BMW i ATTENDS THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY FORUM 2014. IN THE SPOTLIGHT: THE BMW i3 AND BMW i8 AS VISIONARY MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

March 27, 2014 by BMW

Monaco. Under the theme of 'Energy efficiency and its contribution to sustainable economic growth', the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Johnson Controls and The Climate Group held the fourth Euro-Mediterranean Energy Efficiency Forum (EEF) on 24 and 25 March 2014. The forum was launched in 2009 by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Johnson Controls, to be joined in 2010 by its third partner, The Climate Group. The Euro-Mediterranean event takes its lead from the well-known Energy Efficiency Forum North America, which has been held annually in the USA since 1990. At this year's EEF event in Monaco, decision-makers from politics, business and society demonstrated options and opportunities for securing a sustainable future for the environment and the economy. The organisers invited BMW i executives as guest speakers to apprise the forum of forward-looking mobility solutions by the BMW Group. Dr Julian Weber, Head of Innovation Projects E-Mobility for the BMW Group, provided insights into BMW i. The brand BMW i stands for visionary vehicles and mobility services, inspiring design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly guided by sustainability.

In parallel with the Energy Efficiency Forum, Olivier Dufieux, BMW i Aftersales Manager & Charging Infrastructure, BMW Group France, presented the first two production vehicles from the BMW i brand at Europe's largest e-mobility fair, the EVER Monaco, held concurrently at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco conference and congress centre. From 25 to 27 March 2014, experts on eco-friendly vehicles, renewable energy and sustainable developments meet there for an exchange of views.

BMW i supports the 10th anniversary of The Climate Group, a longstanding partner of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

On the evening of 25 March, more than 150 international guests from politics, business, sport and music were invited by The Climate Group and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to attend an exclusive fundraising gala dinner in the celebrated Empire ballroom of the Hôtel de Paris. The evening began with a cocktail reception in the palace, for which a fleet of BMW i3 cars provided the shuttle service for guests. HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco took the opportunity to join Dr Nicolas Peter, Head of Sales Region Europe BMW Group, in driving the sporty BMW i8 plug-in hybrid to the Hôtel de Paris: 'I was thrilled about the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the BMW i8. In Monaco we support the driving of low emission vehicles and I hope that we will see more of these cars on our roads,' commented the ruling prince.

BMW i: visionary mobility solutions for a sustainable future.

With its BMW i brand, the BMW Group is rigorously pursuing its corporate strategy and culture. As far back as 1973, the BMW Group was the very first company in the motoring sector to appoint an environmental officer. Ever since then, the Group has reaped numerous accolades in recognition of its commitment to sustainability. The BMW i brand espouses a holistic approach: with its tailor-made vehicle concepts, sustainability throughout the value added chain and complementary mobility services, BMW i redefines the concept of individual mobility.

'BMW i combines in the most concentrated form what the BMW Group stands for: long-term thinking and responsible action,' said Dr Julian Weber. 'That is why we are particularly delighted to be taking part in the Energy Efficiency Forum and the supporting events in Monaco from 25 to 27 March. The very enthusiastic feedback we are getting here confirms that with our two premium vehicles – the all-electric BMW i3 and the sporty BMW i8 plug-in hybrid – we have caught the pulse of the times. At the same time, it is an incentive to continue to pioneer sustainable and tailor-made mobility solutions going into the future as well.'