He fell in love with the car. Then just fell.
BMW said its new chief executive was given a medical “all-clear” Tuesday after he fainted at an auto show in Frankfurt.
Harald Krueger, 49, collapsed during a news conference while commenting on the luxury-car maker’s latest models.
The immaculately dressed CEO, who headed BMW production before snagging the top job in May, was about five minutes into his first appearance at a major auto exhibition when he began to tilt. He then toppled backward to the floor in a disturbing display captured on camera.
Two men quickly helped Krueger to his feet and escorted him out of the showroom. After they did so, according to Reuters, a BMW spokesman admitted over the public-address system to being “a bit lost for words.”
Reuters also said the carmaker later issued a statement that Krueger had “experienced a moment of dizziness.” BMW added that, after he was examined by a doctor, “Krueger’s health is stable and he is recovering well.”
Additional reports noted that the CEO had been traveling extensively in his new position and, though not feeling well before going on stage, elected to proceed with his presentation.
Known in Germany as the IAA, for Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, the auto show is the world’s largest. In addition to the country’s Big 3 — BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen — it includes 1,000 exhibitors.
