasonable price even when you add side and rear windows and back seat.”

To be eligible, vehicles must be “all-new” or “substantially changed” from the previous model. This year the jury considered more than 50 vehicles and finally focused on 16 cars and 10 trucks.

Michelle Collins, Vice Chairman Automotive at Deloitte LLP, was responsible for counting the ballots, which jurors sent directly to the accounting firm. The winners were kept secret until today at a news conference at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

At that news conference Ms. Collins handed over the car and truck envelopes to Tony Swan, a member of the awards organizing committee and a senior editor at Car and Driver magazine. Mr. Swan announced the winners.

Last year the North American Car of the Year was the Hyundai Genesis and the North American Truck of the Year was the Ford F-150.

This is the 17th year of the awards, which are funded exclusively by the jurors. During that time:

* Domestic automakers have won North American Car of the Year nine times. Japanese automakers have won three times. European automakers have won four times. A Korean automaker has won once.

* Domestic automakers have won North American Truck of the Year 11 times. Japanese automakers have won four times. European automakers have won twice.

Here are the vehicles on which the jurors voted:

2010 North American Car of the Year nominees:
BMW 335d
Buick LaCrosse
Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
Chevrolet Camaro
Ford Fusion
Ford Fusion Hybrid
Ford Taurus/Taurus SHO
Honda Insight
Kia Soul
Mazda3/MazdaSpeed3
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Porsche Panamera
Subaru Legacy
Suzuki Kizashi
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Golf/GTI/TDI

2010 North American Truck of the Year nominees:
Acura ZDX
Audi Q5
Cadillac SRX
Chevrolet Equinox
Ford Transit Connect
Honda Accord Crosstour
Land Rover LR4
Lincoln MKT
Subaru Outback
Volvo XC60

More information on the awards — including the names of jurors as well as previous finalists and winners — is available at: www.northamericancaroftheyear.org.

Prizes Include Enough High-Performance Hardware to Build The Ultimate Street Machine & Treasure Trove of Hot Wheels Collectibles

Performance Therapy, a “social media car show”, launched this week with backing from top automotive aftermarket brands. The site, PerformanceTherapyContest.com asks enthusiasts to show the world how they enjoy their car by submitting a photo. The Grand Prize Winner will receive parts to build an incredible, high-performance supercar. Popular vote determines category winners – whom receive a $250 gift certificate. Sixty runners-up will receive a free t-shirt.

Performance Therapy Defined

Despite tough economic times, auto enthusiasts are packing car shows, races and events. Across seven continents and hundreds of niches, car fans have one thing in common: high-performance vehicles make them happy. Owning, modifying and driving cars is more than a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. It’s the cheapest form of mental therapy and provides quality entertainment for the entire family.

The Contest

The Performance Therapy Contest is a chance for enthusiasts to participate in one of the biggest online car shows of all time, show off other enthusiasts around the world and win a variety of fantastic prizes. The purpose is to help people have fun with their ride. For three months any enthusiast can submit a picture, show it off to friends and get as many votes as possible. With six categories and nine fantastic sponsors, there are dozens of ways to win and nearly 70 prizes will be awarded!

The Prizes

The Grand Prize is enough hardware to build a muscle car dream machine, including a Hotchkis Sport Suspenison system, Baer Brake system, Rushforth Wheels, Yokohama Tires, Flowmaster Exhaust, an MSD Ignition System, Red Line Oil & Lubricants, a Lifeline Fire Safety System and enough Hot Wheel Collectibles to fill a dream garage!

To enter or vote for your favorite car, go to www.PerformanceTherapyContest.com. For more information, email info@performancetherapycontest.com or click for more information on the rules, prizes and sponsors.

The Performance Therapy Contest is brought to you by Hotchkis Sport Suspension, Baer Brakes, Flowmaster, Hot Wheels Red Line Club, Lifeline USA, MSD Ignition, Red Line Oil, Rushforth Wheels and Yokohama Tire Corp.

Source: Performance Therapy Contest

The Most Powerful and Refined M3 Ever

NADAguides.com, the leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, announced the 2009 BMW M3 Convertible has received the NADAguides.com “Car of the Month” award for July. With the sizzling heat of summer, selecting the M3 Convertible was not a difficult decision. The latest edition of BMW’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” combines the absolute best in performance with the best creature comforts and amenities. The result is a complete package – a car that feels comfortable and composed whether tearing around a racetrack or cruising down the coast.

“The M3 is just awesome. BMW has done an amazing job giving this car such a high level of performance while making it so smooth and easy to drive,” said Michael Caudill, NADAguides.com Auto Expert. “The 3-piece retractable hardtop adds to the experience, providing the wind-blowing excitement of an open-air top along with the quietness and convenience of a coupe.”

BMW’s M division has always produced high performance cars and this M3 takes it to a whole new level. The 4.0L V8 revs to a dizzying 8400 RPM, producing 420 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque in the process. Although the torque numbers are relatively low for such a high performance vehicle, when you wind up the power band the M3 shows its colors with breathtaking acceleration and gut-wrenching speed. The M3′s cornering ability is even more impressive, with very high levels of grip and a direct steering feel that inspires confidence in every turn.

What really makes the M3 stand out among sports cars is BMW’s engineering prowess and ability to build a car with great power that is also luxurious and filled with cutting-edge technology. The rich leather seats are comfortable, highly adjustable and available with heating. Suspension feel can be switched between three levels – comfort, normal and sport – with the Electronic Damping Control. The redesigned iDrive system is more intuitive and easier to use, allowing the driver to control the multimedia, navigation, Bluetooth phone, vehicle information and dynamic settings. USB ports in the center console allow iPods and other mp3 players to be controlled with iDrive as well.

As expected, the amazing sportiness and luxurious amenities come at a price. The base price of the coupe is $57,850 while the convertible starts at $66,500. Of course, the price includes BMW’s full warranty and scheduled maintenance for 4 years/50,000 miles.

Source: NADAguides.com

With Father’s Day coming this Sunday, Cars.com senior editor and father of two David Thomas took a look at the cars he’s test-driven over the past year to offer some recommendations that will appease both practical fathers and dads who need some performance out of their kid-carrier.

“As an automotive journalist, the criteria for what makes a car good dramatically changes once children are thrown into the equation,” Thomas said. “I went through this metamorphosis last year, and I’ve been casually detailing how my children fit into what I drive every week.”

Below are some recommendations in a variety of body styles and price ranges:

Best Budget Car: Hyundai Elantra Touring

Runner Up: Honda Fit

The biggest surprise in terms of cars this year had to be the Hyundai Elantra Touring. It’s really a great package of standard features and lots of room for a good price. The backseat seemed as big as the one in my 2008 Subaru Outback – which, granted, isn’t saying much, but the Elantra costs much less. The cargo area is also decent.

The Honda Fit’s rear headroom is fantastic. It remains one of the easiest cars I’ve tested to get in and out of without bonking my – or my child’s – head.

Best Crossover: Toyota Venza

Runner Up: Tie — Buick Enclave and Subaru Forester

Let me just say that I’m not a fan of the driving experience in the Venza, but everything else about it screams “terrific daily driver for dads.” The backseat is positively huge, and the cargo area swallows golf bag after golf bag, for those times when dad foursomes get a day off to hit the links — like on Father’s Day. Some dads might even like the standard 19- or 20-inch wheels.

The Buick Enclave and its GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse siblings are also impressive. They’re very easy to get in and out of when holding a baby, despite their height. I’d say the Ford Flex is a little easier, but not much, and you don’t have to give up the high riding position and SUV looks.

The smaller Subaru Forester has a very usable cargo space, and it costs less and comes with standard all-wheel drive.

Best Wagon: BMW 535xi

Runner Up: Hyundai Elantra Touring

As far as wagons go, nothing beat the BMW 535xi. Not only was there plenty of room for parents and child seats in back, but the cargo area was nice and big, with a nifty lift-up cover. It might have cost near $70,000 as-tested, but it was well-enough equipped around $66,000 for this to be the uber daddy-mobile.

Best Performance Car: BMW M3

Runner Up: Dodge Challenger SRT8

The BMW M3 is a dad’s dream car, and the fact that the sedan gives up so little in the usability department makes it the winner here. That said, I couldn’t believe how well a baby seat fit in the center position of the Dodge Challenger.

Best Sports Car/Coupe: Infiniti G37

Runner Up: Mercedes-Benz CL550

The G37 was terrific in the day-to-day-use department. It has electronic controls to slide the front passenger seat forward on both the door side of the seat and the side near the driver. That meant that when it was raining I could shut the door with the seat all the way forward after plopping my child into his seat, then when I was safely sheltered from the rain in the driver’s seat I could hit that side’s button to slide the seat back. It’s really well-thought-out.

I wouldn’t typically pick a $100,000-plus coupe for family errand-running, but the CL550 sure did come in handy one weekend when we had to hit the big-box baby store. My son was so comfy in it he took a nap, which he rarely does in the car anymore. I was so comfy in it I wanted to move in full-time — and with how much it costs, that might be the price I’d have to pay to get one.

Best Sedan: 2010 Ford Fusion

I was impressed with the Fusion more for its great mileage – I had the four-cylinder version – and quiet ride than its child-carrying capacity. It did have easy-to-reach Latch connectors, though, and a big trunk.

For more information about cars recommended for dads, visit http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/