SHERIDAN, WYOMING – September 17, 2025 – The events of September 11, 2001, resonated around the world. In the days that followed, BMW of North America transformed compassion into action—supporting first responders, honoring a beloved colleague, and reinforcing its commitment to resilience and community care.
A clear September morning
At BMW’s Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey headquarters—about 25 miles from the World Trade Center—employees began a routine workday under a brilliant blue sky. Tom Plucinsky, then General Manager of BMW Motorcycles, recalls the calm that preceded an unimaginable day.
Honoring Linda Gronlund
The loss was deeply personal. Linda Gronlund, BMW’s Environmental Compliance Manager, was aboard United Flight 93. Her dedication to her work and the environment lives on through a scholarship supporting female engineering students and a memorial at BMW’s headquarters.
Immediate community support
BMW moved quickly to help. The company donated $1 million to the City of New York and the American Red Cross, and provided $2.4 million in vehicles to aid recovery and relief efforts—focused on getting vital resources to first responders and affected communities when they needed it most.
A rolling symbol of unity
At the Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, BMW created a one-of-a-kind X5 featuring an American flag design. The vehicle toured parades and public events nationwide, becoming a visible tribute to unity and resilience.
Racing for a cause
BMW’s Team PTG competed at the 2001 Petit Le Mans with a patriotic American flag livery—and won. The victory offered a meaningful moment of pride and perseverance for fans and communities across the country.
A lasting legacy
BMW’s response to 9/11 reflects a culture of empathy and proactive support—turning grief into ongoing community engagement, hope, and a legacy that continues to inspire.
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