BMW introduces access to Google Maps ( http://maps.google.com/ - http://maps.google.com )
search capability within the vehicle on 2009 BMW Assist and Navigation
system - equipped 1 and 3 Series. For the first time, subscribers to
the optional BMW Assist Convenience Plan can access "BMW Search" to
quickly find a desired business with just a key word, benefiting from
the world’s most famous online search engine. After finding what you
want, you can immediately start route guidance or a hands-free call
with your Bluetooth® - linked phone at just a simple push of a button.
Utilizing newly introduced hardware operating on the AT&T Mobility
GSM network, this unique service identifies the current location and
destination of the vehicle automatically and then displays the local
results with details of address, phone number and distance. For
example, you can look up business information like the names of
restaurants, hotels, service stations, banks, supermarkets, cinemas and
public facilities such as schools or city halls, all by the simple use
of a key word. You can also easily ask for a search at another location.
In a nutshell, “BMW Search” using Google search technology and
intelligence saves time and reduces frustration with destination entry
on today’s navigation systems. The information you look up is
continuously updated by Google. “BMW Search” is the next logical and
consequential development of the link between the automobile and the
Internet.
To allow customers to send business listings and street addresses with
associated phone numbers from the internet directly to their BMW,
Google and BMW began offering “MyInfo” with the introduction of the X6
back in April, now extended to all other 2009 BMWs except for X3. “BMW
Search” now opens up access to the Internet directly from the vehicle,
representing another building block in the BMW Assist services
portfolio.
About BMW Assist:
BMW Assist provides the driver with services that enhance on-the-road
security and convenience, for added peace of mind. The BMW Assist and
Bluetooth® System is standard on all 5, 6 and 7 Series models,
including the M5 and M6, and is included in the Premium Package or
available as a stand-alone option on all other models. BMW includes the
Safety Plan for 4 years at no additional cost. BMW is the only
manufacturer that offers this duration of service as other
manufacturers only include the first year of service. The BMW Assist
Safety Plan is a subscription based service that is subject to certain
limitations.
The in-vehicle equipment integrates GPS technology and hands-free
wireless communication functions to deliver emergency and other
services, accessed via buttons in the overhead or center console. The
BMW Assist system transmits the location and vehicle information to the
BMW Assist Response Center. A response specialist speaks with the
vehicle occupants to coordinate dispatch, notify emergency contacts on
file, and link BMW Roadside Assistance or emergency services as needed
and/or requested. A severe accident automatically activates the
Automatic Collision Notification function.
The BMW Assist Safety Plan also includes Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle
Recovery services, which can save the driver time and money. New to BMW
Assist is MyInfo, which allows users to send business listings and
street addresses with associated phone numbers from the internet,
directly to their BMW. TeleService automatically notifies the BMW
center when the vehicle will need service. A service advisor then
proactively calls the customer to set up a convenient appointment and
have the needed parts ready.
BMW Assist subscribers can also enroll in the BMW Assist Convenience
Plan (available at an additional cost of $199 per year) to avail
themselves of BMW Assist concierge services; from finding the lowest
fuel price or the best French restaurant in the area to information on
flight arrival gates or times, as well as receiving directions, traffic
and weather information. On most models produced September 2006 and
later, a selected destination and its phone number can be sent directly
to the BMW Navigation system and the subscriber’s Bluetooth - linked
mobile phone, after a push of the Concierge menu option. New for 2009
is BMW Search, which allows online access to the Google Maps database
inside the vehicle to quickly find a desired business with just a key
word. The Convenience Plan also includes Critical Calling, a service
that can connect the driver to a requested party via a response
specialist in case their mobile phone is not in the vehicle or its
battery is discharged.
Lastly, the BMW Assist system includes Bluetooth hands-free calling and
phone connectivity with phonebook access and speech recognition for
dialing by name or number via steering wheel controls. Use of this
feature requires a customer-provided compatible Bluetooth mobile phone.
To learn more about BMW Assist, please visit www.bmwassist.com.
BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since
1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in
2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include
marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand
of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the
Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design
firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various
other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in
South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and
is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models, X5 Sports
Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales
organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW
passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW
motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce
Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales
headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
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