Motor Trend: BMW Launches Seventh Annual Ultimate Drive Progra

With all the fanfare usually reserved for a Formula One Race, BMW has kicked off its Seventh Annual Ultimate Drive Program for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation at the company's 11-year-old American manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The Ultimate Drive Program highlights BMW's commitment to raise money for breast cancer research, with a fleet of 36 high-performance BMWs that tour the nation. These cars will be driven and signed by thousands of other determined individuals and breast cancer survivors from all over the country as the program progresses. With six years of fundraising success behind it, the Ultimate Drive has become a steady source of funding for breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment, and continues to increase its participation levels in the cities it visits.

The kickoff event was hosted by Bobby Hitt, Manager Public Affairs, BMW Manufacturing Corp. and was attended by several executives from BMW of North America, as well as Cindy Schneible, Vice President of Cause Related Marketing and Sponsorships for the Komen Foundation, and by Spartanburg Mayor William Barnet III.

The Ultimate Drive is a test-drive program created by BMW to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. For each mile that is test-driven in one of the BMW Ultimate Drive fleet vehicles, a dollar is contributed to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to support breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs.

The program consists of a Northern and a Southern fleet of 18 2003 Silver BMWs each headed by a lead Signature Car - a BMW 745Li painted in silver with six contrasting gray stripes from the front to the back of the car. A seventh stripe -- in pink -- stands out from the silver patina of the signature car, and symbolizes BMW's seven-year commitment to the Ultimate Drive Program. These vehicles will be signed by thousands of Drive participants. The 745Li sedans will become mobile embodiments of the individuals who are making a difference in the fight against breast cancer.