When you think of BMW, you probably think of the powerful BMW 328i or the sleekly styled 650i Coupe. That's because, here in the U.S., four-wheeled sedans, coupes and sports cars are what we've come to expect from the German automaker. However, BMW excels at more than class-leading performance in the car market.

You probably know that since WWII, BMW has been making motorcycle engines and bikes. What you might not know, though, is that recently, they've entered the scooter market. While scooter travel hasn't caught on here the way it has in Europe or Asia, the automaker sees growth potential in a market in need of cost-effective, fuel-efficient travel.

Demand for scooters remains high overseas, where traffic congestion and fuel prices open the door for small, expedient modes of transportation. But more and more here in America, we're see consumers looking for a way to get around that won't break their budget in upkeep and fuel costs. Hence, the scooter. Rumor has it BMW is even working on an emissions-free electric model.

BMW unveiled their latest two-wheeled models in Milan and California, and production models are expected to hit showrooms early in 2012. If you're familiar with BMW's scooter production, you'll see a resemblance between the new models and the previous two-cylinder R1200RT and 6-cylinder K1600GT. The new models, the BMW C600 and the C650GT Maxi-Scooter are powered by fuel-injected, water-cooled, 647-cc motors that produce about 60 hp. Both also offer storage compartments and continuously variable transmissions.

That said, be sure to stay tuned with Kuni BMW to learn more about these BMW Scooters as their launch date gets closer. Feel more comfortable with airbags, heated seats and a 230-hp engine under the hood of a vehicle with four wheels on the ground? Don't worry, BMW will continue to engineer fuel-efficient luxury vehicles loaded with features and comfort. Feel free to explore our new BMW inventory online, stop in and see us at 10999 SW Canyon Rd Beaverton, OR 97005, or give us a call at (503) 828-0936 to learn more about all of the innovations BMW has to offer.