Auto leasing making a comeback
Auto leasing is showing signs of making a comeback after bottoming out over the last 18 months.

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www.autobild.de, AUTO BILD unterwegs im neuen Über-3er. Mit seinem 420 PS starken V8 geht der BMW auf die Jagd nach der Konkurrenz vom AMG und Co.

January Auto Sales: BMW
BMW Group, which includes BMW and Mini Cooper models, said sales rose 8 percent last month, led by growth in BMW sedans.

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BMW Z4 Spices Up 2010 Detroit Auto Show - NAIAS Video: www.insideline.com More Articles: www.insideline.com Car Prices & Info www.edmunds.com Twitter Feed twitter.com Facebook Page www.facebook.com Hi-Res Videos: www.hulu.com side-line BMW will publicly unveil the new 2011 Z4 sdrive35is roadster in early January at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. The range-topping Z4 sdrive35is features a new M Sports package that also will be offered on other Z4 variants when the Z4 sdrive35is reaches US dealers in spring 2010.

Bosch Showcases Clean Diesel, Collision Mitigation Solutions at Washington Auto Show, SAE Event
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Jan. 25 -- Bosch continues to show its wide variety of automotive systems, including its advanced clean diesel and collision mitigation solutions.

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Bayerische Motoren Werke AG took the opportunity of the ninth Middle East International Motor Show for serial unveilings for its two concept cars and the new M3 Coupe.

The new BMW M3 houses a powerful V8 engine producing 420 horsepower. The M3 can speed from 0-100 kph in just 4.8 seconds. In the Middle East, the M3 will go on sale this coming January. BMWs concept car, the low-slung CS is a four-door Gran Turismo for Middle East’s luxury segment going in production two years from now. Another unveiling was for the X6 concept series. With its twin turbo, BMW marks the X6 as the world’s first sports activity coupe.

According to Phil Horton, managing director of BMW Group Middle East, his region could make it to the top five globally with hit X6 sales. The M6 will make it to dealerships in mid-2008.

"This will be a key market. I think if the company could design a car specifically for the Middle East, it would be the X6. It looks good and both engines offered will have twin-turbo power," he said.

For the year 2007, the BMW X5 was the best selling for BMW in the Middle East. The X5 covers 15 percent of total BMW sales in the region. The X5 is followed by the 5 (including the 530i and its BMW 530i parts) and the 7 series.

Sales trend varies from the United States and Europe, where the 3 series, smaller than the others accounts for the 50 percent of sales for BMW. Before 2007 ends, BMW aims to sell almost 15,000 BMWs and 700 Minis, these figures pose a 25 percent sales increase for BMW and 25 percent increase for Mini sales.

"We're looking at good growth for the next year. Depending on the regional political situation we could easily see 10-15 per cent growth in the market and for BMW," said Horton.

As the third quarter of the year was completed, BMW reported a net profit leap of 78 percent due to higher sales and BMW sees further sales rise before 2007 ends. With these sales result, BMW is maintaining its post as the world’s largest premium automaker.

"The biggest growth opportunities for BMW and most other car manufacturers are in China, India and Russia," said Horton.

"With our [Middle East] growth levels, that clearly puts us in the top ten ranking. The markets of America and Europe are not growing at anything like those levels."

If you own a BMW chances are you have scoured the internet searching for great deals on BMW parts and accessories. Who can blame you? BMW's are infamous for their great handling, but with great handling comes the associated wear and tear of the suspension and steering parts (ie BMW control arms and thrust arms). When these parts begin to wear, its not surprising when you get an outrageous quote from a dealership for hundreds, if not several thousands of dollars to replace these steering and suspension parts. I'm just using BMW control arms as an example, but its across the board for any European cars such as Mercedes, Audi, Volvo, and Volkswagen.

You have now made a decision to do your own due diligence and attempt to source the parts outside of a dealership to save you a little bit of money. You will quickly become overwhelmed by the amount of company's brands and products to choose from and may be confused by the jargon used in the aftermarket and OEM parts industry. Terms such as genuine, aftermarket, OEM, OES, and OEA. I will end all of this confusion right here and right now.

Genuine BMW Parts: Genuine BMW parts come in Genuine BMW packaging. Plain and simple. If its not in a Genuine BMW box, or has a BMW stamp on it, it is not considered a Genuine BMW Part. Keep in mind BMW does not actually manufacture these parts, they are subcontracted to companies that manufacture the specific product. The company that manufactures the particular part for BMW is called the Original Equipment Manufacturer.

OEM BMW Parts: OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. It is essentially the same product as a Genuine BMW Part, however the manufacturer has sold the product in their own packaging instead of sending it directly to BMW to be packaged under the BMW name.

OEA/ OES BMW Parts: Stands for either Original Equipment Aftermarket or Original equipment supplier. A company may manufacture genuine parts for Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes, or other car maker, but if they have never manufactured a part for BMW, they will never be considered a genuine BMW part or OEM BMW part.

Aftermarket BMW Part: An aftermarket BMW part is manufactured by a company that has never been contracted by a major car maker to be their Original Equipment manufacturer. Although the company has never been contracted by a major auto maker, the parts are made to fit and perform as well as the OEM since they are generally produced with the same materials and machinery.

Our purpose here is not to be deceitful. As you move down the chain, the instances of coming across a BMW part that is inferior in quality will increase. Now that you are an educated consumer you can use this information along with checking the warranty policy and credentials of the company to make the best decision along the way.

FCP Groton is one of the leading worldwide automotive parts distributors in the world. Find out more information by visiting FCPGROTON.