New BMW Boss faints at launch in Frankfurt

http://www.independent.ie/life/motoring/car-news/bmw-boss-faints-on-stage-at-frankfurt-auto-show-as-he-introduces-new-bmw-model-31527420.html

AS FIRST days go, things couldn’t have gone much worse for brand new BMW boss Harald Krueger.

‘Harry’ had recently been unveiled as the man to save the German car giant after it was recently replaced as the world’s leading luxury car brand by Audi.

And this was his big chance to show just what he was made of, at his first major launch of his term as CEO of BMW.

As the shiny new chief executive stepped forward to unveil his plans to get BMW back to the top of the charts, the unthinkable happened – he fainted and fell on his behind.

Poor Harry (50) took to the stage at the Frankfurt Motor Show, looked out at his adoring public, and promptly decided that it was all a little bit too much.

Was it a case of not having breakfast before the early morning launch? Or maybe the realisation of the job in hand all became a little too much for poor Harry. Perhaps those pesky cameras flashing put him off his stride.

Either way it was a spectacular entrance and not something that shareholders at BMW will have taken a huge amount of confidence from.

Whatever it was, you have to feel for Mr Krueger, and just as he was about to unveil some of the luxury models that he hopes will sweep BMW back to the number one spot.

Instead of the sound of whooping and hollering, Harry’s debut was greeted with the sound of gasps and groans.

As Harry fell on his bum, to the soundtrack of cameras clicking, two minders rushed forward, helped him to his feet, and promptly escorted their new boss off the stage.

Surely things can only get better for Mr Krueger.

His task is to get BMW back to the top of the charts after it was replaced by German rival Audi as the world’s most popular luxury car brand.

Car sales in growth areas America and China have bolstered Audi’s position as number one, and presented a huge challenge for BMW and its wobbly new chief.

The good news for Mr Krueger is that things can only get better.

A BMW spokesman said over the public address system: "I'm a bit lost for words."

It was the first appearance at a major auto show by Krueger, who took the helm as CEO in May.

BMW later said: "Harald Krueger experienced a moment of dizziness. As a result, the press conference was cancelled in order that Mr Krueger could be examined by a doctor. Mr Krueger's health is stable and he is recovering well."

Chief Financial Officer Friedrich Eichiner took over the press roundtable.

Reuters