BMW is First to Offer Practical Automobile Internet Connection

29 September 1999
BMW is First to Offer Practical Automobile Internet Connection
    WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Sept. 28 -- BMW announced today that it
would be the first automobile manufacturer to offer US customers a practical
internet connection from their automobiles.  Showcased earlier this month at
the Frankfurt Auto Show, the system does not require a computer in the
vehicle, but uses the existing telephone system with voice recognition
software.
    This technology will enable the user to access the internet in order to
receive such useful information as traffic and weather reports, or to send and
receive e-mail.  In addition, the user can create a personal profile in order
to access information of particular interest, such as tracking key Wall Street
stocks, the performance of favorite sports teams or current news.
    Since the phones installed in current BMW vehicles are fully-integrated,
users will be able to enjoy this service in a hands-free manner that is
comfortable and familiar.
    Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW of North America, Inc. stated, "BMW
has a history of technological innovation and we're delighted to be the first
to offer this practical feature in our vehicles.  Following our "top-down"
strategy, we will begin piloting this technology next year in our 750iL and Z8
models, and shortly thereafter in all models with integrated BMW telephones."
The 750iL is the flagship of BMW's premium-luxury 7 Series sedans, powered by
an all-aluminum, 5.4-liter, V-12 engine.  The limited-production Z8 roadster
is an all-new high-performance sports car that will make its debut next
spring.
    This service will be demonstrated at Fall Internet World, which takes
place October 6-9 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City.
Visitors to the show can experience this at the booth of BMW's partner
Talkingweb (booth #109, Main Exhibit Hall, E-Commerce Section).
    BMW entered the North American market in 1975.  Since then, the company
has grown to include marketing, sales and financial service organizations in
the United States and Canada; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; a
design firm in California; a technology office in Palo Alto 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
marque's North American headquarters, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New
Jersey.
    Information about BMW products is available to consumers via the World
Wide Web on the BMW homepage.  The address is: http://www.bmwusa.com.