News Release

28th July 2004

MICHAEL FABRICANT MP VISITS BMW ENGINE PLANT AT HAMS HALL

Launch of new BMW 1 Series will increase demand for engines produced at BMW's West Midlands engine factory

On Friday 9 July, the Lichfield MP and shadow DTI minister Michael Fabricant was welcomed to the state-of-the-art BMW engine factory at Hams Hall, near Coleshill in North Warwickshire, by plant director Harald Krueger. Mr Fabricant was informed about the successful development of the plant since its launch in January 2001 and was told about plans to increase production output and create new jobs.

This year, the Hams Hall facility, which produces all of BMW's four-cylinder petrol engines, will build around 140,000 units for export to the BMW vehicle plants in Germany and South Africa. Currently, these engines are used to power the immensely successful BMW 3 Series models. The introduction in September 2004, however, of the eagerly awaited new BMW 1 Series will see production rise next year to well over 200,000 engines as the company enters the compact segment of the car market with a premium brand product.

Plant director Harald Krueger explained to Mr Fabricant that the BMW Group's successful strategy of achieving profitable growth exclusively with premium quality products will lead to new jobs at the Hams Hall plant, which draws its workforce from across the West Midlands. The UK is the BMW Group's third largest market worldwide for sales. It is also the only country in which all three of the BMW Group's premium brands - BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce - has a manufacturing presence.

Mr Fabricant said: "I was delighted to discuss BMW's long-term commitment to the West Midlands and to the UK. I was also impressed by its approach to developing the skills and qualifications of its employees and by its impressive commitment to environmental management. BMW is investing substantially in both and is a major asset to the community. I was also able to thank BMW personally for its generous support as principal sponsor of this year's Lichfield Festival."