Mandela
praises BMW's contributions to children in South Africa
In honor of the 10th
Anniversary of democracy in South Africa, BMW will produce 10 limited
edition cars to be personally signed by Nelson Mandela.
The Democracy Cars will be
auctioned in Fall 2004 with the proceeds to be donated to the
Nelson Mandela
Children's Fund.
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for a larger image
Nelson Mandela and
BMW of North America announced
that in honor of the 10th anniversary of the first democratic
elections held in South Africa, BMW will produce 10 limited edition
3 series vehicles, or 'Democracy
Cars,' which have been personally signed by Mandela. The 'Democracy
Cars' will be auctioned off in the Fall, with the proceeds donated to
the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, which assists disadvantaged
children and youth in South Africa, and informs the public about the
social and economic challenges they face.
BMW AG chair Norbert
Reithofer said a plague verifying the authenticity of the signature
would also be affixed, and the vehicles would be valued as Mandela is
an icon not only in South Africa but also in other countries.
The limited edition cars
will be built through a donation of time, material and energy on the
part of BMW South Africa
employees. Many suppliers will provide parts and components at no
charge. Mandela placed his signature on a prominent area of the
interior trim. A plaque verifying the authenticity of the signature
will also be affixed.
BMW of North America will
auction off two of the vehicles, while the remaining eight cars will
be auctioned off in South Africa.
"Upon the historic
occasion of the 10th anniversary of democratic elections in South
Africa, we are proud to announce this special new auction," said Tom
Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW (US) Holding Corp. "Nelson Mandela is
a symbol of hope, integrity and courage to millions of people around
the world. We are delighted to have his participation in the
'Democracy Cars' program, and we cannot think of a better recipient
for the proceeds of the auction than the Nelson Mandela Children's
Fund."
The pioneering investments
undertaken by BMW in South Africa since 1994 have led to an
improvement in the lives of many South Africans. BMW South Africa's
export program and attainment of international quality standards are
iconic achievements and are frequently cited by South Africa's most
influential people, including President Mandela. BMW South Africa's
successes reflect the opportunities and accomplishments since 1994 and
are part of the overall ongoing achievements in South Africa.
Celebratory events are
been planned in South Africa as well as the rest of the world for the
10th anniversary.
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