BMW Limousines for IMF, World Bank Meetings Ready to Roll
BMW Asia and its sole distributor in Singapore, Performance Motors Limited (PML), today handed over a fleet of 7 Series limousines to the Singapore Government for the upcoming Annual Meetings of the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank beginning shortly here.
The two companies, lead partners of Singapore 2006, are supplying 451 units of the BMW 730Li to chauffeur heads of government, finance ministers and central bank governors who will soon arrive for the meetings. In addition, 53 units of BMW 5 series and 41 units of BMW 3 series are provided, making a grand total of 545 BMW vehicles.
Mr Roland Krueger, Managing Director of BMW Asia said: "We are very honoured to support Singapore 2006, as this cooperation between the Singapore government and BMW has many synergies. Our involvement in S2006 is the biggest project of its kind undertaken by the BMW Group anywhere to date, and it is a clear and firm demonstration of our commitment to our host country. We are very pleased to play a part in helping to showcase Singapore’s strengths as a major financial centre, as well as its efficiency and vision. The BMW 7 Series that we are providing to the VIPs attending the meetings is proving once again to be the ideal car for leaders.”
Intense preparations
Intensive preparations, which began last year, are being made to support the largest and most comprehensive event of its kind to be held in Singapore. The planning and preparation process commenced with a memorandum of understanding, signed between the Government of Singapore, BMW Asia and Performance Motors in March 2005, resulting in the provision of 451 units of the long wheelbase BMW 7 Series limousines.
In May this year, recruitment for chauffeurs drew over 1,650 enthusiastic applicants. However, after a rigorous screening and selection process, only 700 chauffeur trainees were identified. They were trained by PML’s BMW Driver Trainers in the familiarization and handling of the BMW 7 Series limousines. The aim - to provide VIP delegates with the highest standard of service possible.
To date, 600 chauffeurs have been chosen for S2006 duty. Aside from coordinating the logistics requirements behind chauffeur staffing, PML will handle round-the-clock technical assistance and related expenses such as the fuel, maintenance and insurance for the limousines spanning the entire duration of the meetings, in a partnership worth more than S$10 million.
‘Extra mile’ efforts
"It is a great honour for Performance Motors and its staff to be involved in the premier financial event for the world's most influential leaders. It also represents a significant challenge, but I am confident that with our track record, our professionalism and dedication, we will provide service and logistical support to the highest standard, thereby underpinning one of the key pillars for the event’s undoubted success," said Mr Simon Rock, Managing Director of Performance Motors Limited.
A team of more than 100 PML staff comprising the steering committee, managers, administrative, technical and support staff will be working round-the-clock in tandem with the S2006 Transport Sub-Committee over the month of September to ensure the logistical success of the event and the comfort of Singapore’s VIP guests.
Preparation has been detailed, covering all aspects relating to the delivery, maintenance as well as eventual return of the cars at the end of the meetings. The Singapore 2006 meetings of the IMF and World Bank will culminate in over a quarter of a million man-hours of dedicated work by both companies.