(August 17, 2014) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — On Friday, BMW delivered the first plug-in hybrid BMW i8 sport cars at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. In celebration of the revolutionary sports car made with carbon fiber, renowned Chef Thomas Keller hosted an intimate dinner at the BMW Villa for a handful of the first owners of the BMW i8.

In addition to hosting the special occasion, Chef Keller, who has set the standard within the hospitality industry with restaurants including Per Se in New York and French Laundry in Napa Valley, joined the BMW i family after taking delivery of his BMW i8.



Among the first group receiving a BMW i8 is Roger Penske, chairman of Penske Corporation, Penske Automotive Group and Team Penske, which operates race teams in both the NASCAR and IndyCar series. With a strong legacy in transportation services, Penske understands the significance of the plug-in sports car to the automotive industry.

Rick Hendrick, chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group, currently the second-largest privately held dealership group in the country, also took delivery of a BMW i8 during Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Additionally, Hendrick is the owner of Hendrick Motorsports, fielding four teams competing in the premier NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

“Today marks an exciting day for BMW of North America, as we take another step towards furthering sustainable mobility with the BMW i8, the plug-in hybrid sports car made with carbon fiber,” said Ludwig Willisch, president & CEO, BMW of North America. “We are proud to see the i8, the second of BMW i’s visionary vehicles, enter the market.”