BMW - A leader in corporate sustainability?

Sustainability leader? Then get this ActiveHybrid to market before 2010

"The BMW Group is the world leader in corporate sustainability in the automobile industry. This was the conclusion reached by the SAM Group in its current evaluation for the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI). This makes the BMW Group the only company in its sector to have been listed in these important sustainability indexes every year since they were established in 1999."

“We are delighted that the BMW Group is industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the third consecutive year. This result proves once again that sustainability is firmly rooted in our corporate processes. We are convinced that sustainability throughout the value added chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to saving resources are all an integral part of the company’s success,” said Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

Kudos, but a cleaner and greener BMW vehicle would make me a bigger fan.

BMW announces ActiveHybrid

BMW's X6 dual mode hybrid vehicle

Sometime around 2010, BMW will launch the X6 ActiveHybrid that will be built on the same dual mode hybrid powertrain BMW helped develop with GM and Chrysler. BMW expects the hybrid technology to provide a 20 percent increase in fuel economy.

According to Car&Driver, "With the X5 growing in its second generation—7.4 inches longer, 2.4 inches wider, and a couple hundred pounds heavier than the original—to accommodate a third row of seating, perhaps there is room in the BMW SUV lineup for a vehicle catering to those wanting the sporty driving promise of the roundel on the hood and room for four in a stylish, blatantly road-oriented SUV."