Bridgestone Run-flats OE on BMW Z4
Bridgestone is to supply its Potenza RE050 RFT run-flat tyres as OE on the new BMW Z4 roadster. Four sizes will be offered, to accommodate different engine sizes and vehicle configurations.
Tag Archive for: BMW
42-Volt Prototype From Lithium Technology
Product NewsLithium Technology Corporation, has announced that together with its German lithium polymer battery company partner, GAIA, the two companies have completed and shipped their first prototype 42-Volt automotive battery to BMW under the auspices of the European Union-sponsored “Astor” program (Assessments and testing of advanced storage systems for propulsion and other electrical systems in passenger cars). The Astor consortium consists of seven European auto companies: VW, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Opel, Fiat, Volvo, and Peugeot. The prototype lithium battery, which is now undergoing testing in Europe, delivers 7-8 kiloWatts of power at ambient temperatures, with a capacity of 27 Amp-hours, a pulse power capability of up to 6 kiloWatts for starting at an operating temperature of -25 degrees C, and an estimated life of 8 years. The battery is designed to meet the 42-Volt battery specifications of the Astor project.
BMW: Buy
Product NewsAnalysts class BMW shares as the best investment among German car companies, with a price rate of 62 Euros. Although the economic forecast for this year was rather negative, BMW reported good sales last month in the USA.
Last Roller Rolls Off Crewe Production Line
Product NewsThe last Rolls-Royce to be made at the factory in Crewe has rolled off the production line, marking the end of 56 years of manufacture of the luxury car at the plant. In future, Rolls-Royces will be made at BMW’s factory in West Sussex and the Crewe plant will be renamed Bentley Motors Ltd. next month. The final vehicle was a unique two-door Silver Storm convertible Corniche, worth an estimated 250,000 Pounds.
PSA And BMW To Develop Engine
Product NewsBMW and PSA (Peugeot-Citroen) are to jointly develop a new family of small petrol engines, with a target of one million units. The base for the project will be Munich and R&D will come from BMW, with PSA handling production and procurement. The total investment is said to be 750 million Euro.
Recall For BMW 5-Series
Product NewsBMW in North America is in the process of recalling around 1,300 of its 2002 5-series cars with standard suspension and fitted with ContiTouringContact CH95 EcoPlus tyres, 225/65R16 95H, with DOT Codes 4001, 4101, and 4201. The outer sidewall surface of the tyres could have been damaged by a sharp object and the cars are being recalled as a precautionary measure. Dealers will replace the damaged tyres free of charge.
Minis For US Market On Goodyear Run-Flats
Product NewsThe new Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S cars, now made by BMW, are due to arrive on the US market in March. The cars will be fitted with Goodyear NCT 5 EMT run-flat tyres, manufactured in Fulda, Germany. The tyre size is 195/55 VR15.
VW Sets Aside DM 1bn For ELVD
Product NewsThe European End of Life Vehicle directive (ELVD), due to come into force in 2007, has threatened to be expensive for car manufacturers. Just how expensive is shown by press reports that Volkswagen has announced that it will be setting aside DM 1 bn in order to comply. BMW has already set aside half this figure and Daimler/Chrysler up to DM 400 m. Other manufacturers are expected to wait until next year
Williams-BMW Successful Because Of Michelin Tyres
Product NewsFormula 1 Champion Michael Schumacher believes that the secret of the Williams-BMW team lies in the Michelin tyres. Michelin seems to have done a good job so that Williams-BMW has become competitive, the Ferrari driver told La Gazzetta dello Sport, during team testing in Mugello. “I would have thought that Bridgestone’s advantage would have lasted longer”, said the German, who has Bridgestone tyres on his Ferrari, whereas brother Ralf uses Michelin tyres on the Williams-BMW.
BMW Gives Goodyear The OK For Two EMT Tyres
Product NewsBMW has given Goodyear the go-ahead for fitting EMT tyres to the ‘Protection Models’ BMW 740iL and 750iL. Delivery commences this month.
Michelin’s F1 Tyre Development Continues
MotorsportTom Kristensen, in a BMW-engined Williams FW21B, tested the latest version of Michelin F1 tyres in Miramas. The Dane was very impressed with the standard of the Michelin program and the technical progress the engineers achieved between the two 4-day sessions.
Michelin To Enter Formula 1
Product NewsSpeculations have come to an end: Michelin will participate in Formula 1 racing from the 2001 season. Initially, the company will supply tyres to the BMW/Williams team and, at some time before 2003, Michelin will team up with Team Toyota, who confirmed their entry into the sport earlier this week. Michelin has competed in F1 before, from 1977 to 1984, winning three Drivers’ and two Constructors’ titles. The reason for entering the sport now is to increase world-wide recognition for the Michelin brand.
Land Rover Sale Finally Agreed
Product NewsThe sale of Land Rover to Ford by BMW – a deal which was in doubt recently – has been finalised. BMW agreed to Ford’s stipulation that one third of the asking price of 3 bn Euros will not be paid until the year 2005.
BMW US Factory Expands
Product NewsThe BMW factory at Spartanburg (South Carolina), in which in addition to the Roadster ever more X5 off-road vehicles are produced, will soon face production capacity problems. A higher vehicle output could also benefit American wheel suppliers such as Superior Industries or Alcoa/Reynolds.
More Orders For Tyre Pressure Control Systems
Product NewsBeru AG (Ludwigsburg/Germany) has announced growing demand for its tyre pressure control system. As well as the BMW 3, 5 and 7 series, Mercedes S- and AMG E-class and SLK and Audi A8, the tyre safety device is now also available as an option for Mercedes CL Coupe and Audi allroad Quattro, and from autumn for the BMW X5.
