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New BMW and UTI Program Prepares Service Members for Civilian Careers as BMW Automotive Technicians

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A first-of-its-kind training program for veterans celebrates its opening on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The BMW MSTEP (Military Service Technician Education Program) will provide new career opportunities for service members transitioning from military service to civilian life. Created by BMW of North America, LLC, in partnership with Universal Technical Institute, this is the first time a premium automotive brand has opened a workshop and training program for military service members directly on a U.S. military base. “BMW is honored to be working with the Marine Corps and helping provide service members with great professional opportunities to support their transition to civilian life,” said Bernard Kuhnt, President and CEO of BMW of North America. “The skillset these men and women will bring to our dealerships is invaluable. Aside from their unwavering team spirit and discipline, many are already highly specialized in some of the most sophisticated technologies, giving them all the right foundations for a successful automotive career. It is now our turn to serve them with MSTEP.” for the first pilot group of nine students will officially begin on Feb. 26, 2018. The 16-week, BMW-specific technical education program features a specialized on-base curriculum and hours of hands-on technical training in a workshop setting. Students receive training on diagnostic paths and service technologies unique to the BMW brand. “We’re extremely proud to continue our support of the brave men and women who serve this country. We’re also excited about this new chapter of our more than 20-year partnership with BMW,” said Kim McWaters, president and CEO of Universal Technical Institute (UTI). “With the transportation industry’s strong demand for highly skilled and trained talent, there has never been a better time to be an automotive technician. BMW has always been an innovative leader and MSTEP is a powerful example of how UTI and our partners are working to bring quality hands-on education directly to students.” The program opens the door for transitioning service members to a promising future with the brand. Upon graduation, BMW assists the new technicians with employment at authorized U.S. dealers. There are currently more than 14,000 BMW technicians across the network and more are needed every year, especially those trained by the company itself. "We are proud to host this unique transition opportunity for our service members," stated Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Killea, the commanding general for Marine Corps Installations West - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. "Programs such as MSTEP help our transitioning service members prepare for a successful career outside of the military, and we are excited to see them progress through the program and find employment as BMW technicians." BMW MSTEP is an expansion of the company’s existing efforts to address the technician shortage. With nearly five million BMW Group vehicles on the road in the U.S. and access to skilled technicians still limited, BMW has invested in several initiatives designed to engage, attract, and find technicians for its network including the original technician education program known as BMW STEP. STEP is the most comprehensive BMW technician development program in North America taught in nine locations across the country, producing graduates that are preferred by dealers nationwide. The program chooses the finest talent from post-secondary automotive trainings and colleges. More than 3,500 STEP technicians have graduated from the program to date and represent part of the current BMW network technician total. Because of the growing demand for qualified candidates, the company plans to increase the number of STEP students it graduates every year from almost 450 in 2018 to about 800 graduates in 2020. BMW is furthering its efforts to sourcing the critical technician talent it needs while helping provide promising career opportunities for those who are looking.
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BMW collaborates with New York lifestyle brand Kith on special limited-edition M4 Competition x Kith, highlighting design and apparel partnership.

BMW has joined New York lifestyle brand Kith in a multifaceted partnership, highlighted by the BMW M4 Competition x Kith – a limited edition interpretation of the all-new M4 Competition coupe with design elements personally created by Kith founder Ronnie Fieg, strictly limited to 150 units worldwide. Fieg, a native New Yorker and lifelong BMW enthusiast, also lent his unique design vision and notable collaboration techniques to his own personal classic “E30” generation BMW M3. This legendary BMW model was further complemented by an all-new BMW M4 Competition Design Study by Kith; using the E30 M3’s current-day spiritual successor, the M4 Competition coupe, Fieg created a 1-of-1 special edition version that mimics the specifications – and Kith design touches – of his own classic vehicle. Further exploring BMW and Kith’s mutual admiration and his own history with the brand, Fieg has created The Kith for BMW Collection, featuring apparel and accessories inspired by classic BMW design elements and exclusively available through Kith’s retail locations beginning October 23. The collection, featuring 94 styles of apparel and accessories, is Kith’s largest single offering to date. more “Everything we work on at Kith has to come from an authentic place,” says Kith founder Ronnie Fieg. “Some of my favorite memories from growing up came from going to visit my grandfather and riding around in his BMWs in the 1980s. I remember he had an E21 320i and that his prized possession was a white E30 M3. These moments in my life really shaped my passion for BMW, so working on this project with them has brought everything full circle.” The collaboration also highlights BMW’s continuous focus on the lifestyle, luxury and fashion space, a key area for interacting with existing and new customers. “Keeping a close eye on the latest lifestyle developments is part of our approach to evolving the BMW brand,” said Jens Thiemer, senior vice president, Customer and Brand, BMW. “With his unique collaboration approach and Kith label, Ronnie Fieg is an outstanding mind and leader in the fashion, lifestyle and luxury industries. Our collaboration with Ronnie and his influential brand will be a positive force for BMW as we explore new customer groups.” “This is not the first time BMW M GmbH has released a limited edition of one of our cars as part of an exclusive collaboration,” added Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW M GmbH. “The tie-up with Ronnie Fieg and Kith is a great opportunity for BMW M GmbH to bridge the gap between the original BMW M3 and our new BMW M4 Competition Coupé for the sixth generation of this iconic model range. It also allows us to spread the word to an exciting new target group, as the lifestyle fashion scene transforms from a cultural phenomenon to a global way of life, bringing a new and very distinct brand of exclusivity to many different areas.” Featuring many of the design touches from Fieg’s personal E30 M3 and the Cinnabar Red M4 Design Study by Kith, the limited-edition M4 Competition x Kith also has several highlights unique to the production vehicle. While merging logos is a hallmark of the many partnerships Kith has forged with other globally renowned companies, this is the first time BMW has altered its iconic roundel badge for a collaboration partner. The fusion logo created for the BMW M4 Competition x Kith adds an extra ring around the BMW roundel in the BMW M colors of light blue, dark blue and red, as well as details in bright lettering focusing on Kith and the collaboration. The rear decklid of the BMW M4 Competition x Kith features a black Kith logo with the iconic tri-color BMW M stripes. The limited-edition models are available exclusively in matte paint finishes of Frozen Black, Frozen Dark Silver and Frozen Brilliant White. Kith-designed elements further enhance the all-new BMW M4 Competition coupe. Featuring BMW M’s TwinPower Turbo 3.0 Liter inline-six cylinder engine, the M4 Competition x Kith arrives with over 500 horsepower and M xDrive all-wheel-drive. Customers can expect Kith-embossed black merino leather and multicolour ambient mood lighting throughout the driver-focused cabin, the latest BMW safety technology like optional Advanced Driver Assistance systems, cutting-edge infotainment like BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and all of the world-class performance that BMW M’s legendary motorsport heritage promises. For more product information on the all-new BMW M4 Competition coupe, please visit BMW USA News. The BMW M4 Competition x Kith will be available for preorder on October 23, 2020 at 11:00 AM EST exclusively through BMWUSA.com and is strictly limited to 150 units worldwide. MSRP begins at $109,250 plus destination and handling fees. Note: The BMW M4 Competition x Kith will arrive in 2021 as model year 2022 vehicle.

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BMW and BMW Motorrad Enthusiasts Have a New Way to Display Their Brand Affinity, Earn Rewards with New Credit Cards from U.S. Bank.

BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad enthusiasts have a new way to demonstrate their love of the brand and earn accelerated rewards for their spend, with the launch of a new, contemporary suite of Mastercard credit cards from U.S. Bank. The new portfolio includes: • BMW World Mastercard®, • BMW Precision World Elite Mastercard®, • MINI World Mastercard® and • BMW Motorrad World Mastercard®. In June 2019, U.S. Bank and BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC announced an agreement to issue credit cards that will deliver enhanced digital experiences and greater value to BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad enthusiasts. The new cards, which will be issued by Elan Financial Services, a division of U.S. Bank, are now available for new customers at the BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad card websites and at participating dealerships “Our new credit card offerings are designed to deliver the performance expected from our premium brands. Our customers will experience greater functionality and improved benefits, engaging them and providing a platform for improved loyalty” said Ian Smith, CEO, BMW Group Financial Services NA. “This new card program brings a world-class experience and value that rewards the relationship we have with our customers, and we know our dealerships and customers are going to love it.” Cardholders now have more ways to earn rewards that can be used at dealerships for parts and service, put toward monthly vehicle payments, or for travel or cash back. Additionally, the new cards bring significant digital improvements to the customer experience. The completely digital process saves the customer time and allows immediate card access to start generating rewards. It's as simple as the customer texting a number to receive access to a digital application that’s easy to complete and submit, all while in the dealership. The credit decision is nearly instantaneous, and if approved, customers will have immediate access to the credit card to use that day in the dealership for accessories, service, purchase of an extended warranty or insurance products, or to cover fees at lease end. Cardholders will receive: • Up to 5x rewards for purchases at BMW, MINI or BMW Motorrad • Accelerated rewards on gas and restaurants; • $70 annual dealership credit on the BMW Precision World Elite Mastercard; • Contactless payment capabilities that require no swiping or dipping, in addition to an EMV chip and magnetic stripe for maximum convenience; • One-click mobile application process with an instant credit decision for immediate use; • Ability to use the card to purchase branded merchandise and accessories, parts and service; • BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad Credit Card mobile apps to redeem rewards and manage their account from anywhere. “BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad are iconic brands that epitomize performance and quality and a rewarding experience for owners,” said Steve Mattics executive vice president of Retail Payment Solutions at U.S. Bank. “These new credit cards were designed to provide world class experiences for cardholders; starting with the streamlined digital application, continuing through to the accelerated rewards on gas and restaurant spend, as well as purchases at the dealership, and complemented by contactless payment capabilities. We are confident these will quickly become go-to cards for owners.”