Ralf Schumacher takes to streets in new BMW 645Ci

Media release
1 March 2004

Ralf Schumacher takes to Auckland streets in new BMW 645Ci

BMW’s new 6 Series Coupé hit the streets of Auckland for the first time today with BMW WilliamsF1 Team motor racing driver Ralf Schumacher at the wheel.

Schumacher, en route to Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix later this week, launched the 6 Series Coupé to media, BMW dealers and key customers at an exclusive private luncheon in Auckland which also raised funds for BMW’s charity partner, Cure Kids.

Despite only being in Auckland for less than 24 hours Schumacher said he enjoyed the chance to drive BMW’s new 6 Series Coupé in conditions which most BMW owners would relate to.

“Unlike a motor racing driver, driving on motorways and around cities is the way most people experience a vehicle, so it was great to put the 6 Series through its paces in a real situation,” said Schumacher.

The Managing Director of BMW Group New Zealand, Geoff Fletcher, said New Zealand’s allocation of the 6 Series Coupé is virtually all accounted for, reflecting the strong interest in this long awaited addition to the BMW range.

“It is not often we get an international sportsperson of Ralf Schumacher’s calibre in New Zealand and it was very special for our new BMW 6 Series owners to be able to meet him so close to the first race of the 2004 Formula One season,” said Mr Fletcher.

The BMW 6 Series also includes a convertible version which Mr Fletcher said is due in New Zealand this month.

Schumacher heads from the streets of Auckland to the streets of Melbourne tonight to begin practice and qualifying ahead of Sunday’s first Grand Prix for 2004.

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