2016 Bmw X5 X5m Awd Bang&olufsen Pkg on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Next-gen Mini could sire 10 different models including PHEV

The first generation of the reimagined, BMW-backed Mini was a simple things, confined to two body styles - hatchback and four-seat convertible. It wasn't until the second-generation platform came along that Mini began truly expanding, offering a long-wheelbase model, a roadster, a coupe, a five-door crossover, and a three-door, um, thing?
BMW is aiming for 10 to 12 different vehicles from just two brands off one platform.
According to an interview between Automotive News Europe and the BMW board member that oversees Mini, Peter Schwarzenbauer, the funky British brand will be expanding far beyond the seven body styles it currently offers. "With the new ULK architecture, we currently have in mind eight to 10 models," Schwarzenbauer told ANE. That architecture he mentions, will also underpin the BMW 1 Series GT and the BMW X1, meaning that BMW is aiming for 10 to 12 different vehicles from just two brands off one platform (and that's only what we know about).

Toyota, Mercedes, BMW top automakers included in List of Best Global Brands

Interbrand, a consultancy firm, has published its 13th annual list of the best global brands. Besides seeing some shakeups at the top - Apple and Google unseated Coca-Cola (a company that has dominated the survey since its birth), the 100-item list features 14 automakers, most of which enjoyed double-digit gains in brand value.
Toyota managed to retain its spot as the study's top automaker. It finished the survey in 10th position overall (the same as last year), despite a 17-percent improvement in its brand value, from $29.33 billion to $35.34 billion. Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Honda all made the top 20, at 11th, 12th and 20th place, respectively. Hopping a ways down the list, we come across Volkswagen in 34th place, up from 39th in last year's study, with a brand value of $11.12 billion, a 20-percent improvement over 2012. Ford and Hyundai round out the automakers in the top 50, at 42 and 43.
Porsche made the largest year-over-year gain of any automaker, with its brand value increasing 26 percent to $6.47 billion. Chevrolet meanwhile, cracks the list for the very first time at 89th place. As Interbrand notes, Chevy's inclusion is notable because of the sheer number of vehicles it moves for General Motors and its recent push in developing markets. The final interesting note on this survey is the position of an automaker that takes its name and logo more seriously than perhaps any other - Ferrari. The Italian exotic manufacturer finished 98th out of 100, with just $4.01 billion in brand value, a six-percent improvement over 2012.

BMW recalls 840,000 vehicles to replace Takata airbags

The Basics: BMW will recall about 840,000 vehicles in the US, and they include: 2008–2013 1 Series Coupe (incl. 1M) 2008–2013 1 Series Convertible 2008–2013 3 Series Sedan (incl. M3) 2009–2011 335d Sedan 2006–2012 3 Series Sports Wagon 2007–2013 3 Series Coupe (incl. M3) 2007–2013 3 Series Convertible (incl. M3) 2013–2015 X1 2007–2010 X3 2007–2013 X5 (incl. X5 M) 2009–2013 X5 xDrive35d 2008–2014 X6 (incl. X6 M) 2010–2011 X6 ActiveHybrid The full list, which includes approximate volumes and production dates, is in BMW's statement, below. The Problem: The vehicles have Takata's PSDI-5 driver side airbag inflators, and the parts could rupture in a crash. Injuries/Deaths: None reported in this population of vehicles. The Fix: BMW will replace the driver airbag on these vehicles. If You Own One: BMW will send owners a letter advising them about the recall, and people will receive a second letter when the parts are available for the repairs More Information: This recall stems from Takata and NHTSA's announcement in late January that automakers need to repair about five million vehicles. Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, Ford, Mazda, and Honda have already announced recalls due to this expansion. Related Video: BMW statement BMW has notified NHTSA of its intention to recall approximately 840,000 cars and Sports Activity Vehicles equipped with Takata PSDI-5 driver-side front air bags to have the driver-side front airbag replaced. These vehicles, covering model years 2006-2015 have not been part of earlier Takata-related air bag recalls. Owners of potentially affected BMW vehicles will be contacted by first-class mail advising them of the recall. When replacement parts are available, owners will receive another letter with instructions for having the recall completed. Owners with questions can contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-525-7417 or e-mail CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com. Model Model Years Approx. Vol. Production Dates 1 Series Coupe (incl. 1M) 2008 – 2013 32,620 Nov 2007 – Oct 2013 1 Series Convertible 2008 – 2013 28,160 Nov 2007 – Oct 2013 3 Series Sedan (incl. M3) 2006 – 2011 132,845 Feb 2005 – Dec 2011 335d Sedan 2009 – 2011 4,160 Mar 2008 – Aug 2011 3 Series Sports Wagon 2006 – 2012 3,270 Jun 2005 – May 2012 3 Series Coupe (incl. M3) 2007 – 2013 129,515 Apr 2006 – Jun 2013 3 Series Convertible (incl.