(Shenyang) On September 4, 2008, the fifth anniversary celebration of BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. was held in its Shenyang Plant as well as the ceremony of 100,000th roll-off. From the launch of the first unit of BMW car manufactured in China in October 2003, to the 50,000th BMW in 2007, and to the 100,000th BMW today, BMW Brilliance has been developing at a remarkably high speed, accomplishing the production of the second 50,000 BMWs within 18 months. During the last 5 years, BMW Brilliance had witnessed, participated and played a part in the development of the Chinese automotive industry. Today, it is ready to welcome a brighter future!
Mr. Liu Guoqiang, Vice Governor of Liaoning Province and Mr. Wang Ying, Vice Mayor of Shenyang, and official leaders of Liaoning and Shenyang were present at the ceremony. Mr. Qi Yumin, Chairman of Brilliance Group, Mr. Wu Xiao'an, Chairman of BMW Brilliance, Dr. Eichiner, member of the board of management of BMW AG corporate and brand development, Dr. Stark, President and CEO of BMW Group Region China, Mr. Rupp, President and CEO of BMW Brilliance, as well as members of the board of Directors and management of BMW Brilliance attended the ceremony and witnessed this exciting moment.
Dr. Eichiner, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Corporate and Brand Development, said at the ceremony, "We believe that entering the Chinese market was one of the most important and best decisions in our recent corporate history. We attach much value to our cooperation with Brilliance China, and we are convinced that BMW Group could not find a better partner in China. We have every reason to be satisfied with the first five years of our joint venture. And we are certain that with all of your help, we will be even more successful in the future. "
Mr. Wu Xiao'an, Chairman of BMW Brilliance said, "Brilliance China, as the Chinese shareholder of BMW Brilliance, has been effectively cooperating with the BMW Group based on the principle of trust, equality, and mutual support. Together we have been positioning BMW Brilliance as the most successful premium automobile manufacturer in China. "
Mr. Rupp, President and CEO of BMW Brilliance, expressed, "We are confident and convinced that BMW Brilliance is now on the right track to become the most efficient and most successful premium manufacturer here in China. With the persistent efforts of our 3,500 associates, we can embrace the opportunity to create all the changes for a brighter future."
Today, the 100,000th car is a BMW 530 Li Luxury. The current model of the BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase was launched in October 2007, and is the lifecycle impetus of the BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase. The BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase is a model exclusively designed and developed by the BMW Group for the Chinese market, and produced by BMW Brilliance. It has been enhanced not only in exterior and interior design and technology, but also has reached a new level of safety and comfort. Undoubtedly, it is the flagship model on the Chinese premium business car segment.
In 2003 BMW Group and Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. signed the joint venture contract and the Shenyang Plant was officially opened in 2004. During these five years, BMW Brilliance has made 6 major achievements.
Firstly, the product portfolio has been largely enriched.
In 2003, BMW Brilliance started production with 2 variants. Today, BMW Brilliance produces 17 different variants of 2 models for the market.
Secondly, sales performance has been dramatically enhanced.
In 2003, 3,052 cars were sold. And in the first half of 2008, 16,196 cars were delivered to customers, more than the sales of the whole year in 2005. At present, more than 50% of the BMW cars running on the roads in China are manufactured by BMW Brilliance.
Thirdly, the sales and service network is rapidly extended.
In 2003, there were only 18 authorized dealerships. By the end of this year, this number will reach 120, covering almost all provinces nationwide. At the same time, the enhancement of training bases, professional information service by the customer information center; establishment of 3 parts distribution centers; and around-the-clock service by Roadside Assistance, have further reinforced BMW Brilliance's after-sales service network, realizing its commitment to provide premium service to customers in the premium segment.
Fourthly, the local supplier infrastructure has been continuously improved.
From the 60 local suppliers and the local purchasing volume of RMB 2 billion in 2006, to 100 suppliers and RMB 3.6 billion in 2007, and to 150 suppliers and RMB 4.4 billion in 2008, these figures show the commitment and achievements of BMW Brilliance in developing premium local suppliers.
Fifthly, an efficient and flexible plant has been set up.
Since the establishment, BMW Brilliance has been concentrating on outstanding performance, obtaining the certificate for its quality control system by the BMW Group and the ISO 9001 quality certificate and the environmental protection certificate of ISO 14001 as well. In December 2007, BMW Brilliance was qualified for the OHSAS18001 occupational health and safety management system certification, which made the company the only premium car manufacturer in China with this certification. By streamlined production procedure and 3-shift work module, the production capacity of BMW Brilliance has grown from the initial 30,000 units to 41,000 units to satisfy the quickly growing needs of the market.
Finally, BMW Brilliance has been successfully integrated into the Chinese society and actively assuming corporate social responsibilities.
BMW Brilliance has set the objective to become a good corporate citizen from the beginning. In the past years, it has identified Education, Environment, Culture, Customer Engagement and Corporate Governance as the five pillars of the corporate social responsibility strategy. This fully shows BMW Brilliance's responsibility towards the Chinese society, as well as its confidence and commitment to long-term development in China.
In the past five years, BMW Brilliance has been undergoing rapid development and made prominent achievements. By providing top quality products and services and actively playing the role of a corporate citizen, BMW Brilliance has gained high recognition from the public. The fact of 100,000 cars produced within five years is the best proof and outcome of the endeavors by all associates at BMW Brilliance. This also manifests the fruitful cooperation between Brilliance and BMW in the past days. The brilliant five years belongs to the past and BMW Brilliance is now at a new start, and ready to embrace more opportunities and brave new challenges.
