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Worldwide BMW Group has implemented a host of progressive initiatives designed to tackle various environmental and resource issues. This year will see many of those initiatives either launched or expanded upon within the Middle East.
Phil Horton, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East explains:
"At a global and regional level, we applaud the steps taken by governments and environmental bodies to introduce regulations and raise awareness of sustainability issues. For the BMW Group mobility and sustainability are inseparably linked. We pursue a holistic approach in our efforts to reduce or entirely eliminate the environmental impact of our products and processes. We aim to be an influential driver for environmental change and also protect the future of our company by offering innovative technologies that are in line with strict environmental standards."
Following the introduction of fuel-saving technologies on its entire 2008 model line-up, BMW Group will bring its vision of a zero-emissions vehicle closer with the launch of its first production ActiveHybrid model later this year.
Based on the BMW X6, ActiveHybrid represents some of the most significant developments in BMW's EfficientDynamics strategy, combining features for optimum energy management and aerodynamics with light-weight construction. The two-mode active transmission hybrid has an 8-cylinder petrol engine that uses almost 20% less fuel than a comparable vehicle with a standard combustion engine.
"EfficientDynamics is a three-phased product strategy that has already seen the integration of advanced technologies on our latest cars and reduced fuel consumption by up to 23% in Europe. Our new 7 Series alone offers 5% more power and 12% better fuel economy than its predecessor, making it the most fuel efficient in its segment. We are proud to be rolling out the next stage of EfficientDynamics with our X6 ActiveHybrid in 2009 followed by a 7 Series ActiveHybrid in 2010. Both these models will integrate the latest electric and petrol engine technologies, which will provide efficient power trains and further reduce emissions. At the same time we continue to invest in research and development of alternative fuels such as hydrogen so we can realise our long term vision of vehicles with zero emissions," said Horton.
To address every phase of its vehicles' life cycles, BMW Group is taking preventative steps to save energy and raw materials where possible and avoid or reduce its volume of waste. Currently 95% of a BMW Group vehicle is recycled and 85% of the materials can be reused.
New processes and resource management elements have also been installed at BMW production facilities to reduce the amount of waste, energy and water. The Steyr plant, which produces around 60% of all BMW engines, recycles all the water used in the production process, saving 30 million litres of water each year. Spartanburg, the production facility for BMW X models, obtains half its energy from methane gas from a nearby landfill.
"BMW takes responsibility for protecting the environment and has been doing so long before the current debate on CO2 emissions started. The careful use of resources is a key pillar of our corporate philosophy, and one which we vehemently uphold across all areas of our business,"
added Horton.
Posted by Nadeen El Ajou
