Carbon Motors, BMW Group announce strategic partnership

Carbon Motors Corporation and BMW Group on March 22 jointly announced a strategic partnership in a joint press conference held outside of the 2010 Government and Security/U.S. Law Conference and Exposition in Washington, D.C. BMW will supply Carbon Motors with advanced clean diesel engines, complete with cooling and exhaust gas systems, and automatic transmissions for the Carbon E7, the world’s first and only purpose-built law enforcement patrol vehicle – designed by law enforcement, exclusively for law enforcement.

“America’s largest, and most visible fleets of government-owned vehicles, now in excess of 450,000 units, deserve the most durable, efficient and reliable powertrain available,” said William Santana Li, chairman and chief executive officer, Carbon Motors Corporation. “The strength of BMW as a partner will allow us to provide our women and men in uniform with a diesel engine capable of the performance they desire along with the significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions that U.S. taxpayers need.”

It is estimated that the U.S. law enforcement fleet consumes an estimated 1.5 billion gallons of gasoline and emits an estimated 14 million tons of CO2 annually; the Carbon E7 will cut that by up to 40 percent using clean diesel technology. Clean diesel is the technically correct solution for law enforcement operations due to its inherent performance, safety, operational, fuel efficiency, and durability characteristics.

“We are delighted to support Carbon Motors Corporation with our engine expertise,” said Ian Robertson, member of the board of management of BMW AG. “BMW Group diesel engines have a clear lead over the competition when it comes to fuel consumption, emissions and performance. Today’s agreement with Carbon Motors marks an important milestone in BMW’s 35-year commitment to the United States market.”

Also in attendance at the March 22 announcement were U.S. Senator Richard Lugar (R-Indiana) and Indiana's Secretary of Commerce E Mitchell Roob Jr.

“Carbon Motors has exhibited relentless and unwavering determination in its efforts to put Hoosiers back to work,” said Senator Lugar. “Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to proving that America is back and is turning Indiana into the Silicon Valley of the auto industry.”