The new road to luxury

I have always wanted a good, arousing ride – often in a car. Now BMW, the ultimate driving machine, is satisfying this basic desire. BMW has been the undisputed standard setter in the automotive industry. While others are packing up because of the extended economic crisis, the BMW Group has done something truly commendable. They set up BMW Philippines in April 2001 – because they believe in the potential of the Philippines. In just a year, BMW became the No. 1 premium automobile manufacturer in the country. So who says the Philippines is hopeless? Certainly not BMW!

BMW has gone so far as to launch the BMW Club 7 at the Enterprise Center in Makati, where the company unveiled the new BMW 7 Series – the 735Li and 745 Li (codenamed E66) models. The 7 Series is considered the world’s most advanced set of luxury cars. The astounding and absolutely outstanding 735Li and 745Li limousines are being presented to special invitees in a series of exclusive reviews prior to the dealer showroom display in September.

The man behind these previews cum cocktail parties is none other than BMW Philippines president Mark Gilbert. "The new 7 Series does more than just set a new benchmark," noted the debonair Mark Gilbert. "It is so advanced in its design, technology and concept that it is a truly revolutionary car that will change the way we all think about automobiles."

Mark personally presented the limousines and their special features the important guests, including the hardworking Finance Secretary Jose Isidro Camacho and wife Kim; Philamlife president Jose L. Cuisia Jr.; Alex Thorwirth; Deutsche Bank’s Isagani Ferrer, Cesar Virtusio, chief representative of Dresdner Bank; Serge and Ching Montinola.

The discriminating guests only had smiles of approval as they slid into the plush seats of the limousine. The Li models have an additional 5.5 inches reserved specially for rear-seat passengers, providing them with more legroom and space. This extra seating comfort is combined with interior features in the 735Li and 745Li, such as self-leveling pneumatic rear suspension and optional rear seat air-conditioning. Both models symbolize a significant leap into the future of car innovation, introducing at least 75 new technology features never previously seen on a production automobile.

And if you think the 735Li and 745Li are the best, think again: Over the next six years, BMW will expand its portfolio by launching 20 new models! And each model will set a newer, higher standard in the car industry. All of this is in keeping with the goal of the BMW Group – to be the leading automobile company in the premium car segment of the international automobile market. Well, in our book it’s already No. 1!