Interview and Photo Opportunity - International BMW stars return to Montreal for upcoming auto show.

Exterior design chief and international race car driver support 3 Series launch at Montreal International Auto Show.

RICHMOND HILL, ON, Jan. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - BMW Group Canada, the leading premium passenger car and light truck brand in Canada, will introduce the all-new BMW 3 Series at the Montreal International Auto show on Thursday, January 12^th.

An icon since its introduction in 1975, the 3 Series has been one of the most-important vehicles in the BMW line-up, and one could argue in the premium category overall.  The all-new sixth-generation model will make its Canadian premier in Montreal later this week.

Supporting this important unveiling is Karim Habib, native Montrealer and head of exterior design at BMW in Munich. Bruno Spengler, who drives an M3 in the international DTM racing series and who also hails from Montreal, will also support the launch of this benchmark sedan.

The event marks an important day for MINI also as the all-new two-seat convertible, the MINI Roadster, will be shown for the first time in Canada as well.

WHO:	Eduardo Villaverde, President and CEO, BMW Group Canada Karim Habib, Head of Design, Exterior, M Vehicles, BMW Automobiles Bruno Spengler, BMW Driver, Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) Alain Laforest, Eastern Regional Manager, BMW Group Canada Adam Shaver, Director, MINI, MINI Canada
WHAT:	Canadian premier - BMW 3 Series Canadian premier - BMW ActiveHybrid 5 Canadian premier - MINI Roadster
WHERE:	BMW Group exhibit, Montreal International Auto Show Palais des congrès de Montréal
WHEN:	Press conference:  Thursday, January 12^th, 2012 at 2:50pm Interview availability:  Wednesday afternoon and Thursday all day

BMW Group in Canada
BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 43 BMW automobile retail centers, 20 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 28 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For interviews or further information, please contact: 
Kyle Verge, Corporate Communications
BMW Group Canada
905-428-5036/ [email protected]
613-539-6736

Barb Pitblado
Director, Corporate Communications
BMW Group Canada
416-627-0436/ [email protected]