BMW knows performance, and nothing proves it more than the topnotch new BMW models that you'll find right here at Markel BMW. However, our favorite German automaker also knows that performance and eco-friendliness can go together quite well too. That's why they make use of carbon fiber in the new luxury and exotic cars in their lineup. It results in their vehicles holding a lighter weight, which increases fuel economy, while also ramping up acceleration.

One thing about using carbon fiber that we should note, though, is that it can be costly. The material is not cheap to produce, and using it can often drive up the overall development and production cost of a model. But that isn't stopping BMW from using as much carbon fiber as possible in their lineup, and they've got a trick up their sleeve to prove it.

More specifically, the German automaker recently made a rather large investment in one of the most popular producers of the material, SGL Carbon SE. Just how big of an investment are we talking here? Enough for BMW to now control a 15.16 percent stake in the company. And they're making sure that this new resource is both put to good use and well taken care of. In fact, they've even gone as far as to open a new plant for the company in Washington State, and we can only imagine how BMW engineers and designers are reacting to news of more plentiful carbon fiber in the near future.

"Lightweight construction will play an increasingly important role in the automobile industry in the future," says Friedrich Eichiner, Member, Board of Management, BMW. "Our stake-holding in SGL Group is a logical step that will further strengthen our successful cooperation."¹

Want more BMW news? Be sure to stay tuned, as everyone here at 716 N. 102nd Street Omaha, NE 68114 will be keeping a close eye on this new investment and the impact that it has on models like the BMW 328i xDrive, X5 xDrive35i, and 650i.

Of course, if you'd like to say up to date on the new and used BMW models that we carry, you can always contact us online or by phone at (800) 593-6060.

Source: ¹http://www.motorward.com/2011/11/bmw-buys-shares-in-sgl-carbon-se/