Imagine owning a car that you had designed yourself, without having to go through the trouble of actually making the thing. Consider choosing not just the color, but also the trim, interior fittings and little luxuries such as sound systems and navigational gadgets. The result might well be a vehicle in which you feel not just safe and comfortable, but also a little bit special, privileged - individual even. Such notions must surely have been lurking in the minds of the people at BMW when they developed the newest addition to their range, the "BMW 7 Series Individual. "This was an ambitious idea that finally became a reality, said Farid El Tobgui, executive board member of Bavarian Auto Group, which has just been granted the right to manufacture the model in Egypt. "Through it, we are showing our true commitment to our customers, he said. Aside from the standard features, the BMW Individual allows for customers to have their car customized at the factory according to their own special requests. According to Linus Schmekel, sales manager of vehicles and BMW Individual, customer requests have so far included a specially installed radio system, special custom-made colors and coverings for the interior, as well as special built-in handles dotted around the place. In case customers are unsure just how decadent they are permitted to be, BMW has been showing off some of the more luxurious options available. These include a range of rather exotic-sounding colors, including Ruby Black, Diopside Black and Moonstone, and a new finish on the exterior, developed using a fine pigmentation, which changes color according to the light. The interiors are just as enticing, with Merino leather for the seats, brought over from southern Germany, and trimmings given the "Piano-finish varnish, used by prominent piano makers to give a deep luster. Failing that, there is Walnut Amarone for the trimmings, providing that all-natural wood feel. For those gadget-freaks among us, the BMW Individual is equipped with cutting-edge technology, such as an advanced DVD system for movies and music, installed for the rear passengers and the "Night Vision system, which allows the driver to be able to view the road ahead in dark or foggy areas. All of which sounds very tempting, for sure, but what of the cost? All in all, the new BMW 7 Series Individual will set you back LE 1.09 million. Clearly not within everybody's budget. But BMW seems confident there is market for its high-end products. The company had a more than successful 2007, with sales of its various models in Egypt growing 28 percent. "We were able to convince more customers to buy BMW this past year more than any other year in Egypt, said Ralf Follmann, general manager of BMW Brand. It seems that individuality as an idea sells, and along with it cars.
