The Agile Achiever: The All-New BMW S 1000 XR Now in Indian Market

Features

* The all-new BMW S 1000 XR.

* Enhanced Touring Capabilities - The lightest bike in its class. 

* Powerful and Agile - New 999 cc four cylinder in-line engine 

* Dynamic and sporty design with optimised ergonomics.

* Extensive standard equipment – All-LED Lighting, Dynamic ESA, Riding Modes Pro, TFT display and connectivity. 

* Wide array of retrofit options for enhanced safety, comfort, storage, maintenance, riding gear, navigation and communication.

* Enhanced riding experience and comfort with unmatched safety. 

‘XR’ stands for an uncompromising mix of sportiness and touring capability. The all-new BMW S 1000 XR’s thrilling design reflects pure performance and the promise of long-distance travelling comfort with a riding position that is impressively active yet relaxed. The front fairing and lighting system are defined by sharp edges. Combined with striking beading the overall line is shaped aggressively and consistently to the finish. The visually short tail is also reminiscent of a sport bike. The revised aerodynamics, fairing, comfortable handlebars along with long-distant seating position ensure great riding fun miles after miles. The adjustable windshield provides even better protection against the cold, driving noises and the elements allowing the rider to keep your eyes on the road. All lighting units such as the main headlamp, tail light, indicator lights and instrument cluster uses the latest LED technology. The new LED headlamp not only gives the all-new BMW S 1000 XR a highly dynamic look, it also lights up the road even more effectively than before. The integrated parking lights enhance the bike's unmistakable appearance.

The newly developed 999 cc in-line 4-cylinder engine is based on the BMW S 1000 RR engine and delivers an output of 165 hp at 11,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 114 Nm at 9,250 rpm. The engine speed range is broader and harmonious to enhance ridability. The 4th, 5th and 6th gears now have longer ratios, low noise level, lower fuel consumption and lower engine rpm at cruising speeds. The motorcycle sprints from 0-100 km/hr in just 3.3 seconds and achieve a top speed of over 200 km/hr.

The new suspension system has been completely engineered to enhance riding dynamics and riding fun as compared to the predecessor model. The key factor is the optimum interplay between the frame design and the engine as a load-bearing element. The new double-sided swinging arm offers a particularly sensitive response thanks to its direct linkage. The suspension geometry further increase agility, feedback and enhance the mechanical grip of the rear wheel.

The all-new BMW S 1000 XR has four standard riding modes – Rain, Road, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro. The ‘Dynamic Pro’ mode is fully configurable and offers riders a wide range of setting options to suit their riding style.  The throttle response, engine brake, ABS control and traction control, wheelie control (including the new ‘Power Wheelie’ setting) can be configured separately for the first time. While the part integral BMW Motorrad ABS systems already provide a very high degree of performance and safety when braking in a straight line, ABS Pro now takes this a step further to offer increased safety when braking in banking position as well.

The adventure tourer features the latest generation of BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) as standard. Thanks to the latest valve technology, the versatile adventure sports bike provides a particularly dynamic riding experience with a high level of ride comfort. For the first time in the BMW S 1000 XR, the dynamic brake assistant DBC (Dynamic Brake Control) also supports the rider during braking manoeuvres.

Further, MSR (Motorschleppmomentregelung) or dynamic engine break control electronically prevents the locking, slippage or hopping of the rear wheel that can result when the throttle is snapped shut or the during rider downshifts. MSR maximizes stability and safety of the BMW S 1000 XR by detecting rear wheel hopping in time and instantaneously equalize drag torque by opening the throttle valves. The anti-hopping clutch in combination with MSR offers best protection against engine braking torque influences and against dropping the bike. 

The best-in-class 6.5- inch colour TFT screen instrument cluster along with BMW Motorrad connectivity offers unmatched display and access to information. In addition, the BMW Motorrad Connected App offers handy arrow based navigation suitable for day-to-day use directly on TFT screen. The multi-controller on the left hand handlebar panel enables quick, safe and convenient screen operation. 

A wide range of retrofit equipment and gear options are available to further enhance the riding experience with a range of storage bags, backpacks, rider gear, navigation and communication. Customers can augment their bike with safety accessories suchas radiator grille, hand protector, brake disk lock with antitheft alarm and protective glass for TFT screen. Quick maintenance at home or while touring is made easy with assembly stand, multifunctional tool kit, tyre pressure travel pack, breakdown assistance kit for tubeless tyres and compact foot pump. 

Navnit Motors Hosts India’s Largest BMW Premium Selection Facility in Bengaluru

BMW Group India announced the opening of its new BMW Premium Selection (BPS) facility in Bengaluru. The largest BPS facility in India is hosted by Navnit Motors and will display a wide range of pre-owned BMW vehicles. The facility is located at No. 40/66, Sonnappana Halli Bethahalasoor Post, New Airport Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 562157.

The facility is headed by Mr. Sharad Kachalia, Dealer Principal, Navnit Motors. Navnit Motors also represents BMW India with sales and service outlets in Bengaluru, Mangalore and Mumbai.

Mr. Arlindo Teixeira, acting President, BMW Group India said, “BMW Premium Selection offers an entry into the world of ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ for our discerning consumers with complete peace of mind. Each pre-owned vehicle sold under the BMW Premium Selection promises to be a best pick in terms of value, quality and service in the used car market. There is a massive potential in the premium pre-owned car market in India and Bengaluru is one of the key markets for BMW India. With the launch of Navnit Motors - BMW Premium Selection, we are setting a new benchmark in the premium pre-owned car market and bringing JOY closer to our potential customers.”

Mr. Sharad Kachalia, Dealer Principal, Navnit Motors said, “It gives us great Joy to add another important dimension to our business with the launch of the largest BPS facility in India. Strategically located alongside our service workshop, we are certain that the facility will become a choice destination for prospects who want to join the world of BMW. With our deep understanding of the luxury automotive market as well as the pre-owned category in the region, we are confident to play a significant role in the growing success story of BMW in India.”

Since its launch in 2011, BMW Group India has established 24 BPS facilities across the country. BPS offers the finest range of pre-owned BMW vehicles that are carefully selected and comprehensively examined for quality. Every vehicle comes with a full, detailed history about servicing, maintenance and repairs.

The strategically located facility is spread across a total area of 7,500 sq. ft. with a 15 car display, sales lounge and customer lounge. With the industry-leading Virtual Product Presentation (VPP), customers can easily check current vehicle stock, obtain all information such as current mileage, retail price, car specifications and dealer contact data. Additionally, the user friendly interface offers visitors a broad range of search functionalities to select their favourite vehicle.

A range of individual and attractive financing options are available for BPS vehicles. A dedicated team of finance and insurance consultants offer personalised advice and provide suitable financing options as per customers’ needs and future plans. Customers can choose a trade-in offer for a fair exchange value, hassel free documentation and evaluation of vehicle at their doorsteps.

All cars selected under BMW Premium Selection are less than five years old and would have clocked under 100,000 kms. These vehicles come with upto 24 months warranty. BPS owners also have the option of taking BMW India Roadside Assistance which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Over the next 5 years 1,000 German firms may invest in India

Upbeat on the second fastest growing economy in the world, about 1,000 German firms may invest in India in the next five years, the head of Baden-Wurttemberg, regarded as the most successful German state, said today.

"I am sure, in next five years 1,000 more companies from Germany and may be 200 from our state would be interested in investing in India," Guenther H Oettinger, the Minister- President of State of Baden-Wuerttemberg (Germany) said here.

About 1,800 German firms, including Porsche, Siemens, BMW, Voith and Audi have already invested in India which is being seen as the potential German manufacturing hub for the Asian market.

Indian industry and workers match the quality of Europe's and North America's, Oettinger said at the CII meeting.

With over six per cent expansion, the Indian economy is the second fastest growing after China despite global recession.

German Ambassador to India Thomas Matussek also addressed the meeting stating the India-German bilateral trade is expected to touch $27 billion by 2014 from over $18 billion in 2008.

India's major exports to Germany include garments, machinery and instruments, electronic goods and transport equipment, while imports comprises machinery, iron and steel, machine tools and organic chemicals.

Agencies

Cars that sense danger to pedestrians to roll out soon

BMW is refining a car-to-car communication system that offers more pedestrian protection by "sensing" situations and persons that cannot normally be seen by motorists, according to the car maker.

In a typical situation a child could suddenly jump onto the road from between two parked vehicles. In such a case the moving vehicle would communicate with an electronic transponder carried by the child or cyclist for protection.

The project is part of the AMULETT research project aimed at preventing accidents with sensoring and tracking technology. On board car systems are networked with those of other vehicles or transponders carried by persons. These can be installed in school bags, mobile phones or in a walking stick.

Should the system determine an impending collision or danger situation, the driver is warned with a signal on the head-up display. If he or she does not respond the system automatically triggers a braking procedure.

According to German government accident statistics 48 percent of child accident victims between the age of six and 14 ran onto the road without observing the traffic. Other research has shown that in 40 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents, the driver could not react in time.

Agencies

Will BMW layoff 850 workers at UK Mini plant?

BMW said on Monday that it will lay off 850 workers at its British factory which builds the Mini car to adjust to weaker demand.

The job cuts are the result of a review of operations at the factory in Cowley, near Oxford, where production will be suspended throughout this week and staff who currently work weekend shifts will be moved to weekday work, effective March 2.

BMW has 4,700 workers at Cowley, which can turn out 800 cars per day.

``While Mini has been weathering the economic downturn, it is not immune from the challenges of the current situation,'' BMW said in a statement.

``Against this backdrop the company felt that a review of its shift patterns was necessary. This decision has not been taken lightly. The plant's union representatives have, of course, been involved in the discussions.''

BMW reported earlier this month that sales of the Mini model rose 4.3 percent in 2008 to 232,425 cars. Overall, the company said sales dropped 5 percent across its product range.

In January, however, Mini sales were down 35 percent compared to January 2008. About 80 percent of the Minis built in Britain are exported.

Auto sales in Britain fell sharply at the end of the year because of the recession. Nissan has cut 1,200 jobs at its plant in Sunderland, England, while Honda has halted production at its Swindon plant for four months.

``Sacking an entire shift like this, and targeting agency workers who have no rights to redundancy pay, is blatant opportunism on BMW's part and nothing short of scandalous,'' said Tony Woodley, joint leader of the Unite union.

``BMW's parent company couldn't attempt this in Germany because it would be illegal to do so. It is a disgrace, therefore, that workers in this country can be so casually thrown to the dole.''

BMW acquired the Mini, a symbol of the swinging 1960s, when it bought the Rover car company in 1994.

Agencies