20.7.2012 BMW displays 'i' brand at Olympic Park

BMW have erected a two-storey Pavilion at the Olympic Park to display their latest vehicles against the backdrop of the Olympic Stadium, including the i3 electric car and the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car.

Expected to draw thousands of visitors each day, the structure has been designed by award-winning British architectural firm with environmental sustainability very much in mind.

The display includes prototype models of the BMW E-Scooter and the BMW i Pedelec concept – a recently announced concept electrically-assisted bicycle.

In an intimate cinema space a special film is shown before an opportunity to view the upper floor product displays. The top deck, comprising of nine individual rooftop pavilions, displays current and future BMW Group vehicles including the BMW i3 Concept, the BMW i8 Concept and the new generation BMW 3 Series Touring.

Having just been granted Next Green Car's Next Generation Award, BMW’s first all-electric car, the i3, will be available to buy in the UK in 2013, and is thought to be a game changer for electric vehicles. As well as the super efficient powertrain, the i3 uses innovative building materials, such as an aluminium chassis and passenger cells that consist of high-strength but extremely lightweight carbon fibre reinforced plastic.

The i3 electric car will use a 22kWh lithium-ion battery, providing a 80-100 mile range. The car also is highly connected with a mobile app that supplies information on parking availability, public transport and local entertainment.

The display Pavilion is light and open, appearing to 'float' on the river as water flows down the sides of the structure. The lower floor exhibition area is dedicated to the London 2012 Games fleet and interactive displays for guests to learn more about the BMW Group's vision for the future of individual transport, its approach to sustainability and wider London 2012 partnership activities.

Tim Abbott, Managing Director, BMW Group UK comments: "The role of the Pavilion is two-fold – to explain the support we’re providing as the Official Automotive Partner to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but also to provide a powerful visual symbol of our commitment to the highest standards of innovation in design and sustainability. We look forward to welcoming visitors and guests to the BMW Group Pavilion throughout the Games."

In line with BMW Group's commitment to sustainability, the environment was a key consideration in the design of the company's 800m2 Pavilion. As well as the filtering and recycling of the river water, steel with high recycled content provides the structural backbone and use of other carbon-intensive materials such as concrete has been minimised.

BMW Group is the world's most sustainable automotive manufacturer and the natural automotive partner for a truly sustainable Olympic and Paralympic Games. BMW Group was chosen by London 2012 due to its ability to meet the emission targets set by London 2012. The EfficientDynamic, hybrid and zero emissions cars, motorcycles and bicycles provided by BMW Group for London 2012 support athletes and officials throughout the duration of the Games.

Newspress