“We are building on a solid foundation created by profitability and sustainable action. The BMW Group is financially and economically stronger than ever. We never stand still, and we see transformation as an opportunity. The ramp-up of e-mobility, digitalisation and sustainability are our focus. We will continue to make a difference – as a global Impact Company.”
Oliver Zipse
Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG
Financial TargetsTarget achievement until 2025Target achievement until 2030
EBT margin Group
> 10%
EBIT margin automotive segment
8–10%
Return on Capital Employed automotive segment
≥ 18%
Share of electrified cars in total deliveries
> 30%
Share of women in management positions
22%
Share of fully electrified cars in total deliveries
> 50%
Reduction of CO2-emissions per vehicle produced
80%
Reduction of CO2-emissions in the use phase of the vehicle
> 50%
Reduction of CO2-emissions in the supply chain
> 20%
About the financial year
The financial year 2021 was very successful for the BMW Group. Despite challenging conditions, most notably the semiconductor shortage, we once again managed to achieve our goals in all segments.
Impressive financial figures for the year reflect our excellent performance and can be found here in our online report.
An operating margin of 10.3% places us at the higher end of our adjusted target range in the automotive sector, as expected.
Global sales returned to their pre-COVID levels in 2021. We also achieved all of our non-financial goals. For example, we once again met the EU’s prescribed CO2 requirements in 2021, and even beat them comfortably by around 10 g/km.
We have started 2022 with a great deal of momentum and intend to perform well for all of our stakeholders by offering attractive products. Our current business performance gives us the freedom to invest in a more targeted and focused manner, whilst also allowing us to create new products and services for our customers.
Finally, I would like to draw your attention to our new performance calculator in the online report. It presents a concise overview of the most important performance indicators and was modelled on our BMW iX. Personally, I am delighted with it. I hope you enjoy it too!
Nicolas Peter
Member of the Board of Management, Finance
Selected Key Figures 2021
You can find the most important key performance figures of the BMW Group in this interactive, multi-year visualization.
BMW Group at COP 26 UN Climate Summit in Glasgow: “No more waiting. No more clever tactics. It’s time to act. Now!”
At COP26, Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of management, strongly (re-)affirmed the Group’s firm commitment to fight climate change: “No more waiting. No more clever tactics. It’s time to act. Now!”
Sustainably produced and highly individual: BMW M4 small series takes shape using new paint process
The BMW Group has developed a highly precise, overspray-free paint application. It boosts resource and energy efficiency while also improving the degree of individualisation for customers.
E-drive train production for the fully-electric models BMW iX and BMW i4 begins
From 2022 onwards, the Competence Centre for E-Drive Production will produce 500,000 drivetrains for electrified vehicles per year, signifying a successful transition to electromobility.
BMW Group creates closed-loop material cycle for tungsten production tools
Addressing the challenges of conflict minerals, the BMW Group has created a closed-loop material cycle for tungsten, which collects old drilling and milling bits and uses them for new tools.
BMW Group invests in innovative method for CO2-free steel production
Through its capital venture fund BMW i Ventures, the BMW Group is furthering its sustainability goals by investing in the American start-up Boston Metal, which has developed an innovative method for CO2-free steel production.
Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo | Social Responsibility
“Cobalt for Development” project started trainings for mining cooperatives
The BMW Group-backed, cross-industry ‘Cobalt for Development’ initiative brings know-how to the Congo, bolstering the future of ethically sourced sustainable materials.
Harnessing wind and hydroelectric power from the Arctic Circle: BMW Group plans to source steel produced with green power and hydrogen from northern Sweden
Harnessing wind and electric power, the BMW Group will start sourcing green steel from the Arctic Circle by 2025.
Revolution, not evolution: BMW Group will reduce its carbon footprint by 2030 predominantly by using innovative materials
The BMW Group is expanding its use of secondary materials across its entire value chain. Take, for instance, alternatives to leather made from biobased raw materials, recycled-polyester textiles, and cork particles, which can reduce carbon emissions by up to 45%.
The BMW Group and Pirelli together with Birdlife International initiate project to contribute to safeguarding Indonesia’s natural ecosystem
Partnered with Pirelli and Birdlife International, the BMW Group is sourcing sustainable rubber and safeguarding Indonesia’s natural ecosystem by doing so.
BMW Group invests in innovative method for efficient and sustainable lithium extraction
The BMW Group is investing in a sustainable future through the company Lilac Solutions, which focuses on the environmentally friendly extraction of lithium.
In support of the WWF Germany and in a joint declaration with other industry companies, the BMW Group has committed to protecting the deep sea, refusing to buy from or support deep-sea mining.
On the occasion of the IAA motor show, the BMW Group sends out a powerful visual statement about sustainability, the circular economy and electromobility.
On the occasion of the 2021 IAA motor show, the BMW Group conveyed firm and visionary messages on sustainability and CO2 reduction by illuminating the BMW Group’s four cylinder.
New soundscapes for pure-electric driving pleasure: BMW IconicSounds Electric.
BMW has partnered with the Academy Award-winning film score composer Hans Zimmer to create an enhanced and emotionally engaging experience through iconic sounds for customers of BMW electric vehicles.
Delivered as promised: BMW Group delivers its one-millionth electrified vehicle and achieves new milestone
The BMW Group continues to deliver on its sustainability goals in a planned and timely manner, having delivered its one-millionth electrified vehicle in December 2021.
In October 2021, BMW jumpstarted production of the fully electric BMW i4 at its plant in Munich, a milestone on the way to BMW Group’s way to electromobility By 2023, at least half of all vehicles produced at Plant Munich are set to be electrified.
Araquari, Brazil | Circular Economy, Social Responsibility
Innovative ideas for waste
Catalyzed through the BMW Group accelerator programme “Innovation for Impact”, three BMW employees founded the “Upcycle Element” think tank and in doing so created innovative ways to transform discarded work uniforms into stylish everyday products, ranging from handbags to laptop cases.
The BMW Group traveled with a diverse delegation to the One Young World (OYW) Summit 2022, which took place in Manchester this year. Rethinking and actively shaping the future today is not only the mission statement of the One Young World organization, but also firmly anchored in the consciousness of the BMW Group. The focus is particularly on promoting young talent. The BMW Group has therefore been a partner of the non-profit organization since 2016. Over the years, more than 200 BMW Group ambassadors have participated in the development program for Young Leaders. The preliminary highlight of the collaboration was last year's summit at the BMW Welt in Munich.
Munich | Social Responsibility
Munich club Spielen in der Stadt e.V. wins the joint BMW Group and United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Intercultural Innovation Award
In tandem with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, the BMW Group awarded Munich’s club Spielen in der Stadt e.V with the Intercultural Innovation Award. The club was awarded for its dedication to increasing awareness of the holocaust and dark side of national socialism through dance, film and theatre.
USA / South Africa / Germany | Social Responsibility
BMW Group Award for Social Responsibility presented for the tenth time
Through its yearly employee Social Responsibility Award, the BMW Group invests in positive social change and an inclusive society; in 2021, award winners came from South Africa, Germany and the USA.
Bidirectional Charging Management (BCM) pilot project enters key phase: customer test vehicles with the ability to give back green energy.
In July 2021, the BMW Group handed over its first 50 BMW i3s with new Bidirectional Charging Management technology for customer testing in a new pilot program. The new technology aims to intelligently interlink vehicles and power grids.
The BMW Group joins the Leather Working Group. The aim of the organization is to standardize environmental and social standards for global leather supply chains across industries and to certify manufacturers.
Significantly increased use of low-CO2 steel in European series production
The BMW Group is expanding its purchase of low-CO2 steel in its European plants. Central to this is the use of hydrogen, which replaces coal in the conventional blast furnace process. This is made possible by so-called direct reduction plants, in which iron ore is reduced to iron directly in the solid state by hydrogen.
Chile | Social Responsibility, E-Mobility, Resources
BMW Group participates in responsible lithium mining in Chile
The “Responsible Lithium Partnership” is committed to responsible use of natural resources in the Salar de Atacama. The aim is to gain a common understanding with local interest groups. The BMW Group is contributing scientific studies on the effects of lithium mining to the project.
The BMW Group continues its consistent emission reduction in 2021
The BMW Group's CO2 fleet emissions in 2021 were 115.9 g/km (WLTP), which represents a significant reduction of 14% compared to the previous year. As a result, the company is around ten grams below the fleet target limit set by the EU, driven by increased efficiency in conventional drives and the high demand for electrified vehicles.
BMW i Ventures invests in High-Performance-Components made from natural fibers
The BMW Group acquires a stake in the Swiss company Bcomp, which produces sustainable lightweight solutions. Cooperation in motorsport is intensified and joint research and development work for the production of series vehicles begins.
From 2024, all aluminum wheels will be produced with 100% green electricity
The changeover of aluminum electrolysis and wheel production is expected to save up to 500,000 tons of CO2 per year. In 2023, the first MINI model will be launched on the market with aluminum wheels made from 70 percent secondary raw material.
The extensive expansion work at the plant of the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (BBA) has been completed. After completion of the remodeling, the plant in Dadong will be based on the principles of the BMW iFactory: LEAN. GREEN. DIGITAL.
BMW iFACTORY. LEAN. GREEN. DIGITAL. - The Master plan for the production of the future
Highly flexible, efficient, sustainable and digital: That are the new standards the BMW Group sets with their BMW iFACTORY. The principles of the BMW iFactory – LEAN. GREEN. DIGITAL. – are true for all production plants worldwide. In Debrecen (Hungary), the new plant will be the first that completely dispenses with the use of fossil fuels. From 2025, the fully-electric Neue Klasse will be produced here.
In its European plants the BMW Group uses matt paint from biomass instead of petroleum oil. In Leipzig and Rosslyn (Southafrica), sustainably produced corrosion protection is also used. These innovative corrosion protection and matt paint produced without fossil resources reduce CO2 emissions by 40%. The BMW Group is the first Automobile producer worldwide using these.
Munich/Rotterdam/Copenhagen | Production, Social Responsibility
International cooperation shapes pioneering vision for urban production
The two architectural firms OMA from Rotterdam and 3XN from Copenhagen present their shared vision for production in urban environment. The Project started with an architectural competition which the BMW Group has launched together with the state capital of Munich for BMW Group plant Munich.
Opening of competence center for battery cell production in autumn 2022
The BMW Group is opening its Competence Center for Battery Cell Production (CMCC) in autumn 2022. The near-series production of lithium-ion battery cells is carried out in the center. As a result, the cell's value-added processes can be fully analyzed and understood.
BMW Group establishes a closed recycling circuit for high-voltage batteries in China
The closed material cycle includes nickel, lithium and cobalt. The valuable raw materials are reused for the production of new battery cells. The batteries come from fully and partially electric development vehicles, test facilities, production rejects and, in future, end-of-life vehicles. This reduces CO2 emissions by around 70% compared to the use of primary material.
Driving fun for people with disabilities with the MINI Cooper SE
The driving and operating aids of the MINI Cooper SE enable emission-free driving fun for people with disabilities for the first time. For safe and sporty handling of the converted vehicle, MINI offers special driving safety training at the Driving Experience Academy Maisach near Munich.
Electricity instead of gas: Light metal foundry saves around 60 tons of CO2 per station annually.
The BMW Group plant in Landshut relies on resource-saving electric heating stations for aluminum smelting. The initiative of an employee a spart of the company’s internal ideas and innovation management lead to a pilot operation of electricity-powered heating stations. Until now, heating stations throughout the foundry were operated with gas.
Over 200 million tonnes: The BMW Group sets ambitious goal to reduce carbon emissions by 2030
Powered by water: BMW Group manufactures electric cars with regional green electricity
Sustainably produced and highly individual: BMW M4 small series takes shape using new paint process
E-drive train production for the fully-electric models BMW iX and BMW i4 begins
BMW Group commits to protecting the deep sea
On the occasion of the IAA motor show, the BMW Group sends out a powerful visual statement about sustainability, the circular economy and electromobility.
Delivered as promised: BMW Group delivers its one-millionth electrified vehicle and achieves new milestone
BMW Group Plant Munich goes fully electric
Munich club Spielen in der Stadt e.V. wins the joint BMW Group and United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Intercultural Innovation Award
BMW Group accelerates carbon reduction with Neue Klasse and commits to circular economy
Bidirectional Charging Management (BCM) pilot project enters key phase: customer test vehicles with the ability to give back green energy.
BMW Group joins the Leather Working Group
Significantly increased use of low-CO2 steel in European series production
The BMW Group continues its consistent emission reduction in 2021
From 2024, all aluminum wheels will be produced with 100% green electricity
BMW iFACTORY. LEAN. GREEN. DIGITAL. - The Master plan for the production of the future
International cooperation shapes pioneering vision for urban production
Opening of competence center for battery cell production in autumn 2022
Driving fun for people with disabilities with the MINI Cooper SE
Electricity instead of gas: Light metal foundry saves around 60 tons of CO2 per station annually.
Great Britain
BMW Group at COP 26 UN Climate Summit in Glasgow: “No more waiting. No more clever tactics. It’s time to act. Now!”
One Young World Summit 2022 in Manchester
Austria
BMW Group creates closed-loop material cycle for tungsten production tools
USA
BMW Group invests in innovative method for CO2-free steel production
BMW Group invests in innovative method for efficient and sustainable lithium extraction
New soundscapes for pure-electric driving pleasure: BMW IconicSounds Electric.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
“Cobalt for Development” project started trainings for mining cooperatives
Sweden
Harnessing wind and hydroelectric power from the Arctic Circle: BMW Group plans to source steel produced with green power and hydrogen from northern Sweden
Mexico
Revolution, not evolution: BMW Group will reduce its carbon footprint by 2030 predominantly by using innovative materials
Indonesia
The BMW Group and Pirelli together with Birdlife International initiate project to contribute to safeguarding Indonesia’s natural ecosystem
Brasil
Innovative ideas for waste
South Africa
BMW Group Award for Social Responsibility presented for the tenth time
Use of sustainable paints made from bio-waste
Chile
BMW Group participates in responsible lithium mining in Chile
Switzerland
BMW i Ventures invests in High-Performance-Components made from natural fibers
China
BBA plant Dadong expansion opens
BMW Group establishes a closed recycling circuit for high-voltage batteries in China
In dialogue with our stakeholders
BMW Group fosters regular dialogue on diverse topics with its stakeholders in all relevant markets. Would you like to take part in our permanent stakeholder survey?