BMW Group Hellas and the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) signed a cooperation agreement for a period up to the end of 2012.Besides sustainability, which constitutes an integral part of BMW Group’s research and know-how, the values of excellence, emulation, need for solidarity and respect, incorporate the core of BMW Group’s philosophy, expressing the ideals of the Olympic Spirit.As the most successful premium car manufacturer worldwide, BMW is initiating an international Olympic strategy and according to this cooperation it provides vehicles to meet the Committee’s needs, supporting the shared values and common visions expressed by the Olympic Spirit.In the photo, the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Mr. Spyros Kapralosand the President of BMW Group Hellas, Mr Rudolf Wallisch The President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Mr. Spyros Kapralos commented on the cooperation: “We are extremely proud and pleased with this commitment, which demonstrates our core shared values: the quest for the ultimate performance – always showing respect for humans and the natural environment. We are very delighted to add such a prestigious and sports-focused brand as BMW to the list of the Olympic partners. We are aware of the brand’s long-term commitment to the Olympic movement as a whole, at both international and national level, and its efforts to promote the use of vehicles that offer great performance and increasing levels of energy efficiency, while trying to reduce environmental impact at the same time. We are certain that this partnership will be a successful one and it will provide a superb platform for the promotion of the Olympic values.”And Mr. Kapralos added: « This day of the partnership announcement has also a symbolic character, since it is exactly one year before the Olympic flame lighting ceremony for the London Olympic Games. In May 10, 2012, in the sacred land of Ancient Olympia, the Olympic Flame will be reborn yet again out of the sunlight, sending messages of peace, solidarity and emulation all over the world. The Hellenic Olympic Committee is committed to promoting the Olympic Spirit, especially towards young people and seeks to support talented Greek athletes. As I know, BMW Group embraces the same values, promoting talent cultivation and educational development, applying innovative technologies, reducing environment impact, promoting contemporary art and protecting cultural heritage. These all fit perfectly with the concept of the Hellenic Olympic Committee. We believe that this cooperation will not only provide premium service to the HOC, but also further promote the development of the Olympic Spirit.” Mr. Rudolf Wallisch, President and Managing Director of BMW Group Hellas, said: “We are excited to become a partner with the Hellenic Olympic Committee. Besides our competitive products and technology, BMW Group Hellas’s joining together with the Hellenic Olympic Committee is based on shared values and common visions. The Hellenic Olympic Movement has won great honor for the country. It describes the dream, the passion and dynamic Spirit of Greek people. This is perfectly matched with our target: the high efficiency and the BMW Joy. BMW is keen to develop hybrid or fully electric technologies and we are delighted to be associated with the brand in this constant effort to reduce environmental impact. The efficiency that BMW advocates and demonstrates on a daily basis is a quality for which all our champions must strive. BMW Group Hellas will share its resources with the HOC by the end of 2012, to keep the Olympic Spirit burning bright. We are particularly proud for this sponsorship at the birthplace of all Olympic Games, Greece, to bridge heritage with future”. It is not the first time that BMW Group becomes a partner of the Olympic Games. BMW Group has a long standing commitment to the Olympic Movement, which dates to the 1970s. BMW played an active role in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. In 1996, BMW of North America was a sponsor of the Atlanta Olympic Games and U.S. Olympic Team.In November 2009, Lord Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games announced that BMW UK had become the Automotive Partner and a Sustainability Partner of London 2012 to fully support its commitment of a “low carbon” and “healthy living” Games. In July 2010, BMW of North America and the United States Olympic Committee signed a six-year partnership agreement. BMW of North America thus became the first foreign automotive partner in the USOC history. Finally BMW has a long term partnership in place with the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) until 2016 and a midterm partnership with the French Olympic Committee (CNOSF) until 2014. •          Press Conference high resolution photos now available in: www.bmwevents.gr/pressconference.zip Press Club site: www.press.bmwgroup.com/gr.html