mika
Still Wondering
Happy Birthday
US Forest Service: Fall color guide
urbanext.uiuc.edu: The Miracle of Fall ÔÇô About Fall Color
motorcyclenews.com: F650GS takes on budget trailie style rivals
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dreoYlnlVQw&rel=0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dreoYlnlVQw&rel=0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
motorcyclenews.com: Buell 1125 Caf?® Racer ÔÇô first ride!
hellforleathermagaizne.com: Honda DN-01 arrives in USA for 2009
thevintageent.blogspot.com: ÔÇÿROSIEÔÇÖ the DKW SS 350
womenridersnow.com: Harley-Davidson Sportster Nightster: Why women like this bike
cmgonlie.com: Triump racing success
londonbiekrs.com: KTM US racing newsletter
motorcyclistonline.com: Ben Spies sings with Yamaha WSBK for 2009
formula1.comÔÇØ: Senna speaking to several Formula One teams
I think it looks like a Hershey Kiss on wheels, but I am hunger so never mind.
thefutureofthings.com: A compact tear shaped car
worldofbmw.com: Nates African adventure
We knew this already but there is a nice run down of his career.
bmwmotorrad.co.za: Latest News ÔÇô Troy Corser Signs for BMW World Superbike Team.
BMW Concept X1: Premiere
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BMW X1 Concept slideshow
Note: No motorcycle sales are reported in the following.
BMW GROUP (USA) REPORTS SEPTEMBER SALES
10/01/2008
BMW Group US sales (BMW and MINI combined) decreased 4.8 percent year-to-date. In September sales declined 25.8 percent.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - October 1, 2008... The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported September sales of 18,506 vehicles, a decrease of 25.8 percent over the 24,932 vehicles sold in September 2007. The BMW Group also reported a year-to-date sales volume of 236,327 vehicles, down 4.8 percent, compared to 248,273 vehicles in the same period of 2007.
BMW Brand Sales
Sales of BMW brand vehicles decreased 29.5 percent in September for a total of 14,744 compared to 20,901 reported in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date BMW brand sales were down 9.6 percent, to 195,633 vehicles compared to 216,337 vehicles sold in the same period in 2007.
"At BMW, we are fortunate to have set a rational plan in place for the entire year. While our sales this month are on a level with others, in the year to date, we are still tracking better than the overall premium market," said Jim O'Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. "New products such as the just refreshed 3 Series with its new look and new iDrive Control will keep us attractive in the market place. A new dimension will be added to our range of vehicles with the introduction of the Advanced Clean Diesels in the 3 Series and the X5, which will be available in all 50 states. We are also getting ready for the U.S. launch of the all-new 7 Series which comes early in the new year."
BMW Automobile Sales
BMW's automobile sales are down 35.9 percent in September to 10,552 versus 16,457 in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales also decreased 9.9 percent, to 152,988 automobiles compared to 169,760 in the same period of 2007.
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Sales
Sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles decreased by 5.7 percent in September to 4,192 vehicles over the 4,444 sold last September. Year-to-date, sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles were down 8.4 percent, to 42,645 vehicles compared to the 46,577 sold in the first nine months of 2007.
MINI Brand Sales
MINI USA reported September sales of 3,762 automobiles, down 6.7 percent from the 4,031cars sold in September 2007. Year-to-date, the division reported sales of 40,694 automobiles, an increase of 27.4 percent, compared to the 31,936 cars reported in the first nine months of 2007.
"Tight inventories restricted September MINI sales, which were 269 units below prior year levels," said Jim McDowell, Vice-President of MINI USA. "Despite high gas prices, limited credit opportunities, and concern about the overall economy, more and more Americans are rethinking automotive choices they have always made. We think this is the reason why we ended the month with only a six day supply of cars in our retailers' showrooms. In the coming month, we look forward to increased production for our market to help replenish our dealer stocks."
Table: Sales BMW of North America, LLC, September 2008
Sept. 2008
Sept.
2007
%
YTD
2008
YTD 2007
%
BMW brand
14,744
20,901
-29.5
195,633
216,337
-9.6
BMW passenger cars
10,552
16,457
-35.9
152,988
169,760
-9.9
BMW light trucks
(SAVs)
4,192
4,444
-5.7
42,645
46,577
-8.4
MINI brand
3,762
4,031
-6.7
40,694
31,936
27.4
TOTAL Group
18,506
24,932
-25.8
236,327
248,273
-4.8
BMW Certified Pre-Owned
Sales of BMW's Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are up 3.9 percent, to 7,707 CPO vehicles versus 7,421 vehicles reported last September. Year-to-date, CPO sales are up 19.7 percent, to 77,144 over the 64,445 reported in the same period in 2007.
Note: The following is from BWM in Munich and is reporting world wide sales. The M series appears to remain robust while sales in other classes and the US market in general are declining.
ON THE COURSE OF SUCCESS: BMW M GMBH SALES EXCEED FIGURES OF ENTIRE PREVIOUS YEAR ALREADY IN AUGUST 2008
09/30/2008
Munich. BMW M GmbH is heading for a considerable plus in sales in this business year compared to 2007. In the 30th year since the start of vehicle production, the company has sold more than 16,150 units worldwide already between January and August, exceeding the total sales figure of the previous year (16,128 units). "This is really a strong statement of our customers", said Ludwig Willisch, Chairman of the board of BMW M GmbH. "The fact that we have been able to achieve such extraordinary success, particularly in 2008, speaks for the uniqueness of the BMW M models."
The success of the new BMW M3, underlined by continuously increasing sales since its market launch, has played a decisive role in this positive trend. This sports car, powered by a high-rev V8 engine delivering 309 kW/420 bhp, is offered in three versions; the BMW M3 Coupe, BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M3 Convertible. No less than 1,583 M3 models were sold worldwide in August 2008 alone.
The preconditions for continuing this trend are ideal. Following the successful launch of the M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic for the BMW M3, further innovative refinements will be introduced to enhance the attractive appearance of the three models. A feature of the BMW M3 Sedan will be divided rear lights with the brand-typical L-shaped contour with modifications to the bumper and rear lid. The three new models will also feature the new generation of the iDrive control system and innovative services of BMW ConnectedDrive.
The ideal start: The new BMW M3 more successful than the predecessor by nearly 100 per cent.
No less than14,589 BMW M3 models were sold already 14 months after the start of production; of these, 11,485 were sold between January and August of this year alone. The number of new BMW M3 models sold in the first year of production was nearly double that of the predecessor model at the same time in its lifecycle. The BMW M3 convertible on sale since spring 2008, of which nearly 2,300 units, and the Sedan launched shortly before, of which about 1,750 units were sold, made a significant contribution towards the overall success of the BMW M3.
Already now, 2008 is yet another chapter of success for BMW M GmbH in the history of its vehicle production. Since 1978, when the company which was established six years previously, presented the on-road version of the BMW M1 mid-engine racing car, the number of customers that decided for a BMW M model, has continuously increased. In June 2008, the 300,000th vehicle was delivered. "The fact that we have achieved the sales figures of the previous year already after just eight months testifies to the importance the unique driving pleasure BMW M models offer for our target group," added Willisch.
Unrelenting fascination for BMW M5 and BMW M6.
Overall, the success in sales achieved up to now in 2008 is attributed to nine models of BMW M GmbH, whereby in addition to the BMW M3, the BMW M5 in particular has made a valuable contribution to the positive result with solid growth in sales figures. The award-winning model, powered by a V10 engine, delivering 373 kW/507 bhp, is available as a BMW M5 Sedan and BMW M5 Touring version. Since 2005, 18,649 units of the current BMW M5 were sold. The sales figures also for the current BMW M5 are therefore distinctly above comparable values of the predecessor model.
Unrelenting is also the global enthusiasm for the BMW M6 Coupe and BMW Convertible models, which are similarly powered by a V-10 engine. Nearly 12,000 customers have shown their preference for one of these two high-performance sports cars in a class of their own. 7,726 BMW M6 Coupes and 3,948 Convertibles were sold by August 2008. The sales figures of the first high-performance Coupe of BMW M GmbH, of which 5,855 of the BMW M635 CSi were sold between 1984 and 1989 worldwide, have already been substantially exceeded. With a number of innovations, including the competition package for the BMW M6 Coupe in particular, the history of success will be continued in the model year 2009.
The convincing performance of BMW M GmbH is rounded off this year by the final spurt of the BMW Z4 M Roadster and BMW Z4 M Coupe, the production cycle of which ended in August 2008. 5,070 Roadsters and 4,275 Coupes stand in the balance of this extraordinary sports car, the last BMW M models featuring the legendary six-cylinder in-line engine with 252 kW/343 bhp under the bonnet. This engine was awarded the title of "International Engine of the Year" in its class not less than six times. The successor is already secured as demonstrated by this year's success of the new V8 power unit in this competition.
ROLLS-ROYCE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR MOVES TO BMW
01.10.2008
Graham Biggs, Corporate Communications Director for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, will leave the company at the end of October to take up a new position as Corporate Communications Director at BMW UK. He succeeds Chris Willows, who is retiring after 23 years in the Corporate Communications department.
ÔÇ£Graham joined Rolls-Royce in October 2002 as the company approached its relaunch in January 2003,ÔÇØ said Rolls-Royce CEO, Tom Purves, ÔÇ£He built a communications team which has played a major role in the re-establishment of Rolls-Royce around the world over the last six years. I am extremely grateful to him for all his hard work in building the reputation of our company and he can be proud of what has been achieved. We wish him well as he takes up this new, challenging post.ÔÇØ
Graham began his BMW Group career at Bracknell in 1998 as Corporate Communications Manager. He returns as Corporate Communications Director with responsibility for the BMW, MINI and Motorrad brands.
ÔÇ£It has been a privilege to have played a part in the relaunch of Rolls-Royce,ÔÇØ said Graham, ÔÇ£This has been a unique opportunity and I have my team to thank for the successes we have enjoyed. I have been lucky enough to meet and work with a fascinating mix of media, as well as customers and colleagues, from all over the world. I will be sad to leave Rolls-Royce, but am looking forward to taking up the challenges of this new role.ÔÇØ
GrahamÔÇÖs replacement will be announced in due course.
Stuff
Look at the size of that gas tank. Now mentally scale it for a MC.
pikensplan.com: Utah Governor John Humtsman powered by domestic fuel.
Hard hat of the future?
yankodesign.com: PoncherelloÔÇÖs new safety helmet.
howstuffworks.com: What is the Strategic Petroleum Reserve?
Packers Blog ÔÇô jsonline.com
Packers.com ÔÇô News from the football shrine
Green Bay Post Gazette: Packer News, Commentary
Offical site of the Premier League
GasBuddy.com has gas temperature maps intended to let you see what gas prices are around the US and Canada. Areas are color coded according to the reported local average price for regular unleaded gasoline.
US
Canada
Bike Candy
You meet the coolest people on a Honda
THE END
US Forest Service: Fall color guide
urbanext.uiuc.edu: The Miracle of Fall ÔÇô About Fall Color
motorcyclenews.com: F650GS takes on budget trailie style rivals
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motorcyclenews.com: Buell 1125 Caf?® Racer ÔÇô first ride!
hellforleathermagaizne.com: Honda DN-01 arrives in USA for 2009
thevintageent.blogspot.com: ÔÇÿROSIEÔÇÖ the DKW SS 350
womenridersnow.com: Harley-Davidson Sportster Nightster: Why women like this bike
cmgonlie.com: Triump racing success
londonbiekrs.com: KTM US racing newsletter
motorcyclistonline.com: Ben Spies sings with Yamaha WSBK for 2009
formula1.comÔÇØ: Senna speaking to several Formula One teams
I think it looks like a Hershey Kiss on wheels, but I am hunger so never mind.
thefutureofthings.com: A compact tear shaped car
worldofbmw.com: Nates African adventure
We knew this already but there is a nice run down of his career.
bmwmotorrad.co.za: Latest News ÔÇô Troy Corser Signs for BMW World Superbike Team.
BMW Concept X1: Premiere
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BMW X1 Concept slideshow
Note: No motorcycle sales are reported in the following.
BMW GROUP (USA) REPORTS SEPTEMBER SALES
10/01/2008
BMW Group US sales (BMW and MINI combined) decreased 4.8 percent year-to-date. In September sales declined 25.8 percent.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - October 1, 2008... The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported September sales of 18,506 vehicles, a decrease of 25.8 percent over the 24,932 vehicles sold in September 2007. The BMW Group also reported a year-to-date sales volume of 236,327 vehicles, down 4.8 percent, compared to 248,273 vehicles in the same period of 2007.
BMW Brand Sales
Sales of BMW brand vehicles decreased 29.5 percent in September for a total of 14,744 compared to 20,901 reported in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date BMW brand sales were down 9.6 percent, to 195,633 vehicles compared to 216,337 vehicles sold in the same period in 2007.
"At BMW, we are fortunate to have set a rational plan in place for the entire year. While our sales this month are on a level with others, in the year to date, we are still tracking better than the overall premium market," said Jim O'Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. "New products such as the just refreshed 3 Series with its new look and new iDrive Control will keep us attractive in the market place. A new dimension will be added to our range of vehicles with the introduction of the Advanced Clean Diesels in the 3 Series and the X5, which will be available in all 50 states. We are also getting ready for the U.S. launch of the all-new 7 Series which comes early in the new year."
BMW Automobile Sales
BMW's automobile sales are down 35.9 percent in September to 10,552 versus 16,457 in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales also decreased 9.9 percent, to 152,988 automobiles compared to 169,760 in the same period of 2007.
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Sales
Sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles decreased by 5.7 percent in September to 4,192 vehicles over the 4,444 sold last September. Year-to-date, sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles were down 8.4 percent, to 42,645 vehicles compared to the 46,577 sold in the first nine months of 2007.
MINI Brand Sales
MINI USA reported September sales of 3,762 automobiles, down 6.7 percent from the 4,031cars sold in September 2007. Year-to-date, the division reported sales of 40,694 automobiles, an increase of 27.4 percent, compared to the 31,936 cars reported in the first nine months of 2007.
"Tight inventories restricted September MINI sales, which were 269 units below prior year levels," said Jim McDowell, Vice-President of MINI USA. "Despite high gas prices, limited credit opportunities, and concern about the overall economy, more and more Americans are rethinking automotive choices they have always made. We think this is the reason why we ended the month with only a six day supply of cars in our retailers' showrooms. In the coming month, we look forward to increased production for our market to help replenish our dealer stocks."
Table: Sales BMW of North America, LLC, September 2008
Sept. 2008
Sept.
2007
%
YTD
2008
YTD 2007
%
BMW brand
14,744
20,901
-29.5
195,633
216,337
-9.6
BMW passenger cars
10,552
16,457
-35.9
152,988
169,760
-9.9
BMW light trucks
(SAVs)
4,192
4,444
-5.7
42,645
46,577
-8.4
MINI brand
3,762
4,031
-6.7
40,694
31,936
27.4
TOTAL Group
18,506
24,932
-25.8
236,327
248,273
-4.8
BMW Certified Pre-Owned
Sales of BMW's Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are up 3.9 percent, to 7,707 CPO vehicles versus 7,421 vehicles reported last September. Year-to-date, CPO sales are up 19.7 percent, to 77,144 over the 64,445 reported in the same period in 2007.
Note: The following is from BWM in Munich and is reporting world wide sales. The M series appears to remain robust while sales in other classes and the US market in general are declining.
ON THE COURSE OF SUCCESS: BMW M GMBH SALES EXCEED FIGURES OF ENTIRE PREVIOUS YEAR ALREADY IN AUGUST 2008
09/30/2008
Munich. BMW M GmbH is heading for a considerable plus in sales in this business year compared to 2007. In the 30th year since the start of vehicle production, the company has sold more than 16,150 units worldwide already between January and August, exceeding the total sales figure of the previous year (16,128 units). "This is really a strong statement of our customers", said Ludwig Willisch, Chairman of the board of BMW M GmbH. "The fact that we have been able to achieve such extraordinary success, particularly in 2008, speaks for the uniqueness of the BMW M models."
The success of the new BMW M3, underlined by continuously increasing sales since its market launch, has played a decisive role in this positive trend. This sports car, powered by a high-rev V8 engine delivering 309 kW/420 bhp, is offered in three versions; the BMW M3 Coupe, BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M3 Convertible. No less than 1,583 M3 models were sold worldwide in August 2008 alone.
The preconditions for continuing this trend are ideal. Following the successful launch of the M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic for the BMW M3, further innovative refinements will be introduced to enhance the attractive appearance of the three models. A feature of the BMW M3 Sedan will be divided rear lights with the brand-typical L-shaped contour with modifications to the bumper and rear lid. The three new models will also feature the new generation of the iDrive control system and innovative services of BMW ConnectedDrive.
The ideal start: The new BMW M3 more successful than the predecessor by nearly 100 per cent.
No less than14,589 BMW M3 models were sold already 14 months after the start of production; of these, 11,485 were sold between January and August of this year alone. The number of new BMW M3 models sold in the first year of production was nearly double that of the predecessor model at the same time in its lifecycle. The BMW M3 convertible on sale since spring 2008, of which nearly 2,300 units, and the Sedan launched shortly before, of which about 1,750 units were sold, made a significant contribution towards the overall success of the BMW M3.
Already now, 2008 is yet another chapter of success for BMW M GmbH in the history of its vehicle production. Since 1978, when the company which was established six years previously, presented the on-road version of the BMW M1 mid-engine racing car, the number of customers that decided for a BMW M model, has continuously increased. In June 2008, the 300,000th vehicle was delivered. "The fact that we have achieved the sales figures of the previous year already after just eight months testifies to the importance the unique driving pleasure BMW M models offer for our target group," added Willisch.
Unrelenting fascination for BMW M5 and BMW M6.
Overall, the success in sales achieved up to now in 2008 is attributed to nine models of BMW M GmbH, whereby in addition to the BMW M3, the BMW M5 in particular has made a valuable contribution to the positive result with solid growth in sales figures. The award-winning model, powered by a V10 engine, delivering 373 kW/507 bhp, is available as a BMW M5 Sedan and BMW M5 Touring version. Since 2005, 18,649 units of the current BMW M5 were sold. The sales figures also for the current BMW M5 are therefore distinctly above comparable values of the predecessor model.
Unrelenting is also the global enthusiasm for the BMW M6 Coupe and BMW Convertible models, which are similarly powered by a V-10 engine. Nearly 12,000 customers have shown their preference for one of these two high-performance sports cars in a class of their own. 7,726 BMW M6 Coupes and 3,948 Convertibles were sold by August 2008. The sales figures of the first high-performance Coupe of BMW M GmbH, of which 5,855 of the BMW M635 CSi were sold between 1984 and 1989 worldwide, have already been substantially exceeded. With a number of innovations, including the competition package for the BMW M6 Coupe in particular, the history of success will be continued in the model year 2009.
The convincing performance of BMW M GmbH is rounded off this year by the final spurt of the BMW Z4 M Roadster and BMW Z4 M Coupe, the production cycle of which ended in August 2008. 5,070 Roadsters and 4,275 Coupes stand in the balance of this extraordinary sports car, the last BMW M models featuring the legendary six-cylinder in-line engine with 252 kW/343 bhp under the bonnet. This engine was awarded the title of "International Engine of the Year" in its class not less than six times. The successor is already secured as demonstrated by this year's success of the new V8 power unit in this competition.
ROLLS-ROYCE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR MOVES TO BMW
01.10.2008
Graham Biggs, Corporate Communications Director for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, will leave the company at the end of October to take up a new position as Corporate Communications Director at BMW UK. He succeeds Chris Willows, who is retiring after 23 years in the Corporate Communications department.
ÔÇ£Graham joined Rolls-Royce in October 2002 as the company approached its relaunch in January 2003,ÔÇØ said Rolls-Royce CEO, Tom Purves, ÔÇ£He built a communications team which has played a major role in the re-establishment of Rolls-Royce around the world over the last six years. I am extremely grateful to him for all his hard work in building the reputation of our company and he can be proud of what has been achieved. We wish him well as he takes up this new, challenging post.ÔÇØ
Graham began his BMW Group career at Bracknell in 1998 as Corporate Communications Manager. He returns as Corporate Communications Director with responsibility for the BMW, MINI and Motorrad brands.
ÔÇ£It has been a privilege to have played a part in the relaunch of Rolls-Royce,ÔÇØ said Graham, ÔÇ£This has been a unique opportunity and I have my team to thank for the successes we have enjoyed. I have been lucky enough to meet and work with a fascinating mix of media, as well as customers and colleagues, from all over the world. I will be sad to leave Rolls-Royce, but am looking forward to taking up the challenges of this new role.ÔÇØ
GrahamÔÇÖs replacement will be announced in due course.
Stuff
Look at the size of that gas tank. Now mentally scale it for a MC.
pikensplan.com: Utah Governor John Humtsman powered by domestic fuel.
Hard hat of the future?
yankodesign.com: PoncherelloÔÇÖs new safety helmet.
howstuffworks.com: What is the Strategic Petroleum Reserve?
Packers Blog ÔÇô jsonline.com
Packers.com ÔÇô News from the football shrine
Green Bay Post Gazette: Packer News, Commentary
Offical site of the Premier League
GasBuddy.com has gas temperature maps intended to let you see what gas prices are around the US and Canada. Areas are color coded according to the reported local average price for regular unleaded gasoline.
US
Canada
Bike Candy
You meet the coolest people on a Honda
THE END
