Speech by Dr Franz Sauter
Managing Director
BMW Group Australia

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am proud to welcome you to the BMW stand at the 2004 Sydney Motor Show.

At BMW Group we have been enjoying a record year.

Globally, and I’m pleased to say here in Australia also, we are attracting more customers to the BMW brand than ever before.

This year we have introduced three exciting all-new models: the 6 Series Coupé and Convertible, the X3 all-wheel drive and the sparkling 1 Series you see before you.

If you have experienced the dynamic 1 Series already you’ll understand why we’re convinced it’s the 1 for drivers. It also the 1 for switched-on music lovers thanks to our relationship with Apple that makes plugging your iPod into a 1 Series a breeze.

But in all the excitement about our new luxury sportscars, our growing X-family and the new hero of the premium compact market, we have not forgotten our core models.

In the Olympic year it is fitting we have added a greater sports focus to our models.

The 5 Series is now available with an M Sport II Package, which will warm the hearts of hard-core luxury sports sedan drivers across Australia. Limousine drivers with a yen for gripping driving excitement are now treated to the 735i Sport.

Our most famous best-seller, the 3 Series Sedan now comes in a choice of Sport or Executive, while Sport models join the ever-popular 3 Series Coupe family.

For those who enjoy their motoring wit the roof off, the new 325Ci Convertible was a welcome addition mid-year.

The updated X5 family continues to dominate the luxury off-roader class. My colleagues in Munich and Spartanburg are sick of my incessant phone calls demanding to know when they will be able to match our demand with their supply.

We have added more than new cars this year. A new customer satisfaction programme called BMW Full Circle is aimed at 5 Series buyers. It is a package that makes driving these brilliant, dynamic and advanced luxury sports sedans even easier, complete with guaranteed future value.

At the other end of the buying-selling spectrum, the new BMW Premium Selection programme delivers the cream of pre-owned BMWs to discerning used car buyers, complete with a factory-backed warranty.

We also added the unique BMW Service + Repair Inclusive for 7 Series buyers this year. Available as an option with one up-front payment, it covers all scheduled service and repair costs for a three-year term, and bolsters still further our iron-clad resale values.

Ladies and gentlemen, 2004 has been a successful year for BMW brand in Australia, but as you can see we’re not resting on our laurels.

We think 2005 is going to be even brighter and more successful for us.

We have improved our business in 2004, we have the most comprehensive selection of vehicles ever and, of course, there are just as exciting future models waiting in the wings.

As you know, BMW Group comprises more than the BMW brand.

For 80 years we have been building BMWs with two wheels and on the stand today is the fastest production BMW motorcycle yet, the amazing K 1200 S.

It joins the undoubted new model champion of 2004, the all-purpose all-action R 1200 GS Touring Enduro. These two machines represent the heart of BMW Motorrad going forward.

Thank you for your attention and please enjoy the rest of the show