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BMW Q1 sales volume record
The BMW Group says it has started the financial year 2018 with a “ strong ” first quarter . “ Despite volatile conditions and unfavourable exchange rate effects , new best ever figures were recorded for sales volume and net profit . In motorcycle terms , BMW Motorrad sales volume in the first quarter was at the same level as the previous year . Worldwide deliveries to customers edged up marginally by + 0.6 % to 35,858 units ( Q1 2017 : 35,636 units ), setting a new first-quarter sales volume record for the seventh year in succession . However , the company says motorcycle segment performance “ was held down by the impact of the current model change and by currency effects ”. Revenues fell by -15.5 % to € 524 million ( 2017 : € 620 million ). EBIT was also adversely affected by the same factors and finished at € 77 million ( 2017 : € 125 million ; -38.4 %). Pre-tax profit for the three-month period amounted to € 78 million ( 2017 : € 125 million ; -37.6 %). The first-quarter EBIT margin for the Motorcycles segment came in at 14.7 % ( 2017 : 20.2 %). In the light of slightly slower production ramp-up of new models , retail sales for 2018 are now expected to grow only slightly for the year . In automotive as well as motorcycle terms , BMW continues to grapple with the challenges and invest in the opportunities that are affecting all aspects of 21st century transport policy . Harald Krüger , Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG , is quoted as saying : “ Our industry is currently going through a phase of unprecedented technological change and must master the highly challenging conditions . “ The first quarter highlights some important points : we think in terms of opportunities and are pursuing a welldefined strategy ; we are combining tomorrow ' s mobility with sustainable profitability – underlined by the fact that we are capable of generating a high pre-tax margin on group level ,
R nineT ‘ Racer ’ in BoxerCup comeback
A popular championship makes a comeback : the new BMW Motorrad BoxerCup starts in 2018 . Last seen in 2004 , BMW is staging a BoxerCup comeback for identical race-modified R nineT Racer models . The season opener will be on 23rd / 24th June 2018 as part of the ADAC Classic at the Sachsenring ( GER ). The other races take place as part of the International German Motorcycle Championship ( IDM ). “ A level playing field with identical machines , meeting style and individuality . We are looking forward to bringing the BMW Motorrad BoxerCup back to life with the BMW R nineT Racer ,” said Henning Putzke , Head of BMW Motorrad Deutschland . The air / oil-cooled 81 kW ( 110 hp ) 1,170cc Boxer engines will be raced in stock trim - no
tuning whatsoever is permitted . All the race bikes will have identical modifications , including redesigned front forks and dampers from Wilbers , cylinder head covers , engine spoilers and rear panels from Ilmberger , sports shocks and titanium manifold from Akrapovič , BMW Motorrad ABS with racing software , Brembo brake pads , the “ High End ” steering dampers from Müller Präzision , and uniform Metzeler tyres . All motorbikes will be prepared for competitive racing at the BMW Motorrad Centre in Munich . Side stands , mirrors , number plate holders , indicators even in volatile times ”. On 11 April , the BMW Group opened its campus for autonomous driving just outside Munich , where together with partners , it will develop the technologies required for both highly and fully automated driving .
and lights were all removed to accommodate the modifications . However , once the season is over , the bike can be returned to its original state and be approved for road use . To ensure that all competitors have the same chance of success , no changes - apart from optical modifications to the paintwork , or the application of stickers or film - are permitted beyond those made in Munich . All technical components and wear parts are precisely specified and regulated . The starting field for the BMW Motorrad BoxerCup will feature 30 places for the new season . In addition to the regular starters , well-known guest riders will take part in the races on two VIP bikes . Participants can choose between four different performance packages when making their purchase .