BMW Group Financial Services Donates Customized BMW X3 to Police ...

HILLIARD, Ohio, Sept. 12 PRNewswire The Police Department K-9 Unit in Hilliard, Ohio will fight crime in a brand new patrol vehicle a customized 2007 BMW X3 it was announced today by BMW Group Financial Services during an official donation ceremony held at its national Customer Service Center in Hilliard, Ohio. Joined by Hilliard Mayor Don Schonhardt , BMW FS presented the $50,000 vehicle to Hilliard Police Chief Rodney Garnett and the Hilliard Police K-9 Unit, underscoring the company's support of the community, the Hilliard Police Department and the K-9 Unit's successful crime fighting record.

Since 2005 the K-9 Unit has been responsible for the arrests of more than 70 people, charged with 92 crimes. The Unit includes Officer Jim Large and Brix a four-year-old, 68-pound Belgian Malinois who arrived in the U.S. from the Netherlands in June 2005 . State-certified as a Dual Purpose Police Service K-9, Brix is the first police K-9 for the City of Hilliard. The duo's primary duties include building and area searches, evidence location, criminal apprehension and narcotics detection.

"We are pleased to recognize the second anniversary of the Hilliard Police K-9 Unit with a new patrol vehicle, and we're confident this specially- outfitted BMW X3 will provide the superior performance capability, accessibility and maneuverability required to effectively get the job done," said Sanjay Chhabria, Vice President of Operations for BMW Financial Services. "BMW FS is committed to supporting the local community through endeavors such as this. We congratulate both Officer Large and Brix on their outstanding work thus far, and we wish the entire Hilliard Police Department much continued success in protecting the citizens of Hilliard."

Adorned with easily identifiable Hilliard Police Department and special K- 9 Unit decals, the silver, all-new BMW X3 has been custom-outfitted to include traditional patrol car roof lighting, a K-9 cage and special door latches which may be remotely operated to allow for the K-9's swift departure from the vehicle in the event of an emergency. Since the inception of the K-9 Unit, its patrol vehicle has often been an effective crime deterrent, causing many criminals to surrender, even before the police K-9 has exited the car.

To help transform the traditional BMW X3 into an official patrol vehicle that is both K-9- and criminal-ready, BMW FS was joined by several local organizations including Achbach Automotive, Inc., Auto Additions and Statewide Emergency Products which eagerly donated their services. Widely championed in the community, the K-9 Unit was originally established and continues to be funded through financial donations from local businesses and other organizations, several of which have opened their doors to provide training locations for the K-9 Unit. Many local schools have also fundraised extensively in order to supply the K-9 Unit with added safety equipment.

About BMW Group Financial Services

BMW Financial Services was established in the U.S. in 1993 to support the sales and marketing efforts of BMW of North America . Since then, the company has expanded to provide service to markets in multiple countries and continues to evolve beyond its role as a captive finance unit. BMW Financial Services offers a wide range of leasing, retail and commercial financing and banking products tailored to meet the needs of the BMW customer. The company also provides financing to BMW dealers for expanding dealership capabilities and enhancing overall operations. With over $24 billion in serviced assets and 625,000 automotive lending customers, BMW Financial Services finances over half of the BMWs sold or leased in the United States . BMW FS employs about 750 people, most of whom are located in the Hilliard, Ohio Customer Service Center.

In 2001, MINI Financial Services was established to provide support for the brand's dealer and customer networks by offering various financing and leasing options.

BMW Financial Services also offers an array of exciting credit card products through its subsidiary, the BMW Bank of North America .

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at: www.bmwgroupna.com www.bmwusa.com www.bmwmotorradusa.com www.miniusa.com www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

SOURCE BMW Group Financial Services

Source: [url=http://digital50.com/news/items/PR/2007/09/12/NYW058/bmw-group-financial-services-donates-customized-bmw-x3-to-police-department-k-9-unit-.html]American Digital Networks[/url]