11 December 2003

A life-size flying BMW 730Li stole the show on the opening day of the Middle East International Motor Show today, that also saw the launch of BMW Group’s completely new additions to its premium brands, the X3 – featuring the innovative X-drive – and the 6 Series Coupé, as well as the revamped X5.
 
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Department, Chairman of Emirates and Deputy Chairman of the Dubai World Trade Centre and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, were treated to the show-stopping spectacle of the flying car when they visited the BMW Group stand at the show.
 
“This is an exciting motor show for us, packed with new models and innovations. For the first time, visitors to the event can see BMW Group represented by its three premium brands, BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce,” said Robert Bailey-McEwan, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East, who welcomed Sheikh Ahmed and Sheikh Hamdan to the stand.
 
The flying car, moving above visitors between the three BMW Group display areas was the highlight of the opening day’s VIP morning, at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.
 
“BMW Group’s heritage is in the aviation industry, so perhaps it is not so surprising that we should have brought a flying car to the Middle East International Motor Show,” joked Ehad Shouly, Regional Marketing Manager, BMW Group Middle East.
 
“The flying BMW 730Li, in reality a helium filled, precision flown balloon will be wowing visitors throughout the motor show. There will be 10 minute flying displays every hour on the BMW stand every day during the motor show.”
 
-Ends-
 
For further information, please contact:
Matt Jones,
Acting Corporate Communications Manager,
BMW Group Middle East,
Tel: + 971 4 3132600;
Fax: + 971 4 3300120
 
Or,
 
Malcolm Ward,
MCS/Action,
Tel: +971 4 390 2960;
Fax: +971 4 3908161.
Email: malcolm@mcsaction.com

© Press Release 2003