BMW Again Named World's Most Sustainable Auto Company

NORWELL, Mass., Oct. 2, 2012 — While it is perhaps known best for the performance and quality of its sports cars and luxury vehicles, BMW also boasts an impressive resume when it comes to environmental friendliness. That resume recently received another bullet point, as the company was named the top automotive enterprise in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the eighth year in a row.

Each year, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index is determined by a Corporate Sustainability Assessment from the SAM Group, which analyzes environmental, economic and social criteria like water-related risks, corporate governance and stakeholder relations. BMW is the only company in its industry to have been listed on the index every year since results were first released in 1999, an achievement that reflects the automaker's decades-long dedication to the environment.

"BMW has a comprehensive commitment to sustainability that starts in the design studio and continues all the way through production," said Avery Trumbo, general manager of Greater Boston BMW dealer BMW Gallery of Norwell. "When you buy a BMW, you're buying a vehicle without compromise, and that means environmental concerns are covered as well."

BMW's green efforts have recently led to the creation of hybrid versions of its popular sedans, like the BMW 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series, but the automaker's plans for electrification extend beyond its traditional models. BMW is currently displaying its all-electric BMW i3 Concept car at the Paris Motor Show running through Oct. 14, giving fans of the brand a glimpse into the future of sustainable motoring.

Designed for emissions-free driving in the city, the BMW i3 Concept uses a large under-floor battery pack and an advanced electric motor to power the rear wheels. That drivetrain combination allows the i3 to reach 62 mph in less than eight seconds, while the battery can be fully recharged in six hours with a household power socket and in a little more than an hour at a high-speed charging station.

BMW's focus on sustainability can be seen inside the i3 as well, with an instrument panel made of eucalyptus wood cultivated in Europe and leather seating surfaces that are tanned using agents derived from olive leaves. That organic theme continues with wool fabric covering parts of the instrument cluster and the door trim.

"Unlike other alternative vehicles, the BMW i3's sustainable design isn't just about the drivetrain; the car has been built from the ground up to leverage materials that are both environmentally friendly and responsibly harvested," Trumbo added. "Only BMW could create a vehicle that will not only spare its owners gas costs, but change the way we think about cars and driving."

About BMW Gallery of Norwell:
BMW Gallery of Norwell has been serving Greater Boston BMW drivers for years, offering the highest-quality new and used BMW sales, service and parts. Known for its low-pressure dealership atmosphere and thoughtful customer amenities, BMW Gallery of Norwell has become a favorite stop for Massachusetts BMW buyers in the South Shore and beyond, whether they are looking for a new BMW 3 Series sedan or a pre-owned BMW X5 luxury SUV. Visit their showroom at 98 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Mass., call them at 888-860-4882 or find them online at www.bmwgallerynorwell.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BMWGalleryOfNorwell.