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+++ 2025: Slight Growth planned in sales volume +++ Group EBT targeted at previous year's level +++ Higher Free cash flow expected +++ Slight Increase of BEV share in total sales planned +++ Due to a consistent strategy: Investments set to decrease from planned peak in 2024 +++ Technology openness as strategic competitive advantage +++ First NEUE KLASSE production vehicle will be the BMW iX3 +++ Zipse: “Implementing biggest future-focused project, while achieving robust free cash flow” +++ 2024: Targets achieved, BEV sales significantly higher +++ High dividend payout ratio of >36% +++

Munich. The BMW Group is entering the financial year 2025 with a clear commitment to growth – with a planned slight increase in sales volume, a decrease in investments and robust free cash flow.

“What has always set the BMW Group apart is our ability to maintain our course, even in challenging conditions. We remain clearly focused on two things – our near term performance and our long-term perspective,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, on Friday. “With the NEUE KLASSE, we are implementing the biggest future-focused project in the history of our company, while at the same time achieving a robust free cash flow.”

At the end of this year, the first production model of the NEUE KLASSE, the new BMW iX3, will kick off an unprecedented ramp-up of new models: Across all drivetrain variants and all segments, the BMW Group will release more than 40 new and updated vehicles onto the market by 2027. What these new models have in common is that they will be equipped with future technology clusters, which will be rolled out successively across the entire portfolio with the launch of the NEUE KLASSE.

+++ Joachim Post to become Member of the Board of Management responsible for Development. +++ Nicolai Martin appointed to the Board of Management responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. +++ Reithofer: “Exceptional performance by Frank Weber and the entire Development Division for Neue Klasse.” +++

Munich. At its meeting today, the Supervisory Board of BMW AG set the personnel course to ensure the company's continued leadership in the areas of innovation and technology. Joachim Post will take over from Frank Weber as Member of the Board of Management responsible for Development as of June 1^st. Following the successful completion of series development of the Neue Klasse, Frank Weber will conclude his role. Joachim Post will be succeeded by Nicolai Martin as Member of the Board of Management responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network.

“Frank Weber and the entire Development Division have delivered an exceptional job in recent years to develop BMW's central future project into series production readiness: the Neue Klasse. Frank Weber deserves our sincere gratitude for this achievement. We wish him all the best for the future. And together with the Board of Management of BMW AG, we are very much looking forward to the launch of the Neue Klasse at the end of this year,” said Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BMW AG, on Thursday.

+++ BMW Group: Significant +13.5% sales growth in fully-electric vehicles +++ With over 2.45 million units delivered, BMW Group meets adjusted sales target for 2024 +++ BMW brand increases sales in selected regions, gains market shares and maintains position as global segment leader +++ Jochen Goller: “BEV growth to continue in 2025” +++

Munich. The BMW Group managed to continue its growth path in 2024, delivering a total of 426.594 fully-electric vehicles to customers and achieving BEV-sales growth of +13.5%. Both BMW and MINI brands posted double-digit BEV growth, with 368,523 (+11.6%) and 56,181 (+24.3%) fully-electric vehicles delivered to customers, respectively. The Rolls-Royce brand also recorded significant growth with 1.890 BEV vehicles delivered (+479.6%). The BMW brand managed to increase deliveries across all vehicle drivetrains in all sales regions outside of China.

“The BMW Group is maintaining its growth trajectory for fully-electric vehicles amid challenging market conditions. This is reflected in both the significant sales growth for fully-electric vehicles and the clear rise in new BEV orders in Europe,” said Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. “We are confident we can maintain our BEV sales growth in 2025 with our strong and expanded product line-up,” Goller continued. 

+++ Nicolas Peter will be proposed for election to the Supervisory Board at the 2025 Annual General Meeting. +++ Norbert Reithofer is not running for re-election after two terms of office. +++

Munich. At its meeting today, the Supervisory Board of BMW AG set the course for a continuity of succession at the head of its board. To this end, the Supervisory Board will put forward Dr. Nicolas Peter for election to the Supervisory Board of BMW AG at the 2025 Annual General Meeting. The Supervisory Board also expressed its support for the proposal that Peter — subject to his election to the Supervisory Board — be elected as Chairman of the Supervisory Board after the 2025 Annual General Meeting.

The mandate of the current Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Dr.-Ing. Norbert Reithofer, as a member of the Supervisory Board will finish as planned at the end of the 2025 Annual General Meeting. He will not run for re-election after two terms of office. This also observes the standard age limit set by the Supervisory Board itself.

+++ Looking ahead after extraordinary challenges in Q3. +++ Significant BEV growth, with a sales share of 19.1% in Q3. +++ BMW brand increases sales volume in Europe as of September: +7.6%, leading position expanded. +++ BMW sales and market share stable in the US. +++ Significant inventory reduction planned in Q4 – forecast auto free cash flow confirmed. +++ Zipse: “Securing short-term earnings and long-term success” +++

Munich. The BMW Group expects sequentially increasing deliveries in the final quarter of 2024. This follows a third quarter in which technical actions linked to the Integrated Braking System (IBS) presented extraordinary challenges. As stated in the ad hoc announcement on September 10, the technical actions – together with weak demand in China – dampened the sales and revenue situation in the reporting period from July to September. Moreover, additional IBS-related provisions for warranty obligations in the high three-digit million-euro range impacted the third quarter. As a result, the BMW Group adjusted its 2024 financial guidance.

Nevertheless, the ramp-up in e-mobility remained strong and made a positive contribution in Q3. BMW Group BEV deliveries grew significantly by +10.1% compared to the previous year, and the share of sales of fully electric vehicles rose to 19.1% percent. 

+++ BMW Group: Deliveries of fully-electric vehicles climb +19.1% in first nine months +++ BMW Group delivers total of 1,754,158 units worldwide in YTD September (-4.5%) – largely due to IBS delivery stops in Q3 and ongoing weak demand in China +++ BMW brand achieves strong sales growth in Europe, gains market share +++ MINI brand reports higher Q3 sales of fully-electric models +++

Munich. In a globally challenging market, the BMW Group increased its sales of fully-electric vehicles by +19,1% in the first nine months of 2024, with a total of 294,054  BEVs delivered to customers. During this period, BMW brand sales of fully-electric models rose by +22.6% to 266,151 vehicles. The MINI brand also grew its fully-electric vehicle sales by +54.3% in the third quarter, delivering 16,536 BEVs to customers.

“Our fully-electric vehicles are winning over customers worldwide – as shown by the significant double-digit growth in our BEV sales during the first nine months of the year,” said Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. “We also grew our sales in the Europe region. Our attractive model line-up, which is designed for technology openness, gained traction in the marketplace, despite the challenging conditions overall. The BMW brand captured market share in Europe and significantly outperformed the region's total market,” Goller continued.

+++ Trigger: Delivery stops and technical actions linked to Integrated Braking System (IBS). +++ Technical actions impact over 1.5 million vehicles. +++ Additional warranty costs in high three-digit million amount. +++

Munich. The Board of Management of BMW AG adjusted the guidance for the 2024 financial year today.

This was triggered in part by additional headwinds in the Automotive Segment resulting from delivery stops and technical actions linked to the Integrated Braking System (IBS) that is provided by a supplier.

The delivery stops for vehicles that are not already in customers hands will have a negative worldwide sales effect in the second half of the year. The IBS-related technical actions impact over 1.5 million vehicles and result in additional warranty costs in a high three-digit million amount in the third quarter.

+++ BMW brand achieves sales growth of 2.3% in HY1 –double-digit growth for models in upper price segment +++ BMW BEV deliveries climb 34% to over 179,500 units in first half-year +++ Profitability targets exceeded: Group EBT margin of 10.9% for HY1 +++ Automotive EBIT margin at 8.6% in HY1 +++ Financial Services: New business posts significant growth +++ Zipse: “Delivering high profitability in target corridor for past ten quarters” +++ Outlook for 2024 confirmed +++

Munich. In a challenging environment, the BMW Group proves its high resilience and can confirm its full year guidance, after six months of 2024: Thanks to its extensive range of attractive products, with deliveries on a par with the previous year, the company posted an automotive EBIT Margin at 8.6% (Q2: 8.4%) in the first half of the year. Excluding depreciation from purchase price allocation related to BBA, the BMW Group posted an EBIT margin in the Automotive Segment of 9.6% (Q2: 9.4%). With a consistently high level of investment, the BMW Group also continues to strengthen its innovative power and enhance its future model line-up.

The sales success of the first half-year was largely driven by fully-electric vehicles (BEVs) and higher-priced BMW and BMW M models, which both saw double-digit growth. The BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands reported a 24.6% increase in BEV deliveries to 190,614 fully electric vehicles. The BMW brand is in third place worldwide, with almost 180,000 BEVs delivered. In total, the company delivered 1,213,276 vehicles to customers across all BMW Group brands between January and June, thus reaching the same high level as the previous year (2023: -0.1%; Q2: 618,743 units; -1.3%).

+++ Deliveries of fully-electric BMW vehicles grow by +34.1% in the first half of the year +++ Sales of BMW brand up +2.3% globally +++ Worldwide deliveries by the BMW Group totaled 1,213,359 units +++ Sales growth in Europe and North America +++

Munich. With 179,557 fully electric vehicles delivered, the BMW brand achieved a +34.1% increase in BEV sales in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. Overall, the BMW brand grew by +2.3% compared to the previous year's period with 1,096,486 units sold in the first half of the year. The brand thereby outperformed its traditional competitors and managed to significantly gain market share in Europe. In total, the BMW Group delivered 1,213,359 vehicles of the BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands in the first half of the year.

“In the first six months of the year, we saw double-digit growth of our fully-electric vehicles and models from the upper premium segment,” said Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. “Despite a challenging market environment, we increased sales for the BMW brand in the first half of the year, thanks to our attractive product portfolio. The strong commitment of our BMW Group employees and our robust global retail network have made a significant contribution in this regard,” said Jochen Goller. 

+++ Statement Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG +++ 104th Annual General Meeting of BMW AG on 15th May 2024 +++ Livestream from BMW Welt in Munich +++ 

Strong today – Strong tomorrow.

Our BMW way into the future

Dear Shareholders!

A warm welcome from BMW Welt in Munich. A lot of people talk about the transformation of mobility and the automotive industry – how one will replace the other. At BMW, we do things a little differently. We call it: continuous progress.

Becoming a little bit better every day – that is what we aspire to. And what I, myself, am measured against. Never being satisfied with the status quo brings us closer to our ambitious goals. Step by step. Or, more fittingly, when talking about cars: mile by mile. That may sound very grounded and methodical, but it certainly yields highly effective results.

+++ Consistent strategic implementation: Dynamic BEV ramp-up aligned with profitability, as planned +++ BEV ramp-up continued as planned: 28% growth to around 83,000 BEVs in Q1 +++ BMW brand sales increased by 2.5% +++ Deliveries of models in the upper price segment rise by over 20% +++ Group EBT margin above target of >10% in Q1 +++ EBIT margin within the target range of 8-10% for nine consecutive quarters +++ Outlook for 2024 confirmed +++ Zipse: “Past nine quarters show continuity and reliability.” +++

Munich. The BMW Group continues its successful course in 2024: parallel to its dynamic BEV ramp-up, the company achieved its margin targets. In the first three months of the year, the company delivered around 83,000 all-electric vehicles from its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands and increased BEV sales by around 28 percent. The BMW brand overall increased its sales by 2.5%. At the same time, the EBIT margin in the Automotive segment of 8.8 percent was within the target range of 8-10 percent, according to the full-year guidance. At 11.4 percent, the EBT margin at Group level was above the strategic target of >10 percent.

After the challenges of the corona pandemic and semiconductor availability, the company has consistently delivered quarter by quarter within its 8-10% strategic EBIT corridor since Q1 2022. This has been achieved in parallel to its rapid ramp-up of electric mobility: Over the past two years, the BMW Group delivered more than 1.1 million electrified vehicles to customers. More than 60 percent of these were purely electric BEV models. The BEV share continues to rise steadily, as planned. 

+++ BMW Group sales climb to 594,671 units in first quarter +++ Growth drivers: fully-electric vehicles and models from high-end premium segment +++ BMW brand: Global sales up +2.5%; deliveries of fully-electric vehicles increase by +40.6% +++ Higher BEV sales in all major regions of the world +++ Jochen Goller: “Delivery of one-millionth fully-electric vehicle confirms the attractiveness of our product portfolio.” +++

Munich. The BMW Group will continue its consistent ramp up of electromobility in 2024 with attractive product offerings, despite a volatile market environment. The company delivered a total of 82,700 fully-electric BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles to customers worldwide in the first three months of the year. This represents year-on-year BEV growth of over 27.9% for the BMW Group. The increase in sales of fully-electric vehicles benefitted from a balanced performance across all major regions of the world.

“The BMW Group is continuing on its BEV growth path. With the delivery of its one-millionth fully-electric vehicle since the market launch of the BMW i3*, we have reached an important milestone that confirms the attractiveness of our product portfolio,” said Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. Alongside fully-electric models, vehicles with highly-efficient combustion engines and plug-in hybrid technology remain important components of BMW Group’s drive train portfolio. “By providing a choice of drive train technologies and thanks to our high level of flexibility, the BMW Group is well-positioned to meet changing customer requirements. This strategy is now proving particularly effective in a dynamic market environment,” continued Jochen Goller.

+++ Automotive EBIT significantly higher in 2023 +++ EBIT margin of 8-10% forecast for 2024 +++ Capital expenditure to peak in 2024, as planned +++ NEUE KLASSE in the starting blocks: Testing already underway +++ BMW Vision Neue Klasse X highlights broad spectrum: NEUE KLASSE offers customers wide choice of models +++ Over two million electrified vehicles already on roads +++ Dynamic growth continues: More than 15 BEV models from all brands available in 2024 +++ EU CO₂ fleet emissions over 20% below limit in 2023 +++ Plant Munich switching to BEV-only production from 2027 +++ Zipse: “Reliable partner for customers, investors and stakeholders” +++

Munich. Strong products, strong demand, strong results: Following a successful 2023, in which the Automotive Segment reported its highest-ever operating result, the BMW Group aims to continue on its profitable growth course in the current financial year. Fully-electric vehicles (BEVs) and models from the upper premium segment should remain the main growth drivers again in 2024 – including the BMW 7 Series models, the BMW X7 and the Rolls-Royce model family, with the fully-electric Rolls-Royce Spectre*.

In both segments, the BMW Group expects to see significant double-digit growth in the current financial year. In addition, the BMW 5 Series models, including the BMW i5*, which will also be available for the first time as a fully-electric Touring model this year, plus vehicles from BMW M GmbH, will contribute as well. 

+++ Zipse: “Implementing strategy consistently and successfully” +++ Group EBT margin of 11.0% for the full year +++ Automotive EBIT margin at 9.8% in 2023 +++ Percentage of BEV deliveries of 15% in 2023, as forecast +++ EU fleet CO2 emissions at 102.1 g/km (WLTP) ‒ well below 128.5 g/km limit +++ Dividend of € 6.00 per share of common stock proposed +++

Munich. The BMW Group achieved its business objectives for financial year 2023, as forecasted. Despite strong competition and volatile conditions, the company successfully maintained its profitable growth and defended its leading position in the global premium segment: A total of 2,554,183 premium vehicles were delivered to customers in the year to the end of December (2022: 2,399,632 units / +6.4%) ‒ including 717,620 units in the fourth quarter (Q4 2022: 651,794 units / +10.1%). Deliveries for the full year had a solid increase, resulting in a market share of 3.3%.

High demand for its products was the driver for the BMW Group’s continuing strong financial performance: The Group EBT margin came in at 11.0% (2022: 16.5%; Q4: 8.6%; Q4 2022: 8.2%), above the strategic target of 10%. The EBIT margin in the Automotive Segment of 9.8% (2022: 8.6%; Q4: 8.5%; Q4 2022: 8.5%) was within the forecast target range of 9.0-10.5%.

+++ BMW Group sales reach new all-time high of 2,555,341 units in 2023 (+6.5%) +++ BMW Group BEV sales at 15%, with growth across all sales regions worldwide +++ BMW brand once again tops global premium segment in 2023; electric models see significant growth (+92.2%) +++ Rolls-Royce and Motorrad brands also report new highs +++ Jochen Goller: “Record sales for 2023 show desirability of our strong brands. Customers worldwide value our highly attractive product offering – across all drive technologies.” +++

Munich. The BMW Group delivered a total of 2,555,341 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles to customers last year (+6.5%) – a new all-time sales high for the company. The BMW, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad brands also reported new record highs in 2023. In the fourth quarter, BMW Group sales climbed to 718,778 units, up +10.3% on the previous year.

“Thanks to close co-operation with our retail partners and driven by the strong performance of our associates, the BMW Group was able to achieve a new all-time sales high for 2023. Customers around the world appreciate our strong brands BMW, MINI, Motorrad and Rolls-Royce and in particular the choice of different drive technologies across the entire BMW Group product range“, said Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. “With our new, highly attractive and technologically outstanding vehicles, we were able to ramp up electromobility even more dynamically in 2023 and achieve the goal of 15% of total sales from fully-electric vehicles”, Goller continued.

+++ Zipse: “Right on track to meet our goals for the year” +++ Group EBT margin of 10.6% in Q3 and 11.9% in YTD September +++ Automotive EBIT margin of 9.8% in Q3 and 10.3% in YTD September +++ Free cash flow of € 5.8 billion in Automotive Segment in YTD September +++ Percentage of BEV deliveries increases to 15.1% in Q3 +++

Munich. The BMW Group is maintaining its course for profitable growth in a volatile business environment. The company once again reaffirmed its leading position in the global premium segment, with a solid increase in sales to 621,699 premium automobiles in the third quarter and 1,836,563 units over the nine-month-period (Q3 2022: 587,744 units/+5.8%; 2022: 1,747,838 units/+5.1%).

The BMW Group combined this growth with a strong financial performance: The EBT margin for the first nine months came in at 11.9% (2022: 19.6%; Q3: 10.6%; Q3 2022: 11.0%), with an EBIT margin in the Automotive Segment of 10.3% (2022: 8.7%; Q3: 9.8%; Q3 2022: 8.9%). Excluding depreciation for BBA assets from the purchase price allocation, the EBIT margin was 10.8% in the third quarter (Q3/2022: 10.1%) and 11.4% (Sept YTD/2022: 11.7%) after nine months.

+++ BMW Group third-quarter sales up +5.8% +++ BEV deliveries climb +79.6% in Q3 +++ Deliveries of fully-electric BMW vehicles double once again (+100.3%) +++ BMW brand remains number one in global premium segment, builds on strong competitive position +++ Pieter Nota: “Overall, we are on track to meet our growth targets for 2023. Our sales of fully-electric vehicles significantly outperformed the total BEV market in the first nine months – clearly underlining the appeal of our products.” +++

Munich. The BMW Group sold 93,931 fully-electric BMW and MINI vehicles in the third quarter – an increase of +79.6% compared to the same period of last year. The BMW brand once again doubled its third-quarter deliveries of fully-electric vehicles from the same period of last year (+100.3%). The company was thus able to translate customer interest in its fully-electric products into dynamic growth.

“The sales success of the third quarter shows that our customers appreciate our wide range of attractive products across all drive technologies. Our fully-electric products, in particular, are benefiting from high demand worldwide – as seen in our BEV sales, which significantly outperformed the total BEV market in the first nine months,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. “Overall, we are on track to meet our growth targets for 2023,” Nota continued.

+++ Reithofer: “BMW Group has strengthened its competitive leadership position under Oliver Zipse” +++ Jochen Goller succeeds Pieter Nota as Board Member for Customer, Brands, Sales +++ Supervisory Board thanks Nota for great commitment and important impulses +++

Munich. The Supervisory Board of BMW AG has today extended the contract of Oliver Zipse as Chairman of the Board of Management until 2026. Zipse has been a member of the Board of Management since 2015 and Chairman of the Board since August 2019. During his term of office, the BMW Group significantly expanded its range of electric vehicles and today offers fully electric models in almost all of its core segments. In addition, development began on the Neue Klasse as the next model generation, with production starting in 2025.

Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BMW AG, said: “Oliver Zipse has very successfully steered the company in recent years through an extremely volatile environment. In a phase of global crises and profound transformation, the BMW Group has not only achieved reliably robust results under his leadership, but has also sustainably strengthened its leading position in global competition. With the Neue Klasse, the BMW Group is well on track to further expand this position.”

+++ Higher sales target and automotive EBIT margin for 2023 +++ Group EBT margin comes in at 12.6% for HY1 +++ Automotive EBIT margin at 10.6% after six months +++ Free cash flow of € 3.1 billion in Automotive Segment in YTD June +++ Deliveries of fully-electric BMW vehicles up 133% +++ Zipse: “Economic success during the transformation” +++

Munich. The BMW Group delivered a strong financial and operating performance in a difficult environment in the first half of 2023. In the first six months, the premium automotive manufacturer achieved a Group EBT margin of 12.6% and an EBIT margin of 10.6% in the Automotive Segment. In the second quarter, the Group EBT margin came in at 11.3% (Q2 2022: 11.3%). In the Automotive Segment, the EBIT margin increased to 9.2% (Q2 2022: 8.2%).
As previously reported in an ad hoc announcement, the company is now planning for solid growth in deliveries for the full year 2023 (previously slight growth). Growth drivers should be highly priced models as well as fully electric vehicles.  BEV models are set to account for 15% of total vehicle sales. The EBIT margin in the Automotive Segment is now projected to be within the range of 9-10.5% (previously 8-10%). 

Munich. The BMW Group updated its full-year outlook for 2023 today. Given the solid operational performance in the first half of 2023, the company expects positive momentum in the business during the second half of the year. This is built on the ongoing strength of the order bank and an expected improvement in the availability of its premium vehicles.

The BMW Group made the following changes to their guidance on financial indicators:

• Automotive segment deliveries to customers is expected to see solid growth over the prior-year level (previously: slight growth).
• In the Automotive segment, the EBIT margin for full year 2023 is anticipated to be within the corridor of 9% to 10.5% (previously: 8% to 10%)
• In the Automotive segment, Return on Capital Employed (RoCE) is expected to be between 18% and 22% (previously: 15% to 20%)
• The Financial Services segment Return on Equity (RoE) is expected to be between 16% and 19% (previously: 14% to 17%).

Additionally, free cash flow in the Automotive segment is now anticipated to be above €6 billion for the full year 2023, taking into account higher investments in the transformation to electromobility as well as increased inventories to ensure the necessary supply of vehicles to the markets.

+++ BMW Group posts significant second-quarter sales growth (+11.3%) +++ Deliveries of fully-electric BMW vehicles more than doubled again: BMW Group +117.5%; brand BMW +150.7% +++ BMW brand continues to be No. 1 in worldwide premium segment +++ Sales increase across all key regions +++ Pieter Nota: “We have the right products on the market. The BMW Group will continue its successful electromobility ramp-up in the second half of the year.” +++

Munich. The BMW Group delivered a total of 88,289 fully-electric BMW and MINI vehicles to customers in the second quarter of 2023 – and once again succeeded in more than doubling its BEV sales from the same period of last year (+117.5%). All major regions saw significant sales growth for fully-electric models – underlining the wide appeal of these models to customers worldwide. 

“Strong sales development in general and especially for our fully-electric vehicles, shows that we have the right products on the market at the right time. The BMW Group will continue its successful ramp-up of electromobility at a high pace in the second half of the year,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales. “We are winning over customers worldwide with our young and attractive product line-up. Due to our diverse offering – ranging from highly efficient combustion engines to fully electric models – we are addressing the wide variety of customer needs around the globe in an ideal way,” Nota added.

+++ 5 years plus two one-year extension options +++ Syndication process underlines sustainable corporate profile of BMW Group +++

Munich. The BMW Group has signed a €8.0 billion syndicated revolving credit facility (RCF) with a tenor of five years and two one-year extension options.

A total of 43 international and regional banks from Europe, America and Asia have taken part in the transaction. With BNP Paribas, Citi and Deutsche Bank as coordinating bookrunners, the BMW Group has replaced the existing RCF of €8.0 billion signed in 2017.

For the first time, the BMW Group has consistently presented its strategic focus on sustainability within the syndication process: First, it handed a newly developed, comprehensive sustainability factsheet over to the banks involved to provide transparent information on its progress and goals. In a second step, the BMW Group issued questionnaires to the lenders, aiming at reflecting the outside-in perspectives of its sustainability performance, providing impetus for the continuous further development of sustainability communications. 

+++ NEUE KLASSE to be released in 2025, local production in Shenyang for China from 2026 +++ BBA to invest RMB 10 billion in construction of assembly plant for sixth-generation high-voltage batteries in China +++ Global production network for high-voltage batteries based on “local for local” principle +++

Shenyang. To mark the 20th anniversary of the BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (BBA) joint venture, Milan Nedeljković, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production, today announced local production of the NEUE KLASSE in China. Following the market launch in 2025, models of the next vehicle generation will also be produced from 2026 onwards by BBA in Shenyang. The high-voltage batteries required for this will likewise be manufactured locally. The virtual ground-breaking for a new assembly site for high-voltage batteries also took place as part of the anniversary celebrations. BBA is investing RMB 10 billion in the new location, which will produce battery cells for the next, sixth generation of high-voltage batteries from 2026 onwards. The “Sixth-Generation Battery Project” will play a key role in production of vehicles for the NEUE KLASSE and create around 2,000 new jobs in the region.

“From a small assembly facility with a limited number of units, our plants in Shenyang have developed into our largest production location worldwide. Today, 20 years after our joint venture’s initial start of production, I am delighted to announce local production of the NEUE KLASSE in China,” declared Milan Nedeljković in Shenyang. “Integration of the NEUE KLASSE into our production in China goes hand in hand with construction of a high-voltage battery assembly for the next, sixth generation of batteries and will make a significant contribution to further electrification of our lineup and, therefore, to our success as a company.”

+++ Speech Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG +++ General Annual Meeting +++ Munich, 11 May 2023, 10.00 a.m. CEST +++

We move body, heart and mind. The BMW Group – your company,

Dear Shareholders! Today is one of the days of the year that I particularly look forward to. At our Annual General Meeting, we stand before you, to answer your questions.  Of course, you want to know: what are we accomplishing at Team BMW Group – and, most importantly: What are our plans?  You are invested in a company with ambitious goals. Thanks to our focus and determination, you can rely on us to realise our plans – in the short, medium and long term, year in, year out. That is what you expect from us – and we deliver!

+++ Zipse: “Our compelling products inspire customers all over the world” +++ Group EBT margin at 13.9% +++ Automotive EBIT margin climbs to 12.1% +++ Free cash flow of around € 2 billion in Auto Segment +++ Sales of BMW BEVs up 112% +++ 2023 Guidance confirmed in continuing volatility +++

Munich. With its fresh and attractive portfolio and a strong product mix, the BMW Group continued on its successful course in the first quarter of 2023. The company’s strong operating performance was confirmed by its margins: The Group EBT margin for the three-month period came in at 13.9%, while the EBIT margin for the Automotive Segment increased to 12.1%. The BMW Group’s operating financial strength is also reflected in the free cash flow of € 1,981 million in the Automotive Segment.

With its popular premium vehicles, the BMW Group benefited from positive development in many automotive markets and from continued stable pricing for both new and used cars. Sales momentum came from the electrified product line-up as well as models of higher classes, which are among the youngest in the market. Sales of BMW BEV models more than doubled to 55,979 deliveries (2022: 26,362 units/+112.3%).  

+++ Repurchased shares to be largely cancelled, reducing share capital accordingly +++

Munich. Today, the Board of Management of the Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (BMW AG) approved a further share buy-back programme in a volume of up to 2 billion EUR (total purchase price excluding ancillary acquisition costs), which is scheduled to start upon conclusion of the first buy-back programme. The latter was started in July 2022 and is expected to be completed in mid-2023. The authorization to repurchase up to 10% of the share capital within five years was granted by the Annual General Meeting of BMW AG in May 2022.

This second repurchase programme is also applicable to both common and preferred shares. The volume attributed to preferred shares is limited to a maximum of EUR 350 million. The second programme will be concluded no later than December 31, 2025.

Its primary objective is to redeem the repurchased shares and to reduce share capital correspondingly. In addition, it may also be used to transfer shares to employees of BMW AG or a group company within the framework of an employee share program. 

+++ Pieter Nota: “BMW Group on track for slight sales growth in the full year 2023. Main growth drivers will be fully-electric vehicles and models from the high-end premium segment” +++ BMW Group sells 588,138 units worldwide in Q1 (-1.5%) +++ BMW Group: First-quarter BEV sales climb +83.2% to 64,647 units +++ BMW brand: Sales of fully-electric vehicles more than double to 55,979 units (+112.3%) +++ US market up +11.4%, with 89,750 BMW and MINI deliveries +++

Munich. The BMW Group posted significant growth in its global sales of fully-electric vehicles (+83.2%) in the first quarter of 2023. Overall, the BMW Group delivered a total of 64,647 fully-electric BMW and MINI vehicles to customers in the first three months of the year. The BMW brand was able to more than double its sales of fully-electric vehicles in the first quarter, with 55,979 units delivered to customers (+112.3%).

“Our strong product lineup continues to inspire our customers worldwide. Our fully-electric vehicles, in particular, are benefiting from high demand around the globe. We were therefore able to maintain the dynamic pace of our electromobility ramp-up in the first quarter,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. “The BMW Group is on track for slight sales growth in the full year 2023. The main growth drivers in 2023 will be fully-electric vehicles and models from the high-end premium segment – like the new BMW i7*, the new BMW 7 Series, the BMW XM* and the updated BMW X7,” Nota continued.

+++ Zipse: “Proven strengths, future-oriented technologies and NEUE KLASSE as a recipe for success” +++ EBIT margin for 2023 expected within 8-10% range +++ High demand: 15% BEV share in 2023 +++ Dynamic BEV growth in coming years +++ Double-digit growth in high-end segment in 2023 +++ Further decrease in CO₂ emissions planned for 2023 +++ Concrete outlook for NEUE KLASSE – plants, models +++ More details on NEUE KLASSE at IAA Mobility +++

Munich. With the prospect of profitable growth in a persistently challenging business environment, combined with a very dynamic increase in sales of electric vehicles, the BMW Group is looking ahead to financial year 2023, with tailwinds from last year's success — based on highly attractive and technologically outstanding products. The company is taking this momentum into the home straight as it prepares for the launch of its next product generation, the NEUE KLASSE, in two years. The proven strengths of the present and the focus on future-oriented technologies will lay the foundation for the success of this future product generation.

The main growth drivers in 2023 will be fully-electric (BEV) vehicles and models from the high-end premium segment — such as the new BMW 7 Series, the updated BMW X7 and the Rolls-Royce model family. In this upper segment, the BMW Group expects growth in the mid-double-digit percentage range for the current financial year, with BEV models even likely to grow in the high double-digit percentage range. Overall, the BMW Group expects its deliveries to customers worldwide to increase slightly in the Automotive Segment in 2023.

+++ Nicolas Peter to retire in May +++

Munich. The Supervisory Board of BMW AG appointed Walter Mertl (49) as the new Board of Management member responsible for Finance during its meeting today. He takes over from Nicolas Peter (60), who will retire after the Annual General Meeting on 11 May 2023.

“The BMW Group has been very fortunate to have such a strategic CFO with Nicolas Peter,” said Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BMW AG. “Over the past, highly volatile years, the company profited from his profound expertise and exceptionally sound judgement. Nicolas Peter deserves our utmost thanks for his three decades of successful management shaped by his vision and entrepreneurial spirit: He has displayed tremendous leadership qualities while playing an instrumental role in shaping the development of the BMW Group, using his extensive knowledge of the company and its operating environment. His efforts secured the company’s excellent reputation in the capital markets and with the broader public. The company owes Nicolas Peter a debt of gratitude for major advances in its transformation – while, at the same time, remaining focused on its long-term profitability.”

+++ High Group EBT: € 23.5 billion – EBT margin: 16.5% +++ Automotive EBIT: € 10.6 billion – EBIT margin on target at 8.6% (excluding effects of BBA full consolidation: 11.2%) +++ Strong free cash flow (automotive): € 11.1 billion +++ CO2 emissions of EU new vehicle fleet at 105.0 g/km (WLTP) – well below applicable emission target (127.5 g/km) +++ Dividend of € 8.50 per share of common stock proposed +++ Zipse: “We achieved solid performance under volatile conditions” +++

Munich. The BMW Group met its targets for 2022, as forecasted, and thus delivered a strong operating performance in a difficult business environment. The premium manufacturer significantly increased Group EBT (€ 23,509 million/ +46.4%) and net profit (€ 18,582 million/ +49.1%) from the previous year. This positive development can be attributed to improved pricing and positive product-mix effects, as well as the full consolidation of the Chinese joint venture, BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (BBA). The latter also made a large cash contribution (€ 5,011 million) on 11 February 2022 to a significantly higher free cash flow of € 11,071 million in the Automotive Segment.

Rising sales of fully-electric models, which were up 107.7% in 2022, accounted for 9% of deliveries in 2022 and helped further lower the CO2 emissions value of the new vehicle fleet in the EU. Based on preliminary calculations, this figure came in at 105.0 grams of CO2 per km (WLTP). This represents a decrease of (-)9.4% – significantly outperforming the value for the previous year and the applicable emissions target by 22.5 g/km (prev. yr.: 115.9 g/km). The BMW Group is forging ahead with electrification of its product lineup and aims to raise the share of fully-electric vehicles in its total deliveries to 15% this year. 

+++ Germany’s first certified Fair Pay Leader +++

Munich. BMW AG is the first company in Germany to be awarded top-level certification from the Fair Pay Innovation Lab (FPI). The document reaffirms the fact that the company’s remuneration structures are fair, with no significant difference between the overall remuneration packages of women and men. Based in Berlin, the FPI is a globally recognised certification organisation for fair pay. The award of the Universal Fair Pay Check, under the patronage of the German Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Hubertus Heil, was announced by the FPI today, 7 March, on international Equal Pay Day.

“This is an accolade we are particularly proud of because it proves that our remuneration structures work. For us, fair salaries are a given and an integral part of our corporate culture, which is based on transparency, appreciation and respect. The BMW Group believes in performance and reward in fair working conditions and an environment that offers career opportunities for all our talented staff,” said Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, People and Real Estate, and Labour Director. 

+++ Export Value From South Carolina Plant Totals Nearly $9.6 Billion +++ 416,301 Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes Produced in the U.S. Last Year +++ Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles Total More Than 16% of Production +++ Milan Nedeljković, Board Member for Production: “I am proud of the Spartanburg plant's continued performance” +++

Spartanburg, S.C. For the ninth consecutive year, BMW Manufacturing led the nation in automotive exports by value, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The South Carolina plant exported 227,029 BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes during 2022 with an export value of nearly $9.6 billion. The BMWs produced at Plant Spartanburg were exported through the Port of Charleston, SC (more than 182,000 units), and through five other southeastern ports. More than 17,000 BMWs were exported via rail.

During 2022, Germany became the top export market from BMW Manufacturing (15.5% of export volume), followed by China (13.5%), South Korea (12.8%), Canada (7.5%), and Great Britain (5.6%).

“Free trade and open markets enable growth and prosperity. BMW and South Carolina are a good example of this,” said Milan Nedeljković, BMW AG Board Member for Production. "I am proud of the Spartanburg plant's continued performance, which contributes to the success of the BMW Group."

+++ Rio Tinto’s aluminium production relies on local hydroelectric power +++ Innovative electrolysis method eliminates all process-related CO₂ emissions +++ Potential use of up to 50 percent secondary material +++ Set to supply US vehicle production at Plant Spartanburg +++

Munich. The BMW Group is continuing its efforts to systematically reduce CO₂ emissions in the supply chain. A particular focus is on CO₂-intensive materials like aluminium, steel and plastics. The BMW Group therefore intends to source aluminium with significantly reduced CO₂ emissions from Rio Tinto’s hydro-powered operations in Canada starting in 2024 and has signed a memorandum of understanding to this effect. Compared to conventionally manufactured aluminium, this approach can save around 70 percent of CO₂ emissions. The planned supply volumes will be used exclusively in vehicle production at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the US state of South Carolina, in body components like the bonnet, for instance.

“We have clear goals for lowering CO₂ emissions in the supply chain. By using innovative materials, we can reduce our vehicles’ carbon footprint – even before handing them over to customers. The agreement to supply low-carbon aluminium is based on several pillars: in addition to hydroelectric power and a high percentage of secondary material, we also want to lead the automotive industry by ramping up our use of aluminium with no direct CO₂ emissions from the smelting process,” explains Joachim Post, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. 

+++ Investment of € 800 million in Mexican production site for integration of fully-electric models of NEUE KLASSE and construction of local high-voltage battery assembly +++ Around 1,000 new jobs for Plant San Luis Potosí +++ Head of Production Nedeljković: “We are systematically gearing our production network towards electromobility” +++

San Luis Potosí, Mexico. The BMW Group is accelerating its ramp-up of e-mobility and poised to gain even more momentum with its next vehicle generation, the NEUE KLASSE. The share of 50 percent of the company's worldwide sales of fully electric vehicles could be reached earlier than 2030. The company is investing in expansion of its international production network to achieve this. The plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico will produce fully-electric models for the NEUE KLASSE in the future and is setting up its own high-voltage battery assembly for this purpose.

“We are systematically gearing our production network towards electromobility. In Mexico, we are investing 800 million euros in our plant and creating around 1,000 new jobs,” explained Milan Nedeljković, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production, in San Luis Potosí at an event attended by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Governor of San Luis Potosí Ricardo Gallardo Cardona. 

+++ Based on preliminary internal calculations, EU fleet-wide emissions came in at 105 grams CO2 per kilometre (WLTP) for 2022 +++ Year-on-year reduction of more than nine percent expected +++

Munich. The BMW Group continued to systematically reduce its emissions and, based on preliminary internal calculations, lowered its EU fleet-wide CO2 emissions by more than nine percent from 2021 to 2022.

With emissions of 105 grams per kilometre, according to WLTP (2021: 115.9 grams per kilometre), based on preliminary calculations for 2022, the company once again outperformed the fleet target limit set by the European Union EU27+2 (EU, Norway, Iceland) of 127 grams per kilometre by 22 grams.

In addition to further increases in vehicle efficiency, the reduction in emissions can largely be attributed to successful implementation of the company’s electrification strategy. The BMW Group sold a total of more than 215,000 fully-electric vehicles worldwide in 2022 – an increase of almost 108 percent, compared to the previous year. Fully-electric vehicles accounted for nearly nine percent of total sales last year. The goal is to increase this figure to 15 percent in 2023. The BMW Group also aims for more than 50 percent of its sales volumes to come from fully-electric vehicles no later than 2030. 

+++ Start of the next phase of joint research and development +++ BMW Group intends to adopt Solid Power’s cell pilot production lines at its own Cell Manufacturing Competence Center (CMCC) +++ Working towards the long term goal: ASSB technology for series production +++

Munich. Under an expanded Joint Development Agreement, BMW Group and Solid Power have added a research and development license as a basis for their common next steps. This license enables BMW to establish an ASSB prototype line in its Cell Manufacturing Competence Center (CMCC) in Parsdorf near Munich.

The broadened relationship provides significant benefits to both companies, including conducting complementary cell development and manufacturing activities at both Solid Power and the BMW Group to further advance all-solid-state cell design and manufacturing know-how.

“BMW remains committed to the pursuit of all-solid-state batteries, a technology which we believe has significant potential for the future,” said Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management BMW AG, Development. “We look forward to working even more closely with Solid Power and adding the capability to produce solid-state cells based on Solid Power’s designs at our own pilot facility. We expect this agreement to accelerate the installation of our solid-state prototype line and our companies’ mutual goal of commercializing this promising cell technology.”

+++ BMW Group sold 2,399,636 units (-4.8%) +++ BMW brand maintained No. 1 position in global premium segment +++ Sales of fully-electric vehicles more than doubled to 215,755 units (+107.7%) +++ Sales up +10.6% in fourth quarter of 2022 +++ MINI Electric* is best-selling MINI model variant +++ Pieter Nota: “Next milestone for 2023: 15% of total sales from fully-electric vehicles” +++

Munich. The BMW Group significantly accelerated its ramp-up of electromobility once more in 2022. As previously announced, the BMW Group was able to more than double its BEV sales from 2021 (+107.7%) with a total of 215,755 fully-electric BMW and MINI vehicles delivered to customers. A major milestone was reached when the BMW Group handed over its 500,000th fully-electric vehicle to its new owner towards the end of last year. 

“Our strong product line-up is the best response to a challenging environment – and enabled us to more than double our sales of fully-electric vehicles again in 2022,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. “We are confident we can build on this success in 2023, as we continue to see particularly high order intake for our fully-electric models,” Nota added. 

The BMW Group delivered a total of 2,399,636 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles to customers worldwide in 2022 (-4.8%); a year in which all industries faced headwinds from supply bottlenecks, China’s pandemic lockdowns and the war in Ukraine. The main impact was felt in the first six months of the year, with deliveries down compared to the previous year. Sales increasingly picked up in the second half of 2022. In the fourth quarter, the BMW Group reported significant sales growth of +10.6%, with 651,798 vehicles delivered to customers.

+++ Manufacture of small-series BMW iX5 Hydrogen at the Research and Innovation Centre’s pilot plant in Munich +++ Test fleet will go into service worldwide from spring 2023 +++

Munich. The BMW Group is commencing production of its BMW iX5 Hydrogen model. Manufacture of the small-series hydrogen-powered vehicle is taking place in the pilot plant at its Munich Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ). The first ever Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) featuring hydrogen fuel cell technology has already completed an intensive programme of testing under demanding conditions during the development phase and will now be used as a technology demonstrator for locally carbon-free mobility in selected regions from spring 2023.

“Hydrogen is a versatile energy source that has a key role to play as we progress towards climate neutrality,” says Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “We are certain that hydrogen is set to gain significantly in importance for individual mobility and therefore consider a mixture of battery and fuel cell electric drive systems to be a sensible approach in the long term. Fuel cells don’t require any critical raw materials such as cobalt, lithium or nickel either, so by investing in this type of drive system we are also strengthening the geopolitical resilience of the BMW Group. Our BMW iX5 Hydrogen test fleet will allow us to gain new and valuable insights, enabling us to present customers with an attractive product range once the hydrogen economy becomes a widespread reality.”

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is being built in the BMW Group’s pilot plant at its Research and Innovation Centre in Munich. This is the interface between development and production where every new model from one of the company’s brands is made for the first time. Around 900 people work there in the body shop, assembly, model engineering, concept vehicle construction and additive manufacturing. They each work on up to six vehicle projects simultaneously and are tasked with ensuring that both the product and the manufacturing process are ready for series production. In the case of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, specialists in hydrogen technology, vehicle development and initial assembly of new models have been working closely together to integrate the cutting-edge drive and energy storage technology.

+++ Investment in US startup Jetti Resources +++ More efficient and resource-conserving raw material extraction +++ 40% CO₂-reduction through utilization of mine waste +++

Munich / Mountain View (USA). Through its venture capital fund BMW I Ventures, the BMW Group has taken a stake in US (Colorado) based company, Jetti Resources. The goal is to foster responsible and resource-conserving copper extraction to address rising demand in a more sustainable way. Founded in 2014, Jetti Resources has developed a pioneering process for copper extraction that utilizes previously unused ore from existing copper mines.

“By investing in Jetti, we are supporting technological progress in the field of copper extraction, with a focus on responsible and resource-conserving methods,” says Wolfgang Obermaier, Head of Indirect Goods and Services, Raw Materials, Production Partners of the BMW Group. “This new process has the potential to improve the environmental footprint and integrity of our supply chain, even with growing demand for resources like copper,” Obermaier adds.

As copper is a vital raw material to produce electric drivetrains in EVs, demand is forecasted to grow substantially in the coming years. As early as 2030, at least half of BMW Group's global sales will consist of fully electric vehicles.

+++ In addition to vehicle production, BMW Group builds high-voltage battery assembly at Plant Debrecen +++ More than 500 additional jobs to be created by 2025 +++ Production of NEUE KLASSE starts here +++

Debrecen, Hungary. The BMW Group is building a high-voltage battery assembly for the vehicles of the NEUE KLASSE at its site in Hungary. The battery assembly will be located on the site of the Debrecen vehicle plant, which started construction about six months ago. The company will create more than 500 additional jobs and invest over two billion euros in the construction and launch of the entire plant by the end of 2025.

Milan Nedeljković, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production, said: “In Debrecen, we are building the most advanced plant in the world. With our iFACTORY, we are setting new industry standards for vehicle production. Our investments underline our systematic approach to implementing e-mobility.”

The new announcements were also welcomed by the Hungarian government. Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, said: “The BMW Group plant in Debrecen is a symbol of the successful Hungarian economic policy of the past twelve years. The plant combines environmental protection and competitiveness, and that is much more than we have originally planned.”

+++ Innovative event concept for award ceremony at BMW Welt in Munich +++ Sixth BMW Group Supplier Innovation Award presented +++ Purchasing head Post: “Award recognises innovation and cooperative partnership with our suppliers – especially in challenging times” +++

Munich. Innovations form the basis for the economic success and future competitiveness of the BMW Group. Suppliers’ ability to innovate plays an important part in this, making a vital contribution by driving developments forward and enabling the use of outstanding technologies in BMW Group vehicles. In recognition of this, the company presented its BMW Group Supplier Innovation Award to suppliers who have made an extraordinary contribution to innovations for the sixth time this year.

“Innovations are key to the success of our transformation towards electromobility, digitalisation and sustainability. Our award ceremony recognises innovation and cooperative partnership with our suppliers – especially in challenging times,” said Joachim Post, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network at the ceremony held at BMW Welt in Munich.

The coveted award was presented in a total of six categories: drive train and e-mobility, sustainability, digitalisation, customer experience, newcomer of the year and exceptional team performance.

“The future will increasingly be decided by innovations and technologies,” said Post over the course of the evening, which he hosted together with his digital co-moderator, Aumovis. He continued: “You must have the courage to tackle a challenge – even if it seems to be unattainable and others don’t give the idea much chance of success.”

+++ New supply agreements in US and China +++ Lower CO₂ emissions for over one third of global steel purchasing volume +++ Focus on innovative technologies, renewable energies and circular economy +++

Munich. The BMW Group is systematically pursuing its climate goals for the supplier network and significantly reducing the carbon footprint of its steel sourcing. Following initial contracts with European suppliers, the BMW Group has now concluded further agreements for the supply of CO₂-reduced steel in the US and China.

“Steel is one of the main sources of CO₂ emissions in our supply chain. That is why we are comprehensively reorganising our steel portfolio – so we can supply our global production network with over on third of CO₂-reduced steel from 2026. This will reduce the carbon footprint of our supply chain by 900,000 tonnes per year, while at the same time driving the transformation of the steel industry,” said Joachim Post, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network.

In the medium term, the BMW Group will increase CO₂ savings through agreements with additional steel suppliers and thus consistently drive forward the decarbonization of its supplier network. Around 20 percent of supply chain CO₂ emissions for a mid-sized fully-electric vehicle are attributable to steel – which comes in third, after battery cells and aluminium. With its versatile properties, steel is nevertheless one of the key materials for automotive manufacturing and will be no less important for future vehicle concepts and generations. 

+++ As promised: Fully-electric models from all German plants +++ Short distances: high-voltage battery for BMW iX1* also from Regensburg +++ Over 3,300 employees work in BMW Group’s electric component production +++

Regensburg. Today’s start of production for the fully-electric BMW iX1* in Regensburg illustrates the pace with which the BMW Group is ramping up electromobility. As announced almost two years ago, all German plants can now produce electric cars. The smallest model among the BMW Sports Activity Vehicles will boost the volume of electric vehicles. Milan Nedeljković, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production, already announced the next milestone at the start of production: “We are delivering the goods. By 2024, at least one in three BMWs coming out of our Bavarian plants will be an electric car.” Further proof, then, that the BMW Group is systematically implementing its electrification strategy, relying on speed and short distances. The high-voltage battery in the BMW iX1* also comes from Regensburg.

Bavarian Minister of Transport Christian Bernreiter: “Bavaria is Germany’s number-one state for cars and has a long tradition of building vehicles. However, that success doesn’t just lie in the achievements of the past, but also in research, development and innovation. The BMW iX1* and its high-voltage battery underline that BMW can master the future. That this fully-electric car will come off the production line in Regensburg also represents a strong commitment to Bavaria as a car-building location.” 

+++ World premiere of ///M Mixed Reality at Web Summit 2022 in Lisbon +++ Revolutionary use of Mixed Reality technologies brings real cars onto virtual racetracks +++

Munich/Lisbon. At this year's Web Summit in Lisbon, the BMW Group is presenting a mix of real driving and a virtual environment for the first time. ///M Mixed Reality is the name of the extraordinary experience.

Integrated gaming elements for a unique BMW M driving experience
The unique mixed reality¹ approach, which a team of BMW M engineers developed together with Epic Games for the BMW M2, allows drivers and their vehicles to immerse themselves in a virtual world. People need to be able to experience the new feeling of driving a BMW with VR/MR glasses while mastering challenges at high speeds as in a racing game. Integrated gaming elements, such as avoiding obstacles, collecting virtual “coins,” etc., reinforce the immersive in-car experience. True to the motto: Drive the Change, Change the Drive. The system takes all movement and rotary axes of the BMW M2 into account. The vehicle itself becomes the controller, in this case the fastest controller in the world.

“Anyone who asks what virtual experiences in the automotive sector might look like in future: That is the answer. People must be able to experience this new feeling — and with ///M Mixed Reality, we offer them a suitable solution for this,” says Frank van Meel, CEO M GmbH.

With ///M Mixed Reality, the BMW Group is bringing technology to the high-profile driving sector, consistently relying on the principle of human centricity, in which the use of innovative technologies is driven by people's wishes and needs. As part of this approach, the BMW Group laid the foundation for ConnectedDrive more than 20 years ago by installing modern communication technology in vehicles. “At BMW M, we have always been testing the limits of what is technically feasible and thus, among other things, laying the foundation for new immersive experiences,” says Frank van Meel.

+++ Zipse: “Compelling products are best answer to challenging environment” +++ E-mobility ramp-up leads to bigger CO2 reductions +++ Group EBT at € 20.3 billion after nine months – EBT margin 19.6% +++ Q3 EBIT margin on target at 8.9% (excluding consolidation effects related to BBA: 10.1%) +++ Free cash flow of € 9.9 billion for Automotive Segment in YTD September +++ Full-year guidance confirmed +++

Munich. In an uneven economic environment, the BMW Group once again delivered a strong operating performance in the third quarter. Its solid financial key figures are evidence of the company’s economic success in the face of rising raw material and energy costs.

“Compelling products are the best answer to a challenging environment. They give us stability in the present and create growth prospects for the future. We are systematically investing, for this reason, in the technology clusters of the NEUE KLASSE. We firmly believe that these highly innovative products will take our offering to the next level,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, on Thursday. “Our solid third-quarter results underline that flexibility creates resilience. Especially under volatile conditions, our globally balanced footprint and technology-open approach are proving to be a key success factor. That is why, after nine months, we are on track to meet our targets for the year. The market success of our fully-electric models, in particular, means we can look forward to the coming months with confidence.”

The significant growth in sales of fully-electric and electrified vehicles is also reflected in the decrease in CO2 emissions in the EU new vehicle fleet: The BMW Group could well outperform its previous target and, based on current data, reduce its EU fleet emissions by 5-10% year-on-year. A slight reduction (up to -4.9%) had previously been planned. 

+++ Complete process chain for high-voltage battery production in Leipzig +++ Five cell coating lines, an additional module line and two high-voltage battery lines by 2024 +++ Production of e-components for forthcoming fully electric MINI Countryman made in Leipzig +++

Leipzig. The BMW Group is to increase e-component production capacity at its manufacturing base in Leipzig with another eight production lines by 2024. The announcement was made on 20 October at the Green Day in BMW Group Plant Leipzig. Over the next year, the plant’s two existing battery module lines will be complemented by a further line plus five cell coating lines. These will be followed by two new high-voltage battery assembly lines due to go on stream in 2024. The batteries they make will power models such as the fully electric version of the MINI Countryman, which will also be built in Leipzig.

+++ Nedeljković, Board Member for Production: “Technological breakthrough underscores our innovativeness” +++ Hydrogen power also in plant and transport logistics +++

Leipzig. BMW Group Plant Leipzig is the first car plant in the world to pilot a newly developed burner technology that allows to run on green hydrogen as well as natural gas. The new technology meets the feasibility requirements to reduce CO₂ emissions from the intensive use of natural gas, a fossil fuel. BMW AG Board Member Milan Nedeljković: “This is a technological breakthrough. It underscores our innovativeness and our determination to make production ever more sustainable.”

+++ Envision AESC to Build New Battery Cell Plant in South Carolina to Supply Newly Developed Round Lithium-Ion Cells for Electric Vehicle Production in the U.S. +++ $1 Billion New Investment in Plant Spartanburg to Prepare for the Production of Battery Electric Vehicles in the U.S. +++ At Least Six Fully-Electric BMW Models to be Built in the U.S. by 2030 +++ Additional $700 Million Investment to Build a New High-Voltage Battery Assembly Facility in Woodruff, South Carolina Expands BMW Group Manufacturing Footprint in the State +++

Spartanburg (USA)/Munich. The BMW Group continues the roll-out of its electromobility plan with a new investment in the U.S. to expand Plant Spartanburg and the company’s manufacturing footprint in the U.S. BMW Group Chairman of the Board of Management, Oliver Zipse, announced today a $1.7 billion investment in its U.S. operations, including $1 billion to prepare for the production of electric vehicles at the company’s existing U.S. manufacturing facility in South Carolina, and $700 million to build a new high-voltage battery assembly facility in nearby Woodruff, SC. By 2030 BMW Group will build at least six fully electric models in the U.S. 

+++ Electro-Ramp-up delivers: 128,196 fully-electric BMW and MINI vehicles sold (+114.8%) YTD September +++ BMW Group deliveries reach 1,747,889 units year to date September +++ BMW Group sales up 6.6% worldwide in month of September +++ Third quarter on par with last year; growth in China and US +++ BMW brand remains number one in global premium segment +++ Pieter Nota: “Dynamic growth in fully-electric vehicles underlines the appeal of our products.” +++

Munich. The BMW Group sold a total of 128,196 fully-electric BMW and MINI vehicles in the first nine months of 2022 – more than double its BEV sales in the same period of last year (+114.8%). The company was thus able to translate strong interest in its fully-electric products into robust growth.

“The dynamic growth of our fully-electric models reflects how the BMW Group’s electric lineup is winning over customers – as we continue to press ahead with the transition towards electromobility,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. “With our attractive, sustainable product range across drivetrain technologies and our strong operating performance, we are on track to meet our sales targets for 2022,” Nota continued.

+++ Alexander Bilgeri named new head of Human Resources, Production, Purchasing, Sustainability Communications +++

Munich.

The BMW Group has appointed a new manager to head the main department Communication Human Resources, Production, Purchasing, Sustainability, effective 1 October. Alexander Bilgeri (48) takes over from Christine Schröpfer, who will return to Human Resources. In this role, Bilgeri will report to Maximilian Schöberl, Chief Representative of BMW AG and head of Corporate and Governmental Affairs.

Alexander Bilgeri has extensive managerial experience and has already held a number of key management positions within BMW Group Corporate Communications. In this new function, Bilgeri and his team will support the Board divisions Production, Human Resources and Real Estate, as well as Purchasing and Supplier Network. His responsibilities will include communications on sustainability and BMW iFACTORY, strategy for the automotive production of the future and the German plants. Maximilian Schöberl: “Alexander Bilgeri is an experienced communications expert, who combines strategic thinking with operational implementation. I am confident he will continue to move integrated communications for human resources, production, purchasing and sustainability forwards – because these are precisely the topics that will determine society’s perception and acceptance of the company.”

+++ Unique recycling process creates a recycled plastic material from ocean waste +++ CO₂ emissions are reduced by 25 percent compared to conventionally manufactured components +++ Ocean plastics used to make floor mats in the BMW iX and the BMW X1 +++ The BMW Group aims to use thermoplastics made from 40 percent recycled material in its new vehicles by 2030 +++

Munich. In a first for the automotive industry, models of the NEUE KLASSE due to be launched from 2025 onwards will feature trim parts made of plastic whose raw material contains around 30 percent recycled fishing nets and ropes. This raw material is proactively sourced at ports all around the world to ensure that it doesn’t end up being discarded in the sea.

In an exclusive recycling process, waste material from the maritime industry is used to produce trim parts suitable for the exterior and interior of future vehicles. The resulting components have an approximately 25 percent lower carbon footprint than their counterparts made from conventionally manufactured plastics.

+++ Newly-developed BMW round cells optimised for NEUE KLASSE architecture +++ Costs for whole high-voltage battery up to 50% lower than for current generation +++ CO₂-reduced production – through green power and secondary material +++ Development head Weber: “Huge leap in technology for energy density, charging speed and range” +++ Purchasing head Post: “We will be building battery cell factories with our partners, each with an annual capacity of up to 20 GWh, at six locations in USMCA, Europe and China” +++

Munich. The BMW Group is convinced that powerful, innovative, sustainably-produced battery cells will be key to the success of individual electromobility in the future. The company is set to launch a new era of e-mobility from 2025 with the models of its NEUE KLASSE – using newly-developed round battery cells optimised for the new architecture for the first time.

“The newly-developed sixth generation of our lithium-ion cells will bring a huge leap in technology that will increase energy density by more than 20 percent, improve charging speed by up to 30 percent and enhance range by up to 30 percent,” according to Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “We are also reducing CO₂ emissions from cell production by up to 60 percent. These are big steps for sustainability and customer benefits.”

+++ Hydrogen is an additional option for electric drive systems +++ Fuel cells are manufactured in the company’s competence centre for hydrogen +++ BMW Group leads the way in hydrogen technology in the premium electric vehicle segment +++

Munich. On 31 August, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG Oliver Zipse and Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development, will come together to inaugurate fuel cell system production at the company’s competence centre for #hydrogen in Munich. The reason for this occasion is the small series of BMW iX5 Hydrogen cars that will be entering service around the world from the end of this year for test and demonstration purposes. The combination of #fuel cell and high-performance battery is set to enrich the company’s portfolio by adding a unique form of drive system for the premium segment. The BMW Group is playing a visionary and pioneering role in this technology with the aim of achieving a more diversified transition to zero-emission mobility.

“As a versatile energy source, hydrogen has a key role to play on the road to climate neutrality. And it will also gain substantially in importance as far as personal mobility is concerned. We think hydrogen-powered vehicles are ideally placed technologically to fit alongside battery-electric vehicles and complete the electric mobility picture,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in Munich on Wednesday. “By commencing small-scale production of fuel cells today, we are demonstrating the technical maturity of this type of drive system and underscoring its potential for the future.”

+++ 1^st half-year: Group EBT totals € 16.2 billion (EBT margin: 24,5%) +++ 1^st half-year: EBIT margin Auto of 8.5% (excluding consolidation effects related to BBA: 12.6%) +++ 2^nd quarter: Free cash flow of €3 billion in Auto Segment +++ Annual outlook for EBIT margin in auto segment confirmed: 7-9% +++ BEV sales more than double in 1^st half-year (+110.3%) +++ Persistent supply bottlenecks ‒ solid sales volume growth in 2^nd half-year yoy expected +++ Zipse: “High degree of resilience and flexibility” +++ NEUE KLASSE defines what BMW Group stands for +++

Munich. In a highly volatile environment, the BMW Group remained on course in the first half of 2022. With flexibility and expertise, the company encountered challenges including continued supply chain disruptions and bottlenecks for semiconductors and specific supplier parts.

The BMW Group’s underlying strength and operational excellence was reflected in its profits for the first six months: Despite the volatility, the company earned a Group EBT margin of 24.5% (Q2 2022: 11.3%). The revaluation of the previously held shares in the Chinese joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (BBA) contributed to the high return. This revaluation due to full consolidation on February 11 increased the financial result by € 7.7 billion

+++ E-component production expands +++ Manufacture of battery modules for BMW i4 +++ €70 million invested +++ 250 new jobs created +++ Plant Director Petra Peterhänsel: “Plant Leipzig remains electrified” +++

Leipzig. Today sees the launch of BMW Group Plant Leipzig’s second battery module production line. Further expanding e-component production in the German state of Saxony, the new system manufactures modules for the fully electric BMW i4, made in Munich. Plant Leipzig’s first such production line went on stream in May 2021 and supplies the battery modules for the BMW iX.

“Today’s launch of Leipzig’s second battery module production line makes an important contribution to delivering the battery components needed to make a growing number of electrified vehicles,” said Markus Fallböhmer, Head of Engine and E-Drive Production at the BMW Group. The gradual expansion of e-component production is taking the BMW Group ever closer to its goal for 2030, when fully electric models are expected to account for at least half of the BMW Group’s sales.

+++ BMW Startup Garage, venture client unit of the BMW Group, joins forces with young tech companies. Software solutions by Seoul Robotics and Embotech enable driverless mobility in plant. Pilot programme with new BMW 7 Series launches in July 2022. +++

Munich. The BMW Group is launching a unique project that will see cars manoeuvre around production without requiring a driver. The Automated Driving In-Plant project (‘Automatisiertes Fahren im Werk’, AFW) is being realised in collaboration with two startups and will enhance the efficiency of new-vehicle logistics in plants and distribution centres.

The aim of the AFW pilot project is for vehicles to move autonomously around logistics areas and assembly – safely, efficiently and without requiring a driver. To make this happen, the BMW Group has been collaborating with Seoul Robotics from South Korea and Embotech from Switzerland. Launching in July 2022 at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, the new system will first be trialled on two cars incorporating breakthrough technologies: the new BMW 7 Series and the fully electric BMW i7 (combined consumption in WLTP: 19.6 – 18.4 kWh/100 km; combined consumption in NEDC: – ; range: 590 – 625 km in WLTP).

+++Group half-year sales reach 1,160,443 units+++75,891 all-electric BMW and MINI vehicles sold+++BMW Group expands market leadership of premium segment+++Pieter Nota: “BMW brand number one worldwide in premium automotive segment in first half-year”+++

Munich. The BMW Group sold a total of 75,891 fully-electric BMW and MINI vehicles worldwide in the first half of 2022 – more than doubling its all-electric sales compared to the same period of last year (+110.3%). This growth underlines the company’s focus on ramping up electromobility and confirms the high desirability of its pure electric models among customers worldwide.

“Despite a very challenging environment, we were able to more than double our sales of fully-electric vehicles worldwide in the first half of the year,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. “It’s not just our electrified models that are inspiring customers around the globe: Thanks to our innovative and sustainable product line-up, the BMW brand was once again number one worldwide in the premium automotive segment in the first half of the year,” Nota continued.

+++ Fully electric BMW i7* and highly efficient combustion-powered variants launch simultaneously +++ Over €300 million invested in Lower Bavarian site +++ One in four BMWs from Dingolfing already electrified +++ Consistent implementation of BMW iFACTORY +++ Piloting automated driving in production environment +++

Dingolfing. The first series-produced vehicles of the new BMW 7 Series have today rolled off the production lines of BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. In fact, today was a double debut, with the new top-of-the-range BMW manufactured not only with highly efficient combustion engines but also as the fully electric BMW i7. Milan Nedeljković, BMW AG Board Member for Production: “Our new BMW 7 Series is the first luxury sedan in the world to offer customers a choice between three types of drive. Whether fully electric, combustion-powered or, soon, plug-in hybrid, we have the flexible production structures and outstanding integration skills we need to manufacture such a diverse range of drives efficiently.”

Over €300 million invested in Dingolfing vehicle plant

The BMW Group invested over €300 million to ready the Dingolfing vehicle plant for production of the new BMW 7 Series. As it strives consistently to implement the BMW vision of production of the future, its largest European plant is increasingly being transformed into a BMW iFACTORY practising the ‘Lean. Green. Digital.’ approach. For the first time, the BMW Group is piloting automated manoeuvres within the production environment by just-made BMW 7 Series vehicles – and optimising assembly and outbound logistics processes as a result.

Repurchased Shares to be largely cancelled, reducing share capital accordingly

Munich. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (BMW AG) has resolved on a share repurchase programme with a value of up to €2 billion (total purchase price excluding ancillary costs), repurchased shares to be largely cancelled, reducing share capital accordingly. This was approved at the Annual General Meeting in May 2022, authorising a share buyback of up to 10% of the share capital within five years. The first programme of €2 billion is set to begin in July 2022 and end no later than December 2023.

Nicolas Peter, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Finance: “The share repurchase is evidence of our consistent financial strength and robust liquidity. With our strong operating performance and the full consolidation of our Chinese subsidiary, BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., we expect to maintain a strong liquidity position. Our strong investment-grade rating is an important success factor in our transformation story, and we are clearly committing ourselves to maintaining this rating. In addition, all our shareholders – including employees – benefit not only from our reliable dividend policy, but also from this share buyback programme, by an increase in their earnings per share. Share buybacks provide an additional tool to create value for our shareholders and send a signal of our long-term strength to the capital markets. We continue to focus on the successful long-term growth of the company and on optimal allocation of capital. As in the past, the investments needed for the transformation of the BMW Group continue to be a priority and will be funded from operating cash flow.”

+++ Additional mobility option plus attractive benefits for BMW Group customers +++ Seamless, digital integration makes for high user convenience +++ Launched in Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg +++

Munich. From June 30, 2022, the new BMW Add-On Mobility app operated by SIXT will be available across Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg, adding yet another digital premium option for BMW and MINI customers from the BMW Group and in cooperation with SIXT. Customers can now rent vehicles directly from SIXT in just a few clicks via the freshly developed app. “The BMW Add-On Mobility app gives our customers access to the exact vehicle they need at any given time, whether that’s a convertible for a city trip or an all-wheel drive for the mountains. We’ve created the perfect complement to your own vehicle – both for everyday use and on vacation,” says Jens Thiemer, Senior Vice President Customer and Brand BMW. “Those who drive an electric car in everyday life, for example, can now use the BMW Add-On Mobility app to book a BMW or MINI with an efficient combustion engine for long-distance travel. This way, we support our customers in making the switch to e-mobility and play our part in the mobility transition,” adds Marcus Krieg, Head of Mobility and Energy Services at the BMW Group.

Exclusive benefits for app users

Making a booking in the BMW Add-On Mobility app gives users priority access to BMW and MINI vehicles in the SIXT fleet plus attractive extras. Nico Gabriel, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Sixt SE, explains: “Thanks to the new BMW Add-On Mobility app, we are increasing the reach of our mobility services and allowing customers to target their use of our flexible and needs-based mobility solutions with BMW and MINI vehicles. This step solidifies our long-standing partnership with the BMW Group, further expanding our premium positioning.”  

+++ Annual production capacity at BMW Shenyang Plants increases to 830,000 vehicles. +++ Implementation of the BMW iFACTORY strategy. LEAN. GREEN. DIGITAL. +++ “Industrial Metaverse” – the first BMW Group plant fully planned and simulated in the virtual world from the start. +++ Geared towards e-mobility, Plant Lydia produces the All New BMW i3 +++

Shenyang. The BMW Group has expanded its production footprint in China with the opening of Plant Lydia in Shenyang, China. This major expansion of the BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) production base is a latest example of the BMW iFACTORY strategy, and sets new standards in future oriented vehicle manufacturing in the era of intelligent and electric auto industry. In particular, Plant Lydia breaks new ground with its pioneering digitalization applications, reaffirming the BMW Group’s leadership in the global automotive manufacturing.

“The BMW iFACTORY makes us a role model for the automotive industry. Plant Lydia is born digitally and geared towards e-mobility,” said BMW AG Board Member for Production Milan Nedeljković. He emphasised: “Responding to our customer’s demands, the flexibility of our production sets the benchmark in competition. Plant Lydia is a great example of this. It is fully capable of producing up to 100% electric vehicles. Together with its neighboring plants in Tiexi and Dadong, Lydia will play an important role in accelerating production of BMW electrified vehicles in China.”

With an overall investment of RMB 15 billion, Plant Lydia is the biggest single investment project in the history of the BMW Group in China. Located in the Tiexi District of Shenyang, the plant has all the four major production processes (press and body shop, paint shop, and assembly) and increases annual production capacity at the Shenyang production base to 830,000 units. In order to meet the growing customer demand for e-mobility, Plant Lydia is fully flexible to produce up to 100% electric vehicles. The production of the all new BMW i3 – BMW's first all-electric mid-size sports sedan for the Chinese market – started at Plant Lydia in May.

+++ Production of next-generation e-drives at BMW Group Plant Steyr from 2025 +++ Annual production capacity of over 600,000 units +++ Investment of around one billion euros by 2030 +++ BMW iFACTORY also in Steyr: electric drive trains from carbon neutral plant +++

Steyr. From 2025 onwards, the next generation of e-drives will be created in Steyr – with both production and development on site – as BMW Group Plant Steyr embarks on an electrified future. The BMW Group will be investing around one billion euros in competence development in this area between now and 2030. The significant increase in capacity, which was announced by the company at an event on 20 June, will ensure the Steyr plant in Upper Austria remains the BMW Group’s leading drive-train location.

Combined drive train expertise: Newest generation of e-drives comes to Steyr

“This plant has developed and manufactured combustion engines for our BMW and MINI brands for more than 40 years. One out of every two BMW Group vehicles around the world today already has a ‘heart’ built in Steyr. From 2025, we will also develop and produce the next generation of e-drives here,” explains Milan Nedeljković, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for production. “Years of experience and a wealth of drive train expertise make BMW Group Plant Steyr the ideal location for the sustainable mobility of the future,” he added at the project launch.

At the event announcing the project, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer added: "The manufacturing industry is an important partner when it comes to strengthening Austria as a business hub, creating jobs and driving innovation. It is an enabler for an effective and sustainably successful fight against climate change. In all these respects, BMW Group in Austria is already today a model company. It functions like a powerful engine for a sustainable future for our country, proving once again that climate protection and economic growth are not contradictory, but can go together."  

+++ Series production of fully electric Neue Klasse will launch in 2025 +++ CO₂-free car plant – a world first +++ Board Member for Production Nedeljković: “Important building block in capacity will support long-term volume growth” +++ BMW iFACTORY will be fully implemented +++

Munich/Debrecen. The foundation stone has been laid for the BMW Group’s new plant in Debrecen, Hungary. The new facility comes after an investment of more than €1 billion and will launch series production of the fully electric Neue Klasse in 2025. “Plant Debrecen will set new standards in highly innovative vehicle manufacturing,” said BMW AG Board Member for Production Milan Nedeljković at the foundation stone-laying ceremony. “This plant is state-of-the-art in terms of flexibility, sustainability and digitalisation in the entire automotive industry.”

The BMW Group consistently pursues a strategy of profitable growth. “The new plant in Hungary will play a key role in the transformation to electric mobility for both the BMW Group and its production network,” said Nedeljković at the ceremony. “It’s another important building block in our capacity and will support our long-term volume growth.” By building up further capacities in Europe, the company is strengthening the balance of production volumes between the American, Chinese and European markets.

+++ Closed-loop material cycle for nickel, lithium and cobalt +++ Raw materials to be used in production of new battery cells +++ CO2 emissions around 70% lower than from primary materials +++

Munich/Shenyang. The BMW Group is stepping up its commitment to achieving climate neutrality and massively expanding its use of secondary material in closed recycling loops. For the first time in China, the BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture (BBA) has established a closed loop for reuse of the raw materials nickel, lithium and cobalt from high-voltage batteries that are no longer suitable for use in electric vehicles. The batteries come from fully and partially-electric development vehicles, test systems and production rejects and, in the future, also from end-of-life vehicles. In this way, the company is laying the foundation for a pioneering material cycle, which is becoming increasingly important as e-mobility ramps up. To realise this, BBA is working with a local recycler that dismantles retired batteries and uses innovative technology to recover a high percentage of the raw materials nickel, lithium and cobalt from the battery cells. The raw materials obtained in this way are then used in production of new battery cells for the BMW Group. The closed-loop material cycle conserves resources and, at the same time, reduces CO₂ emissions by 70%, compared to using newly extracted primary material.

Jochen Goller, head of BMW Group Region China: “In light of the growing scarcity of finite resources and rising commodity prices, it is especially important to push forward with the circular economy, increase the percentage of reusable materials and reduce our dependence on raw materials. The BMW Group will expand its recycling concept in China in the future – which will not only contribute to environmental protection, but also effectively support China’s transition to a low-CO₂ economy.”

+++ Approvals granted for commissioning of production in Parsdorf +++ Near-standard production of samples for next-generation battery cells +++ Start of production in late 2022 +++

Munich/Parsdorf. The BMW Group will open its Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre (CCMC) in the autumn. With the immission control approval procedure now completed, the necessary conditions are in place for commissioning of near-standard production of lithium-ion battery cells at the competence centre in Parsdorf, outside of Munich. In an area spanning around 15,000 square metres, the BMW Group will demonstrate industrial feasibility of future generations of high-performance battery cells. The pilot line at the competence centre will make it possible to analyse and fully understand cell value creation processes. This will enable future suppliers to produce cells to the BMW Group’s own specifications and thereby further optimise battery cell production with regard to quality, output and costs. The company is currently ruling out the option of establishing its own large-scale battery cell production.

Markus Fallböhmer, head of Production Engines, E-Drives at the BMW Group: “The Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre in Parsdorf is the next logical step towards penetrating all aspects of the battery cell value chain. Following successful implementation of the Battery Cell Competence Centre (BCCC), we are now focusing on the production processes. We are validating the manufacturability of lithium-ion battery cells for large-scale standard production, with regard to quality, efficiency and costs.”

Innovative corrosion protection and matt paint without fossil resources lower CO₂ emissions by 40 percent

Munich. The BMW Group is using innovative technologies in its efforts to improve sustainability and taking advantage of new options to conserve resources and reduce emissions from painting bodywork. The BMW Group is the first automotive manufacturer worldwide to use matt paints made from biomass instead of crude oil at its European plants. In addition to this, BMW Group Plants Leipzig and Rosslyn (South Africa) are also using sustainably-produced corrosion protection. Renewable raw materials such as bio-waste or waste from sewage treatment plants serve as the starting material for the paints. The CO₂ savings determined in a TÜV-certified process amount to over 15,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions between now and 2030.

“By reducing our use of fossil raw materials, we can conserve natural resources and lower CO₂ emissions at the same time. To achieve this, we are increasingly relying on sustainability innovations in our supplier network,” says Joachim Post, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. “Innovative paints based on renewable raw materials are an important step in this direction.”

+++ Zipse: “Strength and resilience of BMW Group particularly evident in challenging environment” +++ Group EBT rises to € 12.2 billion +++ Free cash flow of € 4.8 billion in auto segment +++ BEV sales increased by almost 150% +++ Guidance confirmed despite high volatility +++

Munich. The BMW Group further strengthened its competitive position as well as its profitability in the first quarter of 2022, thanks to sustained high demand for its premium vehicles.

The company’s quarterly financial statements also include positive effects from the full consolidation of the Chinese joint venture, BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd (BBA), as previously announced.

Even without these effects, margins of BMW Group were strong – a proof point of its financial strength in a volatile economic and geopolitical environment. The Group's earnings return before taxes (EBT margin) was 39.3% in the first quarter (2021: 14.0%). Without the revaluation of the existing stake and consolidation effects arising from BBA’s full consolidation, the Group's return on sales achieved 18.4%.

The automotive segment showed a similarly strong performance in the first three months: The EBIT margin in the Automotive segment was 8.9% (2021: 9.8%) and thus at the upper end of the target range for 2022. Excluding the consolidation effects, the EBIT margin amounts to 13.2%.

+++ Two strong pillars: BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility further develop mobility joint ventures in a targeted manner +++ Strengthening multi-mobility: FREE NOW as the leading multi-mobility app in Europe will continue to grow +++ The joint venture for electric charging services, CHARGE NOW, is planning further cooperations +++ The mobility joint ventures had 30% more transactions in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same quarter of the previous year +++

Stuttgart/Munich, May 3, 2022. Mercedes-Benz Mobility and BMW Group intend to sell their joint venture SHARE NOW to Stellantis. The three companies recently signed an agreement to this effect and agreed not to disclose the details of the transaction. It is also subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities.

The sale of the car-sharing subsidiary contributes to the realignment of the mobility joint ventures: In the future, shareholders intend to concentrate on two central business areas with high growth potential: digital multi-mobility (FREE NOW) and digital services related to the charging of electric vehicles (CHARGE NOW).

Gero Götzenberger, Director of Strategy and Investments at Mercedes-Benz Mobility: "We are proud to have founded the free-floating car sharing segment with car2go. Although Mercedes-Benz will focus more strongly on its core business in the luxury segment, car sharing will remain an important part of urban mobility and an essential element in the mobility offer at FREE NOW. With FREE NOW and CHARGE NOW, we are focusing on two growth segments that will continue to offer our customers the entire range of mobility services in the future and support the expansion of electric mobility."

+++ Two strong pillars: BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility further develop mobility joint ventures in a targeted manner +++ Strengthening multi-mobility: FREE NOW as the leading multi-mobility app in Europe will continue to grow +++ The joint venture for electric charging services, CHARGE NOW, is planning further cooperations +++ The mobility joint ventures had 30% more transactions in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same quarter of the previous year +++

Stuttgart/Munich, May 3, 2022. Mercedes-Benz Mobility and BMW Group intend to sell their joint venture SHARE NOW to Stellantis. The three companies recently signed an agreement to this effect and agreed not to disclose the details of the transaction. It is also subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities.

The sale of the car-sharing subsidiary contributes to the realignment of the mobility joint ventures: In the future, shareholders intend to concentrate on two central business areas with high growth potential: digital multi-mobility (FREE NOW) and digital services related to the charging of electric vehicles (CHARGE NOW).

Gero Götzenberger, Director of Strategy and Investments at Mercedes-Benz Mobility: "We are proud to have founded the free-floating car sharing segment with car2go. Although Mercedes-Benz will focus more strongly on its core business in the luxury segment, car sharing will remain an important part of urban mobility and an essential element in the mobility offer at FREE NOW. With FREE NOW and CHARGE NOW, we are focusing on two growth segments that will continue to offer our customers the entire range of mobility services in the future and support the expansion of electric mobility."

+++ Innovative, jointly developed software platform enables process automation in automotive manufacturing +++ Minority stake acquired through BMW i Ventures +++ Board Member for Production Nedeljković: “New standards in digital production steering”

Munich/Mountain View, California. The BMW Group has acquired a stake in its partner Kinexon. The two companies have been working together for several years in order to advance the comprehensive digitalisation of the BMW Group production network. The premium carmaker announced on Tuesday that it has now acquired a minority stake in the innovative, Munich-based software company through its own venture capital company, BMW i Ventures.

In order to improve steering of highly complex processes in automotive manufacturing, the integrated IPS-i software platform was developed in collaboration with Kinexon. This platform can record a wide variety of position data (RFID, UWB, RTLS, GPS) and transfer it into its digital twin.  On this virtual basis, the software recognizes, observes and automates a broad variety of manufacturing and logistics processes with utmost precision.

Thus, the innovative platform makes light work of keeping a digital overview of highly complex processes. In car manufacturing, some ten thousands of components have to be available at exactly the right place on the production line, right beside the tools that will be used – and all of them just in time. The new, state-of-the-art operating system orchestrates the second-by-second application accordingly.

Kinexon’s high-precision real-time locating systems are also designed for use in competitive sports and applied by numerous sport clubs of FiFA and NBA which record the movement data of athletes and their equipment through wearables. This allows the position data, tactics, movement patterns and performance of top sportspeople and entire teams to be analysed and targeted measures introduced to improve them.

 “Automotive production at the BMW Group is a lot like top-flight sport in that it’s about high-performance processes. The real-time locating platform IPS-i forms the backbone for fully digitalising our production. It’s an innovative operating system that makes our highly complex manufacturing processes transparent and raises efficiency in production even further. We are now intensifying our well-established, long-standing partnership with Kinexon by acquiring a stake in them,” said Milan Nedeljković, Board Member for Production at BMW AG. “Together, we want to set new standards in digital production steering.”

The IPS-i platform has been in use at the BMW Group since 2017 and operates in ten plants around the world. It forms the basis of numerous digitalisation projects, allowing the BMW Group – a pioneer in digital process optimisation and automation – to develop innovative production where efficiency and quality come first.

The IPS-i platform also allows logistics processes to be controlled and will be rolled out in further plants in the future. In 2021 its holistic location-based service architecture was nominated for the German Innovation Award.

The BMW Group and Kinexon GmbH have agreed not to disclose any acquisition details.

+++ Transition to green power for aluminium electrolysis and wheel production +++ CO₂ savings of up to 500,000 tonnes per year +++ Pioneering achievement: First MINI model with aluminium wheels made out of 70-percent secondary raw material from 2023 +++

Munich. The BMW Group is stepping up its activities in the field of sustainability and will use cast aluminium wheels produced with 100-percent green power for its BMW and MINI brands from 2024 onwards. For the BMW Group, this is another step towards its goal of creating the most sustainable supply chain in the automotive industry. The transition applies, in particular, to the energy-intensive electrolysis used in producing aluminium and to the wheel-casting process. To this end, corresponding agreements have been reached with all BMW Group wheel suppliers.

Up until now, wheels have accounted for about five percent of supply chain CO₂ emissions. Transitioning to more sustainable production that relies on green power will reduce these emissions by more than half. The BMW Group procures about 10 million light-alloy wheels per year; 95 percent of these are made from cast aluminium.

CO₂ savings of up to 500,000 tonnes per year

Through independent audits, the BMW Group can ensure conscious and sustainable use of aluminium by its contracted producers, saving up to 500,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year. “Green power is one of the biggest levers for reducing CO₂ emissions in our supply chain. We have already signed more than 400 contracts with our suppliers, including suppliers of wheels and aluminium, requiring them to use green power,” says Joachim Post, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network.

Aluminium has good recycling properties, making it easier to melt down old wheels as part of the circular economy. This eliminates the need for energy-intensive electrolysis to produce the primary raw material. At the same time, the secondary raw material must also meet the BMW Group’s premium requirements for quality, design, safety and mechanical properties. 

+++ BMW Group sells total of 596,907 units in Q1 +++ US market up 3.7% with 80,590 BMW and MINI vehicles sold +++ First-quarter BEV sales climb 149 percent +++ Pieter Nota: “Our focus is on ramping up electromobility. We are fully on track to meet our ambitious growth targets for fully-electric vehicles in 2022” +++ Company sets course for future European sales model +++

Munich. The BMW Group more than doubled sales of fully-electric BMW and MINI vehicles worldwide in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same period last year (+149.2%). In the first three months of the year, the company sold a total of 596,907 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles. With its broad portfolio of drivetrains with state-of-the-art technology having a positive climate impact, the BMW Group was able to cater to the different mobility needs of its customers worldwide. Com­pared with the same period of last year, which was the strongest first quarter in the company’s history, sales showed a moderate decrease (-6.2%). After a strong start to the year, in a highly volatile environ­ment, the combined effects of the geopo­litical situation in Eastern Europe and the Covid lockdowns in China overshadowed business develop­ment as the quarter progressed. Nevertheless, the company absorbed these impacts well overall.

“Our clear focus is on ramping up electromobility. In the first quarter, we stepped up the rapid pace of growth from 2021 even further and are fully on track to meet our ambitious growth targets for fully-electric vehicles in 2022,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. “The demand for our emotional and innovative products with a wide range of drivetrains covering all customer needs, remains high worldwide. Thanks to this strong product line-up and our high level of flexibility and operational excellence, we expect sales for the full year 2022 to be on a par with last year, despite the challenging global environment,” Nota continued.

+++ The BMW Group acquires a stake in Bcomp, a Swiss company that manufactures sustainable reinforcement solutions. Collaborative partnership in motorsport moves to the next level, joint R&D work for series vehicles gets underway +++

Munich/Mountain View (California). The BMW Group is deepening its involvement in the field of sustainable, resource-efficient manufacturing of vehicle components made from natural materials. BMW i Ventures, the premium carmaker’s venture capital firm, is now investing in Swiss cleantech company Bcomp, the leading manufacturer of high-performance composites made from natural fibres. At the same time, the two companies are also strengthening their partnership on the motorsport side, with Bcomp now an official BMW M Motorsport partner with the new BMW M4 GT4 racing car. Plus, BMW Group Research and Bcomp are also setting up a development collaboration with the aim of using a higher proportion of renewable raw materials for components in future vehicle models.

Bcomp’s cutting-edge reinforcement solutions were first deployed by BMW M Motorsport in Formula E in 2019. The flax cooling shaft on the BMW iFE.20 made it the first BMW racing car with parts constructed from renewable plant fibres. Meanwhile, the Bcomp-developed powerRibs™ and ampliTex™ reinforcement solutions made from natural composite materials have been used in DTM touring cars from BMW M Motorsport to substitute selected carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components. Such advances underline BMW M Motorsport’s vital role as a technology lab for the BMW Group, which is now set to continue with the collaboration on the BMW M4 GT4. Taking the findings and experience gained on the track as a basis, these new material technologies will also find their way into BMW M models and BMW M Performance Parts. “Product sustainability is increasing in importance in the world of motorsport too,” says Franciscus van Meel, Chairman of the Board of Management at BMW M GmbH. “So we are delighted to have Bcomp on board as an official BMW M Motorsport partner for the BMW M4 GT4 project.” 

+++ Outlook: Bold technological transformation and business success will continue to go hand in hand in 2022 +++ E-mobility ramp-up: 15 BEV models in production +++ Electromobility: Neue Klasse will speed up market penetration – BEV share of 50 percent could be reached earlier +++ Neue Klasse brings technological advances in next-generation battery cells, automated driving, circularity and digitalisation +++ Lean, green, digital: Neue Klasse ushers in production of the future +++ Strong free cash flow for Automotive Segment in 2022 +++ Share repurchase authorisation proposed +++ Zipse: “2021 provides evidence of successful transformation” +++

Munich. After a successful 2021, the BMW Group is speeding up technological change and pushing forward with the transformation towards sustainable mobility. The company is preparing for a comprehensive leap in technology in its Neue Klasse and significantly upping the pace once again as it continues to ramp up e-mobility. At the same time, the BMW Group is involving its stakeholders, from employees to the capital market to society, in its successful, consistently implemented transformation strategy.

“We see 2021 as clear evidence that successful transformation pays off. The strong result we achieved in financial year 2021 is the outcome of our consistent strategy – with an open-technology approach and the right products at the right time,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, on Wednesday in Munich. “We have laid the foundations to build on this success in the coming years: With the Neue Klasse, we are leading sustainable mobility into a new technological dimension. By extending the contract with our BBA joint venture until 2040, the BMW Group is also taking its growth to the next level.”

+++ Pieter Nota: “Top-quality car cachet” +++ Long-term future of ALPINA brand secured +++ Andreas Bovensiepen: “This marks the beginning of a new chapter for ALPINA and BOVENSIEPEN” +++ Existing cooperation agreement expires at end of 2025 +++ New direction at Buchloe site +++

Munich. The BMW Group welcomes a new addition to its portfolio, as the ALPINA brand becomes part of the company. The BMW Group will secure the rights to the ALPINA brand – bringing even greater diversity to its own luxury-car range. BMW AG and ALPINA Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH + Co. KG have reached an agreement to this effect that will secure the long-term future of the ALPINA brand as well as the Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH und Co. KG.

The conclusion of the transaction is still subject to various suspensive conditions – in particular, approval by the responsible antitrust authorities. The long-standing cooperation agreement, which was extended for another five years in late 2020, will expire on 31 Dec. 2025. Both parties have agreed not to disclose any financial details. No shares in the company will be acquired. 

+++ Group EBT: € 16 billion +++ 2021 EBIT margin of 10.3% at high end of guidance range +++ Free cash flow (automotive): € 6,354 million +++ CO2 emissions of EU new vehicle fleet significantly reduced to 115.9 g/km (WLTP) +++ Dividend of € 5.80 per share of common stock proposed +++ Share repurchase authorisation will be proposed to Annual General Meeting +++ Zipse: “Successful transformation due to employee performance” +++

Munich. In a challenging environment, the BMW Group ended the financial year 2021 strong and fulfilled its targets as forecast. The premium manufacturer was able to significantly increase both Group earnings and net profit compared to the previous year, having already raised its guidance in May and September. Valuation effects and reversals contributed to this improvement. The BMW Group also met high expectations for its non-financial targets: For example, in financial year 2021, the percentage of total deliveries from electrified vehicles increased significantly to 13%. As well, the CO2 emissions value of the BMW Group’s EU new vehicle fleet was reduced to 115.9 g/km (WLTP).

The company has stepped up electrification of its product range, while considerably enhancing its profitability.

“The past year provides clear evidence that successful transformation bears fruit. The strong earnings we achieved in financial year 2021 are the result of our consistent strategy – with the right products at the right time,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, on Thursday in Munich. “This success is also thanks to our associates, and I would especially like to thank them for their hard work and their passion. Together, we are demonstrating that bold transformation and economic success go hand in hand at BMW.”

+++ CO2 fleet emissions of 115,9 g/km (WLTP) in 2021 +++ Major reduction from previous year +++ Driven by further increases in efficiency for conventional drive technologies and strong demand for electrified vehicles +++

Munich. The BMW Group once again significantly overfulfilled its European CO2 emissions targets in 2021, continuing to consistently pursue its path of emission reduction. With emissions of around 115,9 grams per kilometre, according to WLTP, the company outperformed the fleet target limit of approx. 126 grams per kilometre by around ten grams in the EU27+2 (EU, Norway, Iceland), based on its own internal calculations.

CO2 fleet emissions were also further reduced compared to the previous year: Converted to the WLTP cycle, the reduction was around 14 percent. The key drivers for fulfilment of the fleet target were significantly higher sales of electrified vehicles in Europe and further increases in efficiency for conventional drive technologies.

The BMW Group already released two very successful fully-electric vehicles onto the market in 2021, the BMW iX and the BMW i4, for which demand is exceeding the high expectations. On the European continent, in particular, there is strong interest in electromobility: In 2021, more than one in four vehicles in the EU27+2 was either fully electric or a plug-in hybrid. The success of electromobility can also be seen from two further milestones the company reached in 2021: For the first time, a fully-electric vehicle, the MINI Cooper SE*, became the highest-volume model variant for one of the BMW Group brands. The company also handed over its one-millionth electrified vehicle to its new owner in December 2021.

+++ Press Shop Will Add More Than 200 Jobs +++Three-Year Construction Project Will Start Production in 2024 +++

Munich/ Spartanburg, S.C.  BMW Group will invest more than $200 million to construct a 219,000 square foot press shop at its South Carolina plant. The investment includes more than 200 new jobs. The announcement was made by BMW Manufacturing President and CEO Robert Engelhorn at the South Carolina Automotive Summit in Greenville, SC.

The new press shop, which will start production in the summer of 2024, will take raw coils of steel, cut them into blanks, and stamp sheet metal parts for BMW X models. Those components include hang-on parts such as the vehicle’s four doors, fenders, exterior body sides, and lift gate.

“The BMW Group is known worldwide for the outstanding quality produced by its press shops. We are excited to add this new technology to Plant Spartanburg,” said Engelhorn. “This investment reinforces BMW Group’s commitment in the United States and South Carolina. We continue to play a major role in the region’s economic strength as well as workforce development and job training.”  

+++ Production capacity to be expanded during current year +++ Zipse: “Important move in stepping up our successful commitment to China” +++ Peter: “Foundation for further mutual growth” +++

Munich. The BMW Group underlines its long-term commitment in China: as of 11 February 2022, the extension of the joint venture contract for the BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (BBA) joint venture until 2040 takes effect.

The agreement on the contract extension was signed by the two joint venture partners back in October 2018, on BBA’s 15th anniversary. The corresponding amendment to the contract comes into force with the new “business licence”, which BBA received today from the relevant Chinese authorities.

“Today marks an important step, as we continue to expand our long and successful commitment to China. We firmly believe that our continued success in the world’s largest automotive market can only go hand in hand with the growth and further development of our BBA joint venture. The joint venture contract has been extended until 2040 and lays the foundation for sustainable business success, creating growth and prosperity in the province of Liaoning and beyond,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. 

Munich. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (BMW AG) acquires a majority stake in its Chinese joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (BBA). BBA has today received the relevant business licence from the Chinese authorities, effective 11 February 2022. BMW AG thus indirectly holds 75% of the shares in BBA, while the Chinese partner Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. indirectly holds the remaining 25%. 

The increase in the shareholding in BBA from 50% to 75% as well as the amended Joint Venture Contract are effective from 11 February 2022. As of this date, BBA will be fully consolidated in the group financial statements of BMW AG. The payment of the purchase price is expected to be completed by 22 February 2022.

The revaluation of the existing 50% stake in BBA as of 11 February 2022 leads – based on an initial valuation – to a positive one-off effect in the financial result of the Automotive segment of EUR 7 to 8 billion.  The one-time effect will become more precise in the coming weeks with the availability of the financial statements of BBA as at 11 February 2022. In accordance with the accounting standard IFRS 3 Business Combinations, changes in the valuation parameters may also result in further adjustments during the financial year.   

+++ BMW Group expands sourcing of low-carbon steel: Agreement with Salzgitter AG provides for delivery of low-carbon steel from 2026 +++ Salzgitter AG and H2 Green Steel will meet more than 40% of steel demand for standard production at BMW Group’s European plants, saving around 400,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year +++ Steel remnants from BMW Group plants will be reused in established circular economy +++ Post: “Another important step in reducing CO₂ emissions at source in the supplier network” +++

Munich. The BMW Group continues to reduce CO₂ emissions in its supplier network as part of its ambitious ongoing sustainability activities. Steel produced using natural gas or hydrogen and green power, instead of fossil resources like coal, makes a vital contribution to this. The BMW Group has now signed a corresponding agreement with Salzgitter AG for delivery of low-carbon steel. The steel will be used in standard production of cars at the BMW Group’s European plants from 2026 onwards. With this move, the BMW Group is expanding its sourcing of low-carbon steel to two suppliers. The aim is to use low-carbon steel to meet over 40% of demand at its European plants by 2030, thereby reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 400,000 tonnes per year.

“This is an important step in substantially reducing CO₂ emissions at source in the supplier network,” said Joachim Post, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. “Our aim is to reduce vehicles’ lifecycle carbon footprint with a holistic approach. With steel, in particular, we are leading the way by sourcing low-carbon steel for our plants in Europe in the future.”

“Salzgitter AG is putting ‘circularity’ at the centre of its new strategy,” said Gunnar Groebler, CEO of Salzgitter AG. “We firmly believe that closed loops of recoverable materials can only realise their full effect with strong partners. We are delighted about the circular economy cooperation with the BMW Group and the agreement to supply green steel to our long-standing customer. Partnering for Transformation – this is how we will translate our new corporate vision into practice.”

+++ Membership underlines environmental and corporate responsibility +++ BMW Group becomes second automotive manufacturer to join initiative +++ Natural leather from certified suppliers already available in BMW iX +++

Munich. The BMW Group is underlining its corporate responsibility in the field of sustainability, by becoming the second automotive manufacturer worldwide to join the Leather Working Group. The aim of the not-for-profit, multi-stakeholder organisation is to ensure uniform environmental and social standards for leather supply chains worldwide and to certify manufacturers. The Leather Working Group represents about a quarter of the world’s leather producers – from tanneries to leather-processing industries and associations to retailers and buyers.

“As a leader in supply chain sustainability, joining the Leather Working Group is the next logical step for us,” says Nadine Philipp, BMW Group’s head of Sustainability in the Supply Chain, Energy. She emphasised that: “Leather is still in demand from our customers – depending on the model and region – and is very important in the premium segment. That is why supporting sustainable production and processing of leather at our suppliers is a priority for us. At the same time, we still want all our customers worldwide to be able to choose the optimal product, so we also offer leather-free vehicle equipment options.”

HeyCharge’s Technology Cuts Costs and Increases Scalability of Charging Options Underground

Munich/ Mountain View, Calif. BMW i Ventures announced today a lead investment in HeyCharge, the German start-up democratizing access to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in apartment complexes, office buildings and other infrastructure locations. HeyCharge was in Y Combinator’s Summer 2021 batch of start-ups.

“The rapid growth of the electric vehicle market in coming years will necessitate greater infrastructure build-out of charging solutions around the globe,” said Kasper Sage, Managing Partner, BMW i Ventures. “HeyCharge is the first company to enable EV-charging without internet connection, which is a key enabler to cover untapped white-spots. With HeyCharge's technology, it becomes attractive to install chargers in locations that before would have not been commercially viable." 

+++ BMW Group delivered 2,521,525 units (+8.4%) +++ BMW brand reports all-time sales high, up +9.1% year‑on‑year; number one in global premium segment +++ Sales of fully-electric vehicles more than doubled to 103,855 units +++ MINI Electric* is MINI family’s highest-volume model +++ One in four vehicles of the BMW Group sold in Germany is electrified +++ Pieter Nota: “Want to continue profitable growth in 2022 and more than double sales of fully-electric vehicles again” +++

Munich. The BMW Group posted solid year-on-year sales growth of 8.4 percent last year, with a total of 2,521,525 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles delivered to customers worldwide. BMW sales reached a new all-time high of 2,213,795 units (+9.1%) last year, with the brand leading the global premium segment. The company more than doubled its sales of fully-electric vehicles in 2021 to 103,855 units (+133.2%).

“Despite supply bottlenecks and the continuing coronavirus pandemic: We achieved a strong sales performance in 2021, thanks to a powerful operational performance and stellar product line-up. Our brands reported numerous all-time best sales results around the globe – spearheaded by the BMW brand, which is number one in the global premium segment,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. “With more than 100,000 fully-electric vehicles sold last year, ramping up electromobility was our clear focus,” Nota continued. 

++ More than one in five MINIs already fully electric +++ Nearly one in three MINIs in Germany electrified +++ MINI sales in 2021: Further growth in market share +++

Munich. “In 2021, we delivered a total of 10,140 MINI Electric (MINI Cooper SE)* vehicles to customers – that means there are already nearly 15,000 fully-electric MINI models on German roads”: The head of MINI Germany, Ulrike von Mirbach, is delighted about reaching this milestone on the road to electromobility. She presented the 10,000th MINI to its new owner, Andreas Hankel, at BMW Welt on 30 Dec. 2021, alongside Bernd Körber, head of MINI, Bernhard Kuhnt, head of Market Germany and Erwin Winterholler, managing director of the Widmann & Winterholler showroom.

“We are proud of the tremendous success the fully-electric MINI has already achieved since its market launch in March 2020,” von Mirbach continued. “This success was only possible together with our strong partners in the retail organisation.”

Interview with board of management members of BMW AG: Ilka Horstmeier, Human Resources and Labour Relations, Pieter Nota, Customer, Brands and Sales, and Dr Nicolas Peter, Finance

Munich. As an e-mobility pioneer, the BMW Group has been closely involved with charging of electric vehicles and the necessary infrastructure for more than a decade. The company takes a holistic approach throughout the value chain that links together its three main areas of focus. The aim is for charging to become even more convenient than filling up the tank: available everywhere, easy to use and with a high level of cost transparency.

The path to e-mobility success leads through the charging station – which is why charging infrastructure is a management priority for the BMW Group.

We talked to three Board of Management members, Ilka Horstmeier (responsible for Human Resources and Labour Relations), Pieter Nota (responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales) and Dr Nicolas Peter (responsible for Finance), about how the BMW Group is approaching the issue of charging, where the advantages and potential lie, and what role charging should play in the continuing ramp-up of electromobility. 

+++ Sales Regions Europe and Germany are merged under the leadership of Bernhard Kuhnt +++ Essential digitalization at the customer interface entails personnel changes in product management and the MINI brand +++ Change at the top of BMW Group Financial Services +++ Group Treasury under new management +++

Munich. The BMW Group is strategically repositioning the Customer, Brands and Sales division under the leadership of Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG. Digitalization at the customer interface, which is fundamental for the Group, will pave the way for a successful and powerful BMW Group sales organisation moving forward.

In the future, the company will take even greater account of the weighting of the major regions of Europe, Asia and the Americas. As part of the new sales and marketing strategy, the sales regions Germany and Europe will be merged from 1 April 2022 under the leadership of Bernhard Kuhnt, currently Senior Vice President Market Germany. Within the sales region Europe, Stefan Teuchert, Head of BMW Sales Germany, will assume responsibility for the German market from April. At the same time, Jean-Philippe Parain, currently heading the sales region Europe, will take over responsibility for the sales region Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa from Hendrik von Kuenheim, who will retire. Together with its strong dealer network, the BMW Group is thus ensuring a sales organisation that is geared to the future and focused entirely on the customer.

+++ Trilateral agreement with high-tech microchip manufacturer INOVA Semiconductors and feature-rich semiconductor foundry GlobalFoundries +++ Will secure several million semiconductors per year +++ First deliveries for BMW iX +++ Wendt: “Securing our semiconductor supply for the long term” +++

Munich. The BMW Group is exploring new ways of working with suppliers and, in the case of strategically important components, becoming more closely involved in the supplier network. To secure semiconductor supplies for the long term, the company has signed a direct supply assurance agreement with high-tech microchip developer INOVA Semiconductors and GlobalFoundries, a manufacturer of feature-rich semiconductors. The agreement guarantees the BMW Group the supply of several million microchips per year. The microchips will be used in the ISELED smart LED technology co-developed by the BMW Group, which will be deployed for the first time in the BMW iX and rolled out in further models. Customer deliveries of the BMW iX got underway in early November.

“We are deepening our partnership with suppliers at key points in the supplier network and synchronising our capacity planning directly with semiconductor manufacturers and developers. This improves planning reliability and transparency around the volumes needed for everyone involved and secures our needs for the long term,” says Dr Andreas Wendt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. “This pioneering agreement marks the next logical step in securing our supplies in an even more balanced and proactive manner going forward.”

+++ Pieter Nota: “Already have next target in our sights: We aim for two million electrified vehicles on the roads in just two years” +++ Plans to double BEV sales in 2022 +++ Around two million fully-electric vehicles delivered to customers by 2025 +++ BMW and MINI Charging provide access to more than 250,000 charging points in Europe +++

Munich. Shortly before the end of the year, the BMW Group celebrated the delivery of its one-millionth electrified vehicle: Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales handed over the milestone vehicle, a BMW iX xDrive40 (Power consumption in kWh/100 km: 22.5-19.3 WLTP), to its owner at BMW Welt on 6 December. The company included a special bonus with the delivery: The customer not only received the keys for his new vehicle, but also a BMW Wallbox, including installation, to enable safe and convenient home charging, as well as a credit for public Europe-wide charging with BMW Charging.

“The delivery of our one-millionth electrified vehicle marks a milestone in our transformation – and we already have the next one in our sights: We aim to break through the two-million mark in just two years,” said Nota. “Thanks to our steadily growing product range, we are setting ourselves ambitious sales targets, in particular for fully-electric vehicles: In 2022, we aim to double this year’s sales. By 2025 the BMW Group will have delivered around two million fully-electric vehicles to customers. We expect at least one out of every two BMW Group vehicles sold to be fully electric by 2030,” Nota continued. 

+++ Includes a $100 Million Investment in a New One Million Square Foot Facility +++ Training center to be completed in summer 2022 +++ More than 11.4 billion US dollars total investment in the site since 1992 +++

Spartanburg, S.C. BMW Manufacturing announced that it will expand its logistics operations to a new building. Total investment in the new building is approximately $100 million. When completed, the new logistics center will be nearly one million square feet in size with an opportunity for future expansion.

“For nearly three decades, BMW has called South Carolina its second home. This expansion in our logistics operation represents our continued commitment to this state, and it will prepare Plant Spartanburg for the future,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “The new warehouse will allow us to consolidate our logistics processes as well as implement efficiency measures for a more sustainable logistics operation.” 

+++ Automotive segment reports nine-month free cash flow of € 6.3 billion +++ Segment EBIT margin comes in at 11.3% for nine months +++ BMW brand grows nine-month market share in Europe, Asia and Americas +++ Deliveries of fully electric vehicles up by 121.4% for nine-month period +++ Raised outlook for full year 2021 confirmed +++

Munich. The BMW Group continued to demonstrate its high level of profitability in the period from July to September 2021, with revenues, profit before tax and net profit all at record levels for a third quarter. The Group’s strong performance during this period was driven in particular by favourable product mix factors and positive pricing effects for new vehicles as well as stable selling prices of pre-owned vehicles.

The BMW Group also posted new record figures for deliveries to customers, revenues and profit before tax for the nine-month period and, in light of this strong performance, confirmed its outlook for the full year at the quarterly press conference. The outlook for the current year was raised in an ad-hoc announcement dated 30 September, clearly demonstrating the Group's underlying profitability. 

+++ The project encourages the production of natural rubber to protect biodiversity and local communities in the forest of Hutan Harapan. +++
 

Munich, Milan, Cambridge. The BMW Group and Pirelli are joining with Birdlife International in a three year project that aims to favor the long-term production of sustainable and deforestation-free natural rubber in Indonesia. Birdlife International - an NGO that conserves global biodiversity, habitats and birds – will be supported by its two new partners in actions to benefit local communities, the conservation of the natural ecosystem and protection of endangered animal species in the forests of Indonesia. In Indonesia, the project is implemented by a number of non-governmental organisations coordinated by the local consortium PT Restorasi Ekosistem Indonesia (PT Reki). In Indonesia, the cultivation of natural rubber is one of the traditional sources of income for the local population.

The project is located in part of the Hutan Harapan rainforest (island of Sumatra), which is home to around 1,350 different animal species. It will take the form of a series of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of the indigenous community by protecting farmers’ land rights and promoting women’s rights, conserving a deforestation-free area of 2,700 hectares and protecting several endangered species. The different activities will be implemented in line with the goals of the Global Platform of Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), the multi-stakeholder platform for the sustainable development of the natural rubber business, of which the BMW Group, Pirelli and Birdlife International are founder members.

+++ Plant Munich launches production of the fully electric BMW i4 +++ At least half of all cars from Munich plant will be electrified by 2023 +++ Project for emission-free transport logistics in home plant gets under way +++ Nedeljković: “BMW i4 is a milestone on the road to electric mobility.” +++
 

Munich. The first series-produced BMW i4 has today rolled off the production lines at BMW Group Plant Munich. The company’s home plant now manufactures all drive variants on a single assembly line. “For the plant and team, the launch of the BMW i4 is a milestone on the road to electric mobility,” said Milan Nedeljković, BMW AG Board Member for Production. “By 2023 more than half of all vehicles from our Munich facility will have an electrified drive. The majority will be fully electric. So Munich goes fully electric.”

Setting up production of the fully electric BMW i4 in the confines of the almost 100-year-old plant, the conversion and installation of systems proved particularly challenging. “We succeeded in integrating the new vehicle into our existing systems without halting production. The team and our partners did an amazing job,” added Peter Weber, Director of BMW Group Plant Munich. Space constraints notwithstanding, existing systems were removed, and new ones installed and ramped up. “Our bodyshop is a shining example of intelligent, efficient integration. Most of the new production processes for the BMW i4 can be carried out on the existing bodyshop systems,” Weber explained.

+++ Agreement with Swedish startup H2 Green Steel: first deliveries for Neue Klasse from 2025 +++ Up to 95% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional methods +++ Delivery to BMW Group plants in Europe +++ Circular economy: Sheet metal remnants from BMW Group plants will be recycled and reused +++ Wendt: “Vital contribution to our goal of reducing CO2 emissions in our steel supply chain by about two million tonnes by 2030” +++
 

Munich. The BMW Group continues to push forward with climate protection and is systematically pursuing its goal of significantly reducing CO₂ emissions at their source in the supply chain. From 2025 on, the company plans to source steel produced with up to 95% less CO₂ emissions and without requiring fossil resources such as coal. The BMW Group has now reached an agreement to this effect with the Swedish startup H2 Green Steel, which uses hydrogen and only green power from renewable energies for steel production. Owing to its particularly energy-intensive manufacturing process, steel production is considered one of the main sources of global CO₂ emissions.

“Our goal is to reduce CO₂ emissions in our steel supply chain by about two million tonnes by 2030. Sourcing steel produced using hydrogen and green power can make a vital contribution to this,” says Dr Andreas Wendt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. “Steel is essential for producing cars and will be no less important for future vehicle generations. Innovative technologies that enable virtually carbon-free production of steel have a significant impact on our ability to reduce CO₂ emissions in our steel supply chain.”

+++ DCS offers industry leading solutions to provide EV drivers with seamless access to more than 300,000 charging points in 30 countries. +++ bp will provide DCS customers access to an additional 9,000 charging points across Europe including ultra-fast charging and together with DCS, will develop new integrated offers for fleets - including fuel and charge services. +++ Globally, bp aims to grow its network of public EV charging points by 2030 to over 70,000 worldwide. +++
 

London/Munich/Stuttgart. bp has become the third shareholder of Digital Charging Solutions GmbH (DCS) following the successful closing of the M&A transaction. bp gained a 33.3% stake as part of a capital increase. BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG remain shareholders owning a 33.3% stake each.

Electrification is at the heart of bp’s approach to mobility. All three shareholders of DCS share an ambition to drive electrification forward and pave the way for sustainable mobility.  bp is rapidly growing its charging businesses around the world and aims to have over 70,000 public charge points by 2030.

+++ With a total of 1,932,236 vehicles sold through September, BMW Group sales climbed +17.9% year-on-year +++ Deliveries of fully-electric vehicles more than doubled since start of the year (59,688 vehicles, +121.4%) +++ Strong competitive position expanded in key markets worldwide +++ Pieter Nota: “Confident we can meet our ambitious sales targets despite semiconductor shortage and achieve solid, profitable growth in 2021” +++
 

Munich. The BMW Group delivered 1,932,236 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles to customers in the year to the end of September – a significant increase in sales of +17.9 percent year-on-year. All brands reported sales growth in all regions of the world. The company continued to build on its strong competitive position in key core markets such as the US, Europe and China.

“The sales success of the past nine months shows how our customers appreciate our strong, sustainable and emotionally engaging product line-up. We have so far been able to offset the semiconductor supply bottlenecks over the full year with a strong operating performance. We are confident we can meet our ambitious sales targets and achieve solid, profitable growth for 2021,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales. “We have more than doubled our sales of fully-electric vehicles since the start of the year – and are therefore underscoring our impressive electro-offensive,” Nota continued.

+++ New process from Lilac Solutions focuses on sustainable extraction, efficiency and costs +++
 

Munich. The BMW Group is stepping up its expansion of electromobility and will be releasing about ten million fully-electric vehicles onto the roads over the next ten years or so. By 2030, at least half the BMW Group’s global sales are expected to come from fully-electric vehicles. This will also increase the need for lithium, an important raw material for production of battery cells.

To promote environmentally-friendly, resource-efficient extraction of lithium, the BMW Group is investing, through its venture capital fund, BMW i Ventures, in an innovative process developed by US startup Lilac Solutions. Lilac Solutions has developed and patented an ion exchange technology that will significantly improve efficiency, costs and sustainability by extracting lithium from brine resources, which are natural deposits of salt water.

Munich. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (BMW AG) increases the guidance corridor for the EBIT margin of the Automotive Segment from between 7% and 9% to between 9.5% and 10.5% for the financial year 2021. Additionally, the guidance corridor for the Return on Equity for the Financial Services Segment is revised from between 17% and 20% to between 20% and 23%.

Whilst the semiconductor supply restrictions are expected to further impact production and deliveries to customers in the coming months, BMW AG expects that the continuing positive pricing effects for both new and pre-owned vehicles will overcompensate these negative sales volume effects in the current financial year.

+++ Reithofer: “Vision and entrepreneurship for the future success of the BMW Group” +++
 

Munich. At year end, there will be a handover of responsibilities in the Board of Management of BMW Group: At its meeting today, the Supervisory Board of BMW AG appointed Joachim Post (50) as a new member of the Board of Management. Effective 1 January 2022, Post, who has a PhD in mechanical engineering, will take over the Purchasing and Supplier Network division from Andreas Wendt.

Joachim Post has been with the BMW Group since 2002 and is currently head of the “Product Line Midsize Class BMW” unit. He was previously the manager responsible for the BMW Group’s vehicle strategy and, as the head of various BMW model lines, pushed ahead with electrification of the vehicle fleet.

Munich. With the BMW i Vision Circular, the BMW Group is looking ahead to a compact BMW for the year 2040 that is focused squarely on sustainability and luxury.

Munich. With the BMW i Vision Circular, the BMW Group is looking ahead to a compact BMW for the year 2040 that is focused squarely on sustainability and luxury. The four-seater is fully electrically powered and offers a generous amount of interior space within its around four-metre-long footprint. It has furthermore been designed according to circular economy principles across the board and therefore symbolises the BMW Group’s ambitious plan to become the world’s most sustainable manufacturer in the individual premium mobility space.

The Vision Vehicle is one of five different concept vehicles with which the BMW Group is presenting how it envisages individual urban mobility at the IAA Mobility 2021 event. Under a single umbrella spanning electric mobility, digitalisation and sustainability, the five pioneering concepts create a versatile mobility mix on two and four wheels fuelled by sustainable thinking, which comprehensively addresses an extremely wide range of mobility needs in the face of fast-changing requirements and growing challenges.

+++ Increased pace in the battle against climate change +++ Commitment to a clear course to achieve the 1.5-degree target +++ 50% reduction in global CO2 use-phase emissions by 2030 +++ Over 40% reduction in CO2 emissions during life cycle +++ Circular economy: Up to 50% use of secondary material planned +++ E offensive: Delivery volume for battery cells almost doubled – ten million all-electric vehicles within ten years +++ BMW i Vision Circular demonstrates the potential of a car that is consistently aligned to material cycles +++ Four additional concept vehicles for a pioneering sustainable mobility mix on two and four wheels +++ All-electric core models BMW iX and BMW i4 celebrate their motor show premiere +++
 

Munich. The BMW Group is putting circular economy and sustainable urban mobility at the centre of its presence at the 2021 IAA Mobility. At the motor show, the company is consistently demonstrating its sustainability and CO2 targets as well as its concrete measures and concepts to achieve these goals.

More stringent CO2 targets and consistent focus on a circular economy

The BMW Group is increasing the pace of its efforts to combat climate change. Looking ahead to the introduction of the Neue Klasse, the company is further strengthening its self-defined objectives, announced in summer last year, to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, whilst also committing itself to a clear course that supports the 1.5 degree target for the limitation of global warming. The Neue Klasse will also see the BMW Group hugely increase its use of secondary materials with a firm focus on the principles of the circular economy, whilst also promoting better framework conditions for establishing a market for secondary materials.

+++ Measures to achieve 1.5-degree goal: BMW Group backs sustainable, innovative materials and circular economy +++ Higher recycling rates and material substitutions for faster reduction of lifecycle CO2 emissions by 2030 +++ Innovative materials research and collaborations key factors in combating climate change +++
 

Munich. The BMW Group is stepping up its fight against climate change with a unique sustainability strategy and clearly defined CO2 targets, as announced by Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG at a media event in Munich.

The main focus of the company’s pioneering strategy is, on the one hand, to drastically reduce CO2 per vehicle by 2030. On the other, with the introduction of the “Neue Klasse”, the BMW Group will be massively promoting the use of secondary material and the forward-looking principles of the circular economy. The BMW Group is committing to a more sustainable pathway, with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees C.

+++ Zipse: “We are committed to a clear course to achieve the 1.5 degree target” +++ 50% reduction in global CO2 use-phase emissions by 2030 +++ Over 40% reduction in CO2 emissions during life cycle +++ Ten million all-electric vehicles within ten years +++ Secondary first: Up to 50% use of secondary material planned – initiatives to develop the market are required +++ Cooperation with BASF and ALBA on plastic recycling +++ Resource scarcity and social responsibility: BMW Group focussed on circular economy for sustainable materials +++ RE:BMW – circular economy at the IAA Mobility in Munich +++

Munich. The BMW Group is increasing the pace of its efforts to combat climate change. Looking ahead to the introduction of the Neue Klasse, the company is further strengthening its self-defined objectives, announced in summer last year, to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, whilst also committing itself to a clear course that supports the 1.5 degree target for the limitation of global warming. The Neue Klasse will also see the BMW Group hugely increase its use of secondary materials with a firm focus on the principles of the circular economy, whilst also promoting better framework conditions for establishing a market for secondary materials. 

To achieve a further reduction in CO2 emissions, the focus is on the utilisation phase of vehicles, which account for 70% of the BMW Group’s CO2 footprint. By 2030, the CO2 emissions per vehicle and kilometre driven will be at least halved from 2019 levels. The commitment of all manufacturers when it comes to combatting climate change can best be compared when looking at the entire life cycle of a vehicle, including production and upstream supply chain. Here, the BMW Group is planning a reduction of CO2 emission per vehicle of at least 40%. 

+++ Zipse: "Great innovative strength and successful transformation" +++ Group EBT at just under € 6 billion following release of provision for EU antitrust proceedings +++ Earnings driven up by higher sales volume and good pricing – Automotive segment EBIT margin at 15.8% +++ Free cash flow of € 4.9 billion for six-month period to 30 June +++ Deliveries of electrified vehicles more than doubled (+167%) +++ Second half-year likely to be affected by supply bottlenecks and high prices for raw materials +++

Munich. The BMW Group continued performing dynamically in the second quarter, setting new record figures for sales, earnings and net profit. Demand for the Group’s premium vehicles has remained strong, with continued good pricing.

Reported figures for the second quarter improved significantly compared to one year earlier, when the BMW Group posted a loss due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, sales and earnings have also grown solidly compared with the financial year 2019.

“Our performance has benefited from strong customer demand during the first half of the year, enabling us to achieve significant growth. However, in light of a number of prevailing risks, including raw materials prices and a shortage of semiconductors, the second six-month period is likely to be more volatile for the BMW Group," said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in Munich on Tuesday: "Despite short-term challenges, we remain focused on the Group’s long-term strategy of leveraging our great innovative strength and sustainable profitability as the basis for successfully shaping the transformation of our industry. In doing so, we are committed to finding the best technological solutions to drive forward the progress of digital connectivity and sustainable mobility." 

+++ No suspicion of unlawful defeat devices against BMW Group +++ European Commission enters uncharted territory for antitrust law +++ Settlement agreed after most allegations dropped +++ Applying for leniency was not an option for the BMW Group +++ Talks had no influence on company's product decisions and therefore did not disadvantage customers at all +++ BMW Group took own approach to exhaust gas treatment from the start +++

Munich. After reviewing an extensive statement submitted by the BMW Group, the European Commission has dropped most of its charges of antitrust violations. With the withdrawal of most of the original allegations, the Board of Management of BMW AG has agreed to a settlement proposed by the European Commission that will bring these proceedings to an end.

No suspicion of unlawful defeat devices against the BMW Group

The following aspect is particularly important to the BMW Group: The European Commission has once again confirmed that the investigation concluded with this settlement solely concerned possible infringements of competition law. The fine notice issued by the European Commission also states that there is no indication of collusion between the parties relating to the use of prohibited defeat devices to manipulate exhaust gas tests. This underlines that there has never been any allegation of unlawful manipulation of emission control systems by the BMW Group.

Unlike some of its competitors, the BMW Group never considered reduced, illegal emission control.

+++ BMW Group sales +39.1 percent higher year-on-year; 1,339,080 vehicles sold in first six months +++ Sales up +7.1 percent from pre-crisis year 2019 +++ Sales increase for all brands and regions +++ Deliveries of electrified vehicles more than doubled (153,267 vehicles, +148.5%) +++ Pieter Nota: “Strong sales for first half-year – continuing on growth track with decisive expansion of electrification” +++

Munich. With a total of 1,339,080 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles (+39.1%) delivered to customers, the BMW Group ended the first half of 2021 with a new all-time high in sales. All brands reported higher sales for the first six months of the year and, during the same period, the company grew its sales in all regions of the world. BMW Group sales for the first half-year were also clearly higher than in the pre-crisis year 2019, with an increase of +7.1 percent.

“We are on course to achieve solid, profitable sales growth,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales. “Thanks to our strong model line-up, high customer demand worldwide and our excellent operating performance, we were able to achieve a new all-time high in sales in the first half of 2021. It is particularly pleasing that we were able to more than double our sales of electrified vehicles,” continued Nota.

+++ Highest standards of flexibility: All drive train variants on one line +++ Successful transformation of BMW Group plants towards e-mobility and digitalisation +++ Half of Dingolfing's production volume will be electrified by mid-decade +++ Nedeljković: “setting ourselves ambitious goals for the most sustainable production” +++

Dingolfing. Standard production of the fully-electric BMW iX* began today in Dingolfing. The plant in Lower Bavaria now produces vehicles with all drive train variants, i.e. combustion-engine vehicles, plug-in hybrids and fully-electric models, on a single line. Milan Nedeljković, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Production: “The launch of the BMW iX* marks another milestone in our expansion of electrification and demonstrates our production network's successful transformation towards electromobility and digitalisation.”

The BMW iX* is being manufactured at the BMW Group’s largest European production plant on an assembly line with the flexibility to build a mix of BMW 5 Series, 7 Series and 8 Series models. To handle this flexibility and variety of drive trains, vehicle assembly in Dingolfing has been expanded and refurbished. The BMW Group has invested a total of more than 400 million euros in producing the BMW iX* at the Dingolfing vehicle plant. Many of the remodelling and structural measures required for the BMW iX* are already benefiting future generations of the BMW 7 Series and 5 Series that will come off the production line in Dingolfing in the coming years. Fully-electric variants have also been announced for both model ranges.

*Fuel consumption/emissions data: 
BMW iX xDrive40: Power consumption in kWh/100 km: 22.5-19.4 (WLTP); CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km
BMW iX xDrive50: Power consumption in kWh/100 km: 23.0-19.8 (WLTP); CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km
BMW i4 eDrive40: Power consumption in kWh/100 km: 20-16 (WLTP); CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km

Munich. Based on the progress of the proceedings, BMW AG expects, compared with the statement of objections of 5 April 2019, that the EU Commission will significantly reduce its allegations against BMW AG in terms of content and duration.

The subject matter of the proceedings is whether German automobile manufacturers cooperated in technical working groups to restrict competition in the development and rollout of emission-reduction technologies. The legal conformity of diesel vehicles is not subject of the proceedings. The BMW Group is not and has not been accused of unlawful manipulation of emission control systems.

On 5 April 2019, BMW AG had recognised a provision of around €1.4 billion. Based on the new information, BMW AG continues to consider it more likely than not that the EU Commission will issue a fine to BMW AG. However, the significant limitation in the scope of the allegations has led to a revaluation of the provision. This revaluation will result in a positive effect on earnings of around €1 billion in the second quarter of 2021.

+++ 22-inch tyres using certified sustainable natural rubber and rayon, a wood-based material used to strengthen the tyres +++ Plantations certified to standards of independent Forest Stewardship CouncilTM (FSCTM) organisation +++ Wendt: “We are helping preserve biodiversity and forests to counteract climate change” +++

Munich. The BMW Group is stepping up its activities in the field of sustainability, becoming the first automotive manufacturer worldwide to equip its cars with tyres using certified sustainable natural rubber and rayon, a wood-based material used to strengthen the tyres. The company will source 22-inch tyres in the first instance exclusively from Pirelli and, from August of this year, will use them in the BMW X5 xDrive45e Plug-in-Hybrid (fuel consumption combined: 1.7-1.2 l/100km (WLTP), 2.1-1.6 l/100 km (NEDC); power consumption combined: 27.7-24.3 kWh/100 km (WLTP), 25.2-23.5 kWh/100 km (NEDC); CO2 emissions combined: 39-27 g/km (WLTP), 47-37 g/km (NEDC)). Certification of the rubber plantations and the complex supply chain for natural rubber and rayon takes place in accordance with the strict standards of the independent Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

“As a premium manufacturer, we aspire to lead the way in sustainability and take responsibility,” said Dr Andreas Wendt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. “We have been committed to improving cultivation of natural rubber and increasing transparency in the supplier network since 2015. The use of tyres made of certified natural rubber is a pioneering achievement for our industry. In this way, we are helping preserve biodiversity and forests to counteract climate change.”

+++ RE:THINK, RE:DUCE, RE:USE, RE:CYCLE – BMW Group makes circular economy central theme of IAA MOBILITY 2021 +++ “Neue Klasse”: “Secondary first” approach to development +++ Next-generation battery cells: Carbon footprint of high-voltage batteries to be reduced by half +++ CO2 goals for 2030 validated by Science-Based Targets Initiative +++ All production and locations to become completely net carbon neutral from 2021  +++ At least 50 percent of global sales from fully-electric models by 2030 +++ Zipse: “We want to play a pioneering role in the circular economy” +++

Munich. The BMW Group is underpinning its mission for sustainable mobility with ambitious goals for the reduction of greenhouse gases: At today’s Annual General Meeting, the company announced that it will avoid emission of over 200 million tonnes of CO2 by 2030. This is equivalent to more than 20 times the annual CO2 emissions of a city with over a million inhabitants, like Munich. To achieve this, the BMW Group is reducing its vehicles’ carbon footprint throughout their lifecycle – from raw material extraction, through production and the use phase, to end-of-life recycling. Going forward, using fewer resources will be one of the priorities.

“A climate-friendly car is not created solely by using green power. We must design our vehicles for sustainability from the very first day of development: reducing the amount of material used to manufacture them and, above all, planning for reuse and recycling from the very beginning. In the face of rising raw material prices, this is not just an environmental, but also a business imperative,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, at the Annual General Meeting in Munich on Wednesday. “The technology for this is extremely demanding: That is why we want to lead the way on the circular economy and play a pioneering role. We are already working on quotas for the use of secondary material in our “Neue Klasse” that are both concrete and ambitious to meet our high standards. 

+++ Zipse: "BMW Group highly profitable and sustainable" +++ Deliveries of electrified vehicles more than doubled +++ Free cash flow of € 2.5 billion in first quarter +++ Sustainable mobility needs more than just an e-drive +++ Earnings boosted by higher deliveries and better pricing +++ Automotive segment EBIT margin at 9.8% +++

Munich. The BMW Group continued to grow extremely dynamically in the first quarter 2021 – as demonstrated by its outstanding reported figures. The Group is systematically driving its transformation process at a high pace, reaching new milestones in terms of e-mobility, digitisation and sustainability. At the same time, it was able to strengthen its business model in the first quarter of the year and to grow further.

"The first quarter shows that our global business model is a successful one, even in times of crisis. We remain firmly on track for continued sustainable, profitable growth," said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in Munich on Friday. "Our strategy is based on retaining a keen focus on providing attractive high-tech products that are destined to shape the changing world of mobility going forward. With this clear vision, we are already developing the next major technological leaps that will continue to fascinate our customers ten years from now."

+++ Taking a successful Joint Development effort to the next level +++ 20 ampere hour (Ah) multi-layer all solid-state batteries in production +++ 100 Ah cells for automotive vehicle integration in 2022 +++ Automotive-compatible all solid-state battery by the end of the decade – BMW demonstrator vehicle well before 2025 +++

Louisville, Colorado, USA. Solid Power, an industry-leading producer of all solid-state batteries for electric vehicles, today announced a $130 million Series B investment round led by the BMW Group, Ford Motor Company and Volta Energy Technologies. Ford and the BMW Group have also expanded existing joint development agreements with Solid Power to secure all solid-state batteries for future electric vehicles.

The investment positions Solid Power to produce full-scale automotive batteries, increase associated material output and expand in-house production capabilities for future vehicle integration. The BMW Group and Ford aim to utilize Solid Power’s low-cost, high-energy all solid-state battery technology in forthcoming electric vehicles.

+++ BMW Group now producing high-voltage batteries and battery components at three locations in Germany alone: Dingolfing, Leipzig and Regensburg +++ Less than a year from decision to start of production in Leipzig and Regensburg +++ Production of battery components for BMW Group’s fifth generation of fully-electric vehicles +++

Munich/Leipzig/Regensburg. The BMW Group is launching production of battery components at its plants in Leipzig and Regensburg and expanding its e-drive production network. It has been less than a year since the decision was made to expand production capacity for e-drives in Germany. BMW Group Plant Leipzig will launch series production of battery modules on Monday, 3 May 2021, while BMW Group Plant Regensburg began coating battery cells for high-voltage batteries in April 2021. High-voltage batteries will also be produced in Regensburg from 2022. “We expect at least 50 percent of the vehicles we deliver to our customers worldwide to be fully electric by 2030,” said Michael Nikolaides, Senior Vice President Production Engines and E-Drives. “And we are systematically expanding our production network for electric drive trains in response to this.”

The company is investing more than 250 million euros in its Regensburg and Leipzig locations alone to supply the BMW Group’s growing number of electrified vehicles with high-voltage batteries. High-voltage battery components will be used in production of the BMW iX* and BMW i4, both of which will be released onto the market shortly. The production systems are highly flexible and will also supply battery components for other BMW Group electrified vehicles in the future.

Munich. BMW AG reports sales growth in all significant regions of the world, in particular in China, and all brands in the first quarter of 2021. In addition, positive price and mix effects, as well as high demand for pre-owned cars, also lead to key financial performance figures of BMW AG which exceed market expectations in a positive current environment.

Based on preliminary figures for the first quarter 2021, Automotive segment EBIT is €2,236 million (Q1 2020: €229 million), Financial Services segment EBT is €787 million (Q1 2020: €484 million) and Group EBT is €3,757 million (Q1 2020: €798 million). The Automotive segment EBIT margin is 9.8% (Q1 2020: 1.3%).

The positive operating performance and the continued focus on working capital management lead to the free cash flow of €2,522 million (Q1 2020: -2,218 million) in the Automotive segment, also exceeding market expectations.
The definition of the above-mentioned financial indicators is provided on pages 327 and 328 of the BMW Group Report 2020. Further details will be published in the Quarterly Statement for the period to 31 March 2021 on 7 May 2021.

+++ The two industry leaders are revolutionising virtual planning and engineering for highly complex manufacturing systems +++ Omniverse platform allows different applications to connect, with unrestricted compatibility +++ Greatly enhancing the speed, precision and efficiency of the planning process +++

Munich. The BMW Group and NVIDIA are generating a completely new approach to planning highly complex manufacturing systems – with the Omniverse platform. The virtual factory planning tool integrates a range of planning data and applications and allows real-time collaboration with unrestricted compatibility. As industry leaders, the BMW Group and NVIDIA are setting new standards in virtual factory planning.

Milan Nedeljković, BMW AG Board Member for Production: “Together we’re about to make a huge leap forward and open up completely new perspectives in the field of virtual, digital planning. In the future a virtual representation of our production network will allow us to realise an innovative, integrated approach to our planning processes. Omniverse greatly enhances the precision, speed and consequently the efficiency of our planning processes.” 

+++ BMW Group sells 636,606 vehicles in Q1 (+33.5%) +++ Sales higher in all major regions of the world +++ Sales growth at BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce +++ Electrified vehicle sales more than double +++ Pieter Nota: “All-time sales high in first quarter underlines our ambitious growth targets” +++

Munich. In the first three months of the year, the BMW Group delivered a total of 636,606 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles to customers (+33.5%) and achieved a new all-time high for the first quarter. Between January and March, the company increased its sales year-on-year in all major regions of the world. All BMW Group brands posted sales growth worldwide during this period.

“We continued our growth momentum in the first quarter of this year, selling more vehicles than ever before in this period. This all-time high in sales underlines our ambitious growth targets for the year,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales. “Our sales performance was boosted by strong demand for our electrified vehicles, in particular. In the past three months, we doubled our global sales of electrified vehicles compared to the same period last year. This puts us on track to deliver more than 100,000 fully-electric vehicles this year, with at least a million electrified vehicles on the roads in total by the end of this year,” Nota continued.

New responsibilities at BMW Welt and BMW Group Classic

Munich. Change of leadership at BMW Welt – as of 1^st July 2021 Tatjana Bister (51) will take over as head of the BMW Group's international experience and delivery centre. After five years as head of the BMW Group retail outlet in Vienna she moves to Munich and the BMW Welt, Bavaria's most popular tourist attraction. Before joining the BMW Group in 2016, she held various international management positions.

Tatjana Bister is going to take over this function from Helmut Käs (55), who will be appointed as the new head of BMW Group Classic and BMW Museum as of 1^st May 2021 – after leading the BMW Welt for almost seven years he succeeds Ulrich Knieps, who retired at the end of 2020.

Helmut Käs has been with the BMW Group since 1990. Prior to his role at the BMW Welt, he was in charge of the BMW retail outlet in Fröttmaning and previously he was the long-time head of MINI Munich.

+++ Daimler Mobility AG and BMW Group significantly strengthen the customer offering of Digital Charging Solutions GmbH (DCS) by adding bp as the third shareholder with a stake of 33.3%. +++ DCS is a leading developer of digital charging software for automotive manufacturers and vehicle fleet operators. Its in-car software integration provides EV drivers with seamless access to one of Europe’s largest charging networks. +++ DCS already offers access to 228,000 charging points in 32 countries. The addition of bp is expected to provide DCS customers access to an additional 8,700 charging points across Europe including ultra-fast charging (more than 150kw) and develop new integrated offers for fleets (including fuel and charge) as a first step +++ The partners intend to drive forward the transition to electrification. +++

London/Munich/Stuttgart. bp agreed to join BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG in their drive to extend and significantly improve electrification, making electric vehicle charging more convenient, simpler and seamless for drivers.

Under their agreement, bp will become a 33.3% partner alongside BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG in Digital Charging Solutions GmbH (DCS), one of Europe’s leading developers of digital charging solutions for automotive manufacturers and vehicle fleet operators. bp’s acquisition of the stake in DCS will be subject to regulatory approval. The terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

DCS’s services are important for the electrification strategies of the automotive industry. The company works with OEMs to integrate its charging solutions into vehicle operating systems. The BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG operate mobility services under the umbrella of the YOUR NOW Joint Ventures. Digital Charging Solutions GmbH stands behind the CHARGE NOW brand and operates charging services such as “Mercedes me Charge”, “BMW Charging” and “MINI Charging”. DCS already offers access to 228,000 charging points in 32 countries giving OEMs, fleet customers and EV drivers extensive access to charging infrastructure across Europe.

+++ Multi-year contract worth around 285 million euros with US company Livent +++ Responsible extraction of lithium in Argentina +++ Participating in study of sustainable lithium extraction in South America +++  Wendt: "Making ourselves technologically, geographically and geopolitically less dependent on individual suppliers" +++

Munich. The BMW Group will be accelerating its expansion of e-mobility in the coming years. By 2030, at least half the company’s global sales are expected to come from fully-electric vehicles. This will also increase the need for lithium, an important raw material for production of battery cells. For this reason, the company will now source lithium from a second leading supplier, US-based Livent. The value of the multi-year contract will total around 285 million euros. Livent will supply the lithium directly to the BMW Group’s battery cell manufacturers from 2022 on.

“Lithium is one of the key raw materials for electromobility. By sourcing lithium from a second supplier, we are securing requirements for production of our current fifth generation of battery cells. At the same time, we are making ourselves technologically, geographically and geopolitically less dependent on individual suppliers,” said Dr Andreas Wendt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network.

+++ BMW i4 to be launched three months ahead of schedule +++ BMW Operating System 8 installed for first time in new BMW iX* – world's largest fleet for over-the-air upgrades by end of 2021 +++ Breadth over niche: around 90 percent of market segments to have fully electric models by 2023 +++ Deliveries of fully electric models to grow by well over 50 percent annually on average by 2025 +++ ‘Neue Klasse’ to spearhead product range from 2025 +++ Fully electric models to account for at least 50 percent of global deliveries by 2030 +++ MINI to become a fully electric brand by the early 2030s +++ Circular economy as goal for future product generations +++ Outlook: Significant increase in Group profit before tax +++ Zipse: “Transformation will give BMW a competitive edge” +++

Munich. The BMW Group has entered 2021 with ambitious targets for growth and profitability and will be putting the first forerunners of its far-reaching technology offensive on the roads in the coming months. At the same time, it has set the course for a comprehensive realignment. From the middle of the decade, a new generation of models will take premium mobility to a new level from a technological perspective.

“The BMW Group has ambitious plans for 2021. We have started the new year with strong momentum and are aiming to return to pre-crisis levels as swiftly as possible – and go even further,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in Munich on Wednesday. “We have a clear roadmap for making the transformation of our industry a real competitive advantage for BMW in the coming years: uncompromisingly electric, digital and circular.”

+++ New method from Boston Metal to be industrialised in mid-decade +++ BMW Group continuously reducing CO₂ emissions in its steel supplier network +++ Focus on secondary material and closed-loop material cycles at BMW Group press plants +++ Wendt: “Around two million tonnes less CO₂ across our steel supplier network by 2030” +++

Munich. The BMW Group is systematically implementing its sustainability goals. As announced today, the company is investing in an innovative method for CO₂-free steel production developed by American startup Boston Metal, through its venture capital fund, BMW i Ventures. Over the coming years, Boston Metal plans to expand the new method for steel production on an industrial scale. The investment is part of the BMW Group’s far-reaching sustainability activities aimed at significantly reducing CO₂ emissions across the supplier network.

“We systematically identify the raw materials and components in our supplier network with the highest CO₂ emissions from production. Steel is one of them, but it is vital to car production. For this reason, we have set ourselves the goal of continuously reducing CO₂ emissions in the steel supply chain. By 2030, CO₂ emissions should be about two million tonnes lower than today’s figure,” said Dr Andreas Wendt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network.

+++ Group profit before tax for second half-year up 9.8% year-on-year +++ Q4 EBIT margin of 7.7% in Automotive segment +++ Full-year EBIT margin at higher edge of target range +++ Free cash flow of € 3.4 billion despite lockdowns above previous year +++ Dividend of € 1.90 per share of common stock proposed +++ Zipse: "Starting 2021 with a favourable tailwind"

Munich. The BMW Group’s profitable performance in the second half of the financial year 2020 provided a good tailwind going into 2021. Despite the global pandemic, the premium automobile manufacturer recorded an impressive pre-tax profit for the final six months of the year amounting to € 4,724 million, 9.8% up on the previous year’s already high figure of € 4,303 million.

Following the pandemic-related downturn in earnings in the second quarter, the BMW Group has therefore made a swift return to a more familiar profitable course. In the second half of the year, it delivered over 1.36 million units to customers, significantly more than in the corresponding period one year earlier. Volumes and earnings grew respectively in the final quarter of the year. 

+++ BMW Group Report 2020 combines Annual Report and Sustainable Value Report for the first time +++ Company-wide, transparent reporting for all stakeholders +++ Official validation of CO₂ targets by Science-Based Targets Initiative +++

Munich. The BMW Group is embarking on a new chapter in its reporting: For the first time, it will be combining its Annual Report and its Sustainable Value Report for the reporting year 2020 in a single Integrated BMW Group Report. After the Board of Management redefined the company's central sustainability goals in 2020, integrated reporting marks the next logical step – thanks to integrated management of the company. Henceforth, the Integrated Report will be published to coincide with the BMW Group Annual Conference, outlining the company’s economic performance, as well as its contribution to the environment and to society.

Dr Nicolas Peter, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Finance: “The BMW Group Report 2020 shows that our business model and sustainability cannot be separated. We manage the BMW Group according to both financial and non-financial parameters and report these in a transparent manner every year. As a premium manufacturer, we seek to set a good example for the industry and take responsibility. Key sustainable development indicators are given equal weighting in our reporting with financial figures.” 

+++ The proposed acquisition of PARK NOW Group enables EasyPark Group to take the next strategic step in becoming a cutting-edge global digital mobility player through combining state-of-the-art technology and coverage. +++ Both shareholders, BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG, have evolved PARK NOW Group into a global provider of digital parking services. +++ The intended sale of PARK NOW Group to EasyPark Group will expand the coverage of state-of-the-art digital parking and mobility services - offering both on- and off-street parking, parking guidance (Find & Park), electrical vehicle charge functions and seamless in-car integration. +++

Munich/Stuttgart/Stockholm – As announced at today’s signing, BMW Group and Daimler Mobility AG have agreed to sell their joint venture PARK NOW Group to EasyPark Group, subject to prior approval by the relevant authorities. PARK NOW is the parking operation of the carmakers’ YOUR NOW Joint Ventures along with services for car sharing (SHARE NOW), ride hailing and trip planning (FREE NOW/REACH NOW), as well as charging (CHARGE NOW) in Europe, and North and South America. EasyPark, a strong and highly experienced international player that this year celebrates its 20-years anniversary, intends to acquire PARK NOW in order to further expand its business activities according to their global growth plan.

Under the umbrella of PARK NOW Group, both owners of the YOUR NOW Joint Ventures have developed a global provider of digital parking services in recent years. PARK NOW operates under the brands RingGo, PARK NOW, Park-line and Parkmobile in 11 countries. PARK NOW Group offers a broad portfolio of digital services related to parking − both in car parks and on-street in more than 1,100 cities. Customers can reserve, book and pay for parking spaces online in advance via the app. 

+++ Export value from US Plant Spartanburg totals more than 8.9 billion US dollars in 2020 +++ New production record for second half-year +++ Growing percentage of electrified vehicles +++

Spartanburg / Munich. For the seventh consecutive year, the BMW Group leads the US in automotive exports. Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina exported 218,820 vehicles with an export value of more than 8.9 billion US dollars in 2020. The BMW Group produced a total of 361,365 vehicles at the plant. About 218,000 of these units were manufactured in the second half of the year, setting a new plant record.

“Claiming the top spot once again for US automotive exports is a direct result of the commitment and dedication of the Plant Spartanburg team during the challenging 2020 production year,” said Milan Nedeljković, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production. “Despite the difficult conditions created by the coronavirus pandemic, the plant was able to set a new production record in the second half of the year. This not only demonstrates the strong appeal of our products, but also the exceptional flexibility and outstanding performance capabilities of our production network.”

+++ Focus on sustainability: (digital) event series dedicated to sustainability all year round +++ New set of events: what will our future be like in 100 years’ time? Based on the ambitious long-term study from 2b AHEAD ThinkTank, Europe’s largest trend research institute +++ Continuation of the “Reclaim the Future!” series in cooperation with the 1E9 think tank. Theme: how do pioneering technologies from the tech community influence our future?

München. In 2021, the FUTURE FORUM by BMW Welt will be exploring the big issues of our future. Now in its third year, visitors can once again look forward to inspiring, digital live formats and expert talks featuring top-class speakers. Since October 2019, the FUTURE FORUM by BMW Welt has been a progressive platform that invites experts from different disciplines and movers and shakers with an innovative spirit to share their visions of the future. It’s a source of inspiration and actively promotes discussions on all issues of tomorrow. True to the slogan EXPLORE THE FUTURE. GET INSPIRED. JOIN THE CONVERSATION.
In 2021, the FUTURE FORUM by BMW Welt will focus on established digital and hybrid formats, allowing participants access to keynotes and discussion groups including ideas, concepts and technologies that could affect future living. This means the FUTURE FORUM by BMW Welt is playing an active part in shaping the future.

In its own (digital) event series, the FUTURE FORUM by BMW Welt will dedicate the whole year to sustainability in all its dimensions. It will carry on working with the 1E9 think tank, but will also start an exciting and inspiring series of events with 2b AHEAD ThinkTank. All live streams are free and can be accessed on the FUTURE FORUM website and on the BMW Welt & BMW Museum Facebook page. 

+++ Aluminium produced using solar energy will meet almost half the annual requirements of the light metal foundry at Plant Landshut +++ Triple-digit million-euro contract with Emirates Global Aluminium to supply 43,000 tonnes of aluminium in 2021 +++ BMW Group also plans to source aluminium produced with green power long-term, with CO₂ savings of around 2.5 million tonnes by 2030 +++ Wendt: “Will reduce CO₂ emissions in the supplier network by 20% by 2030” +++

Munich. The BMW Group will begin sourcing aluminium produced using solar electricity with immediate effect. This marks an important milestone on the road to the company’s goal of lowering CO₂ emissions in its supplier network by 20% by 2030. Since producing aluminium is highly energy-intensive, the use of green power – such as solar electricity – offers considerable potential for reducing CO₂ emissions. That is why the BMW Group also plans to source aluminium produced with green power in the long term – enabling it to avoid approx. 2.5 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions over the next ten years. This is equivalent to about three percent of the CO₂ targets the company has set for its supplier network.

“We aspire to lead the way in sustainability and implement our sustainability goals in a systematic manner. We will be able to meet over 50% of our CO₂ targets for the supplier network, just by using green power. The use of solar electricity for producing aluminium is a major step in this direction,” said Dr. Andreas Wendt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network.

Munich. The BMW AG’s preliminary Automotive segment Free Cash Flow for the fourth quarter 2020 is around € 2.8 billion (Q4 2019: € 1.5 billion), leading to around € 3.4 billion (2019: € 2.6 billion) for the full year 2020 and thus exceeds current market expectations.

The better than expected Free Cash Flow development of the Automotive Segment in the fourth quarter 2020 is driven mainly by the following effects:

• Positive operating result in the Automotive segment
  
  
• Continued focused management of inventories
  
  
• Lower than expected consumption of warranty provisions as a result of lockdown measures
  
  
• Higher down payments received from BMW Group dealerships, most notably in China in line with the positive market development and in the UK relating to Brexit
  
  

The positive operating result of the Automotive segment in the fourth quarter is partially due to better than expected remarketing results in the pre-owned car market. This also has a positive effect in the Financial Services segment, leading to a Return on Equity for the segment which is only slightly down on prior year as opposed to a moderate decline as indicated in the current outlook.

Due to the faster recovery in many markets in the second half of 2020 and consequent cost management, the EBIT margin in the Automotive Segment for the full year 2020 is at the upper end of the 0 - 3% corridor. The Group EBT remains within the outlook and in line with market expectations.

The definition of Free Cash Flow and Return on Equity can be found on pages 244 and 245 of the BMW Group Annual Report 2019. Further details will be published on 17 March 2021 in the Group Financial Statements 2020 of BMW AG.

Pieter Nota: Strong demand and profitable growth expected +++ Gains of more than 50 percent: electromobility as significant growth driver +++ Plans to double sales of fully-electric vehicles +++ Annual investment of triple-digit million amount up to 2025 in digitalisation of sales and marketing creates basis for best customer experience +++ Digital aftersales upgrades will drive highly profitable optional equipment business +++ Performance marketing for personalised, targeted customer approach +++ Customers to receive individual tailored offerings, with all products and services from single source +++ Retail partners play crucial role at point of sale and in providing service

Munich. After achieving an all-time sales high in the fourth quarter of 2020, the BMW Group is optimistic about the current year. The company is realigning its Sales and Marketing division in close collaboration with its retail partners – with the aim of offering the industry's best premium customer experience.

“We are optimistic about 2021 and look forward to resuming our profitable growth, thanks to strong demand for our fresh product line-up,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. “We want to increase sales of our electrified vehicles by more than half in 2021. This underlines the importance of electromobility as a major growth driver for our company,” Nota continued. The company also aims to double sales of fully-electric vehicles this year. The introduction of the fully-electric MINI* and BMW iX3* last year will be followed in 2021 by the start of production for the fully-electric BMW iX in Dingolfing and the BMW i4 in Munich.

The BMW Group has now increased the number of electrified vehicles (fully-electric and plug-in hybrid) in its line-up to 13 models, available in 74 markets around the globe. The BMW Group plans to virtually double the number of electrified vehicles it offers to 25 models by 2023: More than half of these will be fully electric.

BMW Group sells 2,324,809 units in 2020 (-8.4%) +++ BMW Q4 sales up 4.3% from previous year (600,799 vehicles) +++ Sales of electrified vehicles increase by a third (+31.8%) +++ As promised: BMW Group meets EU CO2 fleet targets in 2020 +++ Pieter Nota: “Responded to the effects of the corona pandemic with agility in sales management and production. Have overfulfilled EU CO2 fleet targets with under 100 g/km.”

Munich. The BMW Group once again confirmed its position as the world’s leading premium automotive manufacturer last year, with a total of 2,324,809 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles (-8.4%) delivered to customers worldwide. 686,069 vehicles were sold at Group level in the fourth quarter, an increase of three percent (+3.2%) year-on-year. Sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles climbed almost 40 percent (38.9%) compared to the previous year, reflecting strong customer interest in this drive train variant.

“We responded to the effects of the corona pandemic with great agility in sales management and production. As a result, we succeeded in concluding the year with a strong fourth quarter and once again we lead the premium segment worldwide," underlined Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales. "Thanks to our Efficient Dynamics technologies and the more than 135,000 electrified vehicles we delivered in Europe, we overfulfilled our CO2 fleet targets in the EU and were even able to go below the mandatory limit by a few grams," Nota continued.

BMW Group named “World’s most attractive employer” (automotive) and again takes number-one spot in Young Professionals Barometer 2020. +++ Ilka Horstmeier: “Being a highly attractive employer helps us recruit the best talents in a highly competitive market.” +++

Munich. The BMW Group has ranked among the leaders for employer image in both national and international comparisons for years. The company earned top positions again this year in numerous studies measuring employers’ perceived attractiveness.

The BMW Group has successfully defended its number-one spot in the Trendence Young Professionals Barometer in Germany since 2012 and came out on top for the ninth consecutive year in 2020. At the same time, a majority of students in Germany rated the BMW Group among the top companies this year, earning it second place in the business category in the Trendence Graduate Barometer 2020. The BMW Group also ranked fourth in the engineering category and sixth among young IT talents – making it the most attractive company in the automotive sector for IT graduates. The BMW Group also moved up one place from last year in the current Trendence School Leaver Barometer and now ranks fourth.

High level of supply chain flexibility speeds up transformation towards e-mobility +++ Extensive measures to ensure compliance with environmental and social standards and secure access to many critical raw materials +++ Sustainability measures in supply chain delivering results: CO2 emissions reduced by 17% in BMW iX* +++ Wendt: “Sustainability is an integral part of all purchasing activities” +++

Munich. The BMW Group is increasingly gearing up its purchasing for future growth in e-mobility and setting new standards for sustainability. The expansion of e-mobility makes value creation in the supplier network more important than ever, both with respect to CO2 emissions and sourcing of so-called critical raw materials, like those needed for producing battery cells.

“We believe sustainability is an integral part of all purchasing activities. So, as we accommodate the planned growth in electrified vehicles in the supplier network, we are at the same time integrating our sustainability requirements into all contract awards. In this way, we are taking sustainable development to the next level. Particularly as a premium manufacturer, we aspire to lead the way in sustainability and take responsibility,” said Dr Andreas Wendt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. 

Zipse: “Third-quarter performance underlines BMW Group’s operational strength” +++ Peter: “We are in an intense cost competition” +++ Profit before tax in Q3 rises to approximately € 2.5 billion +++ Return on sales of 9.4% in Q3 +++ Free cash flow in Q3 exceeds € 3 billion +++ EBIT margin for Automotive segment within 2020 target range for nine-month period +++ E-autos to be manufactured at all German plants by 2022

Munich. The BMW Group increased sales volume and net profit in the third quarter of 2020 and, at the nine-month stage, is on track to meet its targets for the full year. The BMW Group was able to benefit during the third quarter from regional upturns in demand as well as from the attractive model portfolio on offer to customers. At the same time, cost efficiency and cash management remain decisive factors in coping with the ongoing impact of the corona pandemic in its varying regional forms to the best possible extent.

“The third-quarter performance underlines the BMW Group’s operational strength and ability to perform well within a challenging environment. We improved Group earnings compared to one year earlier and are therefore firmly on track towards achieving our targets for the full year. We manage our day-to-day operations closely, taking regional fluctuations in demand into account, and can respond to changing market situations at any time,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in Munich on Wednesday. In this way, the Group generated profit before tax in the region of € 2.5 billion in the third quarter. Free cash flow in the Automotive segment was in excess of € 3 billion. “We are shaping the transformation of our industry from a position of strength and are very well positioned for the years to come. At the same time, we are already strategically and technologically aligning the Group for the period after 2025 – including key aspects such as vehicle architectures and planning for vehicle production by plant.”

Munich. The preliminary free cash flow for the Automotive segment of BMW AG in the third quarter 2020 amounts to €3,065 million (previous year: €714 million) and thus exceeds current market expectations.

This was due in particular to a faster recovery in several markets, which led to higher sales growth. In addition, a focused management has led to an optimisation of working capital and a further reduction of fixed costs and capital expenditure.

The impact of this development on the free cash flow for the Automotive segment for the full year will be communicated with the release of the Quarterly Statement to 30 September 2020. 

BMW Group sells 675,680 units in third quarter (+8.6%) +++ Europe region delivers 275,618 vehicles to customers in Q3 (+7.1%) +++ China up 6.4% after first nine months (559,681 vehicles) +++ Sales situation still reflects regional impact of coronavirus pandemic +++ Pieter Nota: “Sales growth of almost 50 percent for electrified vehicles in third quarter”

Munich. The BMW Group posted solid year-on-year sales growth of 8.6 percent in the third quarter, with a total of 675,680 vehicles delivered to customers. As expected, the sales performance from January to September meanwhile reflects the global impact of the Corona Pandemic. During this period, the company sold 1,638,316 (-12.5%) premium BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles worldwide.

“Thanks to our strong model line-up, we were able to increase our third-quarter sales year-on-year, despite the lasting effects of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. “We are especially pleased with the sales growth of almost 50 percent in electrified vehicles. This makes electromobility a substantial growth driver. We have already delivered around 10,000 fully-electric MINIs* since the start of the year. This shows how much our customers appreciate this car,” Nota continued. 

The heart of the BMW Group's worldwide R&D network +++ Smart Building as innovation platform for 4800 vehicle developers +++ Space for 100 state-of-the-art test benches and 200 laboratories +++ Flagship for Germany as a location for research with an investment of approx. 1 billion euros +++ Setting the pace of transformation in automotive development

Munich. With the FIZ Projekthaus Nord, which went into operation today, the BMW Group is opening the new heart of its global research and development network. The architecturally impressive building complex makes the successively expanded Munich Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ) one of the largest R&D locations in Europe and manifests the clear commitment to Germany as a location for research and development. The FIZ Projekthaus Nord is a milestone of the long-term "FIZ Future" program, in which the company has already invested about 1 billion euros.

Professor Reimund Neugebauer, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Munich's Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter, Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management for Development, Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources, and Manfred Schoch, Chairman of the General Works Council of BMW AG, jointly ramped up the first of a total of 100 ultra-modern test benches on Friday, thus officially opening the progressive building.

Zipse: “Cautiously optimistic for second half of year” +++ Profit before tax after first half year at ca. € 500 million +++ Revenues and earnings impacted by Q2 market downturns +++ Strict inventories management helps safeguard cash flow +++  CO2 targets now set up for complete vehicle life cycle to 2030 +++ Far-reaching product strategy: significant CO2 reductions with over seven million electrified vehicles

Munich. At the halfway stage, the BMW Group remains on course towards achieving its targets for the full year. After implementing controlled cutbacks at many of its plants in March as a response to the foreseeable drop in global demand, the Group initiated a coordinated restart of its production facilities in the second quarter. Since mid-June, all its manufacturing plants have again been working in regular shifts. Nonetheless, cost efficiency and cash management remain decisive factors for best controlling the consequences of the corona pandemic.

“Our swift responsiveness and consistent management strategy enabled us to limit the impact of the corona pandemic on the BMW Group during the first half of the year,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in Munich on Wednesday. Despite a significant market decline following the corona pandemic the BMW Group was able to achieve a positive profit before tax of € 498 million in the first half year. “We are now looking ahead to the second six-month period with cautious optimism and continue to target an EBIT margin between 0 and 3% for the Automotive segment in 2020. We are monitoring the situation very closely and managing production capacities in line with market developments and regional fluctuations in customer demand.” 

Board of Management and executive management will be measured against new sustainability targets +++ First-ever CO2 goals for full lifecycle up to 2030 +++ Science-Based Targets form basis for new goals +++ Far-reaching product strategy: Major CO2 reduction with more than seven million electrified vehicles +++ Carbon emissions from production and sites to be lowered by 80% per vehicle +++ BMW Group aims for most sustainable supply chain industry wide +++ Circular economy as vision for resource management +++ Zipse: “Sustainability and premium will be inextricably linked in the future”

Munich. The BMW Group is making sustainability and resource efficiency central to the company’s strategic direction. Chairman of the Board of Management Oliver Zipse announced initial details of this strategic direction in Munich today and presented the targets the company has set itself for the phase up to 2030. The BMW Group is building on a strong foundation: Over the past years and decades, the company has repeatedly set standards in terms of sustainability. The principle of continuous improvement will remain at the heart of the strategy to reduce CO2 emissions and increase resource efficiency.

“I firmly believe the fight against climate change and how we use resources will decide the future of our society – and of the BMW Group. As a premium car company, it is our ambition to lead the way in sustainability. That is why we are taking responsibility here and now and making these issues central to our future strategic direction,” said Oliver Zipse. “This new strategic direction will be anchored in all divisions – from administration and purchasing to development and production, all the way to sales. We are taking sustainability to the next level.”

BMW Group Landshut plant assumes key role for BMW iNEXT – Innovations totalling more than 50 million Euros for future issues +++ Innovative kidney grille – central high-tech component for highly automated driving +++ Opening of new production facility with Bavaria’s economics minister Hubert Aiwanger and board member Dr. Andreas Wendt +++ Wendt: “Automated driving is a great chance for Germany as an industrial location – in-house component production serves more than ever as an innovation hub”

Munich/Landshut. The Lower Bavarian BMW Group Landshut plant again assumes its role as an innovation driver for the automotive future: With a number of important high-tech components, it will give the BMW iNEXT, which starts rolling off the assembly line in Dingolfing from 2021, a face. The BMW iNEXT is the BMW Group’s first all-electric production vehicle prepared for fully automated driving. Today, Dr. Andreas Wendt, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network, and Hubert Aiwanger, Deputy Prime Minister of Bavaria and the Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, opened a new production facility at the Landshut location. The innovative kidney grille – the “eye” – for the BMW iNEXT will be produced there.

The technologically complex kidney grille is vital for highly-automated driving: It allows the integration of camera technology, radar functions and further sensors required for highly developed driver assistance systems into the front end of the vehicle. The BMW Group Landshut is investing a total of over 50 million Euros in innovative components for the BMW iNEXT and further future vehicle models.

Order volume of 2 billion euros from 2024 +++ Sustainable production using 100% wind and hydroelectric power +++ Oliver Zipse: “For an effective contribution to climate protection BMW Group aims to improve its products’ overall environmental balance”

Munich. The BMW Group is driving the expansion of electromobility and has signed a long-term supply contract worth 2 billion euros for battery cells with the Swedish company Northvolt. The battery cells will be produced in Europe at the Northvolt gigafactory currently under construction in Skellefteå in northern Sweden (series plant Northvolt Ett) from 2024.

A decisive aspect for the BMW Group: Northvolt will obtain 100 percent of the energy needed to produce the battery cells regionally in northern Sweden and exclusively from wind and hydroelectric power. Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, said: “To make an effective contribution to climate protection, we aim to improve our products’ overall environmental balance – from resources to recycling. This applies in particular to energy-intensive production of high-voltage batteries for electric vehicles. That is why we now have a contractual agreement with our cell manufacturers that they will only use green power to produce our fifth-generation battery cells.”

Supply contract signed with Managem Group (contract period: 2020 – 2025) +++ BMW AG Board of Management member for Purchasing Andreas Wendt: “We are systematically driving electrification of our vehicle fleet. Sustainability plays a central role in expanding electromobility.”

Munich. The BMW Group is driving the expansion of electromobility and sourcing the cobalt it needs as a key raw material for battery cells directly. Recently the BMW Group signed a supply contract with Moroccan mining company Managem Group. “The contract has a volume of around 100 million euros,” said Andreas Wendt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. With this order the BMW Group will cover about a fifth of its cobalt needs for the fifth generation of our electric drive trains. The company will source the remaining four fifths of its cobalt needs from Australia. The contract between the BMW Group and the Managem Group is for a term of five years (2020 – 2025). The two companies already signed a memorandum of understanding on the direct purchase of cobalt from Morocco in Marrakesh in January 2019.

“Cobalt is an important raw material for electromobility. By signing this supply contract with Managem today, we are continuing to secure our raw material needs for battery cells,” said Wendt. “We are systematically driving electrification of our vehicle fleet. By 2023, we aim to have 25 electrified models in our line-up – more than half of them fully-electric. Our need for raw materials will increase in line with this. For cobalt alone, we expect our needs to roughly triple by 2025.”

Total sales affected by the impact of the worldwide pandemic +++ Initial signs of recovery in individual markets at the end of Q2 +++ 962,575 vehicles delivered (-23.0%) in year to date +++ BMW Group sold 218,876 automobiles in June (-9.0%) +++ Pieter Nota: "China sales in second quarter above previous year"

Munich. As expected, BMW Group sales figures for the first six months of this year were impacted by the effects of the temporary closure of retail outlets worldwide. The company delivered a total of 962,575 (-23.0%) premium BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles to customers worldwide in the first half-year.

“We are following the development of global demand very closely and continue to plan for various scenarios so we can respond quickly as regions around the globe recover from the coronavirus pandemic at different speeds,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales. “We are seeing a positive development in China, where our second-quarter sales were once again higher than in the previous year,” underlined Nota. “Demand for our electrified vehicles also outperformed the market trend in the first half of the year. Our wide range of plug-in hybrid models and the new fully-electric MINI are in high demand among our customers,” he added.

Vehicle deliveries in first half-year by brand
A total of 842,153 (-21.7%) BMW vehicles were delivered in the first six months of the current year.
The MINI brand sold 118,862 (-31.1%) units during the same period. In the first half of the year, a total of 61,652 (+3.4%) electrified BMW and MINI vehicles were handed over to customers.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars reported sales of 1,560 (-37.6%) vehicles in the first half of the current year.
A total of 76,707 (‑17.7%) motorcycles were also sold between January and June. 

BMW Group opens Competence Centre for E-Drive Production in Dingolfing and expands manufacturing capacity +++  E-drives for 500,000 electrified vehicles +++ Start of production for fifth-generation BMW e-drive +++ Competence Centre will employ up to 2,000 staff in medium term +++ Investment of more than 500 million euros by 2022 +++ Successful transformation of BMW Group’s biggest European production site

Munich/Dingolfing. The BMW Group is stepping up its e-mobility ramp-up and setting new standards for the transformation of the industry with its production. Today, at its largest European manufacturing location in Dingolfing, the company opened the Competence Centre for E-Drive Production. Having produced electric powertrain components in Dingolfing since 2013, the BMW Group is now expanding its capacity significantly. Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder and Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG Oliver Zipse symbolically launched production of the new, highly integrated BMW e-drive, which combines the electric motor, transmission and power electronics in a central housing. The new generation of the BMW e-drive will be used for the first time in the new BMW iX3, which will go into production in China in late summer.

At the Competence Centre in Dingolfing, the BMW Group will produce electric powertrain components such as battery modules, high-voltage batteries and electric motors on eight production lines. Over the coming years, the company will set up four additional lines, which will boost the location’s production capacity significantly. 

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and BMW Group South Africa are supporting the South African government in its efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic by providing 750 new hospital beds +++ BMW Group South Africa, which operates a production plant in Rosslyn in the Gauteng region, is providing the project with financial assistance of around 2.7 million euros +++ BMW Group South Africa has been involved with various social projects in Gauteng for almost 50 years and will continue with this during the coronavirus crisis as an investment in the community and its employees

Munich / Pretoria. Today, in a virtual ceremony, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG Oliver Zipse, German Minister of Cooperation and Development Dr. Gerd Müller and South African Minister of Health Zwelini Lawrence Mkhize signed a joint memorandum of understanding.
The agreement includes an emergency coronavirus package, with the three partners working together to help expand medical infrastructure at nine hospitals and four clinics in the Gauteng region. In addition to masks and disinfectant, the Gauteng region will also be provided with 750 additional hospital beds and 150 mobile oxygen tanks no later than July.
South Africa is currently among the regions of the continent hardest hit by COVID-19. As in many other African countries, there is also a lack of emergency beds, ventilators and laboratory facilities.

Both companies will continue to pursue their own development path +++ Technological understanding of both partners remains a good fit +++ Successful collaboration to continue in other fields as planned +++ Fröhlich: “Current technology puts us into excellent position for many years” +++ Schäfer: “Sounding out possibilities with partners outside automotive sector”

Munich/Stuttgart. The BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz AG are putting their cooperation on development of next-generation technology for automated driving temporarily on hold. Following extensive review, the two companies have arrived at a mutual and amicable agreement to concentrate on their existing development paths – which may also include working with current or new partners. Both explicitly wished to emphasise that cooperation may be resumed at a later date and that the two organisations’ underlying approach to matters such as safety and customer benefits in the field of automated driving remains highly compatible.

The BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz AG are both working separately on current generations for highly-automated driving and have achieved major progress in this field in the past. However, the BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz AG were unable to hold detailed expert discussions and talk to suppliers about technology roadmaps until the contract was signed last year. In these talks – and after extensive review – both sides concluded that, in view of the expense involved in creating a shared technology platform, as well as current business and economic conditions, the timing is not right for successful implementation of the cooperation.

Solution mutually agreed by company management and employee representatives +++ High level of vocational training will be maintained +++ Horstmeier: “We continue to do things the BMW way” +++

Munich. In constructive dialogue with the German Works Council, the BMW AG has agreed to a package of personnel measures that balances the future competitiveness of the company with the interests of the workforce. Having applied existing flexibility instruments, such as reducing working time and leave account balances, as well as short-time working, further steps are needed to make the BMW Group more resilient to external influences and market fluctuations. The objective is for the company to achieve planned workforce reductions through attrition and voluntary agreements and maintain the same high level of vocational training as last year.

“We will continue to do things the BMW way and develop solutions in constructive dialogue with employee representatives. We have agreed on a forward-looking package of measures that will help improve the company’s earnings in the short term, but will also preserve our capacity for innovation in the long term,” said Ilka Horstmeier, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Human Resources and Labour Relations, in assessment of the agreement reached. “This will ensure we remain a reliable employer.”

Anke Schäferkordt takes over Renate Köcher’s seat

Munich. The current Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BMW AG, Dr.-Ing. Norbert Reithofer, has been re-elected to the Supervisory Board for a mandate period of five years at today’s Annual General Meeting. At a meeting of the Supervisory Board held after the shareholders’ meeting, he was also re-elected as its chairman. Reithofer has been associated with BMW AG for more than three decades. He joined the company in 1987 and was Chairman of the Board of Management between 2006 and 2015. He has been Chairman of the Supervisory Board since 2015.

The Annual General Meeting also newly elected Anke Schäferkordt to the Supervisory Board for a mandate period of five years. The media manager takes over the seat of Prof. Renate Köcher, who stepped down early at the end of this year’s Annual General Meeting in agreement with the Supervisory Board. 

Liquidity remains at high level – investments prioritised +++ Q1 EBIT up due to high provision recorded in previous year +++ BMW Group updates outlook for Automotive segment EBIT +++ Q1: Product mix and pricing policy underpin revenues +++ Production to be ramped up according to demand +++ Firm commitment to agreed CO2 targets and Euro 6d +++ Zipse: “Business model still future-proof after crisis”

Munich. The BMW Group is well prepared to react swiftly and decisively at all times to new developments during the corona pandemic by systematically identifying potential scenarios. This approach is all the more important given that the BMW Group expects the consequences of the corona pandemic to constrain the operations of the entire automotive industry for quite some time to come. It is also becoming apparent that delivery volumes in key markets are not going to return to normal in the space of just a few weeks. The BMW Group is developing strategies for various scenarios and is prepared to take additional measures to safeguard its financial position and use its underlying strength to steer itself through this challenging phase.

“Quite clearly, the situation remains serious and market forecasts are subject to constraints under these circumstances. We are gradually ramping up our production again according to demand in each market. However, we are monitoring developments extremely closely to be able to respond with maximum flexibility," said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in Munich on Wednesday. "We are keeping a tight rein on inventory levels because liquidity has absolute priority in this situation."

Munich. The Board of Management of BMW AG has decided today to update its guidance for the financial year 2020. The decisive factor for the adjustment is that the measures to contain the corona virus pandemic are lasting longer in several markets and are thus leading to a broader negative impact than was foreseeable in mid-March. It is therefore apparent that delivery volumes in these markets will not – as was previously assumed - return to normal within a few weeks. The highest negative impact is expected in the second quarter of 2020.

The economic shifts caused by the pandemic make it difficult to provide a reliable forecast. The outlook is therefore subject to a high degree of uncertainty. To reflect this uncertainty, the company has widened the range for the EBIT margin for the Automotive segment and now expects a range between 0% and 3%.

Protecting employees and taking responsibility for society +++ Safeguarding liquidity and the company’s long-term success +++ Around 80% of retail outlets closed in Europe; 70% in the US +++ BMW Group sells 477.111 vehicles in first quarter +++ Pieter Nota: “China shows first signs of recovery” +++ Plus 14% electrified vehicles. On track to meet CO2 targets

Munich. During the current coronavirus pandemic, protecting employees and taking responsibility for society are the number one priority for the BMW Group. At the same time, it is important to safeguard the company’s liquidity and secure its long-term success. The sales result for the first quarter was overshadowed by the global impact of COVID-19 and the effects of the temporary closure of a large number of retail outlets. The BMW Group delivered a total of 477,111 (‑20.6%) premium BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles to customers in the first three months of this year.

“We are reacting to the globally challenging sales situation caused by the corona pandemic and are flexibly adapting our production volume to demand. In this way, we are creating important conditions for the company's continued economic success,” underlined Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales. “In China, we are seeing the first signs of recovery with a strong order intake,” Nota continued. 

Traceability of parts and critical raw materials in complex international supply chains +++ BMW Group “PartChain” project targets industry-wide solution for secure data sharing +++

Munich. The BMW Group is using innovative digital technologies to optimise its processes. A good example of this is Blockchain, a technology that enables tamper-proof data sharing, with potential applications throughout the entire automotive value chain. The BMW Group is using this technology in purchasing to ensure the traceability of components and raw materials in multi-stage international supply chains. “In 2019, we conducted a successful pilot project for purchasing front lights. This year, we want to expand the project to a large number of other suppliers,” said Andreas Wendt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. 

Zipse: “Solidarity and responsible action are called for” +++ Guidance 2020 affected by corona spread +++ Power of Choice: Next BMW 7 Series all-electric version +++ Unequivocal commitment to meeting CO2 targets +++ Quarter-on-quarter improvement in profitability in 2019 +++ Group revenues exceed 100 billion euros for the first time

Munich. The BMW Group is embracing the transformation of the automotive industry with great confidence and investing heavily in research and development with a view to shaping the mobility of the future for the benefit of its customers.

In the context of the spread of coronavirus, the Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Oliver Zipse, pointed out in Munich on Wednesday: “Solidarity and responsible action are called for. In our society it is the duty of the strong to protect the weak. The BMW Group therefore fully supports the measures aimed at containing the spread of coronavirus.” The BMW Group is responding to the foreseeable development in demand on the global automobile markets by adjusting production volumes at an early stage and will make full use of the broad range of instruments available to it to maximise flexibility. 

Zipse: "Embracing transformation with confidence" ++ Profit before tax up significantly in fourth quarter ++ Group revenues exceed 100 billion euros for the first time ++ Quarter-on-quarter improvement in profitability in 2019 ++ Solid free cashflow at 2.6 billion euros ++ Revenues in fourth quarter at record high ++ High upfront expenditure for R&D in 2019 ++ Unequivocal commitment to achieving CO2-targets ++ Dividend of € 2.50 per share of common stock proposed

Munich. The BMW Group has successfully concluded the financial year 2019, continuing the upward trend in profitability in the fourth quarter. At the same time, between October and December 2019, revenues reached their highest level ever for a single quarter, reflecting the growing proportion of vehicles from the upper luxury segment. Over the full year, Group revenues exceeded 100 billion euros for the first time and were more than twice as high as in 2009.

"In 2019, we improved our profitability from quarter to quarter – despite a challenging market environment. This shows that we have the right products on the road and that our strategy is effective," stated the Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Oliver Zipse, on Thursday in Munich. "We are embracing the transformation of our industry with confidence and trust in our innovative strength. We recognised the signs of change at an early stage and made preparations accordingly. Our full potential is now emerging – at exactly the right moment."

Klaus Fröhlich to step down from Board of Management at age 60 +++ Frank Weber will head Development division, effective July +++ Reithofer: “Competent successor to Klaus Fröhlich” +++ Zipse: “Excellent addition to Board of Management” +++

Munich. At its meeting today, the Supervisory Board of BMW AG appointed Frank Weber (53) as a new member of the Board of Management. Effective 1 July 2020, Weber will assume responsibility for the Development division, taking over from Klaus Fröhlich, who will retire upon reaching the age of 60.

Frank Weber joined the BMW Group in 2011 as head of Total Vehicle Development and has been responsible for the Rolls-Royce product line and BMW luxury class later on. The mechanical engineer previously held various management positions at other automobile manufacturers, mainly in development.

BMW Group presents alternative for the programme at Geneva International Motor Show 2020 +++ Digital Press Conference with Oliver Zipse 

Munich. Due to the current situation, the Geneva International Motor Show 2020 has been canceled. While we certainly understand this decision, we also regret that the fair cannot take place as usual.

The BMW Group will carry out the program planned for Geneva including the world premiere of the BMW Concept i4 at a digital press conference with CEO Oliver Zipse in Munich at the originally scheduled time (Tuesday, March 3, 2020, 8.15 a.m. CET) and broadcast it via live stream. Further details concerning the live broadcast will follow as soon as possible.

BMW Group sales increase by 1.2% to 2,520,307 vehicles +++ Record BMW sales: up 2.0% to 2,168,516 units +++ Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad also post new all-time highs +++ Half a million electrified vehicles already delivered worldwide to date +++ Pieter Nota: “Targeting another slight sales increase in 2020” 

Munich. The BMW Group reported its ninth consecutive record year in 2019, with a total of 2,520,307 (+1.2%) BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles delivered to customers worldwide. The BMW, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad brands also posted new all-time highs for 2019. Sales of electrified BMW and MINI vehicles also increased compared to the previous year. By the end of 2019, the BMW Group had already half a million electrified vehicles worldwide on the road. The company confirmed its position as the world’s leading premium car company for the 16th consecutive year.

“Thanks to our major model offensive, we were once again able to increase our sales in 2019 and achieve another new all-time high,” underlined Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales. “This confirms our strategic approach, the “Power of Choice”, which allows our customers to choose the optimal drive train for their preferred model. In this way, we are able to meet our customers’ individual mobility needs worldwide,” added Nota.