[jo-e90]

My dealer says its because of the bad economy.

[Robert]

bad economy means there are no cancer victims who need help this year. I think it may work to their benefit if they show the public bmw actually cares, even in the downturn. It will win more female customer from merc and audi.

[blakjack23]

I got an email from my dealer also saying it was cancelled. Its obviously to save money, but its too bad for the charity. The email said they raise more than a million dollars a year for SK.

[blakjack23]

Ultimate Drive Cancelled for 2009
by V Savatdy, Business Development Associate



Motorwerks operations manager, Kristi Benning, is sad to announce that Motorwerks will not host the BMW Ultimate Drive this year. BMW representatives notified her that they are canceling the Ultimate Drive, a national charitable event that helped raise money for Komen for the Cure, for 2009.

The BMW Ultimate Drive helped raise funds and awareness of the Komen for the Cure promise to end breast cancer forever. The Ultimate Drive stopped at more than 210 BMW Centers nationwide in 2008. Developed by BMW in partnership with Komen, a fleet of specially badged BMWs crisscross the country visiting participating BMW Retail Centers. For every mile driven during the BMW Ultimate Drive event, $1.00 is donated to Komen, with a guaranteed donation of $1,000,000. Upon furthering its commitment to the Komen vision, BMW North America, Inc. produced the BMW Pink Ribbon Collection of apparel and lifestyle merchandise. BMW donated 80 percent of the gross profits to Komen from the merchandise sold. The total contribution of the Pink Ribbon Collection is over $1 million. The total contribution since program's inception was more than $11 million.

It was a very successful and fun event. It was not said why the Ultimate Drive was canceled this year, but according to Kristi, "It is most likely a financial decision from BMW of North America, Inc. I am really sad to see it happen." This would have been the 12th year for Motorwerks to take part in the Drive.

[Xiaofeng]

What a shame. I've been attending the Komen Ultimate Drive event for several years now, and have been encouraging co-workers to take some time to do the drives as well. We had a co-worker pass away from breast cancer a couple years ago, and since then, people have been more active in this event as well as the Race for the Cure.

It will be unfortunate for me to have to tell everyone at work the event will be canceled this year.

[AndyE1976]

I reckon they should have just changed it so that you got a drive for a donation. I for one would have donated the $10-$15 or whatever the test drive would have raised just to go play with a car for a little bit - then it only costs them time really.

[scollins]

Probably from all the people thrashing the M3. I think it missed at least 1/2 the events because the transmission was toast (6MT, not a DCT.)

Maybe BMW is finding different ways to support causes such as this, one that doesn't have high overhead. Maintaining those cars and moving the team all around the country probably cost significantly more than what was donated to Komen. The $1,000,000 donated to Komen isn't the issue I'm sure, but the millions that were spent put on the event. I wouldn't be surprised if the total cost didn't reach upwards of $10 million or more....

[Staszek]

Originally Posted by scollins

Probably from all the people thrashing the M3. I think it missed at least 1/2 the events because the transmission was toast (6MT, not a DCT.)

Maybe BMW is finding different ways to support causes such as this, one that doesn't have high overhead. Maintaining those cars and moving the team all around the country probably cost significantly more than what was donated to Komen. The $1,000,000 donated to Komen isn't the issue I'm sure, but the millions that were spent put on the event. I wouldn't be surprised if the total cost didn't reach upwards of $10 million or more....

I agree I am going to miss the event. I was pissed that this year the M didnt make it to my dealer, they called me and said the M was damaged right before it was supposed to get here.

Anyway I am sure they will still donate the $1 million, definitely cost them more to make this event then just to donate the million. Heck the cars all together cost more then $500k.

[BMWFM]

Very sad. This was a great event. I only did it last year but was looking forward to another round this year...

FM

[John 070]

Aren't we coming up upon the time when this event usually takes place? A google search leads to a dead link on the BMW website. I'll never forget 2005 when I got to drive the new E90 330i with professional drivers, as well as the Alpina B7 last year. To think all that fun for us generated 1.3 mil. to charity, yet it was unsustainable. Good things and good causes often work out that way...but I just wonder how the corporation feels about 13 straight years of contributing coming to an end in 2009, despite the massive price increases and standard features cut on the vehicles...

[Pedal2Floor]

Originally Posted by John 070

Aren't we coming up upon the time when this event usually takes place? A google search leads to a dead link on the BMW website. I'll never forget 2005 when I got to drive the new E90 330i with professional drivers, as well as the Alpina B7 last year. To think all that fun for us generated 1.3 mil. to charity, yet it was unsustainable. Good things and good causes often work out that way...but I just wonder how the corporation feels about 13 straight years of contributing coming to an end in 2009, despite the massive price increases and standard features cut on the vehicles...

BMW has been loosing money like many companies. While sales have dropped commodity prices in some cases have gone up. Look at a simple sheet of plywood its up almost 100%. The US has just put a 40% tariff on tires not made in the USA - again raising prices for auto makers and everyone else.

try running your own business whree you are actually building a product and have to deal with fed, state and local laws and then talk.

All of the money that went to charity came out of BMWs pocket not the people driving -- who often trashed the cars. In several cases I have peeked in the glove compartment which had police reports and damage reports from prior events. If they said you need to donate say $100 to drive, would you? Maybe many enthusiasts but not many others. It was an expensive freebee.

[John 070]

Originally Posted by Pedal2Floor

BMW has been loosing money like many companies. While sales have dropped commodity prices in some cases have gone up. Look at a simple sheet of plywood its up almost 100%. The US has just put a 40% tariff on tires not made in the USA - again raising prices for auto makers and everyone else.

try running your own business whree you are actually building a product and have to deal with fed, state and local laws and then talk.

All of the money that went to charity came out of BMWs pocket not the people driving -- who often trashed the cars. In several cases I have peeked in the glove compartment which had police reports and damage reports from prior events. If they said you need to donate say $100 to drive, would you? Maybe many enthusiasts but not many others. It was an expensive freebee.

I agree, but I did it 5 years in a row, 2 after I purchased a BMW, and BMW likes to say they did it 13 years in a row. Last year I signed up for the M3 and Alpina B7 (oh no I just gave away my age because there were age requirements for those vehicles). The M3 was off the tour because it's tranny was damaged. We strayed way way way off course because we missed a turn and entered the expressway. What was hilarious was there were other cars also on the expressway and driving off in every direction but on the real course. The caveat was that if you go off course, their insurance did not cover damage.

[Gig103]

I'm so bummed, I had to miss it last year but was determined to make it this year. Now it's gone I hope it comes back!

[jopa489]

Did this for years too, it was always a fun day.