Further environmental awards for budget-busting BMWs

BMW has been honoured again for its widespread introduction of EfficientDynamics technologies that increase engine output, reduce emissions and improve fuel consumption. BMW Group was presented with the Environmental Award by staff at renowned industry publication Fleet News.

Fleet News also presented awards to the BMW Group for offering the Best Small Car (MINI), Best Small Premium Car (1 Series) and the Best Large Premium Car (3 Series). The BMW 5 Series and the BMW X5 won the respective categories of Best Executive Car and Best Sports Utility Vehicle to crown a successful awards ceremony for the company.

The announcement comes swiftly after BMW received recognition for EfficientDynamics by winning similar ‘green’ awards in the UK and abroad. What Car? and CAR magazine ‘Green Awards’ were presented in the UK, and a host of other European publications and organisations, including the coveted Auto 1 Innovation Award presented during the Geneva Motor Show last week, have also been bestowed on BMW.

Chris Brownridge, Corporate Operations Manager at BMW UK, said: “The Fleet News Awards are a great reward for the lead BMW Group is taking in its environmental programme. EfficientDynamics technologies are standard across the majority of the range and, with improved performance and cleaner driving, supports both retail and corporate customers.

“2008 has seen a strong start for corporate sales with more than 5,500 orders placed through our new Direct Sales Network. EfficientDynamics is a key driver in the direct sales success.”

News of the honours comes as nearly half of new BMW buyers are set to benefit from the recent tax changes announced by the Government in its Budget for 2008. Following a nominal increase in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for 2008-09, buyers of the 22 BMW models that all record sub-140g/km figures will pay less VED in 2009-10. The new VED rate tiers combined with the low level of CO2 output of EfficientDynamics-equipped models means approximately 44 per cent of future BMW owners in the UK will be financially better off.