BMW has signed a multi-million pound technology,
marketing and sponsorship partnership with Intel in which the
carmaker will standardise its IT infrastructure on Intel-based
systems.
As well as providing technology, through the agreement, Intel
will sponsor BMW’s Sauber F1 team. Intel will also supply IT
systems to BMW’s worldwide group data centres, and support BMW’s
3,000 dealers.
BMW will also replace its corporate notebooks with PCs based on
Intel’s Centrino wireless technology to help boost productivity
among remote and mobile workers.
In addition, the two companies have agreed to develop an
industry specification to try and deliver seamless integration of
third-party devices – including phones and portable music players –
into BMW vehicles.
Dr Burkhard Göschel, BMW Group board member for purchasing and
development, said, “Our methods of systematically turning ideas
into innovative products will be excellently supported and
complemented by Intel’s innovative technology and highly efficient
solutions. This partnership stands to benefit our IT, our customers
and our Formula One team.”
Eric Kim, Intel senior vice president and chief marketing officer,
said, “Intel and BMW intend to collaborate heavily on the IT
technology and marketing side as our brands are very synergistic.
Intel will infuse the BMW Sauber F1 Team with its technology –
technology that we believe will support the team’s
performance.”
