BMW Chairman to Address Journalists at NYIAS Opening Breakfast

New York Auto Show Preview: April 7 & 8

NEW YORK, March 23 -- Dr. Helmut Panke, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, will be the featured speaker at the 2004 New York International Auto Show/International Motor Press Association press breakfast. Dr. Panke is a 22-year veteran of BMW and has served on the luxury automaker's board since 1996.

The event, scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 7, will kick off the Show's Press Days, where thousands of journalists will be given a preview of the industry's latest products.

Prior to being named to the BMW Board, Dr. Panke served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BMW (US) Holding Corp. and managed BMW's entire North American operation, including BMW of North America, Inc., the sales and marketing unit for the United States; BMW Manufacturing Corp., BMW's South Carolina manufacturing plant and BMW Canada, Inc., the sales and marketing unit for Canada.

By delivering this year's keynote address, Dr. Panke joins an illustrious group of automotive executives including Robert Lutz, Carlos Ghosn, Jacques Nasser, Robert Eaton, and Lee Iacocca, who have also opened North America's first and largest-attended auto show.

Kicking off the springtime selling season, the 2004 New York International Auto Show will feature an impressive collection of cutting-edge design and remarkable innovation. More than four floors of displays from the world's automakers will feature their newest vehicles and futuristic concept cars. More than 1,000 cars and trucks will be on display at the Javits Center, filling 846,000 square feet of exhibit space. In addition, dozens of World and North American vehicle debuts are expected at the Show.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the New York International Automobile Show online go to www.autoshowNY.com.

   Important Show Dates

                     Press Preview               April 7 & 8
                     Dealer/Industry Preview     April 9
                     Public Sneak Preview        April 9 (1pm - 9pm)
                     Public Show Dates           April 9 - 18