HELPING those in need, promoting safe and responsible driving, and maintaining the sophisticated image of the German marque over which they profess affection for are the key elements behind the existence of BMW Car Club of the Philippines (BMWCCP)—the sole club allowed to use the brand’s name and logo, and which is recognized by BMW.

BMWCCP, which promotes interest in motoring activities and have no profit motives, held its first meet on October 28, 2001. The group started with five BMW enthusiasts getting together.

Edwin Reyes, BMWCCP president, said that the group’s mission is to encourage safe and skillful driving. Its officials and members—all 130 of them—serve as ambassadors for the German brand in the country.

According to Reyes, the group is the only BMW car club in the Philippines that’s recognized by the country’s official BMW distributor and the International Council of BMW Clubs, an umbrella group under BMW AG.

“The clubs play an instrumental role in determining BMW’s image in the eyes of the public. It is therefore crucial that club members set an example as they go about in their cars,” Reyes said. “This involves keeping their vehicles in good condition, cultivating pleasant manners, and demonstrating fairness and tolerance behind the wheel.

The BMWCCP charter dictates that the club serve as multiplier and brand supporters for the BMW brand. Members are respected by the club as associates in a fair partnership from which both sides benefit.

“They [club members] act as ambassadors through their active representation of BMW brand values,” the charter noted, adding that the club cultivates BMW products and tradition, promote the BMW brand by gauging customer opinions, and passing them on and be loyal customers.

Reyes said that the activities of the club always integrate BMW values such as dynamism, innovation and aesthetics.

Based on the club’s charter, the main goal of BMWCCP’s events is to “teach drivers better control of their cars.”

“The pleasures of motoring, after all, only begin once one has mastered the ability to drive in traffic in a safe, controlled and considerate manner,” the charter stated.

Reyes said that besides the usual slalom-course driving practice sessions, skills tests, regularity rallies, racetrack driver training and theoretical education in vehicle dynamics that the club holds, BMWCCP also regularly conducts outreach programs.

Club vice president for communications Chiko Ward said it organizes annual outreach programs every December.

“But besides this annual schedule, we also do relief efforts at least twice a year since [Typhoon] Ondoy. Every year, after Ondoy, we conduct a relief drive that we course through the responsible agencies involved,” Ward said.