BMW: 'We are looking forward to exchanging ideas'
Yachting Pages talks to the BMW Group about why Germany's eminent car manufacturer can't get enough of the MYS
It goes without saying that VIP attendees at the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) require the finest automobiles. This makes the esteemed German car and motorcycle manufacturer Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, better known as BMW, an ideal choice to sponsor MYS 2012.
BMW will unveil its new 640i Gran Coupe and 650i Convertible car models at the event, and also provide a luxury VIP shuttle service. The official sponsor's reputation for stylish design, luxury and comfort with top-class efficiency is perfectly suited to the world of superyachts.
But what exactly does BMW hope to achieve with its presence in Monaco? Can we gather that it has future plans to further expand into, or cater for, the superyacht industry? Yachting Pages posed these questions and more to a spokesperson from the BMW Group…
Yachting Pages: Why has BMW chosen to align itself with the Monaco Yacht Show?
BMW Group: "BMW has long been involved in the yachting scene. The company is now official partner of the Monaco Yacht Show for the fifth time in succession. The MYS provides the perfect backdrop for presenting the BMW Group's most exclusive models to a high-calibre international audience. Customers who are keen on yachting, value high levels of luxury.
"Quality, design and hand-selected materials are the key selling points, and customised fittings are playing an increasingly important role both for cars and for yachts. With their stylish design and innovative technology, our elegant luxury models; the BMW 6 Series and BMW 7 Series are targeted at precisely this customer group."
YP: Which aspects of MYS 2012 is the BMW team most looking forward to?
BMW: "Most of all, we are looking forward to exchanging ideas with shipyards, boat fitters, architects, designers and yacht brokers. The MYS brings together the best you can find on the seas in terms of modern yacht building, and explores the frontiers of design with leading figures from various industries.
"For the BMW Group, it is the ideal opportunity to find out about the latest trends and integrate them into future car designs."
YP: What can we expect from BMW at this year's MYS?
BMW: "We will be presenting some of our latest luxury models. Immediately below the Prince's Palace, visitors can view the brand-new BMW 640i Gran Coupe, featuring the classy Individual matt paintwork shade Frozen Bronze Metallic. The two-door BMW 6 Series Coupe likewise marked its worldwide debut this year and will be on show at [Monaco's] Port Hercules.
"A BMW 650i Convertible will be on display right at the harbour, sporting an exclusive 'yacht look' courtesy of BMW Individual. This dream car draws on elements from yacht design. It is compelling for its exquisite Individual paintwork in Tansanite Blue, as well as the high-quality Merino full-leather upholstery in the interior.
"BMW Individual Merino leather is renowned for its softness and natural surface texture. The leather is complemented by select natural woods used for the interior trim. Consummate workmanship ensures these woods display a highly-polished glow, rounding off each interior to perfection."
YP: Does BMW have any future plans to specifically target, or expand into, the superyacht industry?
BMW: "Many design forms familiar from the automotive industry have
now entered the nautical world, and many details are inspired by
automotive design.
"Excellence, high quality and exclusivity are the key pillars when it comes to creating innovative and distinctive designs. Also powerful, elegant and refined lines that convey outstanding beauty, a strong presence and character.
"DesignworksUSA – a BMW Group subsidiary with studios in the USA,
Europe and Asia – has a great deal of experience in yacht design. As a
creative consultancy, DesignworksUSA is tasked by a wide range of clients
like Coca Cola, Dassault Aviation, Microsoft and Siemens, and also shipyards such as Intermarine.
"The consultancy creates designs for highly luxurious boats, focusing not only on exclusive design but also on expertly balanced spaces. DesignworksUSA is chosen as a partner by virtue of its exceptional competence in design and innovation, its high quality standards and its prestigious calibre of work."
YP: BMW is providing courtesy cars in Monaco. What can MYS 2012's visitors expect from the service?
BMW: "A fleet of 15 new BMW 7 Series automobiles are available as courtesy cars. The new luxury saloons, only just launched in July, will take guests of the MYS to 'the places to be'. They will also be available outside a select number of top hotels."
YP: Finally what future offerings can be expected from BMW after
MYS 2012?
BMW: "In autumn 2012 we will be launching the sportiest member of the BMW 6 Series family to date: the BMW M6 Coupe. It combines the intensely sporty M feeling with the elegant and alluring design of the BMW 6 Series, and is unique in the premium segment of the luxury class.
"With its high-revving 4.4-litre V8 engine and output of 560hp, the BMW M6 Coupe sets new benchmarks in its segment – and it also boasts a zero to 100 km/h time of 4.2 seconds."
