The Auto Channel: North America | Europe

BMW to Unveil X5 Sports Activity Vehicle

29 December 1998

Video

Special Auto Channel Coverage of the BMW X5 Launch from the 1999 North American International Auto Show

Get the free Microsoft Media Player

Photos

BMW to Unveil X5 Sports Activity Vehicle Live on the Internet

International Auto Show Press Event Will Be 'Webcast' at bmwusa.com

BMW X5

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Dec. 28 -- BMW fans and auto industry observers around the world will be able to watch online as BMW unveils the much-anticipated X5 Sports Activity Vehicle at the 1999 North American International Auto Show. The live press event will begin at 2:30 p.m. (EST) on Monday, January 4.

Visitors to BMW's North American website (http://www.bmwusa.com) will have the option to take a detour for a sneak peek behind the doors of Detroit's Cobo Hall. The live webcast of BMW's exclusive press event features keynote speakers Richard Gaul, Global Director of Communications, BMW AG; Victor H. Doolan, President BMW NA; and Dr. Wolfgang Reitzle, Member, Board of Management, BMW AG.

The press event will serve as the world premiere for the X5, which will not be accessible to the general public until the auto show officially opens on January 9. The vehicle will be showcased at the BMW showfloor display through January 17.

Viewing the Webcast

The BMW Webcast can be viewed at bmwusa.com on the Worldwide Web. On January 4, visitors to the BMW of North America homepage can simply click on a new X5 graphic to reach a preview section, where they can select "Webcast" from the menu. Online users will then have the option of receiving content encoded for 28.8 or 56.6K modem speeds.

Viewers will need Real Player -- a free plug-in from Real Networks -- in order to view the Webcast of the X5 press event. Real Player is available at http://www.real.com. Interested individuals should install Real Player prior to visiting the BMW website for the unveiling event.

The X5 -- Filling A New Market Niche

The new X5 is characterized by classic BMW features such as aesthetic design, dynamic performance and superior safety features. In addition, this vehicle offers a brand-new driving experience, particularly through its high seating position and the flexibility to offer typical BMW driving performance on any road, any time.

Developed on its own unique platform, utilizing unitary body construction and independent suspension, this Sports Activity Vehicle sets new standards in dynamic performance and safety for vehicles which also look good off the beaten path. Constructed at BMW Manufacturing Corp.'s production plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the X5 is an all-new passenger car with the most advanced all wheel-drive technology plus the comfort and driving characteristics expected of a BMW.

BMW's North American Website

BMW of North America's website features comprehensive information and resources specific to all BMW products offered in the United States. It provides consumers with specifications for every model line available, as well as information about the company's history, brand accessories and information about BMW's industry-leading safety and technology innovations.

The website also contains a media-only section which provides journalists with 24-hour access to all press releases and relevant corporate information.

BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975, when the company assumed marketing and distribution responsibilities of BMW vehicles in the U.S. from a private distributor. Since then, the company's North American operations have grown to include marketing, sales and financial services organizations in the United States and Canada; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; a design firm in California; a technology firm in Silicon Valley; and various other operations throughout the U.S. and Canada. BMW is represented in North America through a network of more than 375 automobile and 190 motorcycle retailers in the United States and Canada. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the brand's North American headquarters, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.