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BMW Financial Services Ranks Highest in Luxury Lease Satisfaction in J.D. Power and Associates New-Vehicle Consumer Financing Study


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WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Dec. 11, 2007 -- BMW Financial Services of North America, LLC (BMW FS) ranked highest in satisfaction with initial consumer leases for luxury nameplates in the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Consumer Financing Satisfaction Study released today.

The top ranking in this study marks the first time * BMW Financial Services has received the highest ranking in this important segment and reflects a 47 index point increase that takes it from seventh to first place. BMW Financial Services is the first financing provider to attain top ranking in both Retail Leasing Satisfaction in the J.D. Power and Associates Dealer Financing Satisfaction and Luxury Lease Satisfaction in the Consumer Financing studies in the same year.

"While competitive financial offerings are an important factor in consumer satisfaction, consumers are seeking more from their finance providers. Being recognized in both the Dealer and Consumer studies speaks to the importance we place on the three critical elements of success in business; the dealer customer, retail owner and the manufacturer all having the same expectation of peak performance. Consumers expect competent and courteous finance staff at the dealership, complimented by efficient servicing of their contract for the life of the loan, including accurate billing and prompt attention to questions and concerns," said Edward A. Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer of BMW Financial Services, Americas Region.

"Our customers recognize the emphasis we place on their satisfaction and this ranking acknowledges our commitment to them and to process excellence. Given the wealth of choices available to the luxury consumer, we are delighted that so many BMW drivers select BMW Financial Services as their financial services provider of choice," he said.

Initiated 12 years ago, the J.D. Power and Associates' Consumer Financing Satisfaction Study is conducted annually. The study aims to measure and profile the voice of the consumer as it pertains to the vehicle financing experience, with particular emphasis on four key factors of the auto financing experience: provider offering, application/approval process, payment billing, and customer contact.

About BMW Financial Services

BMW Financial Services was established in the U.S. in 1993 to support the sales and marketing efforts of BMW of North America. Since then, the company has expanded to provide service to markets in multiple countries and continues to evolve beyond its role as a captive finance unit. BMW Financial Services offers a wide range of leasing, retail and commercial financing and banking products tailored to meet the needs of the BMW customer. The company also provides financing to BMW dealers for expanding dealership capabilities and enhancing overall operations. With over $25 billion in serviced assets and more than 700,000 automotive lending customers, BMW Financial Services finances over half of the BMWs sold or leased in the United States. BMW FS employs more than 900 people, including consultants and temporary workers, most of whom are located in the Hilliard, Ohio Customer Service Center.

In 2001, MINI Financial Services was established to provide support for the brand's dealer and customer networks by offering various financing and leasing options.

BMW Group Financial Services also offers an array of exciting credit card products through its subsidiary, the BMW Bank of North America. up2drive.com is a division of BMW Bank of North America, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW Financial Services NA, LLC. BMW Insurance Agency, Inc., a property and casualty producer, is also part of BMW Group Financial Services.

About J. D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, California, J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

* BMW Financial Services was also the top-ranked provider in Initial Lease Satisfaction in the Consumer Finance Satisfaction (CFS) Study in 1999 prior to the segmentation of the awards by Luxury and Non-Luxury.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

  www.bmwgroupna.com
  www.bmwusa.com
  www.bmwmotorradusa.com
  www.miniusa.com
  www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com