BMW and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Celebrate the 500,000th Mile of The Ultimate Drive In Naperville, Illinois

    WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Aug. 20 More than 16,750 people have
test driven BMWs in 124 cities across the United States. The program
kicked-off in Maryland on May 3rd, and has today reached its midpoint of
500,000 miles.  Both the white and silver fleet have traveled across the
United States, the white fleet covering the Northern United States and the
silver fleet the Southern United States.  The arrival of the white fleet at
Bill Jacobs Motorsport, Inc. in Naperville, Illinois will be of significance
as both fleets have jointly trekked an amazing 500,000 miles in test drives.
This is the fifth annual Ultimate Drive for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer
Foundation.  BMW's $1 per mile driven commitment to the Komen Foundation means
that this grassroots effort to raise money for breast cancer research,
education, screening and treatment is well on its way to reaching its target
$1 million and an overall $5 million.
    "I am excited to witness and be part of such a program that has joined
over 135,000 people, all coming together to support the Komen Foundation.  As
the program reaches an impressive 500,000 miles, it is a clear demonstration
of the willingness and enthusiasm of thousands of people to take part in
driving for a cure," said Tom Purves, President of BMW of North America.
    "We at the Komen Foundation are extremely pleased with the support we have
received in the first half of this year's program," said Nancy Brinker,
founder of the Komen Foundation. "Together we are creating tremendous
awareness, and I look forward to the next 500,000 miles of helping to provide
a fun and unique way to join in the battle against breast cancer."
    In the last four years, more than 115,000 people have participated in the
Ultimate Drive, which has raised $4 million to fight breast cancer.  At each
event, a "local hero" is recognized in a special ceremony honoring their
efforts to raise awareness.  A photograph of each hero is affixed to a
specially marked BMW "Signature" vehicle, which is also signed by everyone who
participates in the event.  This year, the Signature Vehicle in each fleet is
a specially-designed BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon.
    For the second year, the Ultimate Drive is accompanied by The Ultimate
Child Safety Seat Clinic -- spurred by statistics revealing that only
21 percent of child safety seats are installed correctly, BMW and Britax (the
world's largest manufacturer of child safety seats) last year established the
clinic -- a hands-on safety program geared towards parents.  Due to popular
demand, the clinic once again travels across the country with the Ultimate
Drive.  In a dedicated pavilion, Child Passenger Safety Technicians, supported
by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Traffic Safety
committee, provide one-on-one demonstrations on the proper way to install
child safety seats.  Technicians then oversee the participants as they install
a seat in their own vehicle - whether or not it is a BMW.
    The fleet will leave Naperville, Illinois, and stop at another 80 cities
across the country before culminating in California in November.  For breast
health and breast cancer information, call 1.800 I'M AWARE(R)
(1.800.462.9273).

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