BMW donates 1 mln yuan to China quake relief

The powerful earthquake which hit Sichuan Province with a magnitude of 7.8 caused severe damage in the area and BMW China and BMW Brilliance have responded with prompt action. BMW donated 1 million yuan ($143,000) to the Red Cross Society of China for the eathquake disaster relief and assigned 3 units of BMW X3 for the rescue team to help disaster relief.

At the same time, BMW appealed to all BMW dealers and customers to provide their support as much as possible to join forces in times of hardship. BMW staff have also started to donate funds and the donations will be sent to the earthquake-hit area.

The Red Cross Society of China commented, "The disaster relief needs efforts from all walks of life and social resources home and abroad. Guided under the Red Cross Spirit of 'Humanity, Charity, and Dedication', BMW took action immediately. This initiation showing BMW's care and responsibility is worthy of commendation and recommendation. We dedicate our sincere thanks to BMW."

Mr. Alfred Rupp, President and CEO of BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., said, "BMW has a long-term commitment to China and integrates to the Chinese social development. It is our duty, without hesitation, to help people in the disaster-afflicted area get through the difficulties. We will continue the internal donating activity, expressing our care to the victims to fulfil our social responsibility as a corporate citizen."

As a matter of fact, taking active participation in the public welfare has always been one of BMW's corporate objectives. Earlier this year, BMW took the lead among auto manufacturers to donate 1 million yuan to the China Charity Federation for disaster relief in snow-stricken area in southern China.

In addition, BMW China and BMW Brilliance have called on the authorized dealers and BMW customers nationwide to participate in the relief campaign to lend a helping hand to the people in disaster area. Up to now, Beijing Yanbao Group, a BMW authorized dealer in Beijing has donated 450,000 yuan. Chongqing Baosheng donated 50,000 yuan, and will contribute 1,000 yuan for each car sold from now to the end of this month. Also, Chengdu Dajin and Chengdu Bow Yue, BMW dealers in Chengdu, nearest to the disaster area have organized all the staff members to donate blood to the injured. More dealers and customers will join BMW in the relief efforts to combat the disaster together.