BMW Group model range voted most reliable in the UK

Research into nearly 900,000 cars operated by the country’s biggest 50 leasing companies has found that BMW Group’s model range is the most reliable in Britain – for the second year in a row.

The FN50 reliability survey, undertaken by Fleet News and financial consultants Grant Thornton and covering 840,000 cars, asks leasing companies to assess reliability according to the number of breakdowns per model on their fleet. As the majority of the surveyed vehicles are used for business and so are subjected to higher than average mileage and are in constant use in all conditions. Such a testing environment means that winning the FN50 is a true testament to the reliability of a car.

To underscore BMW Group’s dominant position in this year’s survey the Group has three entries in the top 10 most reliable cars list courtesy of the BMW 3 Series (2nd), BMW 5 Series (5th) and MINI (8th).

Stephen Briers, Editor of Fleet News, said: “This is one of the largest vehicle reliability surveys of its kind and it reviews a market where cars are subjected to some of the most testing conditions they will ever face on the road. As a result, being listed anywhere in this table is a major achievement. However, to be named most reliable is a real testament to the hard work and commitment from a manufacturer to produce cars that British businesses can rely on every day.”

Steve Chater, BMW Group Corporate Operations Manager, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to win this award because the FN50 Reliability Survey is based on cold, hard facts, not opinion or interpretation. Leasing companies’ businesses rely on having extremely accurate information on the operational performance of the cars they lease, so when they say you are the most reliable, it is definitive. Having won a number of environmental awards in the past year for EfficientDynamics, it is gratifying to see that we are also leaders in another vital area of the ownership experience.”

FN50 Survey results

Most reliable car manufacturer

1 BMW
2 Honda
3 Audi
4 Toyota
5 Volkswagen
6 Mercedes-Benz
7 Ford
8 Mazda
9 Nissan
10 Skoda

 Most reliable car

1 Honda Civic
2 BMW 3 Series
3 Honda Jazz
4 Honda Accord
5 BMW 5 Series
6 Audi A4
7 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
8  MINI
9 Toyota Avensis
10 Volkswagen Golf

Further information on the FN50 survey can be viewed at www.fleetnews.co.uk

Labels: FN50 Reliability Survey, New BMW. Approved Used BMW, Relible Car

Exceptional efficiency earns BMW ‘Chauffeur Car of the Year’ title

The BMW 730Ld has been named the 2009 Chauffeur Car of the Year, with the judges highlighting its ‘exceptional’ fuel economy, running costs and luxury as the new benchmarks in its class.

With CO2 emissions of just 180g/km and an combined consumption figure of 40.9mpg, the BMW 730Ld allows professional drivers and chauffeur companies to offer clients considerable luxury, as well as reduced environmental impact.

In winning over the competition, which included the Lexus LS600h and Mercedes-Benz S-class, Mark Bursa, Editor of Professional Driver Magazine and chairman of the jurors, said: “In the end, the new BMW 730Ld triumphed because its exemplary combination of style, finish and operating economics changes the game in its sector. It’s beautifully finished, with a superb, modern interior. BMW has brought its technological might to bear on the ride and handling.”

Stephen Chater, BMW Group Corporate Operations Manager, said: “We are delighted to win this award because the criteria for winning represents everything that BMW is about: building cars of the very highest premium quality that, thanks to EfficientDynamics, are often the most efficient in their sector in terms of emissions, fuel economy and therefore cost.”

The new BMW 730Ld is the integral model in the new BMW Chauffeur Programme that was recently launched to capitalize on the 7 Series’ dominant position in the professional driver’s market. The programme offers competitive contract hire rates, £699 per month based on three years or 60,000 miles including servicing*, enhanced specification packages and predictable running costs.

The KeeResources’ KwikCarCost calculator considers the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY L as 7.51 pence per mile (or 6.3 per cent) more expensive to run than the BMW 730Ld SE over three years or 60,000 miles.

To make this a vehicle for the driver as well as the driven, tailored benefits include BMW Service Inclusive, complimentary on the BMW 730Ld, which lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles and covers all of the vehicle's basic servicing requirements. As part of the programme, professional drivers are also covered in the event of an immobilisation which cannot be repaired at the roadside. Should this occur and replacement vehicle which is PCO licensed for London, can be provided, giving operators peace of mind that clients will always be catered for to the highest standards.*

BMW also offers complimentary ConnectedDrive telematics and online services for the first three years, which are fully integrated with the vehicle’s navigation and Bluetooth telephone system, for those taking delivery of a Seven through the programme.

Customers can enhance the specification of their car further by opting for the Executive and Executive Plus packages. Giving passengers the luxurious equipment they demand at a competitive cost for the operator, the Executive package features 19-inch light alloy wheels, TV function, Sun protection glass, rear electrically-powered sunblinds, a windscreen with a grey shaded band and front and rear seat heating. The Executive Plus package adds Soft-close doors and driver and front passenger lumbar support to this list.

For more information visit http://www.vinesbmw.co.uk/chauffeur_partnership.htm or call the Vines Corporate team on 0845 673 2211

Labels: BMW 730Ld, BMW Chauffeur Programme, BMW EfficientDynamics

Last chance to buy BMW Sauber F1 Merchandise.

A great Christmas Gift idea from Vines BMW.

Forget socks this Christmas, the hottest gift in town is Formula One merchandise from the BMW Lifestyle Collection.

We have a range of items available now. To order please call our BMW Parts and Accessories Department on 01483 207000.

• F1 mug  = £5.75
• F1  pen  = £11.50
• F1 mouse mats = £1.73
• F1  keyrings  =£6.90
• F1  jacket  = £28.75
• F1 t-shirts  = £11.50
• F1  business shirts  = £28.75
• F1 sports bag=£34.50
• F1 baseball caps  = £8.05
• F1  trolley bag =  £57.50
• F1 plush washable car  = £7.48

You can follow the Vines BMW news, stories and events on Twitter: VinesBMW
 

Labels: BMW Parts, Christmas Gift idea, Sauber F1, Twitter

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car, unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, has raised the technological bar to previously unseen levels. Showcasing new advanced hybrid-drive technology, BMW’s trademark lightweight body construction and an ultra-aerodynamic design, the Vision EfficientDynamics concept delivers M3-rivalling performance with the fuel economy and the low running costs of a small car.
BMW’s latest concept is powered by a new diesel-electric hybrid system, a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine working in tandem with two electric motors. The unique combination allows the Vision EfficientDynamics to accelerate to 60mph in just 4.8 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 155mph, while returning a combined consumption of 75.1mpg and emitting a mere 99g/km CO2. 
Capable of running on either the electric motors for up to 31 miles or the diesel engine for 400 miles, the Vision EfficientDynamics concept car is also capable of combining both power sources. The onboard management system can utilise the power from all three sources when short bursts of speed are required, such as when overtaking or accelerating from junctions. The resultant design is more than merely efficient; the floating rear LED lights, transparent roof and dramatic glass panel gull wing doors are sure to turn heads.
The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is practical too; those doors allow access to two rear seats, which can be tilted forwards to increase storage space in the boot. A new thermo-electric generator (originally developed for use on spacecraft) situated in the exhaust even creates its own electricity from the car’s exhaust gases to power the air conditioning, electronic seat adjustment and power steering. 

To find out more about BMW EfficientDynamics and BMW ActiveHybrid technology visit www.bmw.co.uk/efficientdynamics.

You can follow the Vines BMW news, stories and events on Twitter: VinesBMW

Labels: BMW Vision, Efficient Dynamics, Frankfurt Motor Show, Twitter, Vines BMW

 ENTER OUR PRIZE DRAW TO WIN

We are getting into the festive spirit and are offering the chance to win one of three gifts in our Christmas prize draw.

Up for grabs is a mixed case of red and white wine, a voucher for a Saturday workshop at the Solent Wine Experience and a festive draught beer from Hogs Back Brewery.

To Enter Click here to go to our competition page

Labels: Chirstmas Competition, Christmas Give Away

 Over £4,000 raised for Help for Heroes

On Friday 20 November our Guildford Motorrad dealership hosted a charity evening in aid of Help for Heroes.  Over 250 people turned up to hear the comedic tales from Austin Vince’s around the world travels, enjoy an army curry and music from the army band. 

Upon arrival guests were welcomed with a complimentary drink from our friends at Hogs Back Brewery and music by Elliott Frisby, before feasting on a wonderful curry served up in the army tent outside the showroom.

Mike Read joined us to host the evening’s auction full of fantastic items, which included:

• Ultimate Trail Riding: a full day’s Green Laning on bikes for 2 people. **Extended promotional offer to general public: Book and pay for a full day experience before the 31st January 2010 and Ultimate Trail Riding will donate £25.00, per booking, to Help for Heroes Charity
• A round of golf at Sunningdale Golf Club for four people during the week, lunch and wine included. Offer only valid from 1st January – 31st December 2010.
• 2 x BMW Driving Experience tickets through Motorsportvision. Valid until 31st March 2010.
• A BMW commuter bag.
• A signed copy of Charlie Boorman & Ewan McGregor’s book “The Long Way Down”.
• 2 tickets to a Manchester United home game in the Ryan Giggs / Michael Owen box.
• 2 x VIP tickets to Ian Wright’s TV show and have the opportunity to meet the cast.
• Signed Chelsea football pendant.
• A signed Robin Gibb signed t-shirt in presentation case.
• A colour LCD Television.
• A pair of Michael Owen football boots signed by Michael Owen.
• 3 pairs of tickets to a Hogs Back brewery tour.
• 1 x Mini Pin of your preferred Ale from Hogs Back Brewery (20 pints).
• 2 x tickets, for a one-day local course, for the ladies to learn to ride off road bikes, with EPM. (80% mental) **Bike and clothing provided
• Exquisite jewellery box from Garrard. 
• Signed photograph of Didier Drogba
• Signed photograph of Stephen Hendry
  

Over £4,000 was raised from ticket sales, the auction and donations!
  
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the evening, which helped raise a fantastic sum of money for this worthy cause.

Our sincere thanks go to all those who worked so hard to make this event possible, to all those who contributed auction items which enabled us to raise so much money and all our guests who purchased tickets and attended the event. 

We look forward to hosting a similar event next year and hope to see all our customers enjoying another wonderful evening.

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Labels: Charlie Boorman, Didier Drogba, Ewan McGregor, Garrard, Help For Heroes, Ian Wright, Michael Owen, Robin Gibb, Ryan Giggs, Sunningdale Golf Club