- by Brian Byrne & Trish Whelan
'Know your strength' to hold automotive future
04 March 2003: GENEVA MOTOR SHOW The future in automotive terms belongs to companies that 'know where their strengths are' according to the chairman of BMW, Dr Helmut Panke.
Speaking in Geneva last night at a pre-show press function, he added that these will be companies with their own strategy, with products based on 'genuine substance' and with a 'clear brand profile'.
Dr Panke confirmed that BMW will be introducing its new 5 Series saloon, its 6 Series coupe and the new small SUV X3 before the end of the year, and they will help to prove that the company is on a path of ongoing growth and expansion.
"We define growth as further development of our existing product portfolio in all markets where we are already active today," he said. "Expansion takes us a step further - it means entering new segments with new products, and it means moving into new markets with our models."
Touching on the current international situation, and the fallout on the German stance on war with Iran, Dr Panke warned that it is essential that the tension which has now come to bear on German-American relations is overcome.
"Whilst we currently do not see any dramatic effects on our business, ongoing tension and misunderstandings may leave their mark on business relations and endanger jobs," he said.
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