Internationally acclaimed artist Jeff Koons is set to create a new work involving BMW cars.

The sculptor will become the latest in a long line of artists to get involved in with the BMW Art Car project.

Speaking from his studio in New York, Mr Koons, who is famed for his giant reproductions of everyday objects, said: "I always thought it would be an honour to work on a BMW Art Car, I look forward to participating in a tradition set forth by such great artists as Calder, Lichtenstein, Stella, and Warhol."

Further details of the new project are sketchy, but BMW said the Koons Art Car will be revealed later this year.

The artist’s work will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the BMW Art Car programme.

Artists have been turning BMW cars into art since 1975, and the resulting works have been exhibited across the globe, including at the Louvre, the Guggenheim Museums, and the Shanghai Art Museum.

In 1999, Pablo Picasso’s signature was used to promote the Citroen Xsara Picasso.

People thinking about buying a BMW or BMW parts in the next couple of years will be inspired by a new collaboration, the manufacturer has forecast.

Ian Robertson is a member of the board of management at BMW AG and commented after it was announced that the carmaker will be the official Automotive Partner of London 2012 and a Sustainability Partner supporting the games’ low-carbon agenda.

He said not only are the agreements a great chance to further develop even more fuel-efficient vehicles, but it will be an encouraging development for customers, employees, suppliers and dealers.

"Sustainability is a central pillar of our business and guides all aspects of our operations," he explained. "Therefore, we have a natural affinity with London 2012 and its commitment to low carbon and healthy living."

Chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, Lord Sebastian Coe, said he was pleased to see BMW named as the automotive partner of the event.

News of the partnership comes days after BMW parts were named as some of the factors behind a recent award.

The BMW Z4 won Scottish Drop Top of the Year at the Scottish car of the Year Awards 2009.

Those on the lookout for BMW Z4 parts might find further proof of their great buying choices in the recent comments of an expert.

Last week saw the Scottish Car of the Year Awards 2009 take place and the model was given the gong for best "drop top" vehicle.

President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers – the organisation behind the event – Bill Caven, said the build quality of the motor was excellent.

He also highlighted its "slick folding-roof mechanism", which helped to make the Z4 the "ultimate" driving experience.

BMW also took home the Eco award for its EfficientDynamics system, which incorporates various technologies to deliver a greener solution for motorists.

These include Active Aerodynamics and Auto Start-Stop features.

"With its Efficient Dynamics programmes [BMW has] certainly provided a breath of fresh air in making us more aware of what clean should mean," Mr Caven explained.

The aforementioned prizes are not the first for the manufacturer this autumn. Earlier this month, the group’s model range was named by a Fleet News/Grant Thornton survey as the most reliable in the country.

Research findings have revealed that BMW has come up trumps for reliability.

The results came about as a result of data obtained regarding the UK’s 50 largest car leasing firms by Fleet News and Grant Thornton.

Stephen Briers, editor of Fleet News, said: "This is one of the largest vehicle reliability surveys of its kind and it reviews a market where cars are subjected to some of the most testing conditions they will ever face on the road."

Respondents at the leasing companies were asked to measure the cars’ reliability based upon how many breakdowns occurred on the models in their range.

He added that any make of car that made it in the list could consider it as being a significant result and was said to be down only to the efforts by manufacturers to make their vehicles withstand the conditions of the roads.

BMW came top with its 3 Series (2nd), BMW 5 Series (5th) and MINI (8th). Other vehicles in the brand’s range include the M3 and X5.

In total the survey covered 840,000 vehicles.

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BMW Group revealed its quarter three earnings for 2009 are positive, with its profits before tax totalling €126 million (£112 million).

The announcement was made in Munich this week, with Norbert Reithofer, chairman of the board of management of BMW, commenting on how the company had achieved its success.

He said: "The measures we have put in place to increase efficiency and reduce costs are taking effect.

"We are aiming to achieve positive group earnings for the current financial year."

Mr Reithofer added that this predicted result was based on the worldwide economy remaining stable until the end of the year with the firm making its calculations based upon September’s growth figures.

The company currently has facilities for the production of vehicles in 13 countries and reports global sales of over 1.43 million.

It participates in the government scrappage scheme, offering customers £2,000 for trade-in alongside a £1,145.55 dealer deposit towards restricted car models from participating dealers.

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A new course from one car manufacturer is as a result of a partnership formed with the Energy Saving Trust that will save motorists money.

The Smarter Driving programme from BMW is geared around teaching motorists how to drive more efficiently.

Stephen Chater, BMW Group corporate operations manager, commented on the course benefits

He said: "The BMW Group fleet promises to offer participants a dynamic and engaging experience allowing them to easily adopt a smarter driving style.

"We are delighted to be part of a scheme which benefits not only the drivers but their employers and the wider environment too."

If drivers adhere to the advice given by the trust, it could make them fuel savings in the region of £250 each year.

DriveSense is responsible for the delivery of the training, which comes at a cost of £25.

This organisation, which has been in existence for 20 years, claims to have prospered more recently due to Health and Safety and Duty of Care law changes.

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BMW has demonstrated its faith in the quality of Gentex car parts, it has been claimed.

The German manufacturer’s 2010 X1 SUV is set to feature the US company’s auto-dimming mirror and its High Beam Headlamp Assist system.

Enoch Jen is senior vice-president of the company responsible for making the auto parts and he pointed out this is not the first vehicle produced by the carmaker to feature his firm’s technology.

He stated: "BMW is a long-time Gentex customer and continues to see the value of our products, as is evidenced by their increased availability on the majority of BMW models."

The auto-dimming mirror is designed to prevent drivers from being dazzled by vehicles approaching from behind and the High-Beam Headlamp Assist device automatically changes light intensity in accordance with traffic conditions.

Meanwhile, it was previously announced that the new Vauxhall Astra is also being equipped with some of the same technology.

Motorists who appreciate a high-spec car may be tempted by the latest addition to BMW’s line up.

The xDrive35d 10-Year Edition X5 has been launched to mark a decade of production of the model.

People who buy the auto can expect leather upholstery, 20-inch Y-spoke light alloy wheels, Matt Aluminium exterior trim and roof rails, comfort access and a panoramic glass sunroof.

However, individuals keen to purchase the vehicle may need to be quick.

Numbers are to be limited to 2,000, with 200 expected to be sold in the UK.

Prices for the special edition model start from £54,075 and it is available to buy immediately.

Since being released in the UK in 2000, 62,872 examples of the X5 have been sold in the country.

Meanwhile, BMW is due to unveil its Vision EfficientDynamics car at this week’s Frankfurt International Motor Show.

The group described the model as the "most innovative" concept vehicle it has ever produced.

Motorists are still interested in second-hand prestige cars, despite the recession, it has been claimed.

According to online used vehicle retailer Autoquake, BMW models tend to attract the most enquiries.

The company’s customers can ask for email alerts about cars due to come into stock – autos from the German manufacturer have been found to generate the highest number of requests.

In addition to this, potential buyers can register interest in vehicles that have already been reserved by other people, in case the sale falls through.

One BMW 318i inspired 220 individuals to ask to be notified if it became available again.

Co-founder of Autoquake Fredrik Skantze commented: "There’s a shortage of quality used cars at the moment, so it’s no wonder buyers are queuing up to buy the most popular models."

In other news, the company recently announced customers can now pre-order ex-fleet vehicles before they are officially available to buy.

Some new BMW car parts in the manufacturer’s coupe range may appeal to drivers keen to improve their green credentials.

The group has announced it is introducing two additional engines to the line up next month.

Buyers will find the 120i version of the model offers fuel economy of 42.8 mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 153 g/km.

Meanwhile, the 118d coupe is capable of 62.8 mpg and releases 119 g/km of CO2.

BMW claimed the two new engines should mean the auto attracts even more customers.

Prices for the 120i range between £21,115 to £23,990, while the 118d will cost buyers a minimum of £20,500 and a maximum of £23,375.

Both vehicles are due to arrive in showrooms up and down the UK from September 1st.

Meanwhile, people who already own one of the manufacturer’s models may find BMW car parts bought online can help keep it in peak condition.