Tuesday, 6 January 2009   
Greening the Fleet - BMW
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Green Index Score		 Below is BMW's responses to our questions on their green initiatives and credentials.
 
  • What vehicles do you currently have in production which have a positive impact on helping the environment?
The most prominent initiative by BMW to help the environment is the EfficientDynamics programme.

BMW EfficientDynamics features technological developments aimed at lowering fleet fuel consumption and emissions. This includes Auto Start-Stop, Active Aerodynamics, Reduced Rolling Resistance Tyres, Optimum Shift Indicator, Low-friction Fluids, Lightweight Engineering, Brake Energy Regeneration, Intelligent Alternator Control and Electric Power Steering. The first EfficientDynamics measures were initially launched on the 1 Series and progressively incorporated in the 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X3 and X5 ranges.
These innovations are in addition to the use of fully-variable valve control system VALVETRONIC technology and high-precision direct injection engines on some models that further aid engine performance. All diesel-powered BMW models now come as standard with Diesel Particulate Filters to reduce harmful emissions.

The use of these technological developments sees fuel consumption figures improve by up to 25 percent, CO2 emissions dropping by as much as 22 percent whilst increasing power output by up to 21hp.

With the EfficientDynamics programme, BMW is exhibiting by far the largest and most comprehensive range of CO2-reducing measures on the market - a package totally unique among car makers worldwide. While competitors such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz are not planning to introduce similar technology until 2008 and 2009, BMW has already made these advances available to customers, helping them to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

In addition to this, and of no less importance, BMW Group integrates environmental and recycling requirements into the product creation process from the very beginning.
The BMW Group has chosen the tools “Design for Recycling” and “Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)” for the integration of environmental and recycling requirements into the product development processes.

Design for Recycling ensures that after its useful lifetime a BMW Group vehicle can be recycled simply and economically. To achieve this, recycling requirements are taken into account in the product development process.

Life Cycle Assessment is more comprehensive. It evaluates the ecological impact of new components and bodywork variants over their entire product life cycle. From the extraction of raw materials and the manufacturing process to vehicle utilisation and recycling environmental impacts are analysed. The aim is to identify among the development alternatives those that offer the greatest potential for increasing environmental compatibility throughout the entire life cycle of the vehicle.
  • Are any of your vehicles exempt or discounted from any regulatory regime or congestion charging scheme?
The recently proposed changes to the London Congestion Charge indicate yet again the increasing importance of low CO2 emissions. London Mayor Ken Livingstone has recently outlined a revised charging structure based on CO2 emissions levels.

Thanks to the BMW EfficientDynamics programme, BMW is able to offer vehicles which would be exempt from the proposed London Congestion Charge. The new BMW 118d 3-door and the 118d 5-door, incorporate BMW EfficientDynamics technology (including Electric Power Steering, Auto Start-Stop, Air Flap Control, Intelligent Alternator control and Brake Energy Regeneration) which coupled with a new engine emit only 119g/km of CO2.
Moreover, the MINI Cooper D also falls below 120g/km - at only 104g/km - and it is joined by the recently launched MINI Cooper D Clubman which emits only 109g/km of CO2.

On the other side of the spectrum, the threshold of 225g/km, BMW expects that the BMW X5 will be the only premium 4x4 to fall under this figure, for both 3.0d and 3.0sd. Additionally, the recently launched BMW 635d Coupé and 635d Convertible, as well as the BMW 730i and 730d will also fall under this threshold, providing plenty of choice for customers looking for vehicles in the premium segment for the London area avoiding the proposed over-penalising £25 charge.

In additional to the potential benefits within the London Congestion area, there are already tangible benefits associated with parking charges as Councils move towards linking CO2 emissions – more specifically the VED bands – to the pricing structure for residents parking permits. One such scheme is already in operation in the Borough of Richmond-Upon-Thames and this is will be followed shortly by a similar initiative by Edinburgh City Council.
  • What are your future plans, if any, for alternative fuel vehicles, how soon they will be available and in what form, ie biofuel, battery, etc? 
The EfficientDynamics energy strategy pursued by the BMW Group is sub-divided into three steps. In the short-medium term, the fuel consumption of vehicles is being reduced by new, highly efficient engine generations, active aerodynamics, the use of innovative lightweight materials and intelligent energy management within the vehicle.

Thanks to the first phase of EfficientDynamics, BMW’s internal combustion engines are more economical than ever before. Therefore, in the medium term, BMW will move to the next phase of fuel consumption and emissions reduction: BMW ActiveHybrid. Hybrid represents the intelligent management of energy flows within the vehicle. The strengths of electric motors, such as the ability to deliver maximum torque from zero rpm, make them the ideal partner for the sporty and efficient BMW petrol engines. BMW presented a hybrid BMW 5 Series as early as 1985. Since then, electronic control systems and batteries have become far more efficient, and the time is now ripe for a hybrid system that offers genuine driving pleasure. That system is BMW ActiveHybrid.

BMW ActiveHybrid represents all future BMW hybrid technologies and plays a major role in BMW EfficientDynamics. The aim of BMW ActiveHybrid is 20% less fuel consumption and emissions. BMW ActiveHybrid is not just one single drivetrain, but a modular system that can be adapted to suit a variety of needs. This allows it to be applied to different types of BMW vehicles without diluting their different characters. The key components are: an internal combustion engine, a transmission unit featuring one or two electric motors, the batteries, power electronics and the electronic control system.

At the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW unveiled the BMW X6 Concept ActiveHybrid – a concept vehicle that showcases innovative BMW ActiveHybrid technology in the world’s first sports Activity Coupe. The BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, the first full hybrid from BMW, represents the next step in reducing emissions – without making any compromises on driving dynamics.

From the BMW Group’s perspective, the most sustainable technology in the long term is the use of hydrogen in the internal combustion engine, since hydrogen can be produced from various regenerative energy sources, offering an overall 90% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to using fossil fuels. In line with the EfficientDynamics strategy, in November 2006 the BMW Group presented the BMW Hydrogen 7. Based on the BMW 7 Series, this is the first hydrogen-powered vehicle to be offered in the premium segment. The combustion engine delivers high performance but almost no emissions to make it a true pioneer of future mobility.

The BMW Hydrogen 7 is the world’s first production-ready hydrogen vehicle. It is already proving itself in the real world too: BMW is producing 100 of these cars some of which will be put to the test as loan cars for leading figures from the worlds of culture, politics, business and the media.  Real-world experience shows that switching to hydrogen can go hand in hand with the comfort, dynamics and safety that can be expected from a BMW.
  • Please provide information regarding your company's progress in reducing CO2 in the vehicle manufacturing and distribution processes.
The BMW Group has introduced uniform environmental and quality standards as defined in ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 in all its production plants worldwide. One of the basic foundations for this concept is the “Cleaner Production Programme” of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), signed in 2001. Under this the company voluntarily undertakes the practice of preventive environmental management as a model for its own production process.

The responsible use of natural raw materials and the reduction of emissions worldwide is the focus of environmentally friendly production in the BMW Group. As far as these central environmental issues are concerned, the BMW Group is able to report excellent progress: In the last five years, CO2 emissions per vehicle produced have fallen by 15%, the use of solvents by 29%, the production of waste water by 16% and energy consumption per vehicle by 20%.

Behind this progress stand the specialists of the BMW Group with their efforts to realise innovative solutions combined with the latest production technologies and processes. They make a major contribution towards the implementation of the BMW Group’s model of sustainability. The use of powder-based paint technology – which is unique worldwide in this form – and the intensive use of recirculating systems are clear examples that the company truly experiences the concept of “Clean Production”.

Another example is to be found at BMW’s Spartanburg plant. Here methane gas generated at the Palmetto Landfill site is used to fuel gas turbines at the factory. This landfill gas-to-energy project provides the plant with more than 63% of the power needed to run the facility whilst saving about 60,000 tons of CO2 a year, equal to the annual heat energy consumption of some 15,000 US households. At the same time the plant’s annual energy costs have also been cut by circa 1$ million per year. Through this project, BMW has become the first automotive company in the world to use “green” energy to fuel its paint shop and has earned BMW and Dürr (the plant’s partner which delivered the process technology for the paint shop) the EPA’s 2006 Energy Partner of the Year award.

Detailed description of the full range of environmental measures which BMW Group takes in designing and manufacturing its vehicles can be found in the BMW Group Sustainable Value Report. This report has been prepared in accordance with the 2002 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines issued by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and focuses on the Company’s commitment in the economic, environmental and social fields or responsibility.

The 2007/2008 edition of the BMW Group Sustainable Value Report is available on the BMW Group website: www.bmw.com (select “Responsibility” followed by “Publications”)
  • What is your corporate strategy for helping users of your vehicles reduce their CO2? 
In order to support BMW EfficientDynamics programme, a broad range of materials have been developed to assist Dealers in explaining both the complex technologies and the real-world financial and environmental benefits to all potential customers – this include fuel consumption, P11D value, BIK tax rates, monthly and annual tax rates and VED band.

At the point of the sale the VCA Fuel Economy label is also displayed – this provides information on energy efficiency rating, fuel consumption figures, estimated fuel costs for 12,000 miles, CO2 emissions and corresponding VED Band and VED costs for 12 months.

In addition to this, our website www.bmw.co.uk allows customers to search our product portfolio by Benefit In Kind % (and therefore linked to CO2) - this is also clearly shown in the key specification of every vehicle.

Once the vehicle is in use, there is in-car technology aimed at informing the driver on how to increase efficiency and consequently reducing CO2 emissions.
  • What information are you able to provide to help customers understand how they can operate your products efficiently?
One of the technologies launched under the EfficientDynamics programme is the Optimum Shift Indicator. Changing gear at the right time can result in significant fuel savings. In the BMW 1 Series, 3 Series and 5 Series models with a six-speed manual transmission for example, the gear shift indicator conveniently recommends the gear that allows optimal fuel economy in the current driving situation. Whenever that gear is different from the one currently engaged, the driver is prompted to shift up or down, respectively to the gear which will increase fuel economy.

In addition to this, the on-board computer provides information to the driver on average fuel consumption and, on some models, this also provides indication of momentary fuel consumption figures – this enables the driver to check how economical and environmentally friendly his current driving style is.

The dashboard also informs the driver when the engine has been shutdown by the Auto Start-Stop function. This function automatically switches off the engine when the car is at a standstill and in neutral, then restarts it as soon as the driver presses the clutch pedal again. Fitted for example to all 1 Series and 3 Series models with a four-cylinder engine and manual transmission, the Auto Start-Stop function helps reduce both fuel consumption and emissions.

The Owners Handbooks for the latest BMW models include a section dedicated to “Saving Fuel”. The objective is to increase the driver’s awareness of the factors which he/she can control and which affect fuel consumption.

All the above driver interfaces enable a better understanding of how the car performs and enables the driver to adjust his/her driving behaviour in order to increase efficiency and reduce emissions.
  • What plans do you have in place to support operational and ownership costs of vehicles with new vehicle technology or reduced CO2 emissions?
The array of leading-edge technologies that are part of the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy have one main aim: to deliver maximum driving pleasure from a minimum of fuel. EfficientDynamics sees fuel consumption figures improve by up to 25 percent, offering a subsequent reduction in fuel costs, and CO2 emissions drop by as much as 22 percent, which has a positive effect on not only in Vehicle Excise Duty but also on driver Benefit in Kind, Employer NI contributions and other CO2 related charges like the London Congestion Charge and Richmond’s residents parking permits.

In terms of ongoing costs, BMW UK offer a Service Inclusive (SI) package on BMW product (excluding M Power models), which includes all routine servicing and maintenance costs within 5 years from registration or 60,000 miles, whichever is sooner. This includes parts and labour for all scheduled service items: brake pads, brake discs, brake sensors, brake fluid, air filters, micro filters, fuel filters (diesel models only), spark plugs, oil filters, engine oil, clutch assembly (only if worn) and wiper blade rubbers. Owners are responsible for topping up the various fluids in between services. Tyres are not included. The package can be purchased as a cost option and up to 60 days after registration. BMW Service Inclusive is transferable to subsequent owners of the car, but not transferable to another car. This package allows fixed budgeting and peace of mind for the period.

All BMW cars purchased in the UK from an Authorised BMW dealership have a comprehensive three-year/unlimited mileage warranty which commences from the original date of vehicle registration.  MINI offers a TLC package, which covers all routine servicing items for a period of 5 years or 50,000 miles from the registration date, whichever is sooner.
All of the above enable BMW customers to enjoy maximum driving pleasure with reduced operational and ownership costs.
  • Is there any other information you would like to provide to the users of your vehicles in relation to your green credentials and policies?

For BMW Group, mobility and sustainability are inseparably linked. The BMW Group uses an unparalleled environmental management system based on ISO 14001 and the European EMAS eco-audit. Not only are all production locations throughout the world outfitted with a certified, validated, and custom-tailored environmental management system, but all central planning departments of the production network as well.

This worldwide environmental management system is regularly subject to verification by external appraisers as well as internal auditors. It undergoes constant improvement due to the efforts of authorised environmental protection representatives to advance sustainable procedures and processes at all locations. These environmental requirements are also confirmed in the BMW Group environmental guidelines: www.bmwgroup.com (select “Responsibility” followed by “Environment”)

The BMW Group Sustainable Value Report focuses on the Company’s commitment in the economic, environmental and social fields of responsibility. This report has been prepared in accordance with the 2002 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines issued by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). It contains detailed descriptions of the full range of environmental measures the BMW Group takes in designing and manufacturing its vehicles.

BMW’s unique range of emissions-reducing technologies, EfficientDynamics, is also increasingly gaining public recognition. The “Golden Steering Wheel” awards are given out annually by German newspaper Bild am Sonntag for excellence in the automotive industry. At this year’s ceremony, there was also a “Green Steering Wheel” for outstanding environmental innovation – BMW became the first winner. The award was given to BMW for its BMW EfficientDynamics technology, ahead of VW (for Bluemotion) and Mercedes (for Bluetec). This is the second award that BMW EfficientDynamics has picked up recently. BMW also received the CAROLINA Internet Auto Award 2007 from AutoScout24, Europe’s biggest online car market, in the special “Best Innovation” category

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