If you've ever driven a BMW, you just know everyone from the luxury brand's designers to their engineers are overachievers. And, thank goodness, right? For it's their relentless pursuit of perfection that keeps drivers pleased and waiting with bated breath for the next groundbreaking development. One recent development Preston BMW in Warren would like to focus on today is BMW's decision to secure a 15.16 stake in one of the most renowned carbon fiber suppliers in the world, SGL Carbon SE.

Now, compared to most automakers in the worldwide market, BMW is a veteran in the carbon-fiber arena. Due to the material's awesome ability to reduce vehicle weight, enhance fuel economy and improve performance, the German automaker is already using it in select models. However, they want to use it on a more widespread basis and bestow its many invaluable properties to drivers, at a more approachable cost.

That's where the alliance with SGL Carbon SE comes in. Such a thought-out collaboration is expected to bring the cost of carbon fiber down, all the way from production to the finished product.

Underscoring this new initiative is a previous joint venture between BMW and SGL. Together they developed a new, cutting-edge carbon fiber manufacturing facility in Moses Lake, WA of which SGL claims 51-percent ownership rights and BMW, 49 percent.

"Lightweight construction will play an increasingly important role in the automobile industry in the future," says Friedrich Eichiner, Member, Board of Management, BMW. "Our stake-holding in SGL Group is a logical step that will further strengthen our successful cooperation."¹

Interested in learning more about how BMW plans to integrate carbon fiber into future concepts and its lineup? Stay tuned. Preston BMW of Warren is dedicated to keeping you informed. In the meantime, feel free to explore our entire new BMW and certified pre-owned BMW lineups online.

Source: ¹http://www.motorward.com/2011/11/bmw-buys-shares-in-sgl-carbon-se/