Due to the release of new car models, BMW’s 2010 pretax profit is expected to increase significantly. With the improvement in the economy, corporate fleet sales at premium carmakers are seen to rise.

Fiat S.p.A. and other rivals, specifically with regards to volume, are reeling from the termination of the incentive program that had driven up the sales of minis and subcompacts in 2009. During a news conference last Wednesday to announce its annual results, CEO Norbert Reithofer said that as the company works to hit profitability targets for 2012, it hopes to see visible progress starting this year. Continued after the jump!

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BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer confirmed that the Bavarian manufacturer is currently working on front-wheel- and four-wheel-drive vehicle architecture that will underpin a new range of entry-level cars but also the next-generation Mini models.

“There will be front-wheel-drive BMWs in the smaller vehicle classes in the future,” said BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer. For those who don’t know, we will tell you: Bmw has only rear-wheel drive models while all Mini variants are front-wheel drive. Continued after the jump!

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Bmw revealed today the new 2011 5-Series Touring, a new car which combines the extensive comfort and safety features from the sedan with the powerful design aesthetics, modern premium-level functionality and brand-typical driving dynamics.

As you expected from a station wagon, the new Bmw offers a maximum capacity of 1,670 litres guaranteed by the 40:20:40 split folding rear seats, which , according to the Bavarian manufacturer are unique in this segment. The 2011 Bmw 5-Series Touring offers also the most advanced drivetrain and suspension technologies in order to ensure supreme sportiness and a higher level of motoring comfort. The new car comes with Optional Dynamic Driving Control which enables the drivers to set the suspension individually to their personal requirements. We also find the pneumatic suspension on the rear axle, including automatic self-leveling. Adaptive Drive and Integral Active Steering are optionally available. Continued after the jump!

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The motorsport division of BMW doesn’t limit itself to producing cars and has given the M touch even on its motorcycles — the BMW S 1000 RR motorcycle is one prime example.

But now, BMW has gone into another area and has released the BMW M Bike. Starting June 2010, the bike will be available in a special limited edition at select BMW dealers. The BMW M Bike has the following features: disc brakes, a matt anthracite frame with the M logo, a leather saddle, gorgeous rims and handles, and shiny red seat inlay. According to a BMW statement, riding this bike will instantly attract a lot of attention whether it’s through the city or the countryside. BMW also emphasized that its high total gear ratio transmission makes the bike go at an “astonishing speed.” For extra riding comfort and superior grip, the bike has a saddle that’s made from the highest quality leather with a red inlay. The bike also has a built-in Shimano SLX gear system and a Manitou Match suspension fork on the front wheel. Pricing has yet to be revealed. Photo gallery after the jump!

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This is the new Vorsteiner line of aero products for the BMW 7-Series short wheelbase (codenamed F01) and long wheelbase (F02).

This lineup, dubbed the BMW VR-7 Sportiv Aero Package, is composed of aerodynamic components that improve the car’s appearance, giving it a more aggressive but still elegant appearance. We see that the front end is made of a VR-7 carbonfiber add-on front spoiler, a carbonfiber add-on rear spoiler and a rear diffuser. With this front spoiler, there is more downforce and handling becomes more stable. The suspension has also been lowered by 48mm (1.9 inches). The 750i model seen on these pictures is fitted with 21″ x 9″ front and 21″ x 10.5″ rear wheels wrapped with 255/30-21 front and 285/30-21 rear Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. Various finishes are available for the wheels, including brushed aluminum, silver, black, gunmetal and chrome. However, preferred custom finishes can be picked out by the customers as well. Photo gallery after the jump!

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Tags:bmw 7-series tuning, car news, Vorsteiner, vorsteiner bmw 7-series, vorsteiner vr-7 sportiv aero package
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Bmw has just announced that its cost-cutting measures begun to gain traction as the Bavarian manufacturer posted a better-than-expected 2009 profit despite the fact that the production was lower.

According to Bmw, its profit rose 18 percent to 413 million euros ($560.4 million), which means that the 253 million euros forecast by analysts was just wrong data. “We are cautiously optimistic going into the new year,” CEO Norbert Reithofer said. With these numbers, Bmw earning surpassed those of Mercedes-Benz, but both are behind those of Audi, which seems to benefit from the economies of scale at parent company Volkswagen.

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Through its joint-venture with Brilliance Auto, BMW will be assembling a series of models in China, according to a report by Gasgoo. The cars to be built there include the BMW X1 compact SUV, the BMW 1-Series and the stretched version of the BMW 3-Series.

At the Geneva Motor Show, BMW chairman and CEO Norbert Reithofer announced that the X1 would be the third model to be built at the Chinese facility. Earlier this year, BMW Brilliance halted the 3 Series’ production to expand the production site’s capacity. It compensated by importing the model. The plant will soon resume production. And this time, there will be updated production lines to enable it to assemble a new range of models. The X1 SUV is slated to enter the premium SUV market, where it will rival cars like the Audi Q5 and the Volkswagen Tiguan. A report by China Car Times reveal that these two VW Group models have been brought to the Chinese automotive market as imported vehicles but they will be domestically produced by the end of the year.

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Tags:Bmw, bmw x1, bmw x1 china built, car news
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Bmw sees “definite” upturn in almost all car markets, after its sales of automobile and motorcycle increased 14 percent in February compared to with the same month last year. “In key sales markets such as the US, the automotive sector is showing encouraging signs of a gradual recovery,” the company said on Tuesday.

Bmw also sold 16 percent more Mini cars in the same month. Audi, the rival company also delivered the bulk of the earnings and cash to Volkswagen AG’s group results in 2009 and says the 2010 looks even better.

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According to the latest reports, it appears that Bmw will introduce a new front-wheel-drive entry-level model, which will be priced beneath the 1-Series.

The new model will use the same front-wheel-drive underpinnings as the next-generation Mini Cooper. According to Bmw chairman, Mr. Norbert Reithhofer, the new model will be a rival to the Audi A1 but also to the new Smart Forfour, currently under development. Reithofer also added that the new car is not part of the Mega City Vehicle electric car project. And this is not all! Mini brand will also going to receive a smaller vehicle. We will be extending the BMW and Mini brands into the small car segment with new models and variants,” said Reithofer.

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For 298,000 Euros, you can have your very own BMW Z4 GT3 race car. Powering the car is the M3’s 4.0-liter V8, which is managed by a different ECU and is mated to an uprated six-speed sequential gearbox.

This enables the engine to be capable of producing 480bhp. Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes and race wheels. Air conditioning is offered as an option. The BMW Z4 GT3 race car is eligible for international and national championships that run in accordance with GT3 regulations, including the FIA GT3 European Championship, International GT Open and the ADAC GT Masters. It is also eligible for a variety of 24-hour endurance races. Photo gallery after the jump!

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Tags:2010 bmw z4 gt3, 2010 z4 gt3, Bmw, car news
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