BMW GROUP – A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR TO UK PLC
10 February 2006 - BMW

Oxford Economic Forecasting economic impact study published

An independent economic impact study carried out by Oxford Economic Forecasting has provided new data to quantify the contribution of BMW Group’s business operations in the UK.

The key findings of the study, based on 2004 data, show:

The activities of the BMW Group contributed £1 billion directly to UK GDP in 2004.
The BMW Group and its dealers directly employed almost 20,000 people.
The Group purchased raw material, components, capital equipment and business services amounting to £1 billion from UK suppliers.

BMW Group has spent around £900 million in upgrading its production facilities in the last four years and its ongoing investment of £96 million in 2004 was 0.7% of total UK manufacturing investment.

BMW Group is also an important exporter with the £1.7 billion worth of car, engine and related exports in 2004 accounting for 0.9% of UK total goods exports.

The Group’s contribution to UK GDP also generated a significant contribution to the UK exchequer totalling over £1 billion in 2004 and equivalent to an extra third of a penny on the basic rate of income tax.
Adrian Cooper, managing director, Oxford Economic Forecasting Limited, said: ''During a time when UK manufacturing has struggled, the BMW Group has made a significant contribution to the UK economy. It has invested heavily and seen large expansions in the production of the new MINI, a commitment to training rewarded with the success of its Hams Hall engine plant, and a revitalised Rolls-Royce Motor Cars operation. Taking the combined impact of BMW''s activities, both directly, through its suppliers and the wider economic activity that this spending supports, we estimate that in total, BMW Group contributed over £2.5 billion to UK GDP in 2004. And BMW Group supports a total of over 55,000 jobs in the UK.''

Jim O’Donnell, managing director, BMW UK, said: ''Our UK businesses have now developed into a strong and cohesive group. We are looking to increase our future UK sales volume and our MINI production triangle in the UK will strengthen the links between our plants at Oxford, Hams Hall and Swindon. Over time we see this leading to more business for UK suppliers and further increasing BMW Group’s contribution to UK plc.''

For further information or a copy of the report please contact:

Angela Stangroom – Group Communications Manager

Tel: 01344 480537 / 07740 740425

Email: angela.stangroom@bmw.co.uk

Natalie Wakefield – Group Communications Executive

Tel: 01344 480108 / 07796 930272

Email: natalie.wakefield@bmw.co.uk

www.press.bmwgroup.com

www.bmwgroup.com

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