European BMW 118d Advanced Diesel named 2008 World Green Car at the 2008 New York International Auto Show

Jury of Nearly 50 Distinguished Automotive Journalists Recognize Emissions, Fuel Consumption and Power Plant Technology of BMW's 118d as Best in the World

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - March 20, 2008... The selection committee for the 2008 World Car Awards announced today that the European BMW 118d Advanced Diesel was named the 2008 World Green Car. Tom Purves, President and CEO of BMWNA, accepted the honor on behalf of BMW at the award reception, which was held this morning at the 2008 New York International Auto Show.

"We are honored to receive the 2008 World Green Car Award for the BMW 118d," said Mr. Purves. "As a company we have been committed to reducing fuel consumption and emissions of our vehicles, while at the same time improving performance. This commitment is the driving force of our Efficient Dynamics platform and the philosophy behind BMW's vehicle designs and development of technologies such as the Advanced Diesel implemented in the 118d. This honor will inspire BMW's continuing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint." The BMW 118d is a four-door hatchback powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine and is not a model that is available in the U.S.

A jury of nearly 50 distinguished automotive journalists selected the BMW 118d as top choice from a list of three finalists that also included the Smart ForTwo CDI and Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI. To be eligible for the 2008 World Green Car award, vehicles had to be available in at least one major market during 2007. The vehicle or the green technology could be in production or an experimental prototype with potential near-future application, provided that it was released for individual or press fleet evaluations in quantities of ten or more during 2007. Tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption and use of a major advanced power plant technology (beyond engine componentry), aimed specifically at increasing the vehicle's environmental responsibility, were all taken into consideration.

Now in its fifth year, the annual World Car awards have become one of the most prestigious and credible programs of their type in the world. The awards were inaugurated in 2003, and officially launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace, as well as to recognize and reward automotive excellence on a global scale. The awards are intended to complement, not compete, with existing national and regional Car of the Year programs. The awards are administered by a non-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America. There is no affiliation with, nor are the awards in any way influenced by any publication, auto show, automaker, or other commercial enterprise.

Text Source - BMW Press Club

Latest news: Next generation 2010 BMW X3 will be unveiled in December:
We have just learned that the second generation of the smaller Sports Activity Vehicle, BMW X3, will be officially unveiled in December. In a recent interview, Jim O’Donnell, CEO of BMW North America mentioned that the current generation production has been shortened to allow the introduction of the new model early next year. The next BMW X3 will shortly follow the new BMW X1 which will be released at the end of this year and it will represent BMW’s entry level vehicle in the SAV market.

The 2010 BMW X3 will have a roof line slightly lower than the current model and will follow the X5’s steps by getting more round corners and a sportier look. The second generation X3 will be a more dynamic performance oriented Sports Activity Vehicle and it will have larger dimensions than the current model. It will measure 4.65 meters long, 1.85 meters wide and 1.68 meter tall, offering a more spacious cabin and cargo space than the current generation.

All the electronic gadgets seen in other recent BMW models will make their way into the 2010 X3 as well, starting with the Night Vision System, Head-Up Display and continuing with Adaptive Headlights. The interior design has been drastically improved, a much needed upgrade requested by the BMW fans.

Two petrol engines will be offered, along with four diesel choices. The petrol engines will most likely be the straight six 3- liter engine and the twin-turbo six that produces 306 hp. The top diesel engine will be same one found in the X5d or 335d sedan.

The new BMW X3 will be facing some tough competition from the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK. The base price is expected to be increased as well due to the introduction of the BMW X1.

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