BMW H2R Shown as Example of BMW's Commitment to Hydrogen as Alternative Fuel for the Future

With anticipated record sales for 2004, BMW announced again its planned commitment in hydrogen as a future performance fuel. At the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show BMW presented the speed-record setting BMW H2R liquid hydrogen car for the first time in North America.

"BMW is the world leader in the development of hydrogen cars with internal combustion engines," stated Tom Purves, chairman and CEO of the U.S. BMW Group. He added that "We believe that in the output range of about 140 horsepower, there is still no other clean, practical alternative to hydrogen. The H2R concept car is more than a mere exercise. BMW will offer customers a production car with a hydrogen combustion engine during the production period of the current BMW 7 series."

Ahead of the 2005 launch of a new generation BMW 3 Series, the company revealed a competition package version of its M3 performance sedan. The special M3 will cost an extra $4,000 and include 19-inch wheels, quicker steering and other modifications, the company said.