German Car Zone

Have Z9 GT Concept in mind. CS Concept has similar connection to F01 7er & new 8er, as Z9 had to E65 7er & E63 6er. So: showcasing design cues of upcoming 7er, and quite similar design to upcoming 8er.



Although CS Concept is a very realistic concept - while Z9 wasn't as much realistic (with gull-wing doors etc). Also CS is getting much more positive feedback than Z9 ever did. I wouldn't be surprised if the new 8er was VERY similar to CS.

Eg. 1er cabrio coming in Spring 2008 is quite similar to CS1 Concept shown in Spring 2004. So, not impossible new 8er will follow the same route.

I always liked the CS1 concept -- the upright front end is has definitely been used in the 1er -- I really like it.

The interior of the CS1 was very interesting ....but perhaps a little too "arty" -- I love the interior design of the CS -- I will be glad to see many aspects of it in the new 7er.

That's not a surprise considering how ugly the Z9 was...

Anyway I'm getting more and more excited about the new 7er (and the 8er as well of course but there is still much more time until that).

Finally I had enough time to go through the Reithofer's speech.



Hm ... Read the bold text very carefully: Herr Retihofer very clearly expressed BMW Group intention to offer some sort of City vehicle ("Urban Individual Mobility Solution") in the future.



What kind of vehicle will this be remains open right now.


Are BMW Group thinking of building an electro car? Kind a electro "smart"? A personal urban mover? A new isetta.

I have a feeling BMW Group will revive Isetta car - yet as 21th century edition. Perhaps even the brand name Isetta will be used.

So, the Dr. Dreager's claims have been somehow confirmed.


*****

Also: the organizational shake-up at BMW AG will be more radical than predicted before. Everything will be focused on the new strategy, and every organizational structure within a company will reflect that. Meaning: even more inter-department cooperation, even more focused work, even more complex project operations. Sounds like a nightmare for all the BMW personnel. I hope they are motivated enough. Because they will have to give greater output from now on ... And that brings much greater pressure.

BMW's new-model explosion


BMW has confirmed four new models, including a range-topping four-door based on the CS concept from this year's Shanghai motor show, as part of a new company strategy presented today (27 September).
Provisionally called Gran Turismo, the car is likely to be based on the new 7-series platform that will also underpin a small Rolls-Royce to slot in under the Phantom. The Rolls-Royce Coupe, BMW X1 and Mini 4x4 - which was referred to as a Sports Activity Vehicle - are also on the agenda, with the Mini coming as the next model in the range.
BMW has also dropped the rumoured SFC model in favour what it calls the Progressive Activity Sedan, as scooped on Autocar.co.uk last week. BMW claimed that this car, also based on the new 7-seriesm, will "establish an entirely new segment and introduce a unique interpretation of the sedan."

BMW won't go Swedish


BMW Chairman Norbert Reithofer also effectively ruled out a merger with Volvo - rumours that BMW will buy the Ford subsidiary have been circulating for months. "There is no synergy between rear-wheel drive [BMW] and front-wheel drive car [Volvo] companies," said Reithofer.
But crucially, Reithofer did not rule out acquisitions altogether although nothing will happen soon. "We will not be buying anything in the next 12 months," he said, but went on to imply that the company will be looking to acquire something after that.
The company has also looked at "the creation of a fourth brand" as an alternative to buying an existing company. BMW is fast running out of new model opportunities and needs a second brand to improve its economies of scale and profitability.