BMW Group Produces First UK Sustainable Value Report

BRACKNELL, UNITED KINGDOM – November 6, 2008: BMW Group in the UK has produced its first sustainable value report. The report reveals that despite significant increases in production at all four plants, the general trend over the past five years has been a reduction in energy consumed per vehicle produced.

The report, which builds on BMW Group’s first UK environmental report issued in 2006, also details the company’s achievements in the fields of environmental product development, cleaner manufacturing and the company’s positive economic and social impact on the areas in which it operates.

The report considers BMW Group’s four manufacturing locations in the UK, MINI Plant Oxford (MINI), Plant Goodwood (Rolls-Royce), Plant Hams Hall (four-cylinder engines) and MINI Plant Swindon (pressings and sub-assemblies). Examples of how the manufacturing facilities have improved their processes to reduce their impact on the environment can be found in the report ranging from the introduction of an innovative new paint technology at MINI Plant Oxford that reduces emissions by ten per cent to the locating of suppliers close to the plants to reduce transport miles.

Corporate Social Responsibility is an area that BMW Group in the UK takes very seriously. Since 2001 BMW Group has established a significant presence in the UK employing around 6000 full time associates in its seven business locations around the UK. Engaging with the communities in which it operates has been fundamental to BMW Group, and it has successfully made a contribution to society over and above an economic one. Examples include encouraging foreign language skills in schools (Hams Hall), supporting cultural activities such as the Cowley Carnival (MINI Plant Oxford) and the regeneration of Lydiard Park coach house to provide an education centre (MINI Plant Swindon). In addition, BMW Group in the UK also supports a number of charities. During 2008 both Air Ambulances and UK Children’s Hospices have been beneficiaries of BMW Group donations.