There are Great Opportunities to Conduct Business Abroad

By recognizing that borders still matter, says Pankaj Ghemawat, author of World 3.0:  Global Prosperity and How to Achieve It, companies can better calibrate which markets and trading partners offer the best chance for truly global gains -- further clarifying that there are great opportunities to do business abroad.

Read the entire article:

Creating a Smart Export Strategy

Related posts:

The Regional Slice of Your Global Strategy (2/4/06)

Redefining Global Strategy (8/17/07)

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Memorial Day: Coming Together Globally To Honor Those Who Gave Their All

Remembering those who have died in our nation's service.  Memorial Day in the United States is observed on the last Monday of May (May 30, 2011).

Back with you on Tuesday, May 31st.

Photo credit:  ©Laurel Delaney

Top Dubai SME Exporting Awards

Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry honored the top export performing companies during SME Exporter of the Month recognition ceremony held at the Chamber facility.

Certificates of Recognition and the SME Exporter of the Month trophies went to:

1. Afegra Middle East FZE as a start-up company with the highest invoice value for the month of February.
2. Lisec Middle East Ltd FZE as most progressing company with the highest export growth rate during 2011.
3. Meka Emirates Trading for achieving the highest total invoice value during April 2011.

"More than 90 per cent of businesses in Dubai are SMEs and so their success and performance is vital to the overall health of Dubai’s economy," says Dr. Belaid Rettab, Senior Director, Economic Research and Sustainable Business Development.

Read more about the top Dubai export honors here.

Let's Drive! The 2011 Mini-Cooper Countryman S

What a fun-time we had with the 2011 Mini-Cooper Countryman S at the Car Concerns Radio Proving Grounds this week!

The Countryman is the Mini-Cooper at the max, and the first with four side doors and optional all-wheel drive. It has a real volume of space and fits four adults with ease. The 2011 Mini-Cooper Countryman S has substantially more cargo volume than other Minis. Yet the Countryman retains the look and fuel economy that have established Mini as a premium go-to brand among small cars and their growing fan base. It for the most part, retains what Mini likes to call go-kart handling.

The grille of the Countryman's is more upright than that on other Mini models. With big and oblong, the headlight clusters that standout on this Countryman rather than classic Mini round, with two pipes for main beams and a ring of LED elements that serve as daytime running lights. This Countryman's front bumper has ducts in the corners under the bumper that direct airflow to cool the front brakes.

The Countryman side view features what Mini designers call a helmet roof. It's less flat and more domed than that on other Mini models. The Mini Cooper Countryman will offer wheels ranging from 16 to 19 inches in diameter. Its rear hatch is bigger than that on other Minis, and it opens higher. This 2011 Countryman is unique in the Mini line, but it absolutely will not be mistaken for any other brand on the road. The 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman commands respect!

The Countryman's gauges and switches will look familiar to current Mini owners. With larger door openings, the 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman S is accessible to climb into, and its front seat bottoms are nearly three inches higher than those in other Mini models. That makes for a more confident view outward. The passenger cabin is truly an automotive engineering marvel.

The Countryman's rear seat is the largest difference in 2011. Each side slides fore and aft by up to 5.1 inches, allowing the Countryman's operator to maximize either rear-passenger or cargo space. With the seats moved back to maximum depth, there's plenty of head and leg room for rear passengers six feet tall, and still 12.4 cubic feet of cargo space (about the same as the trunk in the typical subcompact sedan). With the rear seats folded, the Countryman's cargo volume increases to 41.3 cubic feet, and that space is assessable through both the rear side doors and the hatch.

Like other Mini models, the Countryman is offered in two basic trim levels, and with the same engines. And those engines will be upgraded across the line for 2011. Improvements to Mini's 1.6-liter four-cylinder include new accessories that draw less power from the engine to improve fuel economy, and Valvtronic variable valve timing rocks!

The Mini's Centre Rail storage and fastening system is a standard feature on all Countryman models. Centre Rail is two aluminum rails running lengthwise through the middle of the interior in place of a conventional center console. Various devices, such as cup-holders, storage boxes, trays or armrests can be mounted and locked anywhere along the rails to the driver or passengers' preference. Options will include audio upgrades, a navigation system, a large panoramic sunroof and adaptive xenon headlights.

The first Countryman models have reached select U.S. dealerships, with the national pipeline filling by the spring selling season. Car Concerns Radio would guess that the base model will start at about $25,000. The Countryman S will add $3,000-$4,000 to the base price, with ALL4 all-wheel-drive adding another $1,800-$2,000. Loaded, and fitted with some of Mini's customizable features, the Countryman's should easily stretch into the $30,000 to $35,000 range.

The 2011 Countryman's ALL4 sends 100 percent of drive torque to the front wheels until it detects slip, whereupon the electronically controlled center couple sends torque rearward. It's not a high-speed system, though, and it shuts down at freeway speeds (140 km/h, or 87 mph).

Customization options include exterior graphics and paint combinations and special interior colors, upholstery and trim.

Talking about fun. Let's Drive!

Recorded on May 10, 2011 by Cat Smith Photo Shoots.


New 2011 MINI Cooper Countryman Specifications
Body Exterior, Pin stripe, Spoiler, Bumpers, body-color, Roof rack rails only, 4 doors, Power door mirrors, Heated door mirrors, Door mirrors body-color, Door mirrors chrome, Auto-dimming door mirrors

Convenience Features: Illuminated entry, Rear door bins, Telescoping steering wheel,
Overhead console, Automatic temperature control, 1-touch up Remote keyless entry, Tilt steering wheel, Passenger vanity mirror, Driver door bin, Garage door transmitter, Navigation system

Front beverage holders,Rear beverage holders,Passenger door bin,Power windows,1-touch down, Power moon-roof,Power 2nd row moon-roof, Air conditioning,Speed control, Auto-dimming rear-view mirror, Driver vanity mirror

Entertainment Features: Speakers 6, Speakers 10, Wireless connectivity, CD player,
MP3 decoder, AM/FM radio, Radio data system, Diversity antenna Steering wheel mounted audio controls, Lighting, Visibility and Instrumentation, Variably intermittent wipers,Tachometer, Rear window defroster, Outside temperature display,
Reverse sensing system, Rain sensing wipers, High intensity discharge headlights,
Front reading lights, Trip computer, Fully automatic headlights, Speed sensitive wipers, Delay-off headlights, Low tire pressure warning, Headlight cleaning, Rear window wiper, Front fog lights

Powertrain: Fuel tank capacity 12.4gal. Transmission, 6 speed manual. Engine liters
1.6. Cylinder configuration I-4. Torque 114 lb.-ft. @ 4,250RPM. Number of valves
16 Variable valve control. Sequential multi-point fuel injection.

Horsepower 121hp @ 6,000RPM. Recommended fuel premium unleaded
Transmission 6 speed automatic Manual-shift auto Steptronic Mode select transmission.
Limited slip differential.

Drive type: front-wheel

Fuel economy highway 35mpg...Fuel economy city 27mpg

Safety and Security, Perimeter/approach lights, ABS brakes, 4 wheel disc brakes
Panic alarm, Brake assist, Dual front impact airbags, Overhead airbag, Occupant sensing airbag, Traction control, Ignition disable, Security system, Electronic stability, Dual front side impact airbags.

Seats and Trim, Leather steering wheel, Sport steering wheel,Front seats bucket,
Rear seats bucket, Leather upholstery, Split folding rear seat,Max seating capacity
4, Front center armrest with storage,Heated front seats, Rear seat center armrest,

Specs and Dimensions: Front headroom 1,013mm (39.9"), GVWR: 1,750kg (3,858lbs),
GVWR:1,780kg (3,924lbs), Curb weight: 1,340kg (2,954lbs), Front legroom: 1,026mm (40.4"), Rear legroom: 859mm (33.8")

Engine bore x stroke 77.0mm x 85.8mm (3.03" x 3.38"), Compression ratio 11.00 to 1
Exterior height 1,562mm (61.5"), Turning radius 5.8m (19.0'), Rear headroom 953mm (37.5"), Exterior body width 1,788mm (70.4"), Wheelbase 2,596mm (102.2"), Front shoulder room 1,341mm (52.8"), Rear shoulder room 1,323mm (52.1").

Engine displacement 1.6 L, Engine horsepower 121hp @ 6,000RPM, Engine torque
114 lb.-ft. @ 4,250RPM, Curb weight 1,370kg (3,020lbs), Exterior length 4,107mm (161.7").

Suspension/Handling: Rear tires 205/50HR17.0, Wheel size 17", Four wheel independent suspension, Wheel size 18",Sport suspension, Front anti-roll bar, Rear anti-roll bar,
Rear tires 225/45VR18.0, Power steering, Speed-sensing steering, Alloy wheels, Front tires, 205/50HR17.0, Front tires 225/45VR18.0.

Warranty, Roadside assistance coverage 48 months/ unlimited distance. Maintenance warranty 36 months/36,000 miles. Corrosion perforation warranty 144 months/unlimited distance. Basic warranty 48 months/50,000 miles. Powertrain warranty 48 months/50,000 miles.


CAR CONCERNS ROCKS IN THE USA EVERY WEEK-DAY MORNING. CALL HARRY MONDAY THUR FRIDAY...9:00 TO 11:00 A.M.(EST). BORDER-TO-BORDER...COAST-TO-COAST...USA TOLL-FREE: 1-888-454-3378. HEARD ON THE CAR CONCERNS USA RADIO NETWORK: Boston 1460 WXBR Chicago 1230 WJOB Las Vegas 970 KNUU Pittsburgh 1550 WLFP Guam 560 KGUM Orlando/Winter Springs IPR Radio Seattle/Bothell Big R Radio
Internet Streamed @ www.lifestyletalkradio.com
EMAIL: harry@carconcerns.com

Drive The 2011 Nissan Qwest SL

There's everything to like about the 2011 Nissan Qwest SL Van and not to much to gripe about!

CAR CONCERNS ROCKS IN THE USA EVERY WEEK-DAY MORNING
CALL HARRY MONDAY THUR FRIDAY...9:00 TO 11:00 A.M.(EST).
BORDER-TO-BORDER...COAST-TO-COAST...
USA TOLL-FREE: 1-888-454-3378
HEARD ON THE CAR CONCERNS RADIO NETWORK: Boston 1460 WXBR
Chicago 1230 WJOB Las Vegas 970 KNUU Pittsburgh 1550 WLFP
Guam 560 KGUM Orlando/Winter Springs IPR Radio
Seattle/Bothell Big R Radio
Internet Streamed @ www.lifestyletalkradio.com
EMAIL: harry@carconcerns.com

Quote of the Week: Donald Murray

 

"We currently see more upside in China from new emerging companies that are going global." ~ Resources Global CEO Donald Murray

See how Resources Global (RG), a unit of Irvine, California-based Resources Connection Inc. (Hoover's listing here), assigns its 3,000 full-time consultants spanning across four continents to work on clients' projects.

Resources Global Eyes Chinese Firms Going Global

RG competes with Deloitte, KPMG, Ernst and Young and Accenture.  Too bad there is no global small business practice.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Biggest Barriers to Global Communications: Culture and Language

According to a study commissioned by the Public Relations Global Network, one of the top international networks of independent public relations agencies, organization surveyed indicated that the biggest barriers to global communication were culture and language, each cited by more than 40 percent of respondents.

That and one other interesting finding:

... even organizations that are not operating globally today said that they expect to have a global marketing communications function in the future,” said Francine Robbens, PRGN president and partner at Brussels-based PRP-Public Relations Partners.  “Communications professionals see clear benefits in fostering global relationships.” 

Read the entire news piece:  Marketing Executives Going Global:  Survey

Mad About Trade and By Golly, I Am Going To Do Something About It!

Okay, first things first, I have not read this book, just love the idea of it because I have always felt there is value in international trade.  I am so pro-global trade, can't you tell?  International trade expert Daniel T. Griswold, director of the Cato Institute's trade policy center, makes a persuasive case against U.S. protectionism.

Mad About Trade appears to be a readable and enjoyable defense of free trade which tells the (debated) story of how a more global U.S. economy has created better jobs and higher living standards for American workers.

That said, it might be worth a serious look.

Mad About Trade:  Why Main Street America Should Embrace Globalization

Related article: Free or Protected Trade?

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog

Reinventing the World of 'Cars'

“Wherever you can go in our world, we can go in the world of ‘Cars.’” ~ Director John Lasseter

... it was during the international publicity tour for “Cars” that the director first imagined his car-cast in a global setting. Lasseter says he took in the mayhem of international locales like Tokyo and Paris laughed to himself thinking, “what would Mater do?” “The story of ‘Cars 2′ was sparked by the idea of taking Lightning McQueen and Mater overseas,” says Lasseter. “Lighting McQueen is invited to compete in the World Grand Prix to race against the fastest cars in the world in three fantastic locations: Japan (shown above), Italy and the U.K. Of course Mater, who has never left Radiator Springs, is completely out of place in these distinctive cultures, which leads to hilarious comedic moments.”

Read the entire spread (it's phenomenal in terms of the color graphics and the historical aspect of taking 'Cars' global):  Pixar's 25th Anniversary/CARS 2:  Going Global

Illustration credits here.

Tiptoeing Through Tulips Today, Tomorrow and Tuesday

"Life isn't a tiptoe through the tulips." ~ Shannon Hoon

Enjoy your weekend!

Photo credit:  ©Laurel Delaney

Understand the Demands of Customers in Global Markets

Building strong emotional bonds between consumers and Chinese brands remains a work in progress.  Take Haier (Haier America), for example, which ramped up efforts to go global in 1999.

It sold niche products such as small refrigerators to college students and wine cellars, and opened manufacturing plants in the U.S. and elsewhere to bring production centers closer to priority consumer markets.  Haier has distinguished itself among Chinese companies in efforts to build a global brand.

Understanding the demands of customers in global markets is just one of the many challenges Chinese companies face in light of increased global competition and operating in a fast, interconnected world.

Learn what other challenges lie ahead for Chinese companies here.

Related post:  Why China Has So Few Good Brands

Be Ready If Your Product Hits It Big Globally

The article below is confusing but touches on a few key points when it comes to expanding your business internationally.

For example:

Companies should develop what moderator and paid Content Executive Editor Ernie Sander called “the inverse of a disaster plan:"  Track the numbers and be ready if your product hits it big globally. “A lot of companies aren’t ready and when it happens they can’t take advantage of that momentum. They collapse,” said Jones—that hasn’t happened at Zynga  (pictured above) because they tracked usage data closely and had plans in place.

As I said, a bit confusing but there are a couple of insights that are worth searching for.

Best Global Strategy Means Local Partners and Low Prices

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

A Profit Lesson for Global Small Businesses

Wal-Mart (locations noted above) appears to be experiencing international growing pains.  Their strategy for driving global growth is working from a sales stand point but not necessarily from a profit or ease of doing business aspect.

... there’s a big problem with that growth strategy: operating margins are significantly worse internationally then they are in the U.S. In this quarter, U.S. operating margins came in at 7.42%, versus 3.93% for international operating margins. And after taking out currency effects, international operating income fell 3.3% year over year.

The lesson for global small businesses:  Monitor your operating margins country to country.   You may not be the size of Wal-Mart yet this is a common problem for any sized business operating internationally.  Keep your profits strong and healthy worldwide.
 
Read more here.   

Illustration credit:  Wal-Mart stores internationally

Entering New Foreign Markets Can be Hopefully Bureaucratic

Agree or disagree?  That is the question.  And Michigan businesses in U.S.A. address the answer.

The article highlights six common myths (misperceptions) about what it takes to pick up overseas business, and advice on addressing the underlying issues.

Border crossing:  Michigan companies going global find benefits can top barriers

Illustration credit here.

Inaugurating New Mayor of Global City Chicago

Before Rahm Emanuel (pictured above) officially becomes Mayor of global city Chicago -- any minute now -- ... a picture taken of him October 23, 2010 at the Apple store opening Lincoln Park, Chicago.

Photo credits:  ©Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

The Global Aspect of Business

The Pennsylvania School for Global Entrepreneurship (PSGE) at Lehigh University (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) brings American high school students (ages 15-18) together with International high school students from all regions of the world for a five-week residential global learning experience.

The purpose of the PSGE program is to expose students to the topics of entrepreneurship, globalization, team building, project management, leadership and working within a culturally diverse environment and to ignite the students’ spirit of creativity, innovation and learning.  

This makes me so happy to see!  The notion of getting people interested in entrepreneurship and globalization at a young age is fantastic.

How to qualify?

The program is open to all current high school sophomores and juniors (ages 15-18).  Application to PSGE is a competitive process. The selection committee evaluates each application individually, and looks for evidence of academic ability, leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service.  Students of any nationality are welcome to apply.  To date, the program has had participation from international students representing Afghanistan, Antigua Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Columbia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Netherlands, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.

Get involved!  Learn more here. 

Download applications:

•  International

•  United States

Spring Has Sprung: Free Screensaver For Everyone on the Planet!

"Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment." ~ Ellis Peters

Photo (click on to enlarge) credit:  Laurel Delaney ... right near the Old Water Tower, downtown Chicago ... and feel free to use as a screen saver!  

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

World Class Automobiles Roam The Car Concerns Radio Proving Grounds!

The "Car Concerns Auto Index 100" has made key investments since 2009 that has resulted in a over a 65% return. The "Car Concerns Auto Index 100" is comprised of automotive related stocks and commodities. Subscribe to the "Car Concerns Auto Index 100" newsletter TODAY! Send a check or money order for $49.95 to receive the quarterly "Car Buyers Auto Index 100" newsletter annually. Call 1-865-622-3032.

CAR CONCERNS ROCKS IN THE USA EVERY WEEK-DAY MORNING
CALL HARRY MONDAY THUR FRIDAY...9:00 TO 11:00 A.M.(EST).
BORDER-TO-BORDER...COAST-TO-COAST...
USA TOLL-FREE: 1-888-454-3378
HEARD ON THE CAR CONCERNS RADIO NETWORK:
Boston 1460 WXBR Chicago 1230 WJOB Las Vegas 970 KNUU
Pittsburgh 1550 WLFP Guam 560 KGUM
Orlando/Winter Springs IPR Radio Seattle/Bothell Big R Radio
Internet Streamed @ www.lifestyletalkradio.com
EMAIL: harry@carconcerns.com

Transitioning Your Illinois Business From Local to Global

If you operate an Illinois-based company, the link below is right up your alley!  It covers where to turn for help in taking your business from local to global.

Read:

Starter Kit for Illinois Businesses Looking to Export
by Laurel Delaney, for Crain's Chicago Business

Photo credit:  Laurel Delaney, John Hancock Building, Chicago

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Note:  We are experiencing some technical problems with our blog platform.  If you encounter a delay in posts, that's the reason.

How to Attract International Visitors to Your Local Business

Once upon a time there was a woman business owner who claimed her little cupcake shop in Chicago was drying up.

She bakes cupcakes from scratch in every imaginable flavor and size from her small bakery ...

Find out how she can increase sales and profitability so her business doesn’t shrivel up and even take her business to a whole new level (global).

Read my latest contribution:  From Cupcakes to Moneycakes:  3 Ways To Increase Sales and Profitability published at the American Express OPEN Forum via Small Business Trends

Photo credit:  Laurel Delaney

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Tariff on Pistachios in India

How to reduce the tariff on pistachios in India?

High tariffs can stagnate an otherwise ripe market. There is no better example than the tariff on pistachios in India, which, until this year, carried one of the highest pistachio tariffs in the world at just over 30 percent.

What happened?

Ultimately the combination of commercial and governmental advocacy, diplomatic efforts, and an India-focused approach paid off, and nearly two months ago Indian leadership reduced the tariff on pistachios from 30 percent to 10 percent. This news resulted in tremendous excitement ...

Read more here.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

How to Take Your Business to the Next Level By Going Global

Global Entrepreneurship: Born Out of Necessity?

What really drives economic growth?  Many think its entrepreneurship and that entrepreneurship the world over is oftentimes driven by necessity.

But according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor:

... economic growth is not driven by these “necessity” entrepreneurs, who decrease in number as the economy develops. The key to fostering growth is to support “opportunity” entrepreneurs, who choose to start new enterprises in response to market needs.

Read this intriguing article, "Does Entrepreneurship Drive Economic Growth? - Megacities - Opportunities at Urban Edges" published by Forbes.

Related piece:  "Do Entrepreneurs in the Developing World Fuel Economic Growth?"

How to Inject Fresh Energy Into the Royal Family: Practice Entrepreneurship

Enlightening commentary by John Berlau for The Wall Street Journal titled, "The Entrepreneurs' Princess."  The reason I find it enlightening is that speaks about how Kate Middleton's family embody a noble tradition of their own:

... a tradition of bettering oneself and one's family while improving the lot of society.

In other words, entrepreneurship.

Learn more about the story of the Middletons rise to wealth and its implications for British culture, public policy and the world at large.  It's a wonderful read.

And while you are at it, visit Carole Middleton's family business:  PartyPieces.co.uk
 

Meet Zaha Hadid Architects

Built globally and built to work.  From the UK to Austria to Japan -- these folks get around and produce magnificent structures the world over.

Zaha Hadid Architects

Photography credit (Japan):  Paul Warchol

Global Presence: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Launch from South Korea

Designed with global sales in mind, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will make South Korea one of it's assembly homes and distribution points, further increasing the brand's global presence.

What do Fairfax, Kansas and Hamtramck, Michigan, and Jingjao, China have in common with Bupyeong, South Korea? All four sites will be responsible for building the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, although the Korean facility will be the first to assemble the all-new sedan.

Read all about it here.

Photo credit here.

Note:  Bupyeong-gu is one of the ten administrative divisions (eight wards and two counties) that comprise Incheon, South Korea.  Bupyeong-gu comprises an area of 12.35 square miles (31.98 square km), and has a population of 553,961

Women's Hands Perform 66% of the World's Work

Canadian SMEs Say: "Do Away With Trade Barriers to Ensure Global Competitiveness"

Looks like we have our work cut out for us here.  Based on a survey by Angus Reid for UPS Canada:

While the quarterly survey, conducted by Angus Reid for UPS Canada, shows "high level of optimism" about Canada's international competitiveness, 27 per cent of respondents have never considered exporting, believing that there's no market outside the country for their products, while 20 per cent don't believe they can compete with countries such as China, India and Brazil.

Learn more here.  Press release here.

The New Economic Era: China's Entrepreneurs

Find out how the Chinese are making entrepreneurship a way of life.

According to China Macro Finance, a research firm in New York, the number of registered private businesses grew by more than 30% a year between 2000 and 2009 (see chart above). The gross figure (ie, before netting off firms that closed) was at least seven percentage points higher, estimates Ronald Schramm, China Macro Finance’s managing director.

 Read the entire article here.

Chart credit here.

2011 B.M.W. 740Li Sudan Super Car!

Harry and the Car Concerns Radio Crew drive the best that the automobile manufactures have to offer!

Once you sit in the drivers seat of the 2011 B.M.W. 740Li Sudan you understand rather quickly that this is not your standard automobile. Super Car!

The 2011 B.M.W. 740Li Sudan is pretty darn fast. In fact, according to BMW, the twin-turbo six-cylinder models give up only 0.7 second in the sprint to 60 mph compared with twin-turbo V-8 750s of similar wheelbases (5.8 seconds for the 740i versus 5.1 seconds for the 750i). During a test-drive of a 740Li at the Car Concerns Radio Proving Grounds, we were particularly impressed by the fact that the six-cylinder car, which is about 220 pounds lighter, exhibits less turbo lag off the line and therefore smoother, more linear acceleration---V-8 variants, which have an 85-hp advantage, hesitate off the line before exploding forward. Like the V-8 version, the 740Li uses a six-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth upshifts and very responsive downshifts as well as a Sport mode.

This B.M.W.740Li retains the 7-series' highly impressive sporty-big-car handling characteristics and also comes with exclusive Driving Dynamics Control, a rocker switch next to the shifter that allows the driver to choose among four different driving programs---Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus---that tweak the calibrations of the dampers, transmission, gas pedal, steering, and traction control.

The 2011 B.M.W. is in our opinion an investment in the best that this life has to offer!

Top Competitors

* Audi A8
* Jaguar XJ / XJL
* Lexus LS460
* Maserati Quattroporte
* Mercedes-Benz S-class

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4--5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE AS TESTED: $71,025--$75,425

ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 182 cu in, 2979 cc
Power (SAE net): 315 bhp @ 5800 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 330 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 120.9--126.4 in
Length: 199.8--205.3 in
Width: 74.9 in Height: 58.3 in
Curb weight (mfr's est): 4350--4450 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 5.8--5.9 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.5--14.6 sec
Top speed (governor limited): 150 mph

FUEL ECONOMY (MFR'S EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 17/25 mpg

Recorded on May 1, 2011 using a Cat Smith Flip Video Cam.

CAR CONCERNS ROCKS IN THE USA EVERY WEEK-DAY MORNING
CALL HARRY MONDAY THUR FRIDAY...9:00 TO 11:00 A.M.(EST).
BORDER-TO-BORDER...COAST-TO-COAST...
USA TOLL-FREE: 1-888-454-3378
HEARD ON THE CAR CONCERNS RADIO NETWORK: Boston 1460 WXBR
Chicago 1230 WJOB Las Vegas 970 KNUU Pittsburgh 1550 WLFP
Guam 560 KGUM Orlando/Winter Springs IPR Radio
Seattle/Bothell Big R Radio
Internet Streamed @ www.lifestyletalkradio.com
EMAIL: harry@carconcerns.com