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BMW CEO collapses on stage

September 15, 2015

BMW chief executive Harald Krüger has fainted during a press briefing at the IAA auto show in Frankfurt, forcing the German carmaker to halt the presentation. BMW says he is in stable condition.

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IAA 2015 BMW CEO Harald Krüger bricht während der Präsentation zusammen
Image: Reuters/K. Pfaffenbach

During a presentation of the German premium carmaker's latest models on Tuesday, BMW chief executive Harald Krüger fainted and had to be escorted off stage.

Krüger, 49, is heading the Munich-based auto maker since May. He was speaking to reporters at the IAA International Auto Show, currently being held in Frankfurt, Germany. It was the first appearance at a major auto show by Krüger.

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

Krüger had just returned from a trip abroad and was not feeling well in the morning, the BMW statement added.

At the IAA, BMW's chief financial officer Friedrich Eichinger took over the press roundtable. Alongside Volkswagen and Daimler, BMW has a prime place in the huge exhibition, which this year showcases car models from about 1,000 exhibitors.

uhe/tko (dpa, afp)