New information released on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations website shows that BMW is recalling all 1 Series models sold in the U.S. between 2008 and 2010 for a potential fire risk. According to BMW, cars built between December 1, 2007, and May 27, 2010, may not have sufficient clearance between the seatbelt tensioners and the sound insulation in the B-pillars. Should a crash occur, the tensioners could overheat. In rare instances, the excess temperature could possibly ignite the insulation material.

… CONTINUED

According to Automotive News, BMW’s engines, transmissions, and possibly the Mini platform could very well be the basis for a revival of the diminutive Saab 92 model. Discussions between the two companies are scheduled to take place at the end of this month. The Saab 92 was last in production between 1949 and 1956.

The BMW Group continues its upward trend in sales: The company increased global sales of its three premium automobile brands, BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, by 10.8% (120,843 / prev. yr. 109,049) in May. Deliveries for the year to the end of May climbed 13.3% to 552,864 vehicles (prev. yr. 487,914).

Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing: “The sales trend remains positive – we reported healthy double-digit growth once again in May. Thanks to … CONTINUED

BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina recorded another milestone in their 15 year history as the 1 millionth BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle® rolled off the production line today at BMW Manufacturing Co. The Black Sapphire X5 xDrive 35i with Cinnamon Brown Nevada Leather interior is bound for a customer in China.

This is a significant achievement for the BMW Group’s only U.S. manufacturing facility at a time when the manufacturer is just months away from completing a $750 million expansion to prepare for production of the … CONTINUED

BMW car designs have often been at the forefront of automotive styling, pioneering looks and design elements which would be emulated by the entire industry. BMWism takes a look at the famous (and some not so famous) designers responsible for BMW’s legendary styling. Do you know who penned your favorite BMWs?

There has been some recent resurgence in the conversation surrounding the actual origins of the BMW Logo. Do the colors represent the colors of the bavarian flag in reverse? Or does it originate from early BMW marketing posters that links BMW to airplane engines and the spinning propeller against a blue sky?

The Internal Revenue Service today certified that the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 qualifies for up to a $900 tax credit under the Alternative Motor Vehicle provision. This serves as yet another endorsement for the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy.

The ActiveHybrid 7 combines an electric motor with BMW’s much-praised 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and new 8-speed automatic transmission to accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds while delivering impressive EPA fuel economy estimates of 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, a near 18 … CONTINUED

At the premiere of the 17th BMW Art Car Jeff Koons unveiled and signed his car in front of 300 international VIP guests on June 1 in the Centre Pompidou, one of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions for modern and contemporary art. It is the same place where Roy Lichtenstein back in 1977 first presented and signed his Art Car.

In the spirit of Calder, Stella, Lichtenstein, Warhol, BMW announced this year that the 17th Art Car created by Jeff Koons will race where the first … CONTINUED

BMW M division has launched the M Power Drivers Cup and M Power Circuit Training for BMW M owners, each of which lasts two days. Unfortunately for North American M enthusiasts, these two driving events appear to take place only in Germany. Hopefully some of our European members will participate and allow us to enjoy the experience vicariously.

BMW has been presented with two accolades at this year’s Fleet World Honors – Best Executive Car award for the 2011 5-series and Fleet Manufacturer of the Year award for BMW overall. Steve Moody, judge panel chairman, explained: ‘The new BMW 5 Series has taken the executive sector up yet another notch, with an engine line-up second to none for emissions and performance, generous standard specification, superb whole-life costs, class-leading residual values and a quality unparalleled even in this extremely competitive market.’