Pullach, November 25, 2010 – Sixt and BMW Group are signing a unique framework agreement, thus further expanding their long-standing close partnership. By 2015, Germany’s leading car rental company will integrate a total of 100,000 premium BMW cars into its German fleet.

 The agreement covers models from all BMW car classes, including the MINI, the BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, M3 and 5 Series, and the luxury sedans of the BMW 7 Series as well as convertibles and the BMW X1, BMW X3, BMW X5 and BMW X6 SAVs. All BMW models come with BMW’s innovative ConnectedDrive technology. It works like an electronic travel companion and provides the driver with up-to-the-minute traffic news and tourist information, etc. What’s more, all BMW cars come with the Sixt Mobile Key: The cars can be booked and opened by mobile phone, so customers do not need to go to any Sixt counter and enjoy a much faster rental process. BMW has developed this unique service exclusively for Sixt.

In addition, more and more BMW cars with hybrid drives are integrated into the Sixt fleet. Such premium BMW cars are especially popular with Sixt customers.

 This is the most comprehensive cooperation agreement of this kind in Sixt’s history. It is designed to further expand Sixt’s and BMW Group’s strategic cooperation launched about five years ago. In addition to car supplies, it includes joint marketing activities.

 Erich Sixt, Chairman of the Board, Sixt AG: “The successful BMW-Sixt partnership combines premium cars with premium service. With this comprehensive supply agreement, we are now adding force to our partnership. The agreement is a key pillar of our fleet planning for next few years.”

Related posts:

1. Sixt continues expansion with new partner in Jordan
2. Sixt rent a car and Renault reach new heights in the Syrian automotive industry
3. Sixt now offering Full-Service Leasing in Ireland

Not only will we be offering exclusive discount car rental rates to all participants before and after the event in order to allow travellers to get to the starting point of the rally in safety and comfort, we will also be providing a shuttle service during the event helping the drivers get to hotels and restaurants during breaks in the action.

In addition to helping to get the participants in the race to and from wherever they need to go, we will also be transporting vehicles and spare parts throughout the event.

For more information about the discounts available visit our cheap car rental for Mille Miglia Partners page.

About the Mille Miglia

“The most beautiful race in the world” is how Enzo Ferrari has described the Mille Miglia. This classic car race takes place between the 13th and 17th of May for the 82nd time and the Mille Miglia has always had a special fascination for classic car fans for a number of reasons:

Its History

Firstly, there is the history behind the race which first began in 1927, having been established by 2 young Italian men, allegedly in response to the Italian grand prix being relocated from their home town.

The event steadily grew in terms of attendance, initially dominated by Italian competitors but over time also attracting racers from a wide range of nationalities.

The race has been banned several times due to accidental deaths. The first time the race was cancelled was in 1938 however it was resumed shortly after in 1940 and continued until 1957 when it was banned again after a serious accident killed more than 10 people.

There was a brief resurgence in between 1958 and 1961 where the race was held as a rallying event following the speed limits of the roads, however this was also short lived.

Today the Mille Miglia exists as a 1,000 mile endurance event and is commonly known as the most beautiful road race in the world.

Beauty

As much, if not more than anything else, it is the route from Brescia to Rome on Lake Garda, with its countless scenic highlights that seem to be the major attraction with the journey being like a visual who’s who of the most beautiful parts of the region.

View Larger Map

Exclusivity

Exclusivity is another factor in what makes the rally such a special event and also one which makes it difficult to compare to other vintage rallies. It is for good reason that the Mille Miglia has a reputation of being strictly for an elite few.

Firstly there is the entry fee which, at 5700 Euros will surely put off all but the most serious enthusiast (Although this does include food and accommodation) Above all though, it is having the right car which is the most significant barrier to taking part; The vehicle must have been built between 1927 and 1957 and during that time have participated at least once in the Mille Miglia.

There is some leniency but this is reserved for vehicles that are of exceptional value and importance such as the 1925 Bugatti Type 35A. Replicas are excluded as are vehicles that have been modified in any way.

The Mille Miglia Today

Today, just as in the past, vehicles of Italian origin play a dominant role in the Mille Miglia; From Alfa Romeos and Ferraris to Lancia, Italian manufacturers have always formed the majority of the starting pack.

Most usually decide in favour of a Lancia, Ferrari or Alfa Romeo to navigate the race however, in 1931 Rudolf Caracciola made it onto the podium in a Mercedes Benz SSKL and in 1940 Huschke Von Hanstein triumphed in a BMW 328.

The continuation of the Mille Miglia means that for yet another year, a top class starting pack of cars will be on show, the likes of which no museum in the world can compare with.

In addition to a huge range of classic cars starting with the parade, there might also be a few surprise attendees that you wouldn’t expect to see at such an event including 3 VW Beetles, 2 Peugeot 203s and a Saab 93

Related posts:

1. Sixt at Mille Miglia 2011
2. Sixt Launches New Car Rental Blog For Spain
3. Sixt offers mobile vehicle rental with up-to-the-minute technology