BMW: Official Car of the Swedish Match Tour 2004/2005

Becoming a part of the world's most renowned Match Race Series

MUNICH, July 29 -- The Swedish Match Tour begins the season 2004/2005 with a new partner: BMW. The automotive group is the new partner and "official car" of the top-class racing series for sailing professionals, thus strengthening its involvement in international sailing. This was announced by Klaus Kibsgaard, President of BMW Portugal, on the occasion of this season's start of the Swedish Match Tour in Cascais, where the Portugal Match Cup is currently taking place. Kibsgaard: "The world's best sailors participate in the Swedish Match Tour. BMW will make its contribution to the success of the Swedish Match Tour ashore." Over the course of the entire series BMW will be present with its cars at the events. An additional incentive for the sportsmen: At the end of the season, the tour winner 2004/2005 will be awarded a BMW 545i Touring.

Furthermore, the BMW logo will be displayed on the yachts as well as on other surfaces in the area surrounding the event throughout the season. The partnership contract is initially valid for a period of three years.

"Being one of the most renowned international Match Race Series in the world, the Swedish Match Tour offers the ideal platform for further reinforcing BMW's commitment to sailing in the respective countries," says Klaus Kibsgaard. "Furthermore, it provides the BMW ORACLE Racing team with perfect training conditions to practise for the America's Cup 2007 in Valencia."