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September 21, 2005
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This Week:

• Audi Q7 hybrid - The clean way to high performance

• 5-Stars for Mazda5 on Latest NCAP Crash Testing

• BMW Contracts Nick Heidfeld From 2006

• Chrysler Group Unveils China Strategy

• Record Order Intake for New Saab 9-3 SportCombi

• Infiniti Positions Brand as Design Leader in Luxury Segment

• Roger Johansson Appointed Vice President of GM Powertrain Europe

• Ford To Sell The Hertz Corporation To Private Equity Group In $15 Billion Transaction

• DaimlerChrysler to acquire 100% ownership of MTU

• The all new Volvo C70 - both a convertible and a coupe

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Heidfeld, who is currently recovering from a cycling accident in his adopted home of Switzerland, said: "I'm really looking forward to the future. As far as I'm concerned, this represents the fulfilment of a big dream. I have a great deal of respect for the work carried out in Hinwil from 2001 to 2003. And for nearly a year now, I've experienced at first hand the commitment and resources BMW puts into its Formula 1 project. Naturally, I'm not expecting a miracle during the first season after a new start in 2006. But I'm confident that the new team will be successful over the long term." Heidfeld has been lining up on the grid for the BMW WilliamsF1 Team since 2005. He achieved his first F1 pole position in May at the Nürburgring and took second place in two races (Monaco and Nürburgring).

On 22 June 2005, BMW announced it would be running its own Formula 1 team from 2006 after acquiring a majority holding in the Swiss team Sauber. BMW has been racing in Formula 1 as partner of WilliamsF1 since the 2000 season. The team has now competed in 101 grands prix, achieved 10 victories and 17 pole positions. Second place in the Constructors' Championship for 2002 and 2003 provided the best season's result.

The Sauber Team has been operating in Formula 1 since 1993. The team became established as the most successful private team when it took fourth place in the Constructors' Championship in 2001.

BMW will not only retain the Hinwil site, it will expand the workforce from a current headcount of nearly 300 to some 400 employees. Around 300 people are working on the Formula 1 project at BMW Motorsport in Munich. Theissen explains: "Overall, we will have a team numbering around 700. Expansion of the aerodynamic department in Hinwil has top priority. At present, it isn't possible to fully exploit the opportunities offered by the first-class wind tunnel, because there are not the personnel to operate several shifts. We are gradually working towards using the facility round the clock."

(16. September 2005)