Car chief collapses during presentation at Frankfurt Motor Show
BMW chief executive Harald Krueger collapsed during a press conference at the Frankfurt Auto show while standing beside the company's hybrid electric i8 super car.
Shortly after taking to the stage, Krueger staggered backwards and fainted. Two staff members rushed to his aid and helped him to his feet.
A spokesman for the company who was commentating on the event said: 'I'm a bit lost for words. BMW will try to redo the press conference at a later stage'.
Krueger looked visibly stunned and rubbed the back of his head as he was being led off stage by two members of staff.
The 49-year-old executive collapsed just five minutes into his press conference.
BMW spokesman Maximillian Schoberl said Krueger had been feeling unwell before going on stage. He said following the incident, Krueger was examined by a doctor after he underwent 'a moment of dizziness' and was now 'recovering well.'
The i8 is BMW's revolutionary new supercar. It is powered by an electric motor. It has a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. Unlike a traditional car which uses its engine to power the wheels, the i8 uses its engine to recharge its lithium ion batteries which in turn drive the electric motor.
BMW, the world’s biggest maker of luxury cars, is presenting a revamped version of its top-of-the-line 7-Series saloon at the Frankfurt show. Krueger was making his first appearance at the biennial trade event as BMW’s chief. He took the top post at the Munich-based carmaker in May.
Krueger hadn’t been feeling well Tuesday morning before the press conference, Schoeberl said. The incident happened after the CEO returned from recent trips abroad, the spokesman said.
A roundtable briefing with journalists scheduled for mid-morning would take place as planned, with Chief Financial Officer Friedrich Eichiner filling in for Krueger.
-Daily Mail