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New on the Tarmac: Meet the new BMW S 1000 XR

vuyi on July 28, 2020

BMW Motorrad has recently revealed the new BMW S 1000 XR.

Reflecting its wide range of possible uses the latest edition of this Adventure Sport bike features a wholly newly developed engine and suspension. The S 1000 XR advances the sports to touring range in its own distinctively fresh way, leaving little to be desired.

The new S 1000 XR already features the latest generation of BMW Motorrad Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment as standard

The newest member of the Motorrad family underlines its strong character with dynamic proportions. It features sporty design cues from the touring and GS sector which lend the S 1000 XR an unmistakable air of aesthetic authority.

The new S 1000 XR already features the latest generation of BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) as standard. It further boasts the following standard features: Dynamic ESA, riding modes Pro, ABS Pro & Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Hill Start Control Pro, a perfectly readable 6.5” TFT screen complete with connectivity and full LED lighting.

The new BMW S 1000 XR also features engine drag torque control (MSR) for the first time. Electronically controlled, the MSR prevents the rear wheel from slipping as a result of abrupt throttling or downshifting.

Meet the new BMW S 1000 XR

ABS Pro now takes this a step further to offer increased safety when braking in banking position as well.

Dynamic ESA Pro is available as an optional extra with two damping modes (Road, Dynamic) and automatic load compensation. For the first time in the S 1000 XR, the dynamic brake assistant DBC (Dynamic Brake Control) also supports the rider during braking manoeuvres.

It’s newly developed in-line 4-cylinder engine is based on the S 1000 RR engine and delivers an output of 121 kW and has a maximum torque of 114 Nm.

Pic Courtesy of BMW SA

Four Riding Modes

The new S 1000 XR has four standard riding modes – “Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro”. The “Dynamic Pro” mode, which can be fully configured for the first time in the S 1000 XR, offers a wide range of setting options. In addition to 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 in the new S 1000 XR. ABS Pro now takes this a step further to offer increased safety when braking in banking position as well.

Pic Courtesy of BMW SA

Multifunctional instrument panel with 6.5-inch TFT screen for excellent readability

The instrument cluster in the new S 1000 XR has also been completely redeveloped.

For optimum visibility even in difficult light conditions, the screen has been designed to be large. It offers tailor-made screen displays for a range of different purposes. The Pure Ride screen has all the information required for regular riding on the road, for instance, while an additional Core screen enables banking positing, braking and traction control to be displayed.

In the ex-works option Headlight Pro, the adaptive turning light ensures additional safety when riding at night

Another possible screen display provides a vehicle status overview. A practical arrow navigation system with app is included as standard. The TFT display is operated conveniently from the handlebars using the MMC (Motorcycle Multi Controller).

Pic Courtesy of BMW SA

New LED light units

All lighting units in the ECE version of the new S 1000 XR draw on the latest LED technology. In addition to the turn indicators and the rear light unit, this includes the high-intensity main headlamp with two symmetrically arranged LED units each for low beam, high beam and parking light. The new LED headlamp now illuminates the road even more effectively than before. In the ex-works option Headlight Pro, the adaptive turning light ensures additional safety when riding at night. Here, the rider benefits from enhanced illumination of the road when cornering.

The optional equipment item Headlight Pro also includes DRL (Daytime Riding Light) for better recognition of the vehicle during the day. LED additional headlamps are also available as ex-works options for improved visibility at night and enhanced recognition in road traffic.

Two Attractive Colour Schemes

The new S 1000 XR also reflects its unmistakable character in two different colour schemes: the refined basic finish in Ice Grey and the highly dynamic finish in Racing Red/White Aluminium, available at extra cost.

Priced from R240 400.00

BMW SA embraces a vision of life-long learning, will build all-new school in Ga-Rankuwa

vuyi on July 8, 2020

Education is the motor that drives our society and prepares the economy for the future
– Iika Horstmeier, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Human Resources of BMW Group

Midrand, South Africa – BMW SA will build a brand-new school in Ga-Rankuwa. The R113m school will accommodate 1600 pupils from grade RRR to Grade 12, and supports the company’s vision of life-long learning.

The new school will close the gap between the company’s Early Learning Centre at Plant Rosslyn and its graduate and training programmes, and makes the concept of life-long learning with BMW possible.

The investment underlines BMW Group South Africa’s continued commitment to education and to the communities of Soshanguve and Ga-Rankuwa, where so many BMW Group Plant Rosslyn associates live. In co-operation with the Gauteng Department of Education a site has been located and construction is expected to begin in 2021.

BMW Group SA is currently reaching out to education experts to partner with us on the project. Fees at the school will be benchmarked to other schools in the area and linked to average incomes in the neighbourhood the school will serve.

Education at the heart of BMW Group SA’s commitment to South Africa

Education, training and skills development are at the heart of BMW Group’s activities in South Africa. In 2018 year the company opened a R73m Training Academy at Plant Rosslyn, and at Midrand head office in April 2019, a brand-new R109m Dealer Training Centre was opened to support our retail network partners.

We have a dream of people taking their life-long journey of education with BMW, from pre-school to a graduate programme and on-the-job learning
– Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa

Additionally, BMW Group South Africa is handing over 20 BMW X3s to schools, universities and science centres around the country. The first car was handed over to Soshanguve Automotive School of Specialisation in May 2019, with another six following over the course of 2019. The remaining cars will be distributed over the course of the year.

A long-term commitment to Education in South Africa

“Education is the motor that drives our society and prepares the economy for the future” emphasized Ilka Horstmeier, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Human Resources of BMW Group.

Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa said this was “one of the most exciting projects we’ve ever embarked upon in this country”.

“We have a dream of people taking their life-long journey of education with BMW, from pre-school to a graduate programme and on-the-job learning. We’ve supported more than 140 schools across the country over the years, but this project plugs that gap permanently,” Mr Abbott said.The BMW Group is committed to improving education worldwide.

Launch of the 2020 BMW Lifestyle collections

vuyi on July 1, 2020

The pleasure of driving can be experienced not only with BMW vehicles, but also with new products from the BMW Lifestyle collections. The focus of all BMW collection items is on striking design and first-class, durable quality.

BMW COLLECTION. Simplicity that is full of ideas.

The core of the collections is the classic BMW COLLECTION. The design concept is modern, functional and urban – always based on the well-known BMW vehicle design. Minimalist, timeless products provide more freedom in everyday life thanks to smart functions.

The range is supplemented by lifestyle articles such as the BMW LOGO T-SHIRT for women with a large BMW logo for fans of the brand. Strong, harmonious colours underline a modern, self-confident style. In addition to subtly elegant shades such as sand and midnight navy, the trend colour orange ensures an expressive look.

The highlights of the collection include the BMW SOFT DOWN JACKET for men and women and the BMW CHRONOGRAPH with BMW kidney design. BMW is also introducing innovations in lifestyle accessories. In addition to the popular BMW THERMAL MUG for hot drinks, the BMW LUNCH CUP THERMAL for muesli etc. as well as for hot meals is perfect for everyday work and leisure.

Image courtesy of BMW Motorrad
Image courtesy of BMW Motorrad
Image courtesy of BMW Motorrad
Image courtesy of BMW Motorrad
Image courtesy of BMW South Africa

BMW COLLECTION. Confident style.

The BMW COLLECTION is complemented by accessories and lifestyle products created in cooperation with first-class premium brands. Among other things, the long-standing cooperation MONTBLANC FOR BMW uses BMW design for exquisite writing instruments, luggage and the finest leather goods that are made in Italy. This year, the products of this cooperation feature the embossed MONTBLANC FOR BMW pattern and royal blue jacquard lining.

New products of the cooperation include the MONTBLANC FOR BMW BACKPACK, which is made of Italian leather with an embossed pocket. The generous compartments inside offer enough space for various utensils as well as a laptop.

The new MONTBLANC FOR BMW LIQUID POUCH made of PVC with details made of Italian leather is also a smart addition to the existing luggage of the MONTBLANC FOR BMW cooperation.

Other products from cooperations are the high-quality HORIZN STUDIOS FOR BMW BOARDCASE and TROLLEY.

Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
Image courtesy of BMW South Africa

BMW M COLLECTION. Power meets performance.

The design of the BMW M COLLECTION reflects the strong combination of high-performance technologies and experienced craftsmanship, which is also a decisive factor in the design of the BMW M vehicle models. A strong colour scheme, modern and high-quality materials, innovative textile features and the BMW M branding characterise the collection. The red is based on the Toronto red vehicle colour and underlines the sporty designs of the BMW M COLLECTION. The colour of the golden BMW M brake calliper in combination with classic black creates a dynamic and high-quality look.

The highlights of the new collection include the reversible BMW M JACKET for women, the BMW M SWEATJACKET for men with an intelligent ‘watch window’ and the BMW M BOARDCASE in gold.

Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
Image courtesy of BMW South Africa

BMW M MOTORSPORT COLLECTION. Made for fans.

The BMW M MOTORSPORT COLLECTION features a modern, sporty design based on the legendary look of BMW motorsport. The unmistakable BMW M stripes in combination with black and white prominently present the new BMW M motorsport brand identity. The self-confident branding in combination with colour blocking and cool, graphic elements gives the collection its modern, avant-garde character.

New highlight products in 2020 complete the collection with the BMW M MOTORSPORT PUMA LEADCAT SHOES, a sporty slip-on shoe for both men and women for the gym, at the swimming pool or simply at home.

The BMW M MOTORSPORT WATCH, a three-hand watch with silicone strap in the distinctive BMW M motorsport design, rounds off the look for all motorsports fans.

Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
Image courtesy of BMW South Africa

BMW KIDS COLLECTION. Great BMW driving fun for the little ones.

The dream of owning a BMW is now becoming even more real for the smallest BMW fans with the BMW KIDS COLLECTION. The popular BMW BABYRACER III is getting an electric boost. The new BMW M8 GTE RIDEON and the BMW i8 RIDEON ensure active driving pleasure. Genuine BMW engine sounds, lighting effects and opening doors transform children’s rooms and gardens into a racetrack. With the integrated MP3 interface for playing music and audio files, the little ones don’t have to miss out.

The BMW Lifestyle collections are now available to order and purchase at selected BMW dealerships, and at BMW South Africa’s online store.

BMW SA partners with South African and German governments to upgrade eight hospitals in Covid-19 response

vuyi on June 30, 2020

In a global crisis like the Corona pandemic, solidarity matters more than anything else
– Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of management of BMW Group

Midrand, South Africa – BMW’s contribution to the fight against the spread of Covid-19 stepped up a gear today. In a virtual signing ceremony, CEO BMW AG Mr Oliver Zipse, Federal Minister Economic Cooperation and Development in Germany, Mr Gerd Müller together with Professor Mkhululi Lukhele: Head of Department Gauteng Department of Health, and Tim Abbott, CEO BMW South Africa, announced upgrades to eight hospitals and four clinics, in three provinces – Gauteng, North West and Limpopo.

Improvements will include the upgrade for the Soshanguve Combined Clinic, near the company’s Rosslyn manufacturing plant, to a testing and screening centre. The company has provided a fully equipped ambulance and cars for transporting patients to the various hospitals in the region.

At Dr George Mukhari Hospital in Soshanguve, the Accident and Emergency facilities will be significantly upgraded and 300 beds added.

An additional 300 beds will be added across the region, with a further 150-bed overflow facility to be provided in Bronkhorstspruit. Supplementary to this, four community clinics in Soshanguve will be provided with a supply of face masks, disinfectant and PPE.

The project in Gauteng is part of our Corona response program
-GERD MÜLLER, Federal Minister Economic Development

Speaking at the signing of a memorandum of understanding, Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of management of BMW Group said “In a global crisis like the Corona pandemic, solidarity matters more than anything else. We help where help is particularly needed. That is why, in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Development and the South African Government, we support the development of the health infrastructure at our site in Gauteng.”

Effective assistance at the right time.

Federal Minister Economic Development, Gerd Müller, said “The project in Gauteng is part of our Corona response program, which we use to combat not only the health crisis, but also the severe economic crisis in South Africa. Here companies that are represented locally like the BMW Group are important partners in German development policy.”

We’re providing BMW X3s built here in Rosslyn to help transport patients as well
– Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa

Local partners make it all possible.

Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, said the plan was to intervene in an area of need at the most critical time.

“I’m pleased we are able to co-operate with the German government in a R76m investment into eight hospitals and four community clinics across three provinces. We will provide 750 beds, an ambulance, an upgrade to Accident and Emergency facilities, additional testing and screening facilities to support our communities when they need it the most. We’re providing BMW X3s built here in Rosslyn to help transport patients as well. We build more than just cars and we need international solidarity and governments working together with the private sector during a global crisis. Together we can fight this crisis.”

“We’ve been building cars in Rosslyn for almost five decades. We’re part of this country and we’re committed to its future. More than at any time I can remember, now is the time society needs pool its resources.”

Ongoing targeted assistance.

In April, BMW South Africa responded the call for help from the Gauteng Department of Health for donations of face masks and other protective gear for emergency services personnel.

In response, the company handed over 40 000 high-quality protective respiratory (FFP2) face masks to the department in order to help protect health services workers.

In May, BMW South Africa loaned 17 cars – mainly BMW X3s built at Rosslyn – to the Red Cross, to assist them with contact tracing and the delivery of hot meals, food parcels and the dissemination of information in rural and marginalised communities.

Seamless servicing of essential services vehicles.

Many essential services use BMW Group vehicles and it has been important to the success of the national lockdown that these people have remained mobile. Specified BMW retail partners have stayed open across the country throughout the lockdown to ensure the quick and effective servicing of these vehicles. Now, under Level Four lockdown, all BMW service centres are open for business.

This has meant that vehicles driven by the South African Police Services, Metro Police departments, medical personnel and the private vehicles of essential services workers have had the servicing and roadside assistance support they have required from the outset of the lockdown.

Might Mouse. Meet the Most Powerful Mini Cooper JCW Ever

vuyi on June 25, 2020

At first glance: The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and MINI John Cooper Works Countryman
New 4-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology	225 kW of power and 450 Nm of Torque
New 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission with integrated mechanical differential lock for the front wheel	New exhaust system with remarkable sound development
New bigger John Cooper Works sport brake system	MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive as standard
New LED headlights with Matrix high beam function and LED rear lights in Union Jack design in the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman	Model-specific chassis design and coordination

I had been tormented by the question of which car to feature on the first-ever cover of this publication even through there were many to choose from. It needed to by something fun, sexy, dynamic with a powerful presence; but when I received my invitation to attend the launch of the latest MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and Countryman models to South Africa it was a wrap; problem solved. Not, only did the new MINI models meet all my Car-on-the-Cover criteria, these siblings were the most powerful derivatives in the brand’s sixty year history. Plus, it didn’t hurt that MINI is one my all-time favourite compact vehicles.

Over the years, MINI has mastered the market on nostalgia, then continuously added modern design twists to each new generation; and the latest John Cooper Works models are proof of just that. With short overhands, big scowling face and roundish headlights, the new JCW Clubman and Countryman are undeniable relatives of every MINI produced, since the 1950s.

As soon as I settled into the cockpit, I set about letting the MINI JCW Countryman off its leash. Ignition engaged, the little giant-slayer greeted me with a suggestive, gravelly exhaust note and it was love at first rev. Whoever had driven the Countryman previously had set the mood light setting to neon pink so when the car came alive the entire cabin lit up like an 80s disco ball causing me to blink a couple of times. The characteristic interior sports car flair of the Countryman is partly down to the John Cooper Works sports seats with integrated head rests, the John Cooper Works sport steering wheel with multifunction buttons and the John Cooper Works selector lever.

Armed to the roof lining with the latest tech and bling without being impractical. The toggle switches – for ignition, drive modes and stability control are located under the centre stack for safe and easy reach by the driver. An LED ring surrounding the 6.5” touchscreen interface, illuminates in response to drive mode selection and engine speed. The integrated Connected Media equipment is able to access numerous MINI Connected online services, including Real Time Traffic Information.

Navigating the beautifully twisty roads of Mpumalanga it felt like I was in a remake of The Italian Job as the not-so-diminutive Countryman gobbled up the tarmac. As I built up speed I was thankful for the Heads Up Display (HUD) because there was no ways I was going to look anywhere but straight ahead. Unsurprisingly, the new John Cooper Works Countryman is very stable, without an inkling of a twitch to is nose. With foot pinned to the floor, my body relaxed into the ride although my adrenaline levels had spiked considerably and my attentiveness was sharper than usual.

Flowing through the long meandering curves and frequent sharp bends, the JCW Countryman’s, low-ride height, sharp handling and breath-taking burble worked in unison to deliver good ride quality and make each acceleration an immensely joyful occasion.

Like everything BMW-related, the John Cooper Works range of vehicles are happiest when showing off their powerfully raucous attitude so naturally, I knocked the gear shifter into Manual mode and the Countryman roared back in mutual glee. But of course, using the paddle-shifters is much more fun so, with Sport mode in play I made a commitment to the right pedal and was rewarded with 250Kw and 450Nm of tyre-frying vivacity.

Propelled by the concentrated power of it extraordinarily powerful 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine, with MINI TwinPower turbo, the John Cooper Works Countryman delivered an emotionally charged driving experience, sprinting from 0-100km/hr in 5.1 seconds. Even though the previous generation also gave an extreme driving sensation, the model has elevated that to a new dimension of pure, unadulterated fun. That said, it must be noted that for the first time with MINI vehicles, the maximum speed has been electronically limited to 250 km/h.

As the power source for extreme driving fun, I soon discovered that the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman features DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), which I came to appreciate for its ability to regulate the vehicle’s driving dynamics on loose terrain, and when taking bends with a sporty driving style. Also, the sport brake system has also been redesigned – another useful feature I called upon when a dedicated member of the traffic department leapt out from behind a cover of shrubs to ‘greet’ me.

WHAT I LOVE	WHAT I DON’T
Fantastic looks	Price. Yikes!
Comfy, sports seats
Perky 2.0-Litre engine
Paddle shifts which don’t compromise performance when in use

BMW SA supports the battle against Gender-Based Violence with donation of five cars

vuyi on April 15, 2020

…for us it’s about more than just producing vehicles for sheer driving pleasure.
– Dr Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production.

Rosslyn, Tshwane– BMW SA on Thursday donated five cars to aid the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in South Africa. The donation underlines the company’s long-term commitment to South Africa and to the upliftment of its people.

The five BMW i3s were handed over to SA Business Coalition on Health and AIDS (SABCOHA) Chairperson Dr Lesego Rametsi in the presence of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chancellor Angela Merkel, Minister of Women in the Presidency Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of Trade and Industry Ibrahim Patel and BMW Group Board Members Milan Nedeljković and Ilka Horstmeier.

Through SABCOHA, BMW Group is proud to join other private sector partners in the fight to end all forms of violence against women and children, to seek the end of impunity for perpetrators, and to strive to create private and public safe spaces for women and children.

BMW SA was instrumental in the formation of SABCOHA and the cars will be used to support community-based care workers in their work in prevention and support of victims of gender-based violence.

That’s why we’ve chosen to donate five cars to the Presidency’s specialised GBV unit. Gender-based violence is a scourge
– Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa

A committed partner in our community

BMW Group has been building cars in Rosslyn, Tshwane, since 1973, and the company has long-standing commitments in the communities of Soshanguve and Ga-Rankuwa.

Dr Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production, said that “for us it’s about more than just producing vehicles for sheer driving pleasure. It’s about being an integral part of society and improving the livelihood of our employees, their families and their surrounding communities.”

Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Human Resources, commented at the handover that the participation of women and young people in the economy was critical to a healthy society: “We are here today to offer our support and promote the acceptance of all people no matter their background. We as a company, both as an employer and our employees, see it as our responsibility to promote and invest in the future of South Africa. ”

“Our commitments to education and health in our Rosslyn communities are well-known,” said Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. “However, we’re always looking for new ways we can improve life in South Africa. That’s why we’ve chosen to donate five cars to the Presidency’s specialised GBV unit. Gender-based violence is a scourge, and I’m pleased we can do something to help,” Mr Abbott concluded.