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BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported April sales of 19,362 vehicles, a decrease of 38.4 percent from the 31,448 vehicles sold in the same month of 2008. The BMW Group also reported a year-to-date sales volume of 70,606 vehicles, down 29.4 percent, compared to 99,977 vehicles sold in the same period a year ago. Despite the negative development in April, both BMW and MINI continue to track better than their market segments year-to-date.

BMW announced U.S. retail pricing for both the X5 M and the X6 M. The X6 M was unveiled for the first time at the New York International Auto Show. When the X5 M and X6 M go on sale this fall as 2010 model vehicles, they will retail for $86,225 and $89,725 respectively (including $825 Destination & Handling).

BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) dispatched a maintenance crew of 43 people to begin replacing railroad ties between East Winona, Wis., and St. Croix Tower, Minn. The crew is expected to replace more than 1,300 ties a day through July. This maintenance project will cost approximately $10.5 million.

BMW 7 Series already sets the benchmark in luxury performance driving - and now BMW raised the standard for maximum exclusivity, performance and luxury in this premium class. The new BMW 760Li Sedan is taking over the top position within BMW’s model portfolio, delivering the highest level of driving refinement in its segment.

BMW has awarded a new contract for the management of its warehouse operations, covering its southern operational region in Australia. The contract will see CEVA Logistics manage the receipt, storage, inventory and dispatch of service parts to BMW car dealerships in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and West Australia. The signing of the new contract extends CEVA’s relationship with BMW Group, Australia.

BMW is introducing the new 1000 RR on the legendary Monza Racing Circuit, BMW Motorrad is for the fi rst time launching an absolutely innovative supersports with a straight-four power unit. With this world debut, BMW Motorrad is indeed establishing a true milestone in the world of sports machines, combining engine output of 142 kW (193 hp) with overall weight of just 204 kg (450 lb) including fuel (183 kg/403.5 lb dry weight, 206.5 kg/455.3 lb overall with Race ABS).

BMW sought an innovative approach for the launch of the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster, and had to look no further than its rich legacy of commitment to art for inspiration. The result, an aesthetically powerful marketing campaign entitled "Expression of Joy," rolled out in early May. The campaign, which relies heavily on vibrant video content, includes an MSN.com homepage takeover with which BMW will be the first advertiser to make use of the Web site's new feature - an expandable video unit that will allow users to view the BMW Z4 spot in full-screen mode. Also, the conventional 30-second spot is complimented by a 30-minute documentary.

C

Caterpillar Inc. said it took its first quarterly loss in 16 years. The company said it lost $112 million, or 19 cents a share, in the first quarter, compared with net income of $922 million, or $1.45, a year ago. Sales fell 22% to $9.23 billion, the company said. Caterpillar cut more than 24,000 jobs worldwide since December and has imposed temporary shut-downs, partial workweeks and pay cuts to cope with the global credit crisis and recession.

D

Daimler AG said it lost $1.68 billion in the first quarter, compared with a profit of $1.73 billion a year ago. Revenue for the first quarter fell 26% to about $24.8 billion. Daimler is considering discontinuing cutting back its truck operations in Asia and, combined with some plant closures in North America and hours cutbacks in Europe, that will likely match with lower demand.

DB Schenker Rail has begun transporting some containers for the Shipping Corporation of India in the UK, working with its agent Escombe Lambert. The UK division of Europe’s biggest rail company will move boxes to and from the Port of Felixstowe and inland terminals at Birmingham (BIFT) and Wakefield.The Indian shipping line has been using rail in the UK since the start of April and is looking to increase its modal shift from road. Rick Alphonso, general manager of Escombe Lambert, said: “The Shipping Corporation of India has added a third vessel to its India Subcontinent to Europe service, which will increase the number of units in and out of Felixstowe providing the platform to increase future rail movements.”

E

Eaton Corp. Vehicle parts manufacturer said it lost $52 million on the first quarter as sales slumped.The company’s 30-cent per-share loss compared with a profit of $247 million, or $1.64 per share, a year ago. Sales fell 20% to $2.81 billion.Its truck segment’s sales fell 49% to $292 million and the unit posted an operating loss of $34 million.Eaton in February had forecast a 25- to 35-cent per-share loss, down from an earlier forecast of flat earnings.

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General Motors Corp. will idle 13 U.S. assembly plants for several months this summer to trim inventory after U.S. sales fell 49% this year in the first quarter. The No. 1 U.S. automaker plans to reduce production by 190,000 vehicles from May through July, GM said.

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Honda has cautiously welcomed government plans to offer UK consumers £2,000 (US$2,910) to scrap their old cars when they buy a new one. A Honda spokesman said the headlines of the scheme looked promising but until the full-details of what it entailed had emerged it would be hard to say how much of an impact it would make to car sales. The scheme will be available to a maximum of 300,000 consumers, the cars being scrapped must be over 10-years-old and it will expire in March next year.The government will pay half of the £2,000 while the manufacturer of the new car that is bought will pay the remaining £1,000.

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Landstar System said its first-quarter net income fell to $13.9 million, or 27 cents a share, from $23.7 million, or 45 cents, a year ago.Revenue for the quarter ended March 28 fell to $469.2 million, from $608.8 million a year ago, the company said. Loads hauled in the quarter were about 17% below those hauled a year ago, Chief Executive Officer Henry Gerkens said.

M

MINI dips its toe into the stylistic future of travel. Teaming up with renowned brands Airstream and Republic of Fritz Hansen(TM), the carmaker has embraced the theme of "mobile living" in developing an innovative design study with a down-by-the beach feel. The collaboration has spawned a unique combination of a 6.80-metre-long Airstream trailer and a modified MINI Cooper S Clubman, one whose appeal extends beyond the reaches of the watersports scene. Danish furniture design brand Republic of Fritz Hansen(TM) has kitted the iconic American travel trailer out with new interpretations of design classics and given both the trailer and the MINI a revamped look from the wheels up.

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Volvo Trucks North America said the United States should adopt a policy of allowing longer, heavier trucks on the nation’s highways as a way to increase driver productivity and to conserve fuel. Scott Kress, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Volvo Trucks North America said that to address the problems of fuel efficiency, freight productivity and congestion, “one strategy that should be well understood and considered is more productive trucks.” Kress said motor carriers should have the “ability to use longer combination vehicles throughout the Interstate Highway System.”

Volkswagen says it has won its biggest UK van deal, with an order for 5,300 Caddy vans from British Gas. The firm already has 1,000 Caddys and the fleet replacement deal will put 5,300 identical vans onto the road in 2010 & 2011. Each will be delivered with a 70 mph speed limiter and internal racking fitted. British Gas is the largest domestic central heating and gas fitting firm in the UK and is now the largest supplier of residential electricity in Britain.

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Werner Enterprises Truckload carrier said its first-quarter profit declined to $6.9 million, or 10 cents per share, from $8.4 million, or 12 cents in 2008. Revenue fell 23% to $394.5 million, while trucking revenue excluding fuel surcharges declined 12% to $308 million, the company said.

Wincanton has won two UK logistics contract renewals with DIY supplier Focus and Marley Eternit, a roofing products maker.The renewed £33m (US$49.8m) deal with Focus will run for three - years and Wincanton will continue to operate its national warehousing operation from the DIY specialist’s central distribution centre
in Tamworth.