Toyota Raises Price on Lexus RX 450h by $450

Toyota announced price changes for the 2010 Lexus RX 450h. MSRP for the FWD and AWD models have by $450. The 450h FWD has a new MSRP of $42,110 and the AWD was set at $43,700.

The MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875.

2010 Lexus RX 450h

The 2010 RX 450h introduces an updated version of Lexus Hybrid Drive, featuring a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson-cycle engine, lighter electric motors, a smaller and lighter power-control unit and other fuel-saving innovations. It offers up performance similar to V8s with better combined fuel economy than the average four-cylinder mid-size sedan. With EPA-estimated 32 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (30 mpg combined) ratings for the RWD –30 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, 29 mpg combined for the AWD – it earns 16-20 percent better fuel economy than its acclaimed predecessor. All this while producing 295 total system horsepower, which is 27 more than the previous generation RX 400h.

As a full hybrid, the RX 450h can operate in electric-only or gas-engine-only modes as well as a mode that combines the power of both. Extended electric-mode operation during low-speed or stop-and-go driving conditions helps reduce fuel consumption. Under certain circumstances, a new available driver-selectable EV mode can allow the vehicle to be driven short distances using only the electric motors. The RX 450h achieves Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) certification in California (Tier 2-Bin 3 in other states), producing nearly 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car.

With the Atkinson cycle, the gasoline engine’s intake valves are closed late to delay beginning of compression, resulting in a higher expansion ratio. That reduces intake and exhaust energy losses for more efficient combustion and improved fuel economy. The gas engine alone produces 245 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, up from 208 in the previous RX 400h; torque is 234 lb.-ft. at 4,800 rpm as compared to 212 at 4,400 rpm from the previous RX 400h’s 3.3-liter V6. The Atkinson cycle also reduces exhaust temperature.

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Honda Hybrid SUV

You would think that Honda, being one of the first hybrid developers over a decade ago, would have built a hybrid SUV by now. But, so far, Honda has shied away from the SUV and crossover hybrid market.

Why?

Ford has shown that a small, fuel efficient hybrid can be popular. The hybrid system from Honda is certainly developed enough, yet there is still no Honda hybrid SUV on the horizon.

Honda hasn't been afraid to experiment with their hybrid line-up. The first hybrid was a two-seater (Insight), while the next was more practical (Honda Civic Hybrid). The third hybrid from Honda was the Accord Hybrid, built on the premise of delivering more power for less fuel, but that failed. And then Honda went on to develop the Honda Insight II, a more 'economical' hybrid only car to compete with the Prius.

Next in line is a Honda Fit, an even smaller hybrid, but more likely cheaper option. Considering the sales data seems to show the Honda Insight II is competing with the Honda Civic Hybrid, I wonder what the Honda Fit Hybrid will compete with?

So, why not a SUV Honda Hybrid? Or perhaps a crossover hybrid? Is there a limitation on the size of the vehicle that won't allow the IMA system to be laid into the Pilot or CR-V? Would Honda have to develop a dual-mode hybrid system to place into these larger vehicles?

Only Honda can answer these questions. It's been over a decade, and Honda has shown a willingness to experiment with their hybrid products. It may be time to show how fuel efficient these SUV and Crossovers can be by giving them a hybrid option.

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Ford Increases Production for the Third and Fourth Quarter

Citing the Cash for Clunkers program, Ford is increasing production of their Escape and Focus by 10,000 units in the third quarter. They are also planning on producing 33 percent more vehicles than last year in the fourth quarter. The increase represents higher production across a range of cars, crossovers and trucks.

At Wayne (Mich.) Assembly Plant, Ford is increasing Focus production by more than 6,000 units in the third quarter through increased overtime Monday through Friday and adding Saturday production shifts.

Ford is focusing their efforts on bringing the vehicles in high demand, the Focus, Escape and Fusion, to the dealerships quickly. That requires a reprioritizing of vehicle shipments.

The fourth quarter production plan represents an increase of 75,000 vehicles versus the third quarter. The increase, which includes several Ford cars, crossovers and trucks, will help Ford rebuild inventories of key products.

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Prius and Insight Earn Top Safety Pick From the Insurance Institute

The 2010 Toyota Prius and 2010 Honda Insight (with the optional electronic stability control) were both awarded Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

To qualify for Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the Institute's front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control. Criteria to win are tough because the award is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as top crash test ratings and the rapid addition of electronic stability control, which is standard on the Prius and optional on the Insight.

"Recognizing vehicles at the head of the class for safety helps consumers distinguish the best overall choices without having to sort through multiple test results," says Institute president Adrian Lund.

Honda Insight Test
In the Insight frontal test, dummy movement was well controlled. The driver side curtain and side torso airbags deployed during the crash. During rebound, the dummy’s head contacted the side curtain airbag, which kept the head away from any stiff structure that could cause injury. Measurements show a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

In the side impact test, Injury measures for the driver indicate that rib fractures would be possible in a crash of this severity. The risk of significant injuries to other body regions is low. The rear passenger tests indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

The driver's head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof. While the rear passenger head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof.

Toyota Prius Test
The Toyota Prius test was conducted using frontal crash test verification. Since previous versions of the Prius earned a Good rating, the manufacturers testing was verified by the Insurance Institute, rather than conducting the test themselves.

The dummy in the frontal test indicate low risk of injuries to the neck, chest, and both legs regions. A high head acceleration occurred when the dummy's head hit the steering wheel through the airbag, indicating that head injuries would be possible. Head acceleration from the B-pillar hit was low.

In the side impact test, driver and rear passenger measures indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity. Both the driver's and rear passenger head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof.

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People Want the Solar Sun Roof on Their Prius

Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. President Jim Lentz had a lot to say at the 2009 Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars.

According to Lentz, people want the solar panel on top of their Prius. Although Toyota had estimated 2-3% of customers would opt for the solar panels, the going rate is actually closer to 12%.

That's putting a bit of a strain on production (along with the previously mentioned battery constraints on Prius sales). Toyota is currently projecting 135-140,000 units sold in 2009 for the Prius.

Sales are very brisk under the Cash for Clunkers (CARS) program, as the Prius has had the days supply drop to 6-7 days, which indicates long waiting lists. (A 6-7 days supply indicates it's taking less than a week to sell the Prius once it arrives on the dealers lot. In other words, it takes 6-7 days to move the Prius off the lot after calling the customer to let them know the Prius they had ordered was finally here).

Lentz says the Prius has been sold 5,400 times under the Clunkers program.

Oh, and Lentz also mentions the Blue Springs, MS plant is still set for Prius production. They just aren't going to start up until the 'volatility' in the present market goes away.

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AP Claims Obama Will Not Release Cash For Clunkers Numbers

Yes, the Transportation Department has released their top 10 list of vehicles being traded in and being sold, but so far, the AP can't get their hands onto a detailed list of sales.

Source: SPIN METER: $3 billion buys not-so-green vehicles

Just how many consumers used the federal rebates to buy these larger, not-so-green vehicles is unclear. The Obama administration has declined so far to release detailed records of purchases under the program being compiled by the Transportation Department, listing every clunker deal requesting rebates. The Associated Press requested the data July 31.

And the AP may be right to be concerned. Not because the information isn't true, but because of the possible 'spin' factor.

Edmunds.com, for instance, has said they believe fewer small cars and more large vehicles are being bought.

BTW, the current sales figures from the Transportation Department show 292,447 vehicles have been sold, at a cost of $1.2 billion to the government program.

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BMW ActiveHybrid 7

BMW announced the ActiveHybrid 7 will be presented at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. It will be on sale in the Spring of 2010.

Like the BMW ActiveHybrid X6, the ActiveHybrid 7 will mate a V8 engine to an electric motor to boost fuel efficiency. But unlike the X6, the 7 uses a mild hybrid system with a single electric motor that is used to assist the gas engine.  The X6 will use the two-mode technology developed with GM and Chrysler and will use two electric motors.  The X6 will also be capable of moving on all electric power at low speeds for short periods.

With that in mind, BMW says they have improved fuel efficiency by 15% over the 750i, while giving the ActiveHybrid 7 a combined output of 455 hp and a maximum torque of 516 lb-ft. And it accelerates from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds.

This ActiveHybrid 7 will use a lithium-ion battery pack, which will provide power to the air conditioning and ventilation when stopped. That's important, since the mild hybrid will have start-stop capability for the V8.

At 120 volts, the lithium-ion battery pack is small enough to be mounted under the trunk floor. But, since lithium-ion is capable of storing more for less space, the trunk space is minimally affected.

Press Release Follows

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, 13 August 2009, 6pm Eastern... On the heels of the ActiveHybrid X6, today BMW announced the production version of the all-new BMW ActiveHybrid 7, which will also premiere at the Frankfurt Auto Show (IAA) in September. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 will reach America shores in Spring, 2010. Based on the newest BMW 7 Series, this unique car sets new standards for performance and efficiency in the premium luxury class.

This symbiosis of an upgraded twin-turbo, High Precision Direct Injection, V8 engine with a 3-phase synchronous elec¬tric motor gives the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 a combined output of 455 hp and maximum torque of 516 lb-ft (preliminary figures). Power is transmitted via an 8-speed automatic transmission with the electric motor positioned between the engine and the torque converter. The electric motor receives its supply of energy from a lithium-ion battery developed specifically for use in this automobile.

Precisely controlled interaction of both power sources serves to maximize the efficiency and dynamic performance of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. The result is a unique driving experience that demonstrates the performance capabilities of modern hybrid technology. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (preliminary), while delivering fuel economy approximately 15% better than the 750i. Official EPA ratings will be available closer to the US market launch.

BMW ActiveHybrid technology also provides new features that promote efficiency while preserving comfort. As an example, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is the first BMW with automatic transmission to feature Auto Start Stop to maximize efficiency by avoiding engine idling when stopped. Another advantage is that the air conditioning and ventilation system remains fully operational when using Auto Start Stop. In this case, power is supplied directly through the 120-volt on-board network powered by the lithium-ion battery.

Special displays in the instrument cluster and the Central Display inform the passengers of the degree of efficiency and the current operating status of the hybrid components. The ActiveHybrid 7 is distinguished from the 750i by aerodynamically-tuned ten-spoke 19-inch light-alloy Aero wheels, and model designations on the trunk lid, C-pillars, and on the door cutouts. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is also available in Bluewater Metallic exterior paintwork.

Like existing BMW 7 Series models, BMW's first luxury sedan with ActiveHybrid technology will enter the market in two body variants. The extended version of BMW ActiveHybrid 7 has a wheelbase increased by 5.5", all of which is devoted to the enhanced comfort of rear-seat passengers. Both models are available with a wide range of options from the portfolio of equipment and accessories offered on the BMW 7 Series, enabling the tailoring of the ActiveHybrid 7 to individual tastes and requirements.

BMW ActiveHybrid: A key element of the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 takes an innovative approach to ensure outstanding efficiency in this segment. At the same time this unique sport sedan offers dynamic driving characteristics at a level that one would expect from The Ultimate Driving Machine. BMW ActiveHybrid is an important element within the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy meant to offer technologies able to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions on every new model while enhancing driving performance.

BMW uses hybrid technology because it can make an effective contribution to the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions. As a rule, the savings potential of hybrid technology increases with the power of the combustion engine interacting with the system. In the case of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 precise coordination of the electric motor and the V8 serves to optimize the efficiency of the combustion engine under all operating conditions.

Intelligent energy management for generation, storage and use of electric power.
The ActiveHybrid concept stores energy in a compact, high-performance lithium-ion battery. The processes of charging the battery, supplying power to the electric motor, and electric ancillaries are managed by a control unit developed specifi¬cally for the BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

Energy Regeneration:
Electric power captured using no extra fuel.
BMW ActiveHybrid technology uses energy that would be normally converted into heat through the brakes, and therefore wasted in conventional cars. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 features an enhanced version of Brake Energy Regeneration already used in some current BMW models running on a combustion engine alone. In this case the integrated electric motor acts as a generator when coasting or applying the brakes, in order to feed electric power into the battery. Brake Energy Regeneration converts some of the vehicle's kinetic energy into electric power for the on-board network whenever the driver lifts off the accelerator or applies the brakes. On acceleration, electricity is fed back into the on-board network from the lithium-ion battery. This sequence relieves the combustion engine from the task of converting some of its fuel energy into electric current, and thus enables the engine to provide more power directly to the rear wheels. The result is better acceleration even than the 750i, despite the fact that the additional power is obtained in a way that does not require additional consumption of fuel.

When the driver requires only a small amount of brake force, the system uses only the drag of the electric generator (motor). The mechanical brakes are activated only when the driver presses down the brake pedal harder for more stopping power. Dynamic Stability Control controls the balance of electrical and mechanical braking so adeptly that the driver does not even perceive the transition from braking with electric power to braking with the mechanical brake system.

Two interconnected on-board networks for flexible management of energy.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 features both a conventional 12-volt on-board network fed by an absorbent glass mat (AGM) battery and an additional battery featuring lithium-ion technology operating at 120-volts. The lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric motor as required and serves to start the engine. Electric power generated by Brake Energy Regeneration is fed into both on-board networks. The air conditioner compressor on BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is integrated in the 120-volt network. All other electrically operated functions of the car are supplied by the 12-volt network. The two on-board networks are connected by a voltage converter featuring flexible energy management. Both batteries are charged and maintained through Brake Energy Regeneration. The 12-volt battery is fed with energy from the high-voltage network.

Cutting-edge battery technology: lithium-ion with superior capacity and multi-cycle operating strength.
BMW found that lithium-ion battery technology offers sufficient energy storage capability while taking up minimal space. The result is that the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 gives up almost no luggage capacity to its conventional siblings (750i and 750Li), because the 120-volt battery is small enough to be mounted underneath the trunk floor. Furthermore, the weight penalty incurred by this battery is minimal, meaning less energy is consumed to carry it. Using this technology enables the ActiveHybrid 7 to maximize storage capacity and acceleration in the hybrid luxury sedan segment. It is the fastest-accelerating hybrid sedan in the world.

The useful energy provided by this high-performance battery is 400 watt-hours. The battery itself is comprised of 35 cells and an integrated control unit which continuously analyzes the charge level and ensures appropriate dependability under all conditions. Despite its high level of performance, the lithium-ion battery measures just 14.6 x 8.7 x 9.1 inches (37 x 22 x 23 centimeters) and weighs a mere 59.5 lb or 27 kg.

Hence, it is only slightly larger than a conventional car battery and is housed conveniently in the trunk floor between the wheel arches of BMW ActiveHybrid 7, safely surrounded by a high-strength special casing. This location provides protection for the battery and helps to preserve the 7 Series' ideal 50-50 weight distribution. The luggage compartment with its capacity of approximately 13 cu. ft. offers adequate space for four 46-inch golf bags.

Twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline engine with High Precision Direct Injection.
The combustion engine is the innovative reverse-flow V8 introduced in the BMW X6. The world's first V8 gasoline engine with two turbochargers in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders develops power throughout the entire engine speed range. The spontaneous and direct response of this engine results from its compact configuration, which allows the shortest exhaust manifolds.

Displacing 4.4 liters, this outstanding engine delivers its maximum output of 440 hp between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm. Peak torque of 475 lb-ft is maintained from 2,000 to 4,500 rpm, with High Precision Direct Injection ensuring precise supply of fuel at all times. Piezo-injectors positioned in the combustion chambers between the valves ensure a smooth, efficient and clean combustion process. The engine fulfils the European EU5 standard as well as the ULEV II standards in the US.

Compared with the engine featured in the BMW 750i/Li, this version has been modified in numerous respects to the specific requirements of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. There is no starter, alternator, or belt drive for the air-conditioning compressor and hydraulic pump. The cooling system has been modified for hybrid operation. The result is remarkable power from idle. The response of the engine is enhanced by the electric motor with its additional torque. The direct response to the accelerator pedal is impressive when compared either with conventional 7 Series models or existing hybrid vehicles already in the market. Acceleration to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (preliminary) ranks it among the fastest and most thoroughbred sports cars in the world. Top speed of BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is electronically limited to 150 mph.

Electric motor starting and supporting one of the most advanced V8s.
The three-phase synchronous electric motor featured in BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is positioned between the engine and the torque converter, and is connected to the crankshaft. Shaped like a disc, the electric motor weighs 50.7 lb (23 kg). Its compact design ensures full integration in the transmission housing.

The electric motor generates boost of approximately 20 hp and peak torque of 155 lb-ft. When operating as a generator in Brake Energy Regeneration, the electric motor produces approximately 27 hp of brake force.

In total, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 features a maximum system output of 455 hp and peak torque of 516 lb-ft (preliminary). Normally, this level of power output would require a correspondingly high increase in fuel consumption. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7, in contrast, combines its power with an equally impressive increase in fuel efficiency of about 15%.

8-speed automatic transmission in combination with Auto Start Stop.
To transmit the drive power developed jointly by the V8 and the electric motor, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 features a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission specifically tailored to the demands of hybrid technology. This high-tech transmission combines shift comfort, sportiness and efficiency at unprecedented levels.

The new 8-speed close-ratio automatic transmission uses an inno¬vative gear-set configuration providing two additional gears and a larger overall gear range than the 6-speed automatic transmission used by BMW without negative effects on size, weight, or internal efficiency. With the new transmission, the V8 engine is better able to stay in the power peak while ensuring greater overall efficiency.

Overall efficiency is further enhanced with the Auto Start Stop function. Auto Start Stop automatically switches off the combustion engine at idle, eliminating fuel consumption when stopped. Once the driver's foot comes off the brake pedal, the engine restarts instantaneously.
Starting of the V8 engine is accomplished by the electric motor, which is supplied with power from the high-voltage battery. This enables the engine to start extremely quickly and without any vibration. The automatic transmission is maintained in a "ready-to-drive" mode by a new hydraulic pressure accumulator for the valve body of the transmission. Additionally, the engine control unit "remembers" engine crank position and uses delay-free ignition to restart the engine in less than one crank rotation. The engine is also switched off when the driver uses the Auto Hold function. The driver just has to slightly press down on the gas pedal in order to reactivate the engine.

Continuous climate control in all circumstances.
The climate control system in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is supplied with power directly from the high-voltage battery, thus ensuring all the usual functionality regardless of whether the engine is running.

Hence, operation of Auto Start Stop does not compromise the infotainment or climate system operation. The desired interior temperatures are maintained consistently, regardless of how frequently or for how long the engine shuts off.

The standard 4-zone automatic climate control has a parked-vehicle function activated whenever desired by remote control. This feature serves to cool down the interior in hot weather before getting into in the car. The highly efficient air conditioning system can reduce in interior tem¬perature quickly and efficiently by more than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, providing pleasant starting conditions in an appropriately cool and pleasant passenger compartment. By running on pure electric power, the air conditioner compressor begins cooling the car more quickly than in a conventional system.

Efficiency made visible: special display concept.
Featuring Black Panel technology, the instrument cluster in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is supplemented by an energy flow display in the lower section of the tachometer, a blue arrow shows the current status of Brake Energy Regeneration. When accelerating, an additional graphic display illustrates the boost effect generated by the electric motor.

Using the iDrive control system in the Central Display, the driver is able to see a detailed view of the interaction between the V8 engine and electric motor. Beyond the current charge level of the lithium-ion battery, this display also shows the real-time flow of energy. As an alternative to this graphic display, the system can analyze the current efficiency. In this case a bar graph, which is updated every minute, shows the efficiency levels achieved by the hybrid components during the last fifteen minutes.

Cutting-edge suspension technology for maximum control and comfort.
When the new BMW 7 Series was introduced in 2009, it set new standards for comfort and driving dynamics. The double-wishbone front suspension and an enhanced Integral-V rear suspension provide the ActiveHybrid 7 with the ride comfort one would expect of a BMW sport-luxury sedan with the handling and control of a sports car.

The long-wheelbase version of BMW ActiveHybrid 7 includes self-leveling rear suspension. Both models are fitted with BMW's vehicle speed-variable Servotronic power steering as well as Driving Dynamics Control. The driver is able to choose the preferred shock absorber setting, the appropriate operation of Dynamic Stability Control, the shift character of the automatic transmission, as well as the throttle response and Servotronic steering assist.

The brake system on the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 provides excellent stopping power in every situation. Inner-vented discs and floating calipers front and rear guarantee resistance to fade. The ActiveHybrid 7 comes standard with 19-inch light-alloy rims in an aerodynamically optimized ten-spoke Aero turbine wheel design, unique to this model. Likewise, runflat tires measuring 245/45 R19 front and 275/40 R19 rear enable the driver to continue even after a complete loss of pressure at a speed of up to 50 mph for up to 150 miles. As an added measure of security, the Tire Pressure Monitor will warn the driver if ever the pressure in any of the tires drops more than 20 percent.

ActiveHybrid safety systems.
The safety concept for the car's hybrid components is comprehensive. All components in the high-voltage system feature full insulation and special plug connectors. The lithium-ion battery is protected by a high-strength steel housing and is positioned between the wheel wells in the luggage compartment, and has already been subjected to a wide range of crash tests. Last but not least, the entire high-voltage system is automatically switched off within a fraction of a second in case of a malfunction or collision.

Best of Hybrid: flexible development for optimized concepts on each model.
The hybrid components featured in BMW ActiveHybrid 7 were developed jointly by BMW and Daimler in a cooperation project seeking to develop and test components for hybrid drive in luxury performance cars. Apart from the electric motor and the lithium-ion battery, this joint venture also served to develop the power electronics for the high-voltage network featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

Each manufacturer subsequently integrated the hybrid components into the respective model in accordance with individual, brand-specific requirements. One of the unique characteristics of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is exemplified by the combination of an electric motor with a V8 engine.
BMW ActiveHybrid is based on a modular principle which, following the Best of Hybrid strategy, ensures perfect integration of the optimum component in vari¬ous vehicle concepts. Hence, the mild hybrid concept of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is tailored ideally to the specific requirements of this model as is the full hybrid concept for BMW ActiveHybrid X6, which will arrive at BMW Centers later this year.

BMW Ultimate ServiceTM:
Providing owners with incredible value and peace of mind
The 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 will feature BMW Ultimate ServiceTM, a suite of services that includes the BMW Maintenance Program (formerly called Full Maintenance), Roadside Assistance and the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. BMW AssistTM with TeleService is available on all 7 models.

BMW Ultimate ServiceTM includes:
The BMW Maintenance Program is the only no-cost maintenance program in the industry that covers wear and tear items like brake pads and rotors for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. BMW owners pay nothing for all scheduled inspections, oil changes, brake pads, wiper blade inserts and other wear-and-tear items.

BMW Roadside Assistance is one of the industry's most comprehensive plans available. Not only is it no-charge for the first 4 years, but there is no mileage limit. BMW drivers enjoy the assurance of on-the-road help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. This includes everything from flat tire changes, emergency gasoline and lock-out assistance, to towing, alternative transportation and even trip-interruption benefits. This service also includes valuable trip routing advice.

BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty: All 2010 BMW passenger vehicles are covered by BMW's excellent Limited Warranty, which includes:
• New-vehicle warranty – 4-year/50,000-mile coverage of the vehicle.
• Rust-perforation warranty – 12-year/unlimited-mileage coverage.

BMW AssistTM provides the driver with services that enhance on-the-road security and convenience, for added peace of mind. The BMW Assist and Bluetooth® System is available and includes the Safety Plan for 4 years at no additional cost when ordered. BMW is the only manufacturer that offers this duration of service as other manufacturers only include the first year of service. The BMW Assist Safety Plan is a subscription based service that is subject to certain limitations.

The in-vehicle equipment for BMW Assist includes GPS technology and hands-free communication functions to deliver emergency and other services, accessed via buttons in the overhead or center console. The BMW Assist system transmits the location and vehicle information to the BMW Assist Response Center. A response specialist speaks with the vehicle occupants to coordinate dispatch, notify emergency contacts on file, and link BMW Roadside Assistance or emergency services as needed and/or requested. A severe accident automatically activates the Automatic Collision Notification function. The BMW Assist Safety Plan also includes Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery services, which can save the owner time and money. New to BMW Assist is MyInfo, which allows users to send business listings and street addresses with associated phone numbers from the internet, directly to their BMW.

TeleService automatically notifies the BMW center when the vehicle will need service. A service advisor then proactively calls the customer to set up a convenient appointment and have the needed parts ready.

BMW Assist subscribers can also enroll in the BMW Assist Convenience Plan (available at an additional cost of $199 per year) to avail themselves of many BMW Assist concierge services, from finding the lowest fuel price or the best French restaurant in the area to information on flight arrival gates or times, as well as receive directions, and traffic and weather information. On 2007 and later models, a selected destination and its phone number can be sent directly to the BMW Navigation system and the customer's Bluetooth linked mobile phone, after a push of the Concierge menu option. New is BMW Search, which allows online access to the Google Maps database inside the vehicle to quickly find a desired business with just a key word. The Convenience Plan also includes Critical Calling, a service that can connect the driver to a requested party via a response specialist in case their mobile phone is not in the vehicle or its battery is discharged.

Lastly, the BMW Assist system includes Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity with phonebook access and speech recognition for dialing by name or number via the steering wheel controls. Use of this feature requires a customer-provided compatible Bluetooth mobile phone. To learn more about BMW Assist, please visit www.bmwassist.com.

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