30.4.2012 BMW Olympic fleet averages 64.5 mpg

LOCOG and BMW, Official Automotive Partner to the London 2012 Olympic Games, have revealed a full details of the London 2012 fleet.

LOCOG has deployed a range of low emission diesel, hybrid and electric cars, whose fleet average will be 116 g/km CO2 emissions and 64.5 mpg fuel economy, beating targets set by Olympics officials.

LOCOG set an average fleet emissions target of 120 gCO2/km, which is significantly below the UK's total new car emissions average of 138 g/km, and 54.2 mpg. The BMW and MINI fleet's average of 116 g/km and 64.5 mpg is impressive, and will mean less fuel will be used during the numerous important operations that will be performed.

Beyond CO2, the fleet is also particularly low on other harmful emissions such as NOx and particulate matter. The fleet represents some of the first medium-sized cars on the road in the UK that meet the 2014 Euro 6 standard emissions regulations, meaning local air pollution will be kept down.

Vehicles will be pulling boats out of the water at Weymouth, providing a mobile camera platform for the marathon, towing a horse ambulance across Greenwich Park, carrying medal winners around the Olympic Park and much, much more. The cars will transport judges, event organisers, Games Officials and staff, medical teams, photographers and technical delegates.

Richard George, Transport Director, LOCOG said: "From motorcycles to electric vehicles and 4x4s, the requirements of the 2012 fleet are hugely diverse. BMW and MINI have provided a variety of different cars, ideal both for city driving and long distance, to travel to Olympic and Paralympic venues around the country. It was vital that our partner in this field could deliver a one-stop shop solution and meet our sustainability targets. BMW has surpassed our requirements and we are delighted to be working with them."

Chris Brownridge, UK Marketing Director, BMW said: "Our London 2012 fleet shows what BMW technology can achieve today in terms of fuel economy and low emissions, including the first major presence of super clean EURO 6-compliant cars on UK roads. We look forward sharing our vision of sustainable urban mobility during the Games, including our revolutionary electric vehicle technology at the BMW Group Pavilion in the Olympic park."

In addition, BMW Group's technical facilities were used to help test the Olympic Torch ahead of its 70 day Olympic Relay around the UK. The company's state-of-the-art Energy and Environmental Test Centre in Munich was used to test the torch in all manner of different weather conditions, from 5 degrees to 40 degrees Celsius temperatures, +50 mph winds, snow and driving rain.

Newspress