Hilton Head Island Concours d' Elegance Announces BMW as 'Diamond' Top Sponsor

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C., June 9 -- The Hilton Head Island Concours d' Elegance announced today that BMW of North America will be returning as the featured "Diamond Level" sponsor for this year's event, taking place November 3-6, 2005.

"The Concours is extremely pleased that the BMW Group is returning as our primary sponsor again this year," said Event Chairman Dr. Paul Doerring. "Their sponsorship last year helped us launch the Hilton Head Concours to one of the top five Concours events in the nation, along with similar events in Pebble Beach, Meadowbrook, Detroit, and Amelia Island."

Helen Limpitlaw, Marketing Manager for BMW North America said they are looking forward to their participation again this year. She stated, "This was such a successful event for us last year, and we are delighted to return. This is the only Concours in the United States that BMW is the primary sponsor, due in part to our relationship with the State of South Carolina. In addition, the strength and attraction of the Hilton Head community and the excellent leadership of this Concours team make for an outstanding event."

Limpitlaw also announced on behalf of the BMW Group their donation of $100,000 for their "Diamond Level" sponsorship of the Concours.

Max Metcalf, Director of Communications for BMW Manufacturing Company in Spartanburg, SC, remarked, "BMW Manufacturing is committed to being a corporate citizen of the State of South Carolina. South Carolina has been very supportive of our manufacturing facilities in the upper state. Our participation with the Hilton Head Concours gives us a chance to build on this positive relationship."

Concours Executive Director Carolyn Vanagel said BMW's signature emblem will help bring people to this year's event, adding, "Last year we received many positive comments about BMW's exhibit. They always plan something exciting that everyone can enjoy." Vanagel stated that she received an official letter from South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford giving praise to the event, saying, "The BMW Group has again provided significant corporate leadership, and its tremendous contributions to the economic development of our state are greatly appreciated."

Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance - This year's fourth annual event will take place on Hilton Head November 3-6, 2005. This year's honorary chairman, racecar driver/owner Bobby Rahal, will be signing autographs on Saturday. For more information, visit hhiconcours.com or www.bmwusa.com.