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June 29, 2005
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This Week:

• Porsche heading toward an all-time high in sales

• Mazda Announces Pricing For 2006 MX-5 MIATA

• One year Mercedes-Benz A-Class "F-Cell" in Singapore: fuel-cell drive proven in everyday use

• Toyota Announces New President of North American Manufacturing Headquarters

• BMW Managed Formula One Team From 2006

• General Motors Europe Announces it Will Create a New European Design Center

• The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Maximum safety and exemplary comfort from EUR 70,760

• Audi A3 - extending the lead

• Toyota Announces Two Key Leadership Changes

• Ford Increases Capacity At Its St. Petersburg Manufacturing Plant

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Success in Formula One increasingly depends on the perfect interplay of all factors. That is why we have resolved to extend our involvement beyond our present role of engine partner. With a team managed by BMW we will, as of next year, take on responsibility for the entire package, which will include the key factors of the chassis, tyres and drivers.

Naturally this decision impacts on our partnership with WilliamsF1. We want to discuss the future options together with WilliamsF1 in order to find the right way forward for both sides. We do not expect instant success from the new constellation, but we are convinced that we have chosen the right path for the long term."

Presentation at the start of 2006

In parallel with that, based on the Board's decision, the new structure with managerial and key positions, including the driver line-up, and the name of the new team will be worked out by the takeover date of 1st January 2006. Development of resources are being driven forward with urgency and immediate effect.

The team will present itself to the public at the beginning of 2006. The factory in Hinwil will continue to be operated as a legally independent Swiss company linked to BMW Motorsport. The expansion of BMW's Formula One involvement will not impinge on other BMW motor sport projects. In future, BMW will continue its commitment to touring car racing - both in the new World Touring Car Championship (FIA WTCC) and in leading individual events such as 24-hour races. Formula BMW with its four series in Asia, Britain, Germany and North America will also continue. This year it will feature a world final for the first time.

The new partnership is also made possible by Credit Suisse, which over the next three years will successively sell off its shares in Sauber Holding AG to BMW as well. Credit Suisse took over these shares in 2002 with a view to placing them with suitable investors in due course.

(June 22, 2005)