The BMW strategy, known as BMW EfficientDynamics, means that from July 2008 Irish customers buying a new BMW or MINI can expect to make significant savings when the new Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) system comes into effect. Of the standard/entry level transmissions on the 253 BMW models, BMW reports that 172 models will fall in price, or 68 per cent of the range. Of the 13 MINI models nine fall in price, or 69 per cent.

Under the banner EfficientDynamics, BMW vehicles employ a range technologies, such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop and Electric Power Steering to help cut fuel bills and emissions. An optimum gearshift change indicator is included to encourage economical motoring. These innovations are in addition to high-precision direct injection engines on some models that further aid engine performance. Instead of producing one-off models or the odd concept car, BMW has introduced EfficientDynamics across almost all of its range in 2007.

In Europe, around 40 per cent of new vehicles, or 22 models manufactured by the BMW Group have a maximum emission of 140g CO2/km for model year 2008. This clearly sets BMW apart from the competition, which has only been marketing individual fuel-efficient models to date. The BMW Group is on target to meet its commitment to reduce the CO2 emissions of the combined fleet by 30 per cent by the end of 2008 compared to 1995 figures.

Judges of the World Car of the Year Awards praised BMW and its 118d for offering buyers a model with a range of innovative technologies that reduce fuel consumption and cut CO2 emissions as standard. The three- and five-door BMW 118d record an impressive 4.5l/100km on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of just 119g/km - putting it into the A band for VRT. The BMW 118d now costs €29,192, compared with €34,600 under the outgoing VRT system.

The following examples highlight the difference in prices between the new taxation structure and the outgoing VRT system.

Some sample prices from 1 July 2008:

• 318i ES Saloon, 2.0-litre petrol, new price €36,366 - Reduction -€4,484, 142 CO2 g/km, Band C
• 318d ES Saloon, 2.0-litre diesel new price €28,206 - Reduction -€6,594, 123 CO2 g/km, Band B
• 320d ES Saloon, 2.0-litre diesel new price €40,935 - Reduction -€7,065, 128 CO2 g/km, Band B
• 520d SE Saloon, 2.0-litre diesel new price €45,057 - Reduction -€8,193, 136 CO2 g/km, Band B

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