Ben Affleck's 10-year-old son Samuel Garner Affleck got behind the wheels of a yellow Lamborghini SUV on Sunday and smashed it into another vehicle when he put the car on the reverse by accident.&nbsp;According to reports, Affleck and his fiancee Jennifer Lopez were at a luxury car rental dealership in Los Angeles when Samuel Garner Affleck got behind the wheels of the car and accidentally put it in the reverse. The Lamborghini Urus, which Samuel banged to another car, rents at a whopping $1,475 per day. The SUV reportedly hit a BMW of the same size.&nbsp; 
 
Reports state that the two cars had only minor damage as the rear bumper on the passenger side of the Lamborghini went and hit the BMW's front wheel and possibly the fender. The report stated that no one got hurt in the accident. 
Samuel reportedly came out of the car to check the damages he had caused. Affleck too checked for damages and was seen comforting his son.&nbsp; 
 
Speaking to a daily, an employee from the dealership, 777 Exotics, explained that the cars in their lot were parked tightly together. “When Samuel got into the car, it jerked back and forth,” he said, adding, "We have a small lot and the cars are close." 
 
Ben Affleck shares Samuel and daughters Violet and Saraphina with his ex-wife, actress Jennifer Garner. Affleck is at present engaged to singer-actress Jennifer Lopez.&nbsp;

Ben Affleck's 10-year-old son Samuel Garner Affleck got behind the wheels of a yellow Lamborghini SUV on Sunday and smashed it into another vehicle when he put the car on the reverse by accident.

Ben Affleck's 10-year-old son Samuel Garner Affleck got behind the wheels of a yellow Lamborghini SUV on Sunday and smashed it into another vehicle when he put the car on the reverse by accident. According to reports, Affleck and his fiancee Jennifer Lopez were at a luxury car rental dealership in Los Angeles when Samuel Garner Affleck got behind the wheels of the car and accidentally put it in the reverse. The Lamborghini Urus, which Samuel banged to another car, rents at a whopping $1,475 per day. The SUV reportedly hit a BMW of the same size. Reports state that the two cars had only minor damage as the rear bumper on the passenger side of the Lamborghini went and hit the BMW's front wheel and possibly the fender. The report stated that no one got hurt in the accident. Samuel reportedly came out of the car to check the damages he had caused. Affleck too checked for damages and was seen comforting his son. Speaking to a daily, an employee from the dealership, 777 Exotics, explained that the cars in their lot were parked tightly together. “When Samuel got into the car, it jerked back and forth,” he said, adding, "We have a small lot and the cars are close." Ben Affleck shares Samuel and daughters Violet and Saraphina with his ex-wife, actress Jennifer Garner. Affleck is at present engaged to singer-actress Jennifer Lopez.

Ben Affleck's 10-year-son accidentally smashes a Lamborghini SUV into a parked BMW 

Wild card Holger Rune of Denmark pulled a stunning upset Wednesday of top-seeded German Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-2 in the Round of 16 at the BMW Open in Munich, Germany. Zverev is the No. 3 player in the world and had the decided homecourt advantage but had his serve broken four times by the 18-year-old en route to losing in one hour and 40 minutes. Rune, No. 70 in the world, scored the first top 10 victory of his career.

Rune will play Finland`s Emil Ruusuvuori in the quarterfinals. Ruusuvuori defeated Maxime Cressy 6-3, 6-3. 
Seventh-seeded Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia ousted another German, Daniel Altmaier, 6-2, 6-4 in 73 minutes. Kecmanovic will get fourth-seeded Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia in the quarters. Basilashvili needed to rally to get past Ilya Ivashka of Belarus 3-6, 6-2, 6-4.

Millennium Estoril Open 
Three Spaniards and an American each advanced from the Round of 16 with victories in Estoril, Portugal. 
Fourth-seeded Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, sixth-seeded Albert Ramos-Vinolas and lucky loser Fernando Verdasco secured victories. Fifth-seeded Frances Tiafoe defeated wild card Nuno Borges of Portugal 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-0.

Ramos-Vinolas, who defeated Soonwoo Kwon of South Korea 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 gets Verdasco in the quarterfinals. Fokina, who defeated countryman Bernabe Zapata Miralles 6-3, 7-6 (5), gets Tiafoe in the quarters.

Wild card Holger Rune of Denmark pulled a stunning upset Wednesday of top-seeded German Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-2 in the Round of 16 at the BMW Open in Munich, Germany.

Wild card Holger Rune of Denmark pulled a stunning upset Wednesday of top-seeded German Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-2 in the Round of 16 at the BMW Open in Munich, Germany. Zverev is the No. 3 player in the world and had the decided homecourt advantage but had his serve broken four times by the 18-year-old en route to losing in one hour and 40 minutes. Rune, No. 70 in the world, scored the first top 10 victory of his career. Rune will play Finland`s Emil Ruusuvuori in the quarterfinals. Ruusuvuori defeated Maxime Cressy 6-3, 6-3. Seventh-seeded Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia ousted another German, Daniel Altmaier, 6-2, 6-4 in 73 minutes. Kecmanovic will get fourth-seeded Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia in the quarters. Basilashvili needed to rally to get past Ilya Ivashka of Belarus 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. Millennium Estoril Open Three Spaniards and an American each advanced from the Round of 16 with victories in Estoril, Portugal. Fourth-seeded Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, sixth-seeded Albert Ramos-Vinolas and lucky loser Fernando Verdasco secured victories. Fifth-seeded Frances Tiafoe defeated wild card Nuno Borges of Portugal 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-0. Ramos-Vinolas, who defeated Soonwoo Kwon of South Korea 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 gets Verdasco in the quarterfinals. Fokina, who defeated countryman Bernabe Zapata Miralles 6-3, 7-6 (5), gets Tiafoe in the quarters.

ATP roundup: Teen sensation Holger Rune stuns Germany's Alexander Zverev at BMW

To show how much it cares about its employees, an Indian IT firm gifted BMW cars, each costing around US $130,000, to honour their loyalty and commitment to the company.

Five senior executives of global software-as-a-service company Kissflow Inc, which is headquartered in southern Chennai city, received BMW 530d on Friday.

The company appreciated them for assisting their boss in 'digging gold' and making the firm weather the COVID-19 storm that threatened the firm’s existence, as even some of the investors were doubtful of the firm’s success.

According to Kissflow Inc CEO Suresh Sambandam, these five employees were with him right from the inception of the company and stayed with him during the course of the journey, news agency PTI reported.

“There were difficult times. Even during the pandemic, the investors were not sure whether this company will sustain and build a future. Today we are very happy that we have paid back the investors and now it has become a fully owned privately held company," he was quoted as saying.

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Notably, not many were aware of the event on Friday, even those who received the cars were kept in the dark.

All the employees who were present at the event reportedly thought that they were being called in to discuss the future of the company.

"The cars are for these five who were with me when I dug 100 feet for gold (setting up Kissflow while others left the organisation midway)," Sambandam said.

When asked if the other would be handsomely rewarded, Sambandam, owner of a BMW 6 Series vehicle said, "this is an inspiration to them. We want to motivate them (to perform much better). We take care of our employees much better".

"For example, there is no sick leave or casual leave here unlike other companies. It is just one leave for them. If they do not want to come and work, they can work from home. There is no attendance system like biometric system and all...we know our employees", he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

To show how much it cares about its employees, an Indian IT firm gifted BMW cars, each costing around US $130,000, to honour their loyalty and commitment to the company.

To show how much it cares about its employees, an Indian IT firm gifted BMW cars, each costing around US $130,000, to honour their loyalty and commitment to the company. Five senior executives of global software-as-a-service company Kissflow Inc, which is headquartered in southern Chennai city, received BMW 530d on Friday. The company appreciated them for assisting their boss in 'digging gold' and making the firm weather the COVID-19 storm that threatened the firm’s existence, as even some of the investors were doubtful of the firm’s success. According to Kissflow Inc CEO Suresh Sambandam, these five employees were with him right from the inception of the company and stayed with him during the course of the journey, news agency PTI reported. “There were difficult times. Even during the pandemic, the investors were not sure whether this company will sustain and build a future. Today we are very happy that we have paid back the investors and now it has become a fully owned privately held company," he was quoted as saying. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kissflow (@kissflowinc) × Notably, not many were aware of the event on Friday, even those who received the cars were kept in the dark. All the employees who were present at the event reportedly thought that they were being called in to discuss the future of the company. "The cars are for these five who were with me when I dug 100 feet for gold (setting up Kissflow while others left the organisation midway)," Sambandam said. When asked if the other would be handsomely rewarded, Sambandam, owner of a BMW 6 Series vehicle said, "this is an inspiration to them. We want to motivate them (to perform much better). We take care of our employees much better". "For example, there is no sick leave or casual leave here unlike other companies. It is just one leave for them. If they do not want to come and work, they can work from home. There is no attendance system like biometric system and all...we know our employees", he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: This Indian IT firm gifted BMW cars to employees for their loyalty

BMW cut its car division's 2022 profit margin forecast and said that it expected the chip crisis to drag on throughout the year, the latest automaker to warn of supply chain disruptions exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

BMW to prioritise EVs amid Ukraine crisis, cuts 2022 profit margin forecast

Due to potential fire risks in cars, BMW is recalling 1.03 million vehicles worldwide. Heater for PCV may short-circuit.

Potential fire risk in BMW cars: BMW recalling 1.03 million vehicles worldwide

BMW is recalling over 917,000 older cars and SUVs in the United States, the majority of which are being recalled for the third time, to remedy a fault that can cause engine compartment fires.

Many BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, 1 Series, X5, X3, and Z4 vehicles from the 2006 to 2013 model years are included in the recall.

According to documents released by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wednesday, the positive crankcase ventilation valve heater could have an electrical short.

They have the potential to overheat and catch fire.&nbsp;

The automobiles are at risk of catching fire while being driven or shortly after being parked.

Because fires have been rare, BMW claims the vehicles can still be driven.

However, according to business instructions, if a driver smells smoke or sees smoke coming from the engine compartment, they should pull over to a safe spot, turn off the engine, and exit the car.

The German automaker is still working on a solution.

Owners will be notified by letter beginning April 25, according to the statement.

The majority of the vehicles were recalled in 2017 and 2019 due to the same issue.

According to BMW papers, owners who had their vehicles repaired previously would need to have them repaired again.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

BMW is recalling over 917,000 older cars and SUVs in the United States, the majority of which are being recalled for the third time, to remedy a fault that can cause engine compartment fires.

BMW is recalling over 917,000 older cars and SUVs in the United States, the majority of which are being recalled for the third time, to remedy a fault that can cause engine compartment fires. Many BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, 1 Series, X5, X3, and Z4 vehicles from the 2006 to 2013 model years are included in the recall. According to documents released by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wednesday, the positive crankcase ventilation valve heater could have an electrical short. They have the potential to overheat and catch fire. The automobiles are at risk of catching fire while being driven or shortly after being parked. Because fires have been rare, BMW claims the vehicles can still be driven. However, according to business instructions, if a driver smells smoke or sees smoke coming from the engine compartment, they should pull over to a safe spot, turn off the engine, and exit the car. The German automaker is still working on a solution. Owners will be notified by letter beginning April 25, according to the statement. The majority of the vehicles were recalled in 2017 and 2019 due to the same issue. According to BMW papers, owners who had their vehicles repaired previously would need to have them repaired again. (With inputs from agencies)

BMW recalls vehicles for 3rd time due to engine fire risk

German luxury carmaker BMW launched its all-electric SUV iX in India at an introductory price of Rs 1.16 crore, the first of the three electric vehicles that it plans to drive in the country in the next 6 months.

BMW launches iX electric SUV in India, priced at Rs 1.16 cr

Ahead of the second and final leg of IPL 14, in the UAE, Shikhar Dhawan has added a luxurious BMW M8&nbsp;Coupe, worth a whopping 2.18&nbsp;crores, to his collection. The Team India and Delhi Capitals (DC) opener has, thus, purchased the luxurious car and added it to his garage recently. For the unversed, the left-hander is one of the star Indian cricketers and also among the richest in the world of competitive cricket.

Labelled as the most powerful coupe model sold in India by the German luxury car-maker, the BMW M8 Coupe had made heads turn nationwide following its launch last year. The luxury car features one of the most powerful engines. Dhawan was able to buy the stylish car as he remains&nbsp;in category A in the players contract in Indian cricket, despite being a limited-overs specialist. In addition, he remains one of the highest-paid Indian cricketers.

Dhawan was last seen on the cricket field during the India-Sri Lanka limited-overs series in the island nation. Back then, Dhawan led a second-stringed Indian team in three ODIs and as many T20Is, where the Men in Blue won the ODIs (2-1) but lost the T20Is by the same margin.&nbsp;

The left-hander is now gearing up for the second and final leg of IPL 2021, in the UAE, after the first-half was postponed indefinitely in the wake of the second wave of novel coronavirus in India.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ahead of the second and final leg of IPL 14, in the UAE, Shikhar Dhawan has added a luxurious BMW M8 Coupe, worth a whopping 2.18 crores, to his collection. The Team India and Delhi Capitals (DC) opener has, thus, purchased the luxurious car and added it to his garage recently.

Ahead of the second and final leg of IPL 14, in the UAE, Shikhar Dhawan has added a luxurious BMW M8 Coupe, worth a whopping 2.18 crores, to his collection. The Team India and Delhi Capitals (DC) opener has, thus, purchased the luxurious car and added it to his garage recently. For the unversed, the left-hander is one of the star Indian cricketers and also among the richest in the world of competitive cricket. Labelled as the most powerful coupe model sold in India by the German luxury car-maker, the BMW M8 Coupe had made heads turn nationwide following its launch last year. The luxury car features one of the most powerful engines. Dhawan was able to buy the stylish car as he remains in category A in the players contract in Indian cricket, despite being a limited-overs specialist. In addition, he remains one of the highest-paid Indian cricketers. Dhawan was last seen on the cricket field during the India-Sri Lanka limited-overs series in the island nation. Back then, Dhawan led a second-stringed Indian team in three ODIs and as many T20Is, where the Men in Blue won the ODIs (2-1) but lost the T20Is by the same margin. The left-hander is now gearing up for the second and final leg of IPL 2021, in the UAE, after the first-half was postponed indefinitely in the wake of the second wave of novel coronavirus in India.

Shikhar Dhawan adds luxurious BMW M8 Coupe, worth INR 2.18 crores, to his collection ahead of IPL 14

BMW has launched the 2021 facelifted 5-Series in India, and it continues to rival the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Audi A6. The new BMW 5-Series has got a new look as well as some revised mechanicals and updated features. But is it remains the best-in-class driver-centric sedan? That's what we are finding in this review.

WION Pitstop: 2021 BMW 5-Series facelift review

The European Union has handed down more than $1 billion in fines to four major German car manufacturers, saying they colluded to limit the development and rollout of car emission control systems.

World Business Watch: EU fines 4 German carmakers over emission collusion

The EU's antitrust authority on Thursday fined German auto giants Volkswagen and&nbsp;BMW&nbsp;875 million euros for colluding on the development of anti-pollution technology for diesel cars.

Launched after anti-cartel raids in 2017, the case marked yet another blow against the German auto-making sector, which was rocked by the devastating "dieselgate" emissions cheating scandal that broke in 2015.&nbsp;

The case found that while the car giants had not formed a formal cartel, they had made illegal agreements to limit the introduction of "AdBlue" or urea to diesel engine exhaust gases, reducing its effectiveness as a way to produce cleaner emissions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bmw-faces-us-lawsuit-claiming-emissions-cheating-126743">BMW faces US lawsuit claiming emissions cheating</a>

Daimler, which alerted the European Commission to the issue, was spared a fine.

"Today's case is about how legitimate cooperation has gone wrong. Carmakers had developed a very good technology, but decided not to compete to exploit it to its full potential," EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager told reporters.

"Instead, they decided to collude by indicating to each other that none of them would aim at cleaning above the minimum standards required by law," Vestager added.

Volkswagen's admission to manipulating 11 million vehicles worldwide to appear less polluting unleashed a wave of anger at the auto industry, and Brussels launched an in-depth cartel investigation into the three companies.

In a statement,&nbsp;BMW&nbsp;stressed that the EU had dropped earlier allegations that the auto giants colluded on putting off cleaner particulate filters for petrol cars.

It also accused the European Commission of entering "uncharted territory for antitrust law" with its decision as it had failed to prove the existence of a price-fixing cartel but inflicted fines in any case.

The commission's biggest-ever fine of 2.93 billion euros was handed to Europe's top truck makers,&nbsp;including Daimler, in 2016 for colluding over 14 years to fix prices and dodge the costs of stricter pollution rules.

The EU's antitrust authority on Thursday fined German auto giants Volkswagen and BMW 875 million euros for colluding on the development of anti-pollution technology for diesel cars.

The EU's antitrust authority on Thursday fined German auto giants Volkswagen and BMW 875 million euros for colluding on the development of anti-pollution technology for diesel cars. Launched after anti-cartel raids in 2017, the case marked yet another blow against the German auto-making sector, which was rocked by the devastating "dieselgate" emissions cheating scandal that broke in 2015. The case found that while the car giants had not formed a formal cartel, they had made illegal agreements to limit the introduction of "AdBlue" or urea to diesel engine exhaust gases, reducing its effectiveness as a way to produce cleaner emissions. Also read | BMW faces US lawsuit claiming emissions cheating Daimler, which alerted the European Commission to the issue, was spared a fine. "Today's case is about how legitimate cooperation has gone wrong. Carmakers had developed a very good technology, but decided not to compete to exploit it to its full potential," EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager told reporters. "Instead, they decided to collude by indicating to each other that none of them would aim at cleaning above the minimum standards required by law," Vestager added. Volkswagen's admission to manipulating 11 million vehicles worldwide to appear less polluting unleashed a wave of anger at the auto industry, and Brussels launched an in-depth cartel investigation into the three companies. In a statement, BMW stressed that the EU had dropped earlier allegations that the auto giants colluded on putting off cleaner particulate filters for petrol cars. It also accused the European Commission of entering "uncharted territory for antitrust law" with its decision as it had failed to prove the existence of a price-fixing cartel but inflicted fines in any case. The commission's biggest-ever fine of 2.93 billion euros was handed to Europe's top truck makers, including Daimler, in 2016 for colluding over 14 years to fix prices and dodge the costs of stricter pollution rules.

EU slaps VW, BMW with 875-million-euro antitrust fine

German carmaker BMW warned a chip shortage that has plagued the car industry may lead to further lost production, it showed no signs of abating and supply would remain tight in the second half of the year.

World Business Watch: BMW warns on chip shortage, output to suffer on critical supply

BMW has launched the M Performance version of its new 3-Series model, the M340i, in the Indian market. It basically is a bridge car between the standard 3-Series and the completely performance-oriented M3. So, it offers a taste of performance while maintaining the luxury and convenience of a luxury sedan. Here's our take on the new BMW M340i.

WION Pitstop: BMW M340i xDrive India review

German carmaker BMW expects at least half of its sales to be zero-emission vehicles by 2030. BMW said around 90% of its market categories would have fully-electric models available by 2023 and the electric BMW i4 would be launched three months ahead of schedule this year.

World Business Watch: BMW expects half of its sales to be zero-emission vehicles by 2030

German luxury carmaker BMW is planning to step up its production of electric vehicles, Chief Executive Oliver Zipse told German daily Augsburger Allgemeine.

BMW aims for 20% of its vehicles to be electric by 2023

US securities regulators charged BMW with inflating its retail sales volumes to investors, fining the luxury car company $18 million in a settlement.

BMW fined $18 Mn in US over inflated sales data

As a result of the sales slide, and higher costs for developing low-emission cars, BMW posted a pretax loss of 498 million euros, its first in over 11 years

BMW loses almost $800 million as sales slide during lockdowns | Automobile | Markets | WION

Coronavirus Pandemic has dented the economic process of some of the biggest well-known car brands including Mercedes. Watch report.

German car industry on a decline: Volkswagen may shift production to Poland

The coronavirus pandemic has slammed the brakes on the auto sector. Lockdowns had brought it to a screeching halt, both in terms of manufacturing and consumer demand. Carmakers across the world are now slowly restarting their factories.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organisation-will-continue-to-lead-global-fight-against-pandemic-tedros-299723" hreflang="en">WHO will continue to lead global fight against pandemic: Tedros</a>

But while the production gets back on track, sales have nosedived. In April, it was down anywhere between 50 per cent to 100 per cent and the road ahead is set to be a rocky.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-infection-may-lead-to-mental-health-issues-says-study-299680" hreflang="en">Coronavirus infection may lead to mental health issues, says study</a>

The Wuhan virus has devasted&nbsp;the auto industry. Car factories were among the first to be shut and&nbsp;manufacturing came to a halt.

Sales plummeted after showrooms were shut. Auto companies across the world are now surveying the damage.

And it doesn't look good. European auto market was down by over 76 per cent in&nbsp;April.&nbsp;New car registrations fell by over 55 per cent in March. Every EU nation has suffered double-digit losses.

Europe's automobile powerhouse -&nbsp;Germany witnessed a 61 per cent fall in car sales which is the worst since 1990. France saw new car sales fall&nbsp;nearly 89 per cent in April.

Italy and Spain, the worst hit by the Wuhan virus, saw virtually no sales. Their auto sector was down by almost 97 per cent in the last month.

Denmark and Sweden were the least hit. Their market fell by more than a third. Car majors like Fiat-Chrysler, Jeep and Alfa Romeo have suffered the most, however, BMW, Mitsubishi and Volvo fared the best.

In Britain, sales of new cars plunged 97 per cent in April. The worst in nearly 75 years.&nbsp;In Russia, car sales plummeted by 72 per cent in April 2020. Less than 40,000 units were sold. It's the biggest monthly drop since Russia's car sales figures began to be tracked in 2008.

The situation is so bad that American automakers are refusing to report monthly sales data.&nbsp;In Asia, the situation is grim with a15 per cent drop in March.&nbsp;

Car sales in Indonesia spiralled&nbsp;over 91 per cent in April. Less than 8,000 cars were sold in the country during the month. In the same period last year, more than 84,000 cars&nbsp;were sold.

American auto sales have plunged so badly that companies are refusing to report monthly sales data. The likes of General Motors and Ford are now releasing only quarterly numbers.

However, carmakers in India are still putting out monthly sales numbers and they have been some of the worst in decades.

Passenger vehicle sales fell 50 per cent on average across companies. It is estimated that India's auto sector suffered a daily revenue loss of over $300 million due to plant closures.

All across the world car factories are slowly cranking back to work but things aren't about to get better anytime soon for automakers.

Rating agency Moody's expects global auto sales to plummet 20 per cent in 2020. That's because consumer sentiment has been the biggest casualty of all. Jobs and livelihoods are facing the wrath of the pandemic. People's confidence to spend big money buying cars is at the lowest.

Even as cars start lining up to be rolled out of assembly lines. The question is will people queue up to buy them?

The coronavirus pandemic has slammed the brakes on the auto sector. Lockdowns had brought it to a screeching halt, both in terms of manufacturing and consumer demand.

The coronavirus pandemic has slammed the brakes on the auto sector. Lockdowns had brought it to a screeching halt, both in terms of manufacturing and consumer demand. Carmakers across the world are now slowly restarting their factories. Also read: WHO will continue to lead global fight against pandemic: Tedros But while the production gets back on track, sales have nosedived. In April, it was down anywhere between 50 per cent to 100 per cent and the road ahead is set to be a rocky. Also read: Coronavirus infection may lead to mental health issues, says study The Wuhan virus has devasted the auto industry. Car factories were among the first to be shut and manufacturing came to a halt. Sales plummeted after showrooms were shut. Auto companies across the world are now surveying the damage. And it doesn't look good. European auto market was down by over 76 per cent in April. New car registrations fell by over 55 per cent in March. Every EU nation has suffered double-digit losses. Europe's automobile powerhouse - Germany witnessed a 61 per cent fall in car sales which is the worst since 1990. France saw new car sales fall nearly 89 per cent in April. Italy and Spain, the worst hit by the Wuhan virus, saw virtually no sales. Their auto sector was down by almost 97 per cent in the last month. Denmark and Sweden were the least hit. Their market fell by more than a third. Car majors like Fiat-Chrysler, Jeep and Alfa Romeo have suffered the most, however, BMW, Mitsubishi and Volvo fared the best. In Britain, sales of new cars plunged 97 per cent in April. The worst in nearly 75 years. In Russia, car sales plummeted by 72 per cent in April 2020. Less than 40,000 units were sold. It's the biggest monthly drop since Russia's car sales figures began to be tracked in 2008. The situation is so bad that American automakers are refusing to report monthly sales data. In Asia, the situation is grim with a15 per cent drop in March. Car sales in Indonesia spiralled over 91 per cent in April. Less than 8,000 cars were sold in the country during the month. In the same period last year, more than 84,000 cars were sold. American auto sales have plunged so badly that companies are refusing to report monthly sales data. The likes of General Motors and Ford are now releasing only quarterly numbers. However, carmakers in India are still putting out monthly sales numbers and they have been some of the worst in decades. Passenger vehicle sales fell 50 per cent on average across companies. It is estimated that India's auto sector suffered a daily revenue loss of over $300 million due to plant closures. All across the world car factories are slowly cranking back to work but things aren't about to get better anytime soon for automakers. Rating agency Moody's expects global auto sales to plummet 20 per cent in 2020. That's because consumer sentiment has been the biggest casualty of all. Jobs and livelihoods are facing the wrath of the pandemic. People's confidence to spend big money buying cars is at the lowest. Even as cars start lining up to be rolled out of assembly lines. The question is will people queue up to buy them?

Coronavirus pandemic smashes auto sector worldwide

It's not just groceries and medicines even cars can be ordered online and get home delivered.&nbsp;The coronavirus pandemic has forced car makers in India to adopt a new strategy&nbsp;of sales and delivery.&nbsp;

Carmakers are expecting reduced customer footfall due to fear psychosis that may prevail even after the lockdown gets over. The car dealerships are shut and the customers will not throng to showrooms as soon as lockdown is lifted to buy cars even if they have money. All this has forced carmakers to adjust to the new normal of post-pandemic reality thorough online sales and doorstep delivery medium.&nbsp;

Under the schemes announced by various carmakers, customers can take the online demonstration of their favourite set of wheels, &nbsp;book and pay online before getting the delivery at their doorstep.&nbsp;

German carmakers BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Japanese carmaker Honda have launched these scheme to push sales that will help them even after lockdown is over. Mercedes had started its online platform in January this year to sell used cars and the service has now been expanded to facilitate the purchase of new cars.&nbsp;

Mercedes-Benz that is already running once such facility in Germany expect that 25 per cent of its worldwide passenger car sales will be made through online channels by the year 2025 while for its rival BMW, India is the first country where its contactless experience has been introduced, &nbsp;

“Amidst the current pandemic situation, we have successfully transformed our business processes and put in place various measures to effectively and efficiently serve our existing customers and prospects by leveraging these new-age digital technologies", said Arlindo Teixeira, acting president, BMW Group, India&nbsp;

Customers can even go for customization of cars before booking and they will be eligible for discount schemes and special offers applicable for the online sale of cars. Carmakers are also providing this facility on used cars.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"But bringing everything online is not an easy task. Volkswagen had to integrate its 137 sales and 116 service touchpoints in this process", said a Volkswagen India executive

Carmakers believe online sales experience will not only help them to promote sales but also provide a better interface with the millennials and young customers who prefer everything online. But this medium may be practical for selling only popular car models. For the latest and the lesser selling models, customers may still prefer to go to showrooms to get convinced about their purchase decision. &nbsp;

It's not just groceries and medicines even cars can be ordered online and get home delivered. The coronavirus pandemic has forced car makers in India to adopt a new strategy of sales and delivery.

It's not just groceries and medicines even cars can be ordered online and get home delivered. The coronavirus pandemic has forced car makers in India to adopt a new strategy of sales and delivery. Carmakers are expecting reduced customer footfall due to fear psychosis that may prevail even after the lockdown gets over. The car dealerships are shut and the customers will not throng to showrooms as soon as lockdown is lifted to buy cars even if they have money. All this has forced carmakers to adjust to the new normal of post-pandemic reality thorough online sales and doorstep delivery medium. Under the schemes announced by various carmakers, customers can take the online demonstration of their favourite set of wheels, book and pay online before getting the delivery at their doorstep. German carmakers BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Japanese carmaker Honda have launched these scheme to push sales that will help them even after lockdown is over. Mercedes had started its online platform in January this year to sell used cars and the service has now been expanded to facilitate the purchase of new cars. Mercedes-Benz that is already running once such facility in Germany expect that 25 per cent of its worldwide passenger car sales will be made through online channels by the year 2025 while for its rival BMW, India is the first country where its contactless experience has been introduced, “Amidst the current pandemic situation, we have successfully transformed our business processes and put in place various measures to effectively and efficiently serve our existing customers and prospects by leveraging these new-age digital technologies", said Arlindo Teixeira, acting president, BMW Group, India Customers can even go for customization of cars before booking and they will be eligible for discount schemes and special offers applicable for the online sale of cars. Carmakers are also providing this facility on used cars. "But bringing everything online is not an easy task. Volkswagen had to integrate its 137 sales and 116 service touchpoints in this process", said a Volkswagen India executive Carmakers believe online sales experience will not only help them to promote sales but also provide a better interface with the millennials and young customers who prefer everything online. But this medium may be practical for selling only popular car models. For the latest and the lesser selling models, customers may still prefer to go to showrooms to get convinced about their purchase decision.

Carmakers go online to boost falling sales amid virus pandemic

Robert&nbsp;Kubica&nbsp;has joined <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sauber-f1-team-changes-name-to-alfa-romeo-racing-194422">Alfa Romeo</a> as their 2020 reserve driver, the role the Pole carried out 14 years ago when he made his Formula One debut with the Swiss-based team then known as BMW Sauber.

The deal announced on Wednesday also sees Polish oil company PKN ORLEN, who backed the 35-year-old's comeback last season at former champions Williams, become a co-title sponsor of the team in a multi-year partnership.

Kubica's big break came in 2006 when he became Poland's first F1 racer, replacing Canada's 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve at BMW Sauber and going on to win with them at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix.

The Pole, who suffered a near-fatal rally accident in 2011 that partially severed his right arm, scored tail-enders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/williams-equal-f1-pit-stop-record-834">Williams</a>' only point last year in a remarkable personal comeback clouded by the team's inability to provide a competitive car.

He announced in September that he was leaving and has since been replaced by Canadian Nicholas Latifi, the team's 2019 reserve.

"I'm starting a new chapter in my career by joining Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN. This is a team that has a special place in my heart and it'll be nice to see the familiar faces I still remember from Hinwil," said&nbsp;Kubica&nbsp;in a statement.

"Time and circumstances are obviously different, but I am convinced that I will find the same determination and hunger to succeed."

Kubica&nbsp;had also been linked to the Haas and Racing Point teams who had considered him for a role as a tester and simulator driver.

Ferrari-powered Alfa Romeo's race drivers this year are Finland's 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen and Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, an unchanged lineup from 2019.

Team principal Frederic Vasseur welcomed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-williams-problems-give-kubica-little-time-to-soak-up-comeback-203309">Kubica</a>, who before his accident raced for Renault and was close to becoming a Ferrari driver, back to the Hinwil factory.

"He is a driver that needs no introduction: one of the most brilliant in his generation and one who displayed the true meaning of human determination in his fight to return to racing after his rallying accident," he said.

"His feedback will be invaluable as we continue to push our team towards the front of the grid."

Alfa Romeo finished last season in eighth place with 57 points.

The team said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-iran-squeezed-out-us-oil-takes-on-new-rivals-in-europe-196711">PKN ORLEN</a> branding will feature on the C39 car and all "trackside assets".

Robert Kubica has joined Alfa Romeo as their 2020 reserve driver, the role the Pole carried out 14 years ago when he made his Formula One debut with the Swiss-based team then known as BMW Sauber.

Robert Kubica has joined Alfa Romeo as their 2020 reserve driver, the role the Pole carried out 14 years ago when he made his Formula One debut with the Swiss-based team then known as BMW Sauber. The deal announced on Wednesday also sees Polish oil company PKN ORLEN, who backed the 35-year-old's comeback last season at former champions Williams, become a co-title sponsor of the team in a multi-year partnership. Kubica's big break came in 2006 when he became Poland's first F1 racer, replacing Canada's 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve at BMW Sauber and going on to win with them at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix. The Pole, who suffered a near-fatal rally accident in 2011 that partially severed his right arm, scored tail-enders Williams' only point last year in a remarkable personal comeback clouded by the team's inability to provide a competitive car. He announced in September that he was leaving and has since been replaced by Canadian Nicholas Latifi, the team's 2019 reserve. "I'm starting a new chapter in my career by joining Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN. This is a team that has a special place in my heart and it'll be nice to see the familiar faces I still remember from Hinwil," said Kubica in a statement. "Time and circumstances are obviously different, but I am convinced that I will find the same determination and hunger to succeed." Kubica had also been linked to the Haas and Racing Point teams who had considered him for a role as a tester and simulator driver. Ferrari-powered Alfa Romeo's race drivers this year are Finland's 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen and Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, an unchanged lineup from 2019. Team principal Frederic Vasseur welcomed Kubica, who before his accident raced for Renault and was close to becoming a Ferrari driver, back to the Hinwil factory. "He is a driver that needs no introduction: one of the most brilliant in his generation and one who displayed the true meaning of human determination in his fight to return to racing after his rallying accident," he said. "His feedback will be invaluable as we continue to push our team towards the front of the grid." Alfa Romeo finished last season in eighth place with 57 points. The team said PKN ORLEN branding will feature on the C39 car and all "trackside assets".

Formula 1: Kubica opens new chapter as Alfa Romeo reserve

BMW and its partner Great Wall Motor said they plan to build a plant in China with a capacity of 160,000 cars per year, and which will produce BMW's electric MINI brand and Great Wall Motor models.

BMW and its partner Great Wall Motor said they plan to build a plant in China with a capacity of 160,000 cars per year, and which will produce BMW's electric MINI brand and Great Wall Motor models. The 650 million euro ($716 million) plant is due for completion in 2022. Automakers and suppliers are scrambling to meet tough new Chinese quotas for less polluting cars. Those rules call for electric and rechargeable hybrid vehicles to account for a fifth of total sales by 2025. The new joint venture Spotlight Automotive, will be based in Zhangjiagang near Shanghai and eventually employ 3,000 staff. Earlier this month, Great Wall gained domestic regulatory approval for the new plant. Great Wall is China's top sport utility vehicle and pick-up truck maker. It also builds Ora, an affordable battery electric vehicle brand in Baoding, the city where it is based. BMW is following the footsteps of larger peer Volkswagen, which is readying two Chinese factories to build electric cars next year, and which will have a combined production capacity of 600,000 vehicles. Tesla is aiming for more than 500,000 cars a year by building a new factory in Shanghai.

BMW, Great Wall to build new China plant for electric cars

BMW has launched the seventh-generation of its entry sedan, the 3 Series, in India at Rs 41.40 lakh. Codenamed G20, the all-new luxury sedan is available with petrol and diesel engine options and comes in three trim levels. We got to drive its 320d variant with a 2.0-litre, turbocharged diesel engine that produces 190bhp and 400Nm of torque. Watch the video to know about our experience with the new BMW 3 Series sedan.

WION Pitstop: 2019 BMW 3 Series sedan review

Tushar Atre, Indian-American tycoon abducted from California home, found dead in BMW. Watch this video to know more.

Tushar Atre, Indian-American tycoon abducted from California home, found dead in BMW

Four major automakers said on Thursday they have reached a voluntary agreement with the state of California on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/raw-materials-behind-half-of-global-emissions-united-nations-202865">fuel efficiency rules</a>, bypassing a Trump administration effort to strip the state of the right to fight climate change by setting its own standards.

California and other states had vowed to enforce stricter emissions standards put in place by the Obama administration after President Donald Trump proposed rolling back the federal rules. Automakers had worried that years of court battles between the state and federal governments could create uncertainty for manufacturers.

The California compromise proposal is more stringent than Trump's proposal but looser than the Obama-era rule. California, the most populous US&nbsp;state, accounts for about 12 per cent&nbsp;of US&nbsp;vehicle sales, and if the administration recognizes the deal it would allow automakers to operate under one set of national rules.

"Ensuring that America’s vehicles are efficient, safe and affordable is a priority for us all," Ford Motor Co, BMW AG, Volkswagen AG and Honda Motor Co said in a joint statement. They said the accord could help maintain a nationwide set of fuel efficiency requirements.

The automakers "didn't want to face the expense, distraction and the bad publicity that comes from being part of a big rollback on clean cars," Mary Nichols, who chairs the California Air Resources Board, told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday. She said the companies sought regulatory certainty and had agreed not to legally challenge California's vehicle regulatory authority.

Nichols said other automakers could also adopt the compromise if they choose. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said in a statement the deal demonstrates the Obama era rules needed revising but added it "looked forward to reviewing the details of this agreement."

The Trump administration in August 2018 proposed revoking California's right to impose state emissions standards or require more electric vehicles. The administration argued that federal law preempts states from setting their owns rules.

Under Trump, federal regulators backed freezing emissions requirements for new cars and trucks at 2020 levels through 2026. The proposal by the US.Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is not expected to go to the White House for final review for at least several more weeks, people briefed on the matter said.

Nichols said that if the administration moves forward with that plan, California "will continue to enforce our regulations and pursue legal challenges to the federal rule."

The White House did not immediately comment on the California deal with the automakers. NHTSA said in a statement it will keep working to finalize the regulation, and that its proposal "contained no language that would prevent any auto manufacturer from designing and building next-generation highly fuel-efficient vehicles."

The Obama-era rules adopted in 2012 called for a fleetwide fuel efficiency average of 46.7 miles per gallon by 2025, with average annual increases of about 5 percent, compared with 37 mpg by 2026 under the Trump administration’s preferred option.

California's compromise with the automakers would increase stringency of the requirements at a nationwide average annual rate of 3.7% starting in the 2022 model year through 2026, and 1% of that annual improvement could be covered by credits awarded for building electrified vehicles.

The deal extends credits for building electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel vehicles and also hikes the cap for winning credits for fuel efficiency improvements not captured by traditional testing. California agreed to remove a requirement to account for upstream emissions of fuels.

"A 50-state solution has always been our preferred path forward and we understand that any deal involves compromise," the automakers' statement said. They said the deal gives "regulatory certainty by allowing us to meet both federal and state requirements with a single national fleet, avoiding a patchwork of regulations while continuing to ensure meaningful greenhouse gas emissions reductions."

On June 6, 17 major automakers wrote a letter to Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom seeking to revive talks to avoid "an extended period of litigation and instability." The White House rejected that effort and automakers and California launched private talks.

Democrats in Congress hope the agreement could lead to a resolution. Senator Tom Carper urged all automakers "to seize this important opportunity" and added he hoped the "administration will abandon its efforts which are reckless, illegal and bound to send the automotive sector into years of litigation and economic disarray."

Automakers credited Trump with reopening the requirements after the Obama administration in its final weeks had sought to lock them in through 2025. In White House meetings, they have urged Trump officials to reach a deal.

Nichols said the compromise would allow the White House to declare "victory" because it "slowed down the pace" of required fuel economy improvements. She added California is getting "substantially the same results in terms of getting cleaner cars onto the road but it makes it happen a year later."

Newsom said in a statement that the deal will "make the air cleaner and safer for us all... I now call on the rest of the auto industry to join us, and for the Trump administration to abandon its regressive proposal and do what is right for our economy, our people, and our planet."

A dozen US&nbsp;states have adopted California's vehicle emissions rules covering more than a third of all US&nbsp;sales.

Four major automakers said on Thursday they have reached a voluntary agreement with the state of California on fuel efficiency rules, bypassing a Trump administration effort to strip the state of the right to fight climate change by setting its own standards.

Four major automakers said on Thursday they have reached a voluntary agreement with the state of California on fuel efficiency rules, bypassing a Trump administration effort to strip the state of the right to fight climate change by setting its own standards. California and other states had vowed to enforce stricter emissions standards put in place by the Obama administration after President Donald Trump proposed rolling back the federal rules. Automakers had worried that years of court battles between the state and federal governments could create uncertainty for manufacturers. The California compromise proposal is more stringent than Trump's proposal but looser than the Obama-era rule. California, the most populous US state, accounts for about 12 per cent of US vehicle sales, and if the administration recognizes the deal it would allow automakers to operate under one set of national rules. "Ensuring that America’s vehicles are efficient, safe and affordable is a priority for us all," Ford Motor Co, BMW AG, Volkswagen AG and Honda Motor Co said in a joint statement. They said the accord could help maintain a nationwide set of fuel efficiency requirements. The automakers "didn't want to face the expense, distraction and the bad publicity that comes from being part of a big rollback on clean cars," Mary Nichols, who chairs the California Air Resources Board, told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday. She said the companies sought regulatory certainty and had agreed not to legally challenge California's vehicle regulatory authority. Nichols said other automakers could also adopt the compromise if they choose. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said in a statement the deal demonstrates the Obama era rules needed revising but added it "looked forward to reviewing the details of this agreement." The Trump administration in August 2018 proposed revoking California's right to impose state emissions standards or require more electric vehicles. The administration argued that federal law preempts states from setting their owns rules. Under Trump, federal regulators backed freezing emissions requirements for new cars and trucks at 2020 levels through 2026. The proposal by the US.Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is not expected to go to the White House for final review for at least several more weeks, people briefed on the matter said. Nichols said that if the administration moves forward with that plan, California "will continue to enforce our regulations and pursue legal challenges to the federal rule." The White House did not immediately comment on the California deal with the automakers. NHTSA said in a statement it will keep working to finalize the regulation, and that its proposal "contained no language that would prevent any auto manufacturer from designing and building next-generation highly fuel-efficient vehicles." The Obama-era rules adopted in 2012 called for a fleetwide fuel efficiency average of 46.7 miles per gallon by 2025, with average annual increases of about 5 percent, compared with 37 mpg by 2026 under the Trump administration’s preferred option. California's compromise with the automakers would increase stringency of the requirements at a nationwide average annual rate of 3.7% starting in the 2022 model year through 2026, and 1% of that annual improvement could be covered by credits awarded for building electrified vehicles. The deal extends credits for building electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel vehicles and also hikes the cap for winning credits for fuel efficiency improvements not captured by traditional testing. California agreed to remove a requirement to account for upstream emissions of fuels. "A 50-state solution has always been our preferred path forward and we understand that any deal involves compromise," the automakers' statement said. They said the deal gives "regulatory certainty by allowing us to meet both federal and state requirements with a single national fleet, avoiding a patchwork of regulations while continuing to ensure meaningful greenhouse gas emissions reductions." On June 6, 17 major automakers wrote a letter to Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom seeking to revive talks to avoid "an extended period of litigation and instability." The White House rejected that effort and automakers and California launched private talks. Democrats in Congress hope the agreement could lead to a resolution. Senator Tom Carper urged all automakers "to seize this important opportunity" and added he hoped the "administration will abandon its efforts which are reckless, illegal and bound to send the automotive sector into years of litigation and economic disarray." Automakers credited Trump with reopening the requirements after the Obama administration in its final weeks had sought to lock them in through 2025. In White House meetings, they have urged Trump officials to reach a deal. Nichols said the compromise would allow the White House to declare "victory" because it "slowed down the pace" of required fuel economy improvements. She added California is getting "substantially the same results in terms of getting cleaner cars onto the road but it makes it happen a year later." Newsom said in a statement that the deal will "make the air cleaner and safer for us all... I now call on the rest of the auto industry to join us, and for the Trump administration to abandon its regressive proposal and do what is right for our economy, our people, and our planet." A dozen US states have adopted California's vehicle emissions rules covering more than a third of all US sales.

Bypassing Trump, four major automakers reach agreement on fuel efficiency with California

BMW will seek to appoint a chief executive later this month after Harald Krueger said he did not want to extend his contract, pre-empting deliberations about whether to give him another five-year term at the helm.

"Harald Krueger today informed the Chairman of the Supervisory Board that he will not seek another term of office beyond his current term running until 30 April 2020," the carmaker said.

The Munich-based carmaker said it will address the issue of CEO succession on July 18.

Production Chief Oliver Zipse, Chief Financial Officer Nicolas Peter and R&amp;D board member Klaus Froehlich are seen as potential successors.

"After more than ten years in the Board of Management, more than four of which as the CEO of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/sachin-tendulkar-launches-bmw-new-x5-suv-in-india-219186&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjL5pD62J3jAhWK7XMBHeNBDfEQFjAJegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3c911qP-QPkyTv84HtdyYN">BMW</a> Group, I would like to pursue new professional endeavours and leverage my diverse international experience for new projects and ventures," Krueger said in a statement.

Under Krueger's leadership, BMW lost the title of best-selling luxury carmaking brand to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/mercedes-benz-launches-long-wheelbase-e-class-luxury-sedan-in-india-starting-at-rs-575-lakh-220165&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi9i8aO2Z3jAhXD63MBHeNYACMQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1f_znlX-ZOzTjk-xL3DVXU">Mercedes-Benz</a> in 2016 and put the brakes on a plan to mass-produce carbon-fibre based electric cars at a time when zero-emission vehicles made by Tesla were gaining traction with customers.

Krueger, a former production chief, was hastily installed as CEO designate in December 2014 and formally took office in May 2015 following the defection of Herbert Diess to rival Volkswagen.

Krueger, who is 53, avoided high-profile appearances in front of large crowds since he collapsed on stage during his first major news conference as CEO during the Frankfurt car show in September 2015.

The company sent Chief Financial Officer Nicolas Peter to high-profile meetings including a visit to the White House last year.

In 2018 when French president Emmanuel Macron invited carmakers to an auto industry summit on the eve of the Paris motor show, Peter, who speaks fluent French, was also chosen to be BMW's representative.

At BMW's annual results news conference earlier this year, the company sidestepped questions about whether Krueger would receive a contract extension. BMW spokesman Maximilian Schoeberl at the time said succession was "not a topic" being discussed.

BMW will seek to appoint a chief executive later this month after Harald Krueger said he did not want to extend his contract, pre-empting deliberations about whether to give him another five-year term at the helm.

BMW will seek to appoint a chief executive later this month after Harald Krueger said he did not want to extend his contract, pre-empting deliberations about whether to give him another five-year term at the helm. "Harald Krueger today informed the Chairman of the Supervisory Board that he will not seek another term of office beyond his current term running until 30 April 2020," the carmaker said. The Munich-based carmaker said it will address the issue of CEO succession on July 18. Production Chief Oliver Zipse, Chief Financial Officer Nicolas Peter and R&D board member Klaus Froehlich are seen as potential successors. "After more than ten years in the Board of Management, more than four of which as the CEO of the BMW Group, I would like to pursue new professional endeavours and leverage my diverse international experience for new projects and ventures," Krueger said in a statement. Under Krueger's leadership, BMW lost the title of best-selling luxury carmaking brand to Mercedes-Benz in 2016 and put the brakes on a plan to mass-produce carbon-fibre based electric cars at a time when zero-emission vehicles made by Tesla were gaining traction with customers. Krueger, a former production chief, was hastily installed as CEO designate in December 2014 and formally took office in May 2015 following the defection of Herbert Diess to rival Volkswagen. Krueger, who is 53, avoided high-profile appearances in front of large crowds since he collapsed on stage during his first major news conference as CEO during the Frankfurt car show in September 2015. The company sent Chief Financial Officer Nicolas Peter to high-profile meetings including a visit to the White House last year. In 2018 when French president Emmanuel Macron invited carmakers to an auto industry summit on the eve of the Paris motor show, Peter, who speaks fluent French, was also chosen to be BMW's representative. At BMW's annual results news conference earlier this year, the company sidestepped questions about whether Krueger would receive a contract extension. BMW spokesman Maximilian Schoeberl at the time said succession was "not a topic" being discussed.

BMW seeks new CEO after Harald Krueger announces 2020 retirement

German luxury car maker BMW on Thursday launched the new generation X5 SUV in India at a starting price of Rs 72.9 lakh for diesel variants. The car was launched by BMW Group India acting president Hans-Christian Bartels and legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar.

Sachin Tendulkar launches BMW new X5 SUV in India

German luxury car maker BMW on Thursday launched the new generation X5 SUV in India at a starting price of Rs 72.9 lakh for diesel variants.

The car was launched by BMW Group India acting president Hans-Christian Bartels and legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar.

BMW X5 is one of the most selling models for the car makers in the domestic market, and the latest version of the SUV will compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLE, Volvo XC90, Range Rover Velar, Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q7.

"BMW established the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment with the launch of BMW X5 in 1999. The BMW X5 has been the best-selling car in this segment for many years and has become one of our most successful models. The all-new BMW X5 is bound to add another chapter to this success story," said Bartels.

BMW sold 13 per cent more cars in India in the previous calendar year at 11,105 units as against 9,800 units in 2017.

The group also reported its highest-ever first quarter sales at 2,982 units in the March quarter this year.

The sales of the BMW brand cars surged 19 per cent to 2,822 units during the quarter against the same period a year ago.

The MINI brand sold 160 units during the period, an increase of 18 per cent from the year-ago period.

Besides, BMW Motorrad, the group's premium luxury motorcycle arm, also sold 597 bikes during the first quarter of 2019.

"I saw the first time (the car) when I was in Europe, and once I got out of the airport, an X5 was parked for me," Tendulkar said.&nbsp;

German luxury car maker BMW on Thursday launched the new generation X5 SUV in India at a starting price of Rs 72.9 lakh for diesel variants. The car was launched by BMW Group India acting president Hans-Christian Bartels and legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar. BMW X5 is one of the most selling models for the car makers in the domestic market, and the latest version of the SUV will compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLE, Volvo XC90, Range Rover Velar, Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q7. "BMW established the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment with the launch of BMW X5 in 1999. The BMW X5 has been the best-selling car in this segment for many years and has become one of our most successful models. The all-new BMW X5 is bound to add another chapter to this success story," said Bartels. BMW sold 13 per cent more cars in India in the previous calendar year at 11,105 units as against 9,800 units in 2017. The group also reported its highest-ever first quarter sales at 2,982 units in the March quarter this year. The sales of the BMW brand cars surged 19 per cent to 2,822 units during the quarter against the same period a year ago. The MINI brand sold 160 units during the period, an increase of 18 per cent from the year-ago period. Besides, BMW Motorrad, the group's premium luxury motorcycle arm, also sold 597 bikes during the first quarter of 2019. "I saw the first time (the car) when I was in Europe, and once I got out of the airport, an X5 was parked for me," Tendulkar said.

BMW launches new X5 SUV in India, prices start at Rs 72.9 lakh

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday labelled as "frightening" tough US trade rhetoric planning to declare European car imports a national security threat.

"If these cars... suddenly spell a threat to US national security, than that is frightening to us," she said.&nbsp;

Merkel pointed out that the biggest car plant of German luxury brand BMW was not in Bavaria but in South Carolina, from where it exports vehicles to China.

"All I can say is it would be good if we could resume proper talks with one another," she said at the Munich Security Conference.

"Then we will find a solution."

A US Commerce Department report has concluded that auto imports threaten national security, setting the stage for possible tariffs by the White House, two people familiar with the matter said Thursday.

The investigation, ordered by President Donald Trump in May, is "positive" with respect to the central question of whether the imports "impair" US national security, said a European auto industry source.

"It's going to say that auto imports are a threat to national security," said an official with another auto company.

The report, which is expected to be delivered to the White House by a Sunday deadline, has been seen as a major risk for foreign automakers.&nbsp;

Trump has threatened to slap 25 per cent duties on European autos, especially targeting Germany, which he says has harmed the American car industry.

After receiving the report, the US president will have 90 days to decide whether to move ahead with tariffs.

Trump in July reached a trade truce with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, with the two pledging no new tariffs while the negotiations continued.

Brussels has already drawn up a list of 20 billion euros ($22.6 billion) in US exports for retaliatory tariffs should Washington press ahead, the Commission's Director-General for Trade Jean-Luc Demarty told the European Parliament last month.

The White House has used the national security argument -- saying that undermining the American manufacturing base impairs military readiness, among other claims -- to impose steep tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, drawing instant retaliation from the EU, Canada, Mexico and China.

Trading partners have sometimes reacted with outrage at the suggestion their exports posed a threat to US national security.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday labelled as "frightening" tough US trade rhetoric planning to declare European car imports a national security threat.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday labelled as "frightening" tough US trade rhetoric planning to declare European car imports a national security threat. "If these cars... suddenly spell a threat to US national security, than that is frightening to us," she said. Merkel pointed out that the biggest car plant of German luxury brand BMW was not in Bavaria but in South Carolina, from where it exports vehicles to China. "All I can say is it would be good if we could resume proper talks with one another," she said at the Munich Security Conference. "Then we will find a solution." A US Commerce Department report has concluded that auto imports threaten national security, setting the stage for possible tariffs by the White House, two people familiar with the matter said Thursday. The investigation, ordered by President Donald Trump in May, is "positive" with respect to the central question of whether the imports "impair" US national security, said a European auto industry source. "It's going to say that auto imports are a threat to national security," said an official with another auto company. The report, which is expected to be delivered to the White House by a Sunday deadline, has been seen as a major risk for foreign automakers. Trump has threatened to slap 25 per cent duties on European autos, especially targeting Germany, which he says has harmed the American car industry. After receiving the report, the US president will have 90 days to decide whether to move ahead with tariffs. Trump in July reached a trade truce with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, with the two pledging no new tariffs while the negotiations continued. Brussels has already drawn up a list of 20 billion euros ($22.6 billion) in US exports for retaliatory tariffs should Washington press ahead, the Commission's Director-General for Trade Jean-Luc Demarty told the European Parliament last month. The White House has used the national security argument -- saying that undermining the American manufacturing base impairs military readiness, among other claims -- to impose steep tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, drawing instant retaliation from the EU, Canada, Mexico and China. Trading partners have sometimes reacted with outrage at the suggestion their exports posed a threat to US national security.

Merkel says US calling European cars a threat is 'frightening'

South Korea said Monday it will fine German automaker BMW 11.2 billion won ($10 million) for allegedly dragging its feet in recalling cars with faulty engines linked to dozens of engine fires.

BMW vehicles bursting into flames made headlines in South Korea earlier this year, with local media reporting more than 40 cases in 2018 and some parking lots refusing to accept BMW cars over fears they could catch fire.

The auto giant recalled more than 170,000 vehicles in South Korea with a faulty exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler, which the firm blamed for the fires.

In August, it announced a recall for Europe and some Asian countries including South Korea&nbsp;of 480,000 cars affected by the same problem, before expanding it to more than one million additional diesel cars two months later.

"BMW announced earlier that it had become aware of the connection between the faulty EGR cooler and the fire only on July 20 this year," the South Korean transport ministry said in a statement, announcing the results of a five-month probe.

"But we discovered that... BMW's German headquarters had already formed a special team in October 2015 tasked with solving the EGR cooler problem."

In addition to the fine, the ministry will also ask prosecutors to investigate BMW for allegedly delaying acknowledgement of the issue on purpose and dragging its feet on the recall.

In South Korea, six out of 10 imported cars are from Germany, with BMW selling nearly 39,000 in the first six months of this year, according to the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association.

South Korea said Monday it will fine German automaker BMW 11.2 billion won ($10 million) for allegedly dragging its feet in recalling cars with faulty engines linked to dozens of engine fires.

South Korea said Monday it will fine German automaker BMW 11.2 billion won ($10 million) for allegedly dragging its feet in recalling cars with faulty engines linked to dozens of engine fires. BMW vehicles bursting into flames made headlines in South Korea earlier this year, with local media reporting more than 40 cases in 2018 and some parking lots refusing to accept BMW cars over fears they could catch fire. The auto giant recalled more than 170,000 vehicles in South Korea with a faulty exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler, which the firm blamed for the fires. In August, it announced a recall for Europe and some Asian countries including South Korea of 480,000 cars affected by the same problem, before expanding it to more than one million additional diesel cars two months later. "BMW announced earlier that it had become aware of the connection between the faulty EGR cooler and the fire only on July 20 this year," the South Korean transport ministry said in a statement, announcing the results of a five-month probe. "But we discovered that... BMW's German headquarters had already formed a special team in October 2015 tasked with solving the EGR cooler problem." In addition to the fine, the ministry will also ask prosecutors to investigate BMW for allegedly delaying acknowledgement of the issue on purpose and dragging its feet on the recall. In South Korea, six out of 10 imported cars are from Germany, with BMW selling nearly 39,000 in the first six months of this year, according to the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association.

South Korea to fine BMW $10 mn over slow response to engine fires

German high-end carmaker BMW said Tuesday it would recall more than one million additional diesel cars, citing a problem with the exhaust system that "in extreme cases can cause a fire".

"In some diesel vehicles, glycol cooling fluid can leak" from a faulty component called the exhaust gas recirculation cooler, which can combine with other substances in the system to create the fire risk, the group said.

BMW said it was contacting sellers who would in turn get in touch with owners of the affected vehicles to arrange a checkup.

"The exhaust recirculation module will be checked and if there is a fault the parts will be exchanged," the group said.

BMW had in August announced a recall for Europe and some Asian countries of over 480,000 vehicles affected by the same problem, and issued an apology in South Korea after around 30 cars caught fire there this year.

It said Tuesday it had checked more diesel models and identified a "minimal risk" of fire in some of them.

The latest recall brings the total number of cars affected to some 1.6 million around the world.

Shares in BMW shed 1.4 percent to trade at 73.38 euros ($84.21) in Frankfurt by 11:45 am (0945 GMT), against a DAX index of blue-chip German shares down 2.1 percent.

German high-end carmaker BMW said Tuesday it would recall more than one million additional diesel cars, citing a problem with the exhaust system that "in extreme cases can cause a fire".

German high-end carmaker BMW said Tuesday it would recall more than one million additional diesel cars, citing a problem with the exhaust system that "in extreme cases can cause a fire". "In some diesel vehicles, glycol cooling fluid can leak" from a faulty component called the exhaust gas recirculation cooler, which can combine with other substances in the system to create the fire risk, the group said. BMW said it was contacting sellers who would in turn get in touch with owners of the affected vehicles to arrange a checkup. "The exhaust recirculation module will be checked and if there is a fault the parts will be exchanged," the group said. BMW had in August announced a recall for Europe and some Asian countries of over 480,000 vehicles affected by the same problem, and issued an apology in South Korea after around 30 cars caught fire there this year. It said Tuesday it had checked more diesel models and identified a "minimal risk" of fire in some of them. The latest recall brings the total number of cars affected to some 1.6 million around the world. Shares in BMW shed 1.4 percent to trade at 73.38 euros ($84.21) in Frankfurt by 11:45 am (0945 GMT), against a DAX index of blue-chip German shares down 2.1 percent.

BMW to recall more than 1 million cars over exhaust system fire risk

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