BMW distributor clarifies anti-headscarf rumors

Hurriyet.com.tr

REUTERS photo

BMW's Turkey distributor has dismissed claims that it withdrew from sponsoring a TV show because a headscarved woman was featured on it.

A statement by the Borusan Group said they were greatly saddened to read such stories circulating on the web. 

"Borusan Group does not [discriminate against] anyone based on their religion or their lifestyle. We have utmost respect for everyone's faith, clothing and lifestyle,” the statement read. 

The German carmaker's distributor came under fire today after some websites reported that they had canceled their sponsorship agreement for a TV show after the host test-drove a MINI Cooper alongside a headscarved guest.  

Borusan Group said they held talks to sponsor the said show but never reached an agreement, so no cancelation of sponsorship was possible. 

"It is not true that the sponsorship negotiations failed due to the episode with MINI Cooper test. We have supplied two BMWs and two MINIs to the same show in the last eight months for testing," the statement said. 

The Borusan Group said it decided to skip all sponsorship projects in 2012 because of economic ambiguities and fluctuations in the car market.