BMW to sell luxury cars for less online

The BMW i3 concept car at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in January. (John T. Greilick / Detroit News)

BMW will sell cars over the Web for the first time as the world's largest maker of luxury vehicles seeks an inexpensive way to reach more buyers to recoup spending on its electric models.

A direct online sales platform for BMW's new I sub-brand will be unique in an industry where, outside of small-scale experiments, competitors leave Internet orders for cars to dealers. BMW's range of strategies for the models, including a roaming sales force backing a limited showroom network, reflects the challenge carmakers face as low-emission vehicles trickle into dealerships to sluggish demand after years of development.

"There is considerable risk in BMW's approach of promoting the I brand so prominently," said Stefan Bratzel, director of the Center of Automotive Management at the University of Applied Science in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany. "There is the image risk, if they don't succeed as quickly as expected, and then there's the main risk of costs, which can only be countered with high deliveries."

BMW opened the I models' first showroom Tuesday in London, although only prototype cars and informational materials will be displayed at first because the vehicles themselves won't go on sale before next year. BMW is spending about $3 billion developing the i3 battery-powered city car and i8 plug-in hybrid supercar, according to an estimate by Frost & Sullivan. Industry sales of electric cars last year, at 43,000 vehicles, were only 57 percent of the 75,000 deliveries predicted by Sarwant Singh, a London-based automotive partner at the consulting company.

Starting prices posted

The four-seat i3, scheduled to reach the market in late 2013, will be priced at about 40,000 euros ($48,500), Bratzel estimated. That compares with a 23,850-euro starting price ($29,388) in Germany for the 1-Series, the cheapest BMW-brand car. The i8, targeted for sale in 2014, will cost more than 100,000 euros ($123,221), according to Ian Robertson, BMW's sales chief.

Details of how I-model buyers, the website and dealerships will interact are "still in the planning process" and will be communicated later, Linda Croissant, a spokeswoman at Munich- based BMW, said last week. Sales will be focused on the world's major urban areas, she said.

The online sales option is aimed at a generation of drivers used to making daily purchases over the Internet, and will be an extension of the car configuration that most automakers offer customers to view models with desired options such as interior colors, seat materials and roof styles.

Test drives not an option

The Internet platform may take a while to catch on because "many customers will still want to go somewhere to look at and drive the vehicle before buying," said Ian Fletcher, an auto analyst in London at research company IHS Global Insight.

"With new technologies, there may be even greater skepticism about buying a car over the Internet, as in many cases you'll have to win the confidence of customers that it works and there is support for them," Fletcher said in an email.

The setup may help BMW reduce expenses: Internet sales require less than half the cost of distributing through a dealership, according to Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer of the Center Automotive Research at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany. That allows online car prices to be 5 percent to 7 percent less than showroom tags.

Still, BMW sees standard dealerships as "the backbone of what we are doing in the interface with the customer" for the I models, Robertson said in June at a press presentation at the sub-brand's Park Lane showroom in London.

Dealer selection criteria

Outlets will be restricted to dealers with high BMW-brand sales volume who have floor space as well as capacity to work with I models' powering technology and carbon-fiber body material, Robertson said. The carmaker has chosen 45 of its approximately 200 dealers in Germany to sell the i3 and i8, a ratio that will probably be similar elsewhere, he said.

Dealers will be designated as agents for the I models, which provides an "advantage" by keeping the vehicles on the carmaker's books, the association of BMW distributors in Germany said in an email.

Electric vehicles' disadvantages versus conventional cars include costly battery packs, limited ranges and the time needed to recharge. Consumer reception to models like the Nissan Motor Co.'s Leaf and General Motors Co.'s Chevrolet Volt has been tepid.

"Currently available electric cars have a limited market success because they are a big compromise," said Arndt Ellinghorst, a London-based analyst at Credit Suisse AG. "Customers are not willing to compromise and spend a lot of money."

Carbon fiber bodies lighter

BMW Chief Executive Officer Norbert Reithofer started Project I at the end of 2007 as tighter emissions regulations threatened the viability of sporty sedans. BMW chose to create all-new vehicles that use expensive carbon fiber for a lighter body to make up for the weight of the battery system.

The approach contrasts with a decision by Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz Cars division to convert existing models, such as the van-like B-Class or two-seat Smart, to electric power.

To make its electric vehicles more attractive, Stuttgart, Germany-based Daimler's Smart brand offers to lease the battery separately from the car. The automaker has a target of selling more than 10,000 of the models next year, with a starting price of 18,910 euros plus monthly battery rental at 65 euros.

The I models' new technology poses risks for BMW, "but they have no choice if they want to keep their premium and image as an innovation leader," Ellinghorst said.

The i3 and i8 will probably be among BMW's lowest-selling models through 2024, alongside the existing Z4 roadster, according to IHS estimates. In 2014, the first full year of production, BMW will probably deliver 31,380 i3s, compared with 564,760 of the best-selling 3-Series model and 18,101 Z4s, a study by the research company shows.

BMW's stance is that the models should produce earnings from the start, sales chief Robertson said.

"We clearly, as a company, go into any product launch with the view of making profit, which is no different with the I brand," Robertson said. "This is a car line just as every other car line, and we intend to make profit from Day 1."

Louis Vuitton release their 2012 Spring/Summer catalog

Fashions mega giant Louis Vuitton have come out to debut their 2012 Spring/Summer catalog “After all travel forms the foundation of the brand. This is a fundamental part of the lineage and language of Louis Vuitton and is a central component of what it stands for today,” says Kim Jones, the Men’s Style and Studio Director.

The new range has a very natural basic feel to it along with a safari theme running through in the lookbook which was shot by Alasdair Mcmellan. The visceral landscape as the backdrop the images showcased are that or wild dashes of color and perfect blue skies, with affluent wildlife and a sunset to die for.

It has been said that this season sees a focus on the practical and luxurious style of the modern global traveller. It has taken into account both an appreciation for traditional garments and a contemporary approach to dress and spans the divide between the two.

It seems as if Louis Vuitton have gone back in time to the pre World War 1 stage where wealthy individuals would travel to Africa, for trips and trading. The light organic fabrics can be clearly seen as the influence here.

Versace for H&M – The final collection

The bittersweet day is finally upon us as the final Versace for H&M collection lands today. With the crazy hysteria of the designers debut collection just a month ago fresh in our minds the second installment is set to be just as sought after!

In the much anticipated Cruise Collection Donatella Versace offers up a colourful collection of fruity tropical prints in her own signature style that positively screams SS’ 12 style! Or if pattern and print is not your thing why not browse the incredible range of statement jewellery and sexy sandals.

So if a litle bit of Versace is whats missing in your life nows the perfect time to indulge! The fabulous final collection is available solely via the H&M website and we’re pretty certain that today will be your first and last chance to buy.

Stylish Shoes, Paul Smith And John Lobb Pair Up To Create A Luxurious New Collection

Paul Smith is well known for his sleek style and bright dashes of colour, and in his Paris Spring/Summer 2013 catwalk show he unveiled a new collaboration with traditional luxury boot maker John Lobb. Paul Smith has selected three iconic John Lobb styles (the Willoughby Derby, the Westbourne Oxford and the Lucca Loafer) and has reconstructed them with innovation and a whirlwind of colour. The reinvention of them through the use of cherry red, regal purple and lapis blue has modernised these shoes, bringing traditional luxury into the 21st Century.

Founded in 1849, John Lobb is one of England’s oldest and most established shoemakers. A pair of original John Lobb’s shoes are made to measure, the perfect way to personalise your wardrobe this Summer. Each pair are hand crafted by a team of skilled craftsman who have each studied their skill to achieve nothing but perfection. Made from only the finest leather, each pair ooze tradition, quality and elegance.

Rather than changing the fundamental quality and elegance of the shoe, the playful use of colour creates a sense of fun and modernism that works perfectly together. This wonderful collaboration has brought together two iconic labels resulting in a timeless collection that is a must have in your shoe collection.

The new collection will be available worldwide from John Lobb stores and selected Paul Smith shops from September 1st 2012

Aman Spa Mayfair, Luxurious New Escape In London

This luxurious new spa lies in the heart of glamorous Mayfair beneath the Edwardian lobby of London’s Connaught Hotel. The Aman spa at the Connaught is the first Aman branded facility built outside one of the company’s hotel, the result of this separation is perfect relaxation and solitude.

The Aman Spa features five low-lit treatment rooms (one double and four singles) each containing a dressing area, a spa treatment area and steam shower as well as individual music systems. These personal areas ensure you escape and relax in your own perfect way.

An array of treatments are available to suit every guests needs from a range of holistic massages to healing therapies reflecting the renewing traditions of China, Thailand, India and the America’s. For a more in-depth session, The Aman Spa also offers a range of specialist complementary therapies such as reflexology, acupuncture and osteopathy.

The Aman Spa also offers a wide range of high-end beauty treatments, from relaxing facials to invigorating hand and foot care. For those looking for a more active visit, the Aman Spa also boasts a luxurious 60 square metre swimming pool and a highly equipped fitness studio.

Abama Golf And Spa Resort, Luxury 5 Star Escape In Tenerife

Tucked away in a glamorous corner of Tenerife; this high end getaway is the perfect blend of Africa and Spain. Based on a 160 hectare private estate in Guia De Isora, this tranquil area of the island is a subtropical paradise mixed with 5 star facilities.

Featuring volcanic landscapes, rich vegetation and breathtaking views, the resort enjoys on average more hours of sunlight than any other part of Spain with an impressive average annual temperature of 23 degrees centigrade.

Offering 476 guest rooms and suites which are divided between the complex, the villas and the exclusive club rooms and suites, there is a room to suit every need and desire. Nearly all of the accommodation offers beautiful views over the Atlantic, the perfectly kept golf course and colourful gardens. The combination of modern architecture and north African traditions and ancient Chinese principles makes Abama so unique.

Dave Thomas has put over 50 years of experience in the professional golf industry to create Abama’s golf course that offers a professional terrain and challenging holes. Covering 6,271 metres of ever changing scenery, this impressive course features 22 lakes linked by waterfalls, white sand bunkers and 25,000 palm trees. At its highest point, the course reaches 315 metres above sea level, boasting amazing views of the Atlantic and the island of La Gomera. The spacious greens allow for a varying choice of flag positions which, combined with the wide tee areas at each hole, makes the course accessible for both beginners and those with high handicaps.

Abama’s Spa offers something for every guests needs, whether you want to lose weight, improve your fitness or simply relax. Each Abama Total Wellness Programme begins with a consultation and diagnostic with one of the resorts helpful fitness and nutrition experts, producing the perfect individualised programme for you. The programme also comes with the option of personalised healthy eating menus at the Spa Cafe and at each of the resorts own luxury restaurants. This wonderful spa is the perfect way to meet your goals whilst being able to relax at the same time!

The resort also includes seven tennis courts for everyone’s ability, whether a beginner or a high level professional. All of the courts are off a professional standard, with court lights and flexi – pave surfaces in the style of the US and Australian Open courts. Personalised lessons are available for any level player and with the capacity for 600 spectators, you can show off your new tennis skills throughout your stay!

HAUTLENCE HLC 06 ROSE GOLD WATCH

By Josh Tyson posted on July 16, 2012 3:40 pm

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We feel a little guilty for gigging every time we see “Hautlence” and hear “flatulence” in our heads. Then again, even though the visual boldness of the Hautlence HLc 06 Rose Gold watch suggests a very serious timepiece, the hours it might take to become acclimated to telling time on its very unique face could represent a sense of humor on their behalf.

“Like all Hautlence collections, it is limited to 88 numbered pieces and comes with a sumptuous hand-sewn alligator strap with a choice of a pin buckle or folding clasp,” we are told. Furthermore: “the disc … literally jumps to each hour.” Sure does not sound like hot air.

Maps from your travels make for an inexpensive but meaningful part of your crafting arsenal.

DIY globe garland

 

While studying abroad in France as a college junior, my (amazing) schedule afforded me lots of long weekends and holidays to travel throughout Europe. I picked up, used, and kept a free map from the tourism office in each city I visited — and as a result maps have become one of my favorite craft supplies.

Maps from your travels make for an inexpensive but meaningful part of your crafting arsenal. They're typically colorful, too, and I always enjoyed reading the street names and landmarks in Portuguese or another language foreign to me.

If the summer has you coming down with a case of wanderlust, here are 9 ideas for projects using the maps you collect.

TOP ROW
1. DIY globe garland, Robbi Lindeman for Poppytalk Handmade
2. Map-lined door privacy screen, Better Homes and Gardens
3. Map photo mats, Martha Stewart
4. Decoupaged dresser, The Mayfly
5. Map letters, Francine Clouden/Callaloo Soup

BOTTOM ROW
6. Map-covered vases, Martha Stewart (Especially affordable if you use cans instead of real vases!)
7. Shiny map magnets, How About Orange
8. Mapped-out Kassett boxes, Ikea Hacker
9. Map lamp, Chez Larsson

Design Lover's Guide

As one of the world's top tourist destinations, London does many things well. History, culture, food (believe it), and yes, design. The Brits have long appreciated good design, and continue to celebrate examples both past and present. So if you're planning a trip to London, check out our Design Lover's Guide to make the most of your time.

See:

• The Victoria and Albert Museum: This famous museum has been celebrating good design in all its forms since 1852. Lest you think it's all lost crafts and ancient artifacts, the 20th Century design galleries are perfect for lovers of modern design, as are their regular in-depth exhibitions (this summer, British Design and Heatherwick Studio are particularly interesting).

 

• Design Museum London: This is where design aficionados will want to start, to take in the temporary exhibits on everything from architecture and product design to fashion and digital. The shop is worth almost as much time as the museum.

 

 

• Geffrye Museum: This fascinating museum chronicles the history of the domestic British interior from 1600 to the present day. Walking through the "rooms" is akin to walking through time, and fun for young and old alike. My top tip is to go in December, when each room is decorated according to the Christmas traditions of the time.

 

 

• National Portrait Gallery: Perhaps not as closely linked to design as the others, but I had to mention my favorite place for a spot of culture in London. The permanent collection here is huge and ever-rotating, and the exhibits are always interesting and digestible in size. If you're around in the summertime, don't forget to check out the annual BP Portrait Prize.

 

Tour:

• Eltham Palace: It would be a shame to come to London and not take in one of the many gorgeous stately homes. This Art Deco house was built by the ruins of King Henry VIII's childhood home, and is only a short train ride from central London.

 

• 2 Willow Road: On the other side of town, 2 Willow Road is a Modernist home in Hampstead, known for its collections of modern art and personal possessions.

 

 

• Soane Museum: One of London's best-loved museums, the former home of architect Sir John Soane is packed to the rafters with art, sculpture and curiosities. The regular tours are every Saturday, but the candlelight opening on the first Tuesday evening of every month is worth waiting for.

 

 

• Street Art: Like many large cities, London has a long history of public art. Whether it's independent graffiti artists or sponsored works you're interested in, there's always something to see when wandering the streets of this city. Check out Street Art London for walking tours.

 

Shop:

• Liberty: London has many famous department stores, but Liberty is, in my opinion, the most beautiful and the most interesting. The Tudor revival building houses fashion, accessories, housewares, art and furniture from big names and small British designers alike.

 

• The Conran Shop: Sir Terence Conran's lifestyle emporium is always worth a browse, and has everything from expensive furniture and lighting to affordable accessories and kitchen items. Check out Heal's and Habitat for similar modern design, as well.

 

 

• David Mellor: Venerable product designer David Mellor's shop is tucked away next to Sloane Square, and offers up beautiful kitchenware and cutlery. Great for stylish souvenirs.

 

 

• Antique and Street Markets: Whether you're looking for genuine antiques or retro products and handmade items, you'll find it at one of London's famous street markets. Time Out is a great resource for hunting them down.

 

 

• Skandium: Sure, you may not have come to London to look at Scandinavian design, but this Knightsbridge store is worth a mention for their array of stock, which covers both big names and new-to-you finds.

 

Eat:

• Monmouth Coffee: In the land of tea, it can be hard to find a decent cup of coffee with which to start your day. Monmouth is, simply put, the best stuff in town, and it's served in a rustic-chic location to boot.

 

• Ottolenghi: You've likely heard it before but I'll say it again: this is the best lunch of your life. Israeli-born chef Yotam Ottolenghi has four branches of his eponymous bistro across London, each serving up beautiful, inventive and healthy food. My top tip is to skip the mains and order a plate of mixed salads (they're the stars of the show here anyway), which will leave you room for one of the mouth-watering desserts on offer. Also try Ottolenghi's new all-day restaurant in Soho, called NOPI.

 

 

• Flatplanet: This is my favorite place for a cheap and tasty lunch to fuel a day of shopping. Tucked next to Liberty, Flatplanet serves up gluten-free hot flatbreads and desserts. The interior is relaxed and decorated with a mishmash of mid-century pieces; you'll feel right at home.

 

 

• Canteen: There are now four branches of this restaurant across London, where traditional British food with a modern twist is the order of the day. Have fish and chips or the pie of the day, but leave room for some Eton Mess or a British cheese plate if you can.

 

 

• Sketch: This restaurant / bar / music and arts venue is somewhat of a darling of the London scene, and a fun option if you feel like splashing out a little. The food may be French, but the interiors are pure British eclecticism, with each of the different rooms completely unique in design. Come for lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, or just a drink at the bar.

 

Stay:

• The Zetter: A classic boutique design hotel, The Zetter's 59 rooms are each unique, mixing modern comfort with individuality. Located in trendy Clerkenwell, it's also close to some of London's coolest bars and restaurants. Also check outThe Zetter Townhouse across the road for a fun twist on traditional hotel style.

 

• Dean Street Townhouse: Simple luxe is the name of the game at this small hotel in the center of bustling Soho. The bar and restaurant downstairs serves up great meals, too.

 

 

• Hoxton Hotel: Long a favorite in East London, this "budget hotel" has reasonable rates alongside Frette linens, breakfast in bed and modern, chic interiors.

 

 

• The Boundary: If you liked The Conran Shop, then you'll like The Boundary, Terence Conran's entry into the hotel game. Located in busy Shoreditch, each room is inspired by a different designer or design movement. The attached bakery and food shop Albion Caff is a stylish destination in itself.

 

 

• High Road House: Not all the cool hangouts are in East London — in fact this members club and hotel is way out west, right between central London and Heathrow Airport. If you're looking for a neighborhood feel, you could do far worse than lovely, leafy Chiswick, and rooms here have style to spare.

HTC's Cher Wang on Innovation and the 'It' Product

HTC co-founder and chairman Cher Wang.If you own a mobile device then you've probably heard of tech giant HTC Corp., the Taiwanese maker of tablets and smartphones such as the HTC Incredible, Thunderbolt and Evo 4G. You may be less familiar with Cher Wang, the 53-year-old woman who co-founded the company in 1997.

Under her leadership, HTC has grown into one of the biggest players in mobile tech, partnering with Google and Microsoft to develop devices that are powered by their respective Android and Windows Phone operating systems. HTC has often been cited among the fastest-growing and most innovative brands in mobile.

The daughter of former Taiwan management icon Y.C. Wang, she's married to Chen Wen-Chi, president and CEO of Taiwan-based computer-hardware company VIA Technologies. Last year, the couple's combined net worth was said to be about $8.8 billion.

In an email interview, we discussed what's helped Wang find success and how others can, too. What follows is an edited version of our exchange:

Related: Mark Cuban: Outwork and Outlearn Your Competition

Entrepreneur: What was the one thing that helped you the most in breaking through in the technology business?
Wang: I’m not sure it’s ever one thing, but if I had to pick one it would be a relentless focus on delivering a product that meets the needs of customers. Since the beginning, HTC has focused on developing strong research and development capabilities and keeping a close eye on consumer, market and technology trends.

Entrepreneur: What in your opinion makes a tech company great?
Wang: There is usually an "X factor" that is hard to define. For HTC, I think it is our culture. We embrace the best of our Eastern roots and combine it with the best of the Western cultures where we have leadership and offices. It makes the culture colorful as well as energetic and creative.

Entrepreneur: HTC has had successful partnerships with Google and Microsoft. What are your tips for working with other tech entrepreneurs?
Wang: The most essential element is to bring value to the partnership. All partners have their strengths and weaknesses. The most important thing is to find ways to create benefit for everyone involved. We work closely with our partners to understand their challenges and business, and provide them with the products or support that they want and need.

RoadTrip Mixtape Builds the Perfect Road Trip Playlist

Planning a road trip this summer? RoadTrip Mixtape is a new webapp from The Echo Nest that takes your start and end points, gets driving directions from Google Maps, and then creates a playlist for each leg of your trip made entirely of musicians and bands who got their start in the cities you'll be driving through. RoadTrip Mixtape is a lot of fun to use, and if you're always interested in discovering new music (some of which may even be in your backyard), it's worth a look. When I plotted directions from my place in Washington DC to visit my family in Pennsylvania, I started out with DC musicians like Fugazi, Chuck Brown, and Thievery Corporation, tuned in to The Awesomes and some Oddzar—both from my old stomping grounds in central Maryland, and grooved to a little OHO on my way north into Pennsylvania. The service uses Rdio to select music and build the playlists, and it matches up the duration of each playlist with the leg of your journey. The only serious downside to the service is that it doesn't let you export your mixtape or save it so you can take it with you in the car. Even so, you can click each leg on the Google Map to see which artists are in that leg, and skip forward through the legs of your trip to build your own playlist in whichever service you choose based on the songs RoadTrip Mixtape selects for you. The developers behind the webapp say that a mobile version, and support for more services in addition to Rdio, are on the way soon, so stay tuned. In the meantime, it's a great way to choose some local music to listen to for your next trip, or just discover musicians who got their start in your area.