News

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – September 23, 2025 – It all started with a shocking discovery in a dusty barn that changed the course of BMW’s racing legacy in North America forever. Today, BMW NA’s classic collection preserves some of the brand’s most iconic race cars, thanks to passionate individuals who knew these machines deserved more than to be forgotten.

A Barn Full of Forgotten Icons

In 1985, BMW NA’s new Motorsport Manager, Erik Wensberg, stumbled upon a hidden treasure trove. “I can recall the very day, because I’d only been with the company for about three months,” said Wensberg. “I was at Lime Rock and was told that our race team, DM Engineering, had a bunch of our stuff gathering dust in a barn next to their shop in Danbury, Connecticut. I had no idea what they were talking about, but I said I’d come up and see.”

“I opened the door of this barn, turned on the single light bulb hanging in the middle, and I was stunned. There’s the 320i Turbo with no wheels, sitting on the dirt floor. There’s the March M1/C, on its side. Two M1s, and a bunch of other stuff, wheels and boxes everywhere.” Wensberg discovered that the plan was to donate the entire lot to a trade school. “I said, ‘The hell it will! You lock this door and don’t open it until I tell you.’”

Back at headquarters, Wensberg told BMW’s Vice-President of Marketing, Hans Riedel, “Hans, this is a crime. All of our racing DNA is sitting in a pile of dirt in Connecticut, and they’re going to give it all away. We’ve got to restore these cars, bring them out, and show them as elements of pride in our history.”

Restoring the Cars That Defined BMW’s Racing DNA

With no restoration budget, Wensberg and Riedel got creative. “Riedel would bring me into every planning meeting where we were talking about a new production car and he’d say, ‘Erik, I think we need a vintage car here! What should we do?’ And I’d say, ‘Well, we could put the CSL there, but I need $45,000 to [have Jack Deren] restore it.’ ‘Okay, give Erik $45,000!’ We restored five or six cars one after another, and displayed them to great acclaim. We did a whole campaign with the enthusiast books, talking about a commitment to performance that dates back decades rather than months.”

Wensberg’s successor, Larry Koch, expanded the collection further. “The goal was to promote BMW performance and the M brand, and to show goodwill towards the BMW Car Club of America and various charities,” Koch said. “I added passenger seats to as many race cars as possible so we could provide rides, and I also started running the cars each year at the Monterey Historics, Lime Rock, and other vintage races, with the driver who drove the car when new if possible. We even took the March 86G and CSL to Goodwood, with Marc Surer and (then BMW NA CEO) Tom Purves driving in 2002 and 2003. It was all great fun, not ridiculously expensive, and it gained a lot of good press.”

Building a Legacy for Future Generations

After BMW NA’s racing hiatus in 2007, Koch shifted to preserving production cars. “After the 1996 BMW celebration at Monterey, I wrote a paper that basically said we should use BMW’s heritage to promote the brand, and to differentiate BMW from the Lexus/Infiniti/Acura brands that had no heritage,” Koch said. “A subsequent consumer survey showed that brand heritage was the third most important factor in BMW purchases at that time, so we embarked on a heritage campaign—you’ll notice references to it in the TV ads of the time. It was also very popular with the BMW CCA, whose members were great extensions of the brand.”

When Tom Plucinsky took over in 2012, he continued the mission with precision. “For me, it’s an honor and a privilege to be able to curate and preserve the heritage of BMW NA through the classic collection,” Plucinsky said. “When I took over in late 2012 the E92 M3 GT racing program was just ending, and I inherited all the assets,” he continued. “We finished the 2012 season with two good cars, but unfortunately the chassis with the most provenance (#1101) had been crashed mid-season, and once the tub was repaired, it had remained as the spare chassis. My first order of business was restoring #1101 back to its 2012 Sebring-winning specification and livery. I also had to negotiate with BMW Motorsport to keep a couple of sets of the proprietary aerodynamic wheels that were used for the long races.”

“My second task was to rebuild #901, which was the very first M3 GT2 built and the 2009 Team and Manufacturers Championship-winning car,” Plucinsky said. “Again, both Team Principal, Bobby Rahal and BMW Motorsport were very supportive, finding the early parts and devoting the time needed to restore that car.”

Preserving Icons, Telling BMW’s Story

Today, BMW Group Classic USA, under Plucinsky’s leadership, preserves both race and road cars—from the ALPINA XB7 that marked Spartanburg’s seven millionth vehicle to the legendary 2002tii that helped launch BMW in North America. “Today, the vehicles in the collection are used for a variety of communications initiatives,” Plucinsky said. “For example, last year was the launch of the new BMW M5 and M5 Touring, so examples of previous-generation M5s were in high demand for marketing and PR communications and events. This year is the 50th Anniversary of the BMW 3 Series, so both the street and racing versions of these cars are in high demand. Finally, for my favorite classic activation this year, BMW NA celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters on its 50th Anniversary, and what better way to cut the ribbon than with the model that started it all for BMW in North America: the BMW 2002tii!”

Learn more at www.bmwusa.com.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – September 23, 2025 – BMW of North America has announced an exciting leadership update that promises to strengthen its operations across the U.S. heartland. Beginning July 1, 2025, Patrick Clark will step into the role of Vice President, Central Region, overseeing sales, marketing, aftersales, and center development functions spanning 12 midwestern states and 78 BMW dealers.

This appointment brings Clark back to the U.S. after his successful tenure as Director of National Sales & Network Development at BMW Canada. He will report directly to Shaun Bugbee, Executive Vice President of Operations for BMW of North America.

A Proven Leader Returns Home

Clark’s impressive track record makes his return particularly noteworthy. During his time in Canada, he achieved remarkable sales milestones. As Bugbee stated, “Under Patrick’s leadership and guidance, BMW achieved record sales results for both BEV and M models in Canada, while simultaneously gaining market share against key competitors. We’re happy to welcome Patrick back to the U.S. – and back to the Central Region where he successfully steered sales prior his move to the Canadian market in 2024.”

Clark’s career with the BMW Group began in 1996 at BMW Group Financial Services, NA. Over the next 24 years, he accumulated valuable experience rotating through finance and operations positions. His leadership grew further when he served as Financial Services Sales and Marketing Manager in the Southern Region, and then as Regional Sales Manager for the Central Region in 2020.

What This Means for BMW Customers

For BMW enthusiasts across the Midwest, Clark’s appointment signals a renewed commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences and innovative vehicles. His deep understanding of the U.S. market and passion for driving growth will elevate the BMW ownership journey in the region.

Customers can look forward to:

• Strengthened dealer partnerships and aftersales service.
• Enhanced support for BMW’s electrified and high-performance models.
• More engaging marketing efforts that bring the latest BMW innovations closer to home.

BMW’s Lasting Impact in the U.S.

BMW of North America has been a driving force in the American automotive industry for 50 years. Its presence spans nearly 30 corporate locations in 12 states, from the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, to the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina — the largest single BMW production facility worldwide, assembling over 1,500 vehicles daily.

Beyond manufacturing, BMW’s U.S. footprint includes Designworks in Santa Monica, CA, and its technology and venture capital operations in Silicon Valley. This extensive network of facilities and retailers supports over 120,000 jobs in the U.S. and contributes more than $43.3 billion annually to the economy.

Looking Ahead

As Patrick Clark prepares to lead the Central Region, BMW’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth remains stronger than ever.

Learn more about BMW’s latest news and products at www.bmwusanews.com.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – September 23, 2025 – For decades, BMW motorcycles have patrolled the roads of Europe and Asia, but their journey to becoming a mainstay of American police fleets was anything but smooth. Today, more than 3,500 BMW R 1250 RT-P motorcycles serve over 500 U.S. police agencies—thanks to innovation, persistence, and a game-changing deal with the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

The First Foray and Early Challenges

BMW first attempted to break into the American police market in 1984, supplying 150 R 100 RT motorcycles to the San Francisco Police Department. While that initial program showed promise, BMW retreated after a liability lawsuit involving Kawasaki bikes cast a shadow over the authority motorcycle business.

A few years later, BMW returned with the K 75 model. But as Frank Stevens, then BMW Motorrad USA’s National Sales Manager, explained, “We did some test sales, but the K 75 was not an ideal police motorcycle because of its riding position, its saddlebag design and storage. It was expensive if you dropped it or fell over, because the protection system wasn’t very good.”

Winning Over the California Highway Patrol

Things began to change in 1994, when the CHP agreed to test 20 ABS-equipped BMW K 75 RT-Ps against their aging Kawasaki KZ1000Ps. The advanced anti-lock braking system impressed officers, even if statistical proof of its benefits proved elusive. Armed with feedback from this trial, BMW developed the R 1100 RT-P, adding key upgrades like:

• Improved protection bars
• A second battery with enhanced charging
• An auxiliary fan to prevent overheating
• Stable handling and tight-turn agility

But there was a catch: the R 1100 RT-P’s price tag of $15,828 was more than double that of a Kawasaki. To win the CHP contract, Stevens negotiated a creative buy-back agreement: “We didn’t want the liability of a lease, so we sold the motorcycles with a buy-back clause. California agreed to pay much more up front because their total cost would be less, if the motorcycle survived to the end of the term.”

BMW’s buy-back offer reduced the net cost of each bike to $5,900—undercutting Kawasaki’s price while offering better long-term value.

Overcoming Obstacles and Perfecting the Ride

Approval wasn’t immediate. A CHP sergeant detected a wobble during final tests, prompting Stevens and his team to scramble. They replaced wheels, changed tires, and modified parts until the BMW passed CHP standards. “Thank goodness [local Sacramento dealer] A&S had a bunch of RTs in the showroom,” Stevens recalled. Ultimately, BMW’s efforts paid off, and A&S, a trusted BMW dealer since 1988, delivered the initial fleet.

Driving Reliability and Loyalty

BMW’s engineering made a real difference for officers. Maintenance intervals were longer than Kawasaki’s—6,000 miles between services instead of 3,000—and the shaft drive eliminated frequent chain adjustments. Many bikes hit 60,000 miles in under two years, leading the CHP to extend their service life limits to 80,000, then 100,000, and eventually 120,000 miles.

Officers also appreciated BMW’s support. “They discovered how well BMW dealers take care of their customers, which created a bond of loyalty that certainly didn’t exist with Kawasaki,” Stevens noted. Officers could even buy discounted civilian BMWs, spreading goodwill for the brand.

Continuous Improvements and Nationwide Adoption

BMW didn’t rest on its laurels. The R 1100 RT was replaced by the R 1150 in 2001, the R 1200 RT in 2004, and the current R 1250 RT in 2019—each adapted as an RT-P Authority bike. Features like electronic engine management allowed BMWs to run on regular fuel, saving agencies thousands each year.

BMW also introduced innovations such as modern sirens, integrated lighting, improved alternators, and even rifle holsters tailored to police needs. As Stevens put it, “They experienced a relationship that radiates through all of the people within their orbit of influence, and it really did contribute noticeably to sales of motorcycles in California.”

Though the CHP briefly switched to Harley-Davidsons, they continue adding new BMWs to their fleet. Today, BMW RT-P motorcycles serve major agencies including the Los Angeles Police Department, the Phoenix Police Department, and the Honolulu Police Department.

A Legacy of Excellence on America’s Roads

BMW’s dedication to police motorcycle design, unmatched customer support, and willingness to innovate transformed their bikes into trusted partners for law enforcement. Officers and agencies across the country continue to rely on BMW’s legendary performance and commitment to rider safety.

Learn more at www.bmwmotorcycles.com.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – September 23, 2025 – BMW Group Financial Services North America is ushering in a new era of leadership for its pre-owned vehicle business, announcing that Broderick McKinney will take the reins as Vice President, Used Cars, effective July 1, 2025. McKinney steps into the role following the successful tenure of Rocio Carrascosa, who will return to Spain to become the CEO of BMW Bank GmbH’s Spanish branch.

A Proven Leader Ready to Drive Growth

BMW customers and enthusiasts can look forward to exciting developments as McKinney brings his wealth of experience to the used car sector. Having served as Vice President, Central Region at BMW of North America since 2020, McKinney led the Midwest region to record new vehicle sales over the past two years, demonstrating a sharp understanding of consumer preferences and dealer collaboration.

In his new position, McKinney will report directly to Birgit Boehm, President and CEO of BMW Group Financial Services, NA, and will join the BMW Group Financial Services Executive Committee. His mission will focus on strengthening BMW’s pre-owned operations — a vital area for drivers seeking premium quality at a smart value.

Confidence from Leadership and Thanks to a Trailblazer

Birgit Boehm shared her enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, “We are excited to welcome Broderick to the BMW Group Financial Services, NA team as he takes over the pre-owned business, a critical component of our operations. With his extensive experience within the sales company and working alongside our dealer network, we are confident that he will drive continued growth and innovation in this key area. At the same time, we want to express our sincere gratitude to Rocio for her strong leadership and contributions over these past three years. We wish her all the best as she returns to her home market to take on this exciting new role.”

This heartfelt endorsement underscores BMW’s commitment to maintaining a seamless transition and continued excellence in serving customers across North America.

A Journey of Dedication and Success

McKinney’s career with BMW has been marked by steady growth and impactful leadership. He joined BMW of North America in 2003 as Market Sales Operations Manager in the Chicago Market. His subsequent roles included serving as Department Head for MINI in the Central Region, further broadening his understanding of the BMW Group’s diverse portfolio and customer base.

What This Means for BMW Drivers

For BMW enthusiasts and used car shoppers, this leadership change promises an invigorated focus on delivering top-quality certified pre-owned vehicles, innovative financing options, and enhanced dealership experiences. With BMW Group Financial Services already financing over half of all BMW vehicles sold or leased in North America and managing more than $40 billion in serviced assets, the division remains a powerhouse in luxury automotive finance.

BMW Group Financial Services, established in the U.S. in 1992, continues to offer leasing, retail and commercial financing, and banking products tailored to the needs of BMW customers. Its robust network of more than 900 employees and a regional service center in Columbus, Ohio ensures that customers across the U.S. and Canada receive exceptional support and service.

Learn more about BMW Group Financial Services and their offerings at bmwusa.com.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – September 23, 2025 – BMW has officially lifted the veil on the 2026 BMW M2 CS, a thrilling evolution of its compact high-performance sports car that’s set to redefine driving pleasure for enthusiasts craving both track-day performance and everyday usability. With a 523 hp inline 6-cylinder engine, a nearly 100-pound weight reduction, and CS-exclusive chassis enhancements, the new M2 CS promises adrenaline-pumping acceleration and razor-sharp dynamics like never before.

A Powerhouse Engine That Sets the Pulse Racing

At the heart of the M2 CS lies a reworked 3.0-liter S58 inline 6-cylinder engine, tuned by BMW M engineers to deliver 523 hp at 6,250 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque between 2,700 and 5,730 rpm. This marks a 50 hp jump over the standard M2, thanks to upgrades like optimized engine mapping and motorsport-derived details, including a forged crankshaft, closed-deck construction, and wire-arc sprayed iron cylinder bores. With these enhancements, the M2 CS surges from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 188 mph.

Precision Handling Meets Intelligent Lightweight Design

The new M2 CS features an impressive 97-pound weight reduction achieved through strategic use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in components like the roof, trunk lid, rear diffuser, and M Carbon bucket seats. The result is a power-to-weight ratio of 7.2 lbs/hp, enhancing agility and responsiveness.

BMW has also fine-tuned the Adaptive M Suspension, lowering the chassis by 0.2 inches and recalibrating the springs, dampers, and M Servotronic steering for unmatched precision. CS-exclusive forged alloy wheels in matte Gold Bronze, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, come fitted with high-performance tires, ensuring outstanding grip.

A Ferocious Design with Track-Ready Features

Visually, the M2 CS radiates motorsport intent with distinctive M exterior mirrors, a CS-specific rear diffuser, and an exposed carbon fiber roof. A lightweight CFRP trunk lid with an integrated ducktail spoiler and “M2 CS” logo in bold red outline give the car an unmistakable, aggressive stance. Buyers can choose from four striking colors: Black Sapphire metallic, Brooklyn Grey metallic, Portimao Blue metallic (all at no extra cost), or the exclusive BMW Individual Velvet Blue metallic for $3,000.

A Driver-Centric Cockpit with Motorsport Flair

Step inside, and the M2 CS envelops you in an Alcantara-trimmed performance environment. Heated M Carbon bucket seats with removable head restraints and illuminated “CS” logos ensure both comfort and track-day readiness. The M Alcantara steering wheel, complete with gearshift paddles, a red center marker, and configurable M buttons, connects driver and machine seamlessly.

Carbon fiber trim elements accentuate the cabin’s sporty character, complemented by illuminated “CS” logos on the door panels and red highlights throughout. The advanced BMW Operating System 8.5 powers a 12.3-inch information display and 14.9-inch control display, offering seamless access to climate functions, BMW Maps, and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.

Track Performance with Everyday Comfort and Safety

The new M2 CS doesn’t sacrifice daily drivability for track performance. It comes standard with the M-specific cooling system, ensuring optimal engine temperatures during spirited drives. Safety features include Forward Collision Mitigation, Active Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assistant, and Parking Assistant, blending high-performance thrills with peace of mind.

Deliveries of the 2026 BMW M2 CS are set to begin in Q3 2025, with production commencing at BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí in August. Prices start at a base MSRP of $98,600 plus $1,175 for destination and handling.

Learn more at www.bmwusa.com

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – September 23, 2025 – BMW i Ventures is taking a major step to transform data quality management by leading a $10 million Series A investment in Qualytics, an innovative platform that automates data quality for enterprises. As companies accelerate their AI and analytics efforts, reliable data has never been more important — and Qualytics is stepping up to meet the need.

Empowering Enterprises to Trust Their Data

Founded by data veterans Gorkem Sevinc and Eric Simmerman, Qualytics gives businesses the power to proactively manage data quality through automated anomaly detection, intelligent rule generation, and intuitive no-code workflows. The platform is designed for seamless collaboration between technical and business teams. The investment aligns with Gartner’s prediction that “70% of organizations will adopt modern data quality tools by 2027.”

Driving Change in the AI Era

Introducing the investment, Baris Guzel, Partner at BMW i Ventures, shared: “At its core, Qualytics solves a problem every data-driven organization thinks it’s managing, until the costs of bad data hit,” said Baris Guzel, Partner at BMW i Ventures. “The dirty secret in today’s AI arms race is that most models are trained on unreliable inputs. Garbage in, garbage out. Qualytics flips that on its head. They bring continuous, automated data quality monitoring to the production layer and that’s a foundational shift. We’ve seen this movie before: cloud migration, observability, DevOps. The winners are the ones who instrument complexity without slowing velocity. Qualytics does just that for data quality. The team is technical, focused, and early in a massive wave. We’re thrilled to back them.”

Meeting Demand with Scalable Solutions

Qualytics’ momentum is evident with its recent milestone of signing one of the top three U.S. financial institutions, reinforcing its position as the trusted data quality platform for large, data-driven enterprises. Its platform integrates smoothly across modern and legacy environments, connecting with leading tools such as Databricks, Snowflake, SQL Server, Oracle, and data catalogs like Atlan and Alation — ensuring flexibility for organizations modernizing their data operations.

Automation for Reliable AI and Analytics

Organizations face two urgent data challenges: ensuring reliable data to power AI and analytics, and democratizing governance across teams. Qualytics directly addresses both with a deeply automated platform that profiles data to support deep learning at scale, automatically infers and evolves quality rules, and streamlines remediation — all with minimal setup. By replacing complex, manual rule-writing with intelligent automation, Qualytics empowers technical and business teams to co-own data quality, helping avoid costly failures that average $12.9 million annually for organizations.

Accelerating Growth for Better Customer Outcomes

To keep up with rising demand, Qualytics is expanding its team across engineering, product management, customer success, and sales — accelerating its ability to onboard new customers and support existing ones.

Gorkem Sevinc, Co-Founder and CEO, emphasized the company’s excitement: “We’re excited to partner with BMW i Ventures and other investors to scale Qualytics,” said Gorkem Sevinc, Co-Founder and CEO. “Working closely with large enterprises has shaped our product into one that’s scalable, flexible, and built for collaboration. Eric and I built the platform we always wanted in our own careers, one that puts automation and usability at the heart of data quality management. With this new investment and our strong revenue growth, we’re more confident than ever that Qualytics is delivering what modern data practitioners truly need to manage data quality at scale.”

A Bright Future for Data Quality

With BMW i Ventures’ backing and growing market adoption, Qualytics is set to redefine how enterprises manage data integrity in an AI-powered world — ensuring consumers enjoy smarter, faster, and more reliable digital experiences.

Learn more at https://qualytics.ai.