Statement Part I – Vision Neue Klasse X

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In 1999 — 25 years ago — BMW presented the first X5, and with it established the sporty SAV segment. Since then, the X Family has been a pillar of the BMW brand, with around 12 million X vehicles sold worldwide. Today, the X family covers all customer wishes in this segment — from the premium compact class with the X1 to the luxury class with the X7 and XM.

Now, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X looks ahead to the future of BMW and a totally new generation of BMW X models. This future doesn’t start on some far-off date – it begins next year, when we turn vision into a reality that our customers can experience for themselves.

Last year, we presented the BMW Vision Neue Klasse at the IAA Mobility, an outlook of what a sporty sedan from the NEUE KLASSE could look like. Because we aren’t just ramping-up e-mobility in niche models – but in our most successful, highest-volume segments.

From 2025 on, we expect demand for all-electric vehicles to increase significantly. That is precisely when we will be releasing the NEUE KLASSE onto the market. The NEUE KLASSE represents a start into a completely new model generation. It is redefining the BMW brand. With the NEUE KLASSE, we are taking BMW into the future:
in design, technology and the philosophy of the brand.

For the first time, we are showcasing the systematic implementation of the automotive industry's three major areas of future mobility combined. This means: electric, fully digital, and with a clear focus on sustainability. We have significantly improved each of these aspects.

Take the sixth generation of our battery cells, which we will use for the first time in the NEUE KLASSE: Quantum leaps in energy density will provide our customers 30 per cent more range and 30 per cent faster charging. The potential of digitalization can also be experienced in the NEUE KLASSE in totally new ways. This is made possible by four completely new electronic control units. Each one comes with computing power that is up to ten times faster than current systems.

Our completely redesigned iDrive redefines the interface between humans and machines. At the same time, we are also making impressive advances in the field of sustainability.

We are turning all the dials. In this way, we can significantly reduce our products’ carbon footprint and move even closer to circular use of raw materials. We are sticking to this path – also because our customers expect it from us.

And the most important thing is: These developments do not just benefit the NEUE KLASSE, they benefit all future BMW models.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

All of this shows that: With the NEUE KLASSE, we aren’t just opening the next chapter in the history of mobility – we are writing a whole new book: More Sheer Driving Pleasure. More digital experiences.

More sustainability.

In other words: More BMW than ever before.

Statement Part II - corporate messages

Ladies and Gentlemen,

You certainly couldn’t ask for more BMW or more future! With the NEUE KLASSE, we are rethinking individual mobility from the ground up. And what is more consistent than to apply this new approach to everything that defines the core of the BMW brand?

First of all, that refers to the BMW X philosophy embodied by the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X. But sportiness is also at the heart of every BMW. And it is this characteristic that the BMW Vision Neue Klasse completely reimagines in a sporty sedan.

Today, you can see both Vision Vehicles together on one stage for the first time. On the one hand, it shows how consistent the NEUE KLASSE is – in terms of design, technology and the relevant parameters for sustainability. On the other, it demonstrates how broad the NEUE KLASSE is. Here, you can see the two bookends of what we can imagine. But there is still plenty of room for other models and innovations in-between.

I can promise you today that: We will be taking both of these Vision Vehicles from the stage to the roads in a very similar form very soon. At least six different NEUE KLASSE models will be released in the first 24 months following the start of production. I call this an unprecedented and highly ambitious timeline. But if anyone can do it, then it’s us at BMW.

The NEUE KLASSE will significantly accelerate our ramp-up of e-mobility once again. But BEVs – along with our models in the upper premium and luxury segment – are already our biggest growth drivers. Last year, we sold more than 375,000 all-electric vehicles.

This year, once again, our fully-electric vehicles should see significant double-digit growth.

We will soon have sold more than one million BEVs worldwide. Including plug-in hybrids, we already passed the milestone of two million electrified vehicles. Plug-in hybrids are especially popular with our European customers. That is one of the reasons why it only took us just over two years to double our overall xEV deliveries from one to two million.

For the BMW Group overall, we are anticipating a slight increase in sales in 2024. The foundation for this is our wide range of drive technologies, all of which we are systematically further developing.

In this way, we can ensure we always offer the right products and services at the right time.

This also substantially reduces our carbon footprint. At the end of 2023, we outperformed the CO₂ limit set for us by the European Union by more than 20 percent. This shows that our strategy not only reflects customer requirements, but also ensures effective CO₂ reduction. Climate protection cannot be achieved successfully if it does not take customer needs into account. It just doesn't work. That is why we believe a comprehensive review of CO₂ fleet legislation in the EU is essential. Regulatory frameworks that ignore customer needs and market realities cannot be successful.

Especially, if they are unable to create the necessary conditions for alternative technologies. Then, they only provide objectives but exclude possible solutions. By the end of this year, we will have more than 15 fully-electric models in our line-up – from MINI, BMW and
Rolls-Royce as well as BMW Motorrad.

No matter if on two wheels or on four wheels – we always offer the best of everything. As promised, we offer at least one all-electric model for every brand as well as in every one of our core segments. This dynamism is reflected in our share of the global BEV market: At 4.1 percent, it is already significantly higher than our share of the total global market, which is at 3.3 percent.

We still expect half our deliveries to be all-electric before 2030. However, growth in BEVs worldwide is not linear. That was always clear to us. Development is volatile and market-specific, due to several factors. We remain as flexible as possible – that has been our strategy for years and we have reflected that efficiently in our architectures. We continue to prudently steer our BEV ramp-up in line with differentiated demand in global regions. And we have been successful.

For us, it is important to always maintain a realistic view of the development of e-mobility. BEV growth does not benefit from a purely ideological approach, but from long-term planning and consistent implementation of goals. That is why we are creating the best-possible conditions for this in our production network and supply chain – on a global scale.

The first production vehicles of the NEUE KLASSE will start rolling off the line at our new Plant Debrecen in the second half of 2025. That is where the first SAV model on our new fully-electric architecture will be launched. The sporty sedan, on the other hand, will ramp up from 2026 at our Plant Munich, which we are currently gearing up for the start of production.

Every second BMW produced at Plant Munich is already fully electric today. From late 2027 onwards, our more than 100-year-old main plant will exclusively build electric vehicles. We will also be manufacturing the NEUE KLASSE at our plants in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and Shenyang, China. This perfectly demonstrates: Whether at a greenfield site or a traditional location, whether in Europe, Asia or the Americas – we are mastering the complexity and leading all our production sites into the future.

As you know, to master e-mobility you need powerful batteries.

We have made it our mission to understand every aspect of battery cells – from cell composition and cell format, all the way to industrial manufacturing.

We are able to recreate the entire process at our Battery Cell Competence Centre in Munich and the Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre in Parsdorf in Bavaria.

We are also applying our local for local principle to cell production for our batteries. Facilities will be located in direct proximity to our vehicle plants. This has led us to build our own production facilities for Gen5, as we are now doing in Thailand, and for the sixth generation of BMW high-voltage batteries in Hungary, the US, Mexico and China. This ensures short transport distances and secures our supply against unforeseen events around the globe.

From 2026, Gen6 batteries for our plants in Bavaria will come from our new location in Irlbach-Straßkirchen. Establishing an industrial site like this is no longer a straightforward process – especially in Germany. We sought frank and open discussion with residents in the early stages and explained the sustainable design and advantages of our location in Lower Bavaria to them.

This is how we build trust. We are very pleased that residents voted strongly in support of our new site. We see this as confirmation of our efforts. The future of e-mobility also entails integrating vehicles into the power grid: With the NEUE KLASSE, we are introducing bi-directional charging, which we have already tested extensively. Our customers can feed electrical energy stored in the vehicle back into their own house, electrical devices like your e-bike or the public power grid: This lowers electricity costs and helps stabilise networks.

As you can see: With the NEUE KLASSE, we are taking mobility to a new level and, at the same time, becoming an entirely new company.

All BMW models will benefit from the innovations of the NEUE KLASSE.

That means: In the near future, you will recognise the NEUE KLASSE in every BMW.

Our BMW Motorrad brand is well on its way to emission-free mobility in urban spaces. I like to ride a motorbike myself, whenever I have the time. So, I am delighted that we are launching many new models this year. Three of them stand out particularly:

Here, you can see the new CE02.

It is the second fully-electric model after the CE04, standing next to it, which is the undisputed market leader in its segment. There is something special about the new CE02 that makes it particularly appealing to young people: In Germany and other countries, you only have to be 15 to ride it.

The M 1000 XR is already the second M motorcycle model.
There are also a lot of fans eagerly awaiting the R 1300 GS Adventure. A comprehensive offering on two wheels: Whatever customers are looking for, they will find it at BMW Motorrad.

Just like BMW Motorrad, our MINI brand has a passionate fan community around the globe. With our NEW MINI Famliy we are taking the brand into a new dimension. Just as the NEUE KLASSE is doing for the BMW brand.

Now, MINI is gearing up for a world premiere: the Aceman.

This will be the third member of the NEW MINI Family and the first MINI we are offering exclusively as an all-electric vehicle. Even if it’s still camouflaged — I can promise you: It is unmistakeably a MINI – inside and out: signature design, go-kart feeling and digitally in tune with the times. And all this combined with a minimal ecological footprint. That describes not only the Aceman, but the entire New MINI family.

The Aceman fills the gap between the Cooper and the Countryman, which has grown significantly bigger. The all-new Countryman has been well received – whether with a combustion engine or all-electric. And the all-new Cooper, which will be available starting in May, is already sold out for the next four months.

Our NEW MINI family will be built at our Spotlight joint venture in China; in Oxford, UK, and, for the first time, in Germany, at Plant Leipzig. In the second half of the year, we will launch the all-new MINI Convertible which many fans are eagerly waiting for.

Together with the 5-door MINI Cooper, our NEW MINI family will then be complete. And now let’s jump from one end of our portfolio to the other. From the MINI typical Go-Kart-Feeling to our ultra-luxury marque.

Spectre* is the first battery-electric Rolls-Royce model to hit the showrooms. With its all-electric drive train we are bringing the driving experience at Rolls-Royce to a whole new level: that feels effortless just like a magic carpet ride.

We have never had so many pre-orders for a Rolls-Royce model. This shows that our exclusive customers acknowledge how perfectly Rolls-Royce and electrification fit together. Rolls-Royce is an unparalleled success story. Our luxury brand, with its unique product portfolio, has never been as strong and as differentiated as it is today. And let’s not forget the significant contribution margin it earns for the company.

And, now, Ladies and Gentlemen, as promised:

the new BMW 5 Series Touring!

BMW is where Touring meets e-drive: No one else in this segment has a vehicle like this on offer. The i5* Touring will be available from May. It delivers an electric range of over 500 kilometres and is especially popular in Europe.

The 5 Series Sedan and the i5 will also be available exclusively in China with a longer wheelbase. Both will be built at BMW Brilliance Plant Dadong.

Our high-performance brand BMW M also offers a technological spectrum: With the i4 M50*, the i5 M60* and the i7 M70* we have
three all-electric models on offer. And by the way, the all-electric i4 M50 is yet again our best-selling M model.

This year, fans can especially look forward to the new edition of the M5 – first, as a sedan, and later, also as a Touring. Both M variants come with an impressive partially electrified drive train. With the BMW M hybrid system, they are able to drive more than 70 kilometres on electric power alone.

Our plug-in hybrids remain an important element of our drivetrain portfolio. Why? Because they provide a boost to e-mobility that should not be underestimated. Many customers discover and come to appreciate the advantages of electric driving in this way.

The 5 Series and the 5 Series Touring are concrete examples of how BMW is implementing a variety of drivetrains to meet very diverse customer needs.

All of this is based on our flexible architecture, which enables us to cover the entire spectrum: from powerful BEVs to smart plug-in-hybrids to highly efficient combustion engines and high-performance M models.

The success of this approach has been reflected in our key figures for several years — in sales and profit margins. With our broad technological approach we are already thinking one step ahead: We have been testing the BMW iX5 Hydrogen* in selected countries under everyday conditions since last year.

Our pilot fleet’s world tour has raised awareness of the role hydrogen can play in the energy transition – not just for mobility, but industry-wide. Our vehicles performed well under various climate and traffic conditions, and the public response has been overwhelmingly positive.

This was no surprise to us, since hydrogen fuel cell drivetrains combine the best of both worlds: the advantages of an emission-free e-drive with the fast refuelling people are used to. That’s why we see hydrogen as an additional alternative drive technology that could make a lot of sense in the mid to long term.

For us, our aspiration to be strong tomorrow means being already strong today.

This is especially true of the new edition of our best-selling X model, the BMW X3, which will be released later this year. The new X3 will be available with a choice of highly efficient combustion engines or as a plug-in hybrid.

At the same time, we are preparing for the next major leap: The NEUE KLASSE is built on a separate new architecture – already tailored today to the electric vehicles of tomorrow. This enables us to make the best possible use of economies of scale as demand for electric models grows.

Vehicle architectures are important, but they are not the decisive lever – that would be our technology clusters. They enable innovations and technological advances to be scaled efficiently across all architectures. Behind this is a modular principle that allows us to roll out technologies to different vehicle concepts and segments.

This ensures that the innovations of the NEUE KLASSE will benefit the entire BMW model line-up in the coming years.

We don’t divide our products into “old” and “new”, but always offer our customers the latest technology – regardless of the vehicle's powertrain.

We are using the NEUE KLASSE as our innovation and technology booster for the entire portfolio and for all major future mobility topics that we implement in our vehicles, including design.

The NEUE KLASSE is our impulse, initiator and enabler to roll out new technologies over the next few years. As you can see: We will continue to serve all markets according to their needs, providing top products in all segments. The full range of four drive technologies, regardless of which architecture they are built on, is just one aspect here.

The BMW Group is a tech company. The ability to manage this complexity, to orchestrate, scale and further develop technologies is one of the BMW Group’s greatest strengths and a unique selling point. With this in mind, we offer our customers the best, coherent overall package. That is our aspiration and our goal. It might even be the most important secret ingredient in our company's success.

We already showcase our innovative strength in automated driving with models like the BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series. The new BMW 5 Series is the first car in Germany approved for partially automated driving at up to 130 km/h on motorways. A completely new feature is the Active Lane Change Assistant with eye confirmation. The driver simply glances briefly in the exterior mirror and the car changes lanes.

Starting in March 2024, our customers will be able to experience Level 3 highly automated driving in the BMW 7 Series. This means you can let go of the wheel and temporarily turn your attention to something else.

Your 7 Series takes care of speed and distance control all
by itself, as well as lane tracking.

The steps to automated driving is one of the three main stories on the online version of the “BMW Group Report 2023”. I invite you to click through our online report. Our award-winning online Report will once again provide you with a compact overview of everything we are working on. You can experience what moves us and you try out our interactive KPI calculator. Just like the title says:
Driving the NEXT ERA.

Our spectacular Vision Vehicles show the direction in which we are taking mobility, in line with the major topics of the future. The most important aspect for our customers is: What does it feel like on the road?

In the Board of Management, we already got to drive a pre-series model of the NEUE KLASSE. We all agree that: It is Sheer Driving Pleasure at a whole new level. This is something only we can do! It is typically BMW.

A lot of people talk about transformation. That is when one thing replaces another. But, in our industry, it is more a case of things happening at the same time: Parallel approaches that still unmistakably move us forwards. That is why the BMW Group is committed to continuous and simultaneous progress – through bold leaps in innovation and responsible action.

And that brings us full circle:

Strong today – and strong tomorrow.

Thank you!

Good morning, and welcome to the BMW Group!

This is the time of year we usually meet in Geneva and it is unfortunate that this year, we are unable to do so. However, safety is always our highest priority and we fully understand and respect the decision taken by the Federal Council of Switzerland. We would like to express our utmost empathy to all those directly affected across the world. And in these truly challenging times, we all hope that the virus will soon be contained, and we can all return to everyday life.

Even though we couldn’t meet in Geneva, we felt that it was important to give everyone an update on “what’s new” at the BMW Group. And also, to pay tribute to the many people who have worked tirelessly on our new products and their presentation. And that’s why we are here, at the very heart of BMW Group Design, for the world premiere of a very special concept car.

At the BMW Group, we believe in the power of choice and electro-mobility is an important part of that. That’s why we are launching many new electrified vehicles over the next few years.

The brand-new MINI Electric is already in high demand, with more than 120,000 registered interests and close to 7,000 order intakes. This proves it is the perfect car for urban areas! This year we will be launching the all-electric BMW iX3 - our first pure electric Sports Activity vehicle - and the trailblazer for our all-new fifth generation BMW eDrive technology. We will also be launching further plug-in hybrids in 2020: For example, the new BMW X1 plug-in hybrid, the BMW X2 and the electrified BMW 3 Series Touring will be attractive additions to our wide range. Already, we have over half a million BMW Group electrified vehicles on the road. And we intend to double this number by the end of next year.

More fully-electric vehicles will be coming next year, including the BMW iNEXT and the BMW i4. Today, we want to give you a glimpse of the BMW i4. Let’s take a look! (Unveiling of the BMW Concept i4)

Ladies and Gentlemen: The Concept i4!

This four-door BMW Gran Coupé is fully electric and just as fascinating and fast as it looks. It is also suited to long distances, with an electric range of up to 600 kilometres, based on the new WLTP test cycle. Powered by our fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, it has a very slim battery with optimum energy density.

Moreover, the development and production of the e-drive is done in-house, as well as the battery cell research. The e-drive offers a thrilling peak performance of up to 530 horsepower. And, we will not use any rare earths in the electric motor.

All of this shows that we are fully committed to climate protection.

I can assure you and our customers: We will fulfil the tough European CO2 regulations for 2020 and 2021. This year alone, we will reduce our European fleet target by around 20 percent.

I promise you: Our customers will never have to compromise between driving pleasure and sustainable mobility. Every BMW will drive like a true BMW. The BMW i4 will definitely be proof of that! We will build this great car right here in Munich, and I can tell you this: The design you see here is quite close to the actual series car.

Thank you!

Knudt Flor, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing Co

Governor McMaster,

Senator Graham,

Ambassador Wittig,

Distinguished Guests,

BMW Associates,

Good morning and welcome to BMW Plant Spartanburg!

Each and every one of you here today is important to the United States, the state of South Carolina and to Plant Spartanburg, so I would like to begin by taking a moment to recognize all elected officials. Please be kind enough to stand for us so you may be acknowledged. On behalf of the BMW Group, I would like to thank you for twenty-five years of continued support and personal commitment to this plant’s success. Thank you!

Governor McMaster, thank you for your continued efforts in promoting this partnership, as many governors – especially the late Governor Carroll Campbell - before you have done. We’d also like to say a special “thank you” to Bobby Hitt, the Secretary of Commerce, who has been instrumental in the tremendous growth of Plant Spartanburg.

From the BMW Group, I would like to introduce Mr. Harald Krueger, Chairman of the Board of Management, and Mr. Oliver Zipse, Member of the Board of Management, responsible for Production worldwide. We welcome the national and international press, as we celebrate 25 Years Spartanburg and the All-New BMW X3!

Also, please join me in welcoming our valued dealers and suppliers from the U.S., our managers from Munich, and last, but certainly not least, I am delighted to welcome all of our associates here on site - the heart and soul of Plant Spartanburg!

25 years ago, our company reached an historic agreement with local government to build our first U.S. BMW plant in the great state of South Carolina. It was the start of something very special - a wonderful friendship and a new beginning. As BMW’s Chairman, Mr. Eberhard von Kuenheim stated back in 1992: “Seldom in the history of our company, has a community extended such a warm welcome to us as here in Spartanburg, in the state of South Carolina, USA. We have felt at home here from the first day on.”

In 1994, Spartanburg began operations with 570 associates, under the motto of “Welcome to the Future”. Today, we are proud to have over 9,000 associates here! Spartanburg has grown to become the largest plant in the BMW Group’s worldwide production network. That, in itself, is a very strong statement about our commitment to South Carolina and to the U.S.

It is our global competence center for our very successful BMW X vehicles. Currently, the plant produces X3, X4, X5 and X6 models, as well as M and hybrid variants. We are looking forward to starting production of the BMW X7 in late 2018. Today, we are delighted to give you an exclusive world premiere of the All-New BMW X3. The BMW X3 is without a doubt, the best vehicle in its segment. More on that shortly!

Of course, the success story of Plant Spartanburg wouldn’t have been possible without people. People have made and continue to make the difference.

We are proud of the people who work here – they are highly skilled and dedicated to building premium quality vehicles for our customers. I am proud to be the leader of such an incredible team at such a remarkable time. World class products are built here every single day. It’s thanks to you, our associates that BMW feels very much at home here in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

We are honored to have so many friends here and immensely proud to call South Carolina “our home away from home”. It is our goal, and our commitment, to remain a strong and reliable partner for our associates, our customers, South Carolina, and the United States.

Of course, a picture is worth a thousand words – here’s a film to remind us of a few highlights from the past 25 years.

Thank you!

Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG

Governor McMaster,

Senator Graham,

Ambassador Wittig,

Honored guests,

It’s great to be back in Plant Spartanburg again!

The film we just saw underscores the BMW Group’s strong commitment

• to the United States of America,
• to South Carolina,
• and to all our associates and partners here in the U.S.

All of this shows that the U.S. is clearly our home away from home.

We are proud to be responsible for around 70,000 jobs in this great nation – including dealer network and suppliers. The effect of that employment multiplies to a total of more than 120,000 jobs nationwide. This is according to a new study from the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. Furthermore, our purchasing volume in America is now at 5.7 billion US dollars.

25 years ago, we made a crucial and forward looking decision. We decided to build our first full production plant outside of Germany in the U.S. – right here, in South Carolina. The BMW Group’s success in America would not be possible without the open arms and warm hearts of the people and elected officials in the great state of South Carolina and the surrounding region.

Senator Graham, it is an honor to have you with us here today. We greatly appreciate your ongoing support over the years.

Our relationship with South Carolina has been built upon decades of mutual trust and respect – and goes far beyond just building cars. Governor McMaster, as you have kindly said – we have become part of the very fabric of this great state. And David Britt, we were deeply touched by your words when you said: “BMW is the gift that keeps on giving”.

I am extremely proud of the highly skilled people who work here for the BMW Group. Their passion for excellence ensures that BMW vehicles built in the U.S. excite and inspire customers all over the world. Some of my fondest memories are from my time here at the plant as a manager. Since then, one thing has never changed – the unique spirit that makes BMW Plant Spartanburg so special: It’s all about People, Performance, Passion and Pride.

Today, I would like to thank all of our associates here, at Plant Spartanburg, for their strong commitment. You bring this plant to life – with your work, every single day. Thank you for your outstanding dedication! I am sure you all would agree that our associates deserve a round of applause.

Governor McMaster,

Senator Graham,

World-class people build world-class products. Today, Spartanburg is our largest plant worldwide. It is the global competence center for our X family vehicles, including the BMW X3. The BMW X3 is the most successful vehicle in its segment worldwide. Today, we are very proud to present you the third generation – “Built by BMW in the U.S. for the world”!

About 70% of our production from Spartanburg is exported to more than 140 countries. Thanks to our great, hardworking team here in the U.S., BMW was once again the leading U.S. automotive exporter by value in 2016 - a title we hold with pride.

Free trade has made our joint success story in South Carolina and the U.S. possible. A story, we want to continue, together with all of you. I firmly believe in free trade and open markets. It is essential for global businesses and economies around the world to flourish.

Altogether, the BMW Group has invested eight billion US dollars in Plant Spartanburg to date. I am delighted to say, we are investing a further 600 million US dollars in our manufacturing infrastructure here, up to 2021. This is for future generations of our X models. In the next four years, we will also create 1,000 new jobs, taking our workforce here to over 10,000.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Training and qualifying our associates is key to our future success. We believe in education! That’s why the BMW Group will invest $200 million over the next five years – solely for the training and further education of associates at Spartanburg. In addition to this, we will begin to roll out a nationwide training program. We work together with local universities and colleges to offer a combination of training on the job and earning a degree. We will keep investing in our people and in our business in the U.S. This underscores our enduring commitment to the people of this great state and nation.

Therefore, I remain confident: Our footprint and commitment will continue to grow – not only in the Great State of South Carolina but also in the United States in the years to come.

(Unveiling of new BMW X3)

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The new BMW X3!

I can tell you, it’s really amazing to drive. Over two generations, the BMW X3 has been delivered to more than 1.5 million customers worldwide. I’m certain: This new generation will raise the bar even higher! Thanks to the team in Spartanburg for your great contribution. “Built by BMW in the U.S. for the world”!

Governor McMaster, Senator Graham, Ambassador Wittig, Oliver, Knudt, dear Associates – please come and join me on stage.

Thank you!

Mr. Karsten Engel

Dà Jiā Zǎo Shàng Hǎo!  (Good morning everyone)

Last month, we were very proud to hand over the two millionth BMW in China. This was a significant milestone for us and we look forward to welcoming even more customers to the brand in the future.

Today, we are delighted to present some very important new models in Shanghai. These clearly reflect the BMW Group’s confidence in, and commitment to the future of the Chinese market.  

As a successful company and a corporate citizen, BMW will remain firmly committed to social responsibility in China.  In the past 7 years, our “Warm Heart Fund” has involved a significant amount of customers and dealers in public-service activities. Including youth traffic education programs, BMW has helped around half a million people. This is an integral part of our dedication to build a strong foundation for the future.

In 2015, the BMW Group aims to achieve sustainable growth in China, which is aligned with the outlook of the Chinese market. We will continue to focus on the quality of business and customer satisfaction. The growth of the BMW Group in China this year will be driven by our highly attractive product portfolio, which will be enhanced by more than 10 new and revised models.

I would like to highlight that BMW is in a good position to tap into the fast-growing premium SAV and premium compact segments in this market. And you will see more on that very soon.

Our business will also be driven by our highly appealing brand. I’m very proud that our customers continue to perceive the BMW brand as the hallmark of innovation, passion and sustainability.

Let’s now begin with a unique expression of Sheer Riding Pleasure on two wheels – the latest generation BMW S 1000RR, which is setting new standards in the super-sports motorcycle segment. With even sharper performance and particular attention on rider-friendliness, the new S 1000 RR excels in every respect. It will continue to defend its position at the top of the super-sports segment!

2014 was a very successful year for BMW Motorrad.  This year we plan to build upon this success and introduce another 7 new models, including the S1000RR. This will bring our product offer in China to a total number of 16 different models, which covers customer demand in all segments. 

Now I would like to hand over to Dr. Ian Robertson. Thank you very much!

Dr. Ian Robertson

Ni men hao ladies and gentlemen!

It’s great to be back in Shanghai.

China’s combination of strong tradition and a focus on the future is the same blend of qualities that underpins the success of BMW.  Our ties with China are long-standing and we will continue to heavily invest in this market. Over the last five years we have invested more than two billion euros in our Chinese plants.

Annual production capacity will increase from 300,000 to 400,000 units in the next years and we are going to double our range of locally produced models from three to six.

As the world’s leading premium car company, our customers expect us to fulfill their individual wishes and demands.

And given the high demand for BMW vehicles worldwide, we are truly “spot-on” with our product portfolio. The BMW Group just achieved its strongest ever first quarter in sales worldwide. We are very pleased to have achieved solid growth in our key regions of Asia, America and Europe. We’re confident that the new models we’re presenting today will further drive that momentum.

Time and again, BMW has paved the way by creating new segments with truly innovative vehicles. The most recent example is right here - celebrating its Asia premiere in Shanghai.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer!

This is the world’s first premium Multi Purpose Vehicle – the first premium seven-seater in the compact segment. It combines the best of BMW engineering in terms of quality, dynamics, design and safety with great space and flexibility. No other MPV handles, corners or feels as secure as the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer.

It was designed to maximize space for both passengers and cargo. It offers ample headroom and the panorama roof also enhances the luxurious feeling of “spaciousness”.

With three rows of seats, it can take seven passengers. We are certain that customers will appreciate the ease of adjusting the seats, the elevated seating position, and the intelligent storage options.

And, the Gran Tourer has more safety and connectivity features than any other vehicle in its segment. It offers full-colour Head-up Display, Adaptive Cruise Control and Park Assistant, just to name a few.

We believe that this is a vehicle customers have been waiting for and that there is much potential here in the Chinese market.

Earlier on I talked about how creating new segments is part of BMW’s DNA.

Back in 1999, we celebrated the launch of a brand new concept for premium vehicles: the BMW X5. The BMW Group made the bold decision to create a new premium segment - the Sports Activity Vehicle - and hasn't looked back since.

“The boss” has been delivered to over 1.5 million customers since its debut.

Today, we are entering a new chapter with the BMW X5. We are fulfilling the needs of customers who desire the benefits of a full-size SAV, with zero-emission driving.

I am delighted to present you with the World Premiere of the BMW X5 xDrive40e.

We are very proud of this car. It combines the best of both worlds: the versatility and luxurious ambience of a full-size SAV, together with outstanding efficiency.

It is a great example of how our core models are benefitting from the technology and know-how transfer from BMW i.

Over the long term, we plan to offer every BMW model as a plug-in hybrid version.

China has the potential to become the world’s largest market for new energy vehicles.

As the leader in sustainable mobility, the BMW Group will continue to drive this field forward.

Let’s take a closer look at the BMW X5 with eDrive technology. Driven by a four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a synchronous electric motor, it provides both a sporty and efficient ride.

The figures speak for themselves:

• Only 3.3 liters of fuel consumption per 100 km
• Emissions of just 77 g CO2/km
• With 313 horsepower!

In electric mode, the BMW X5 xDrive40e offers a range of up to 31 km and a top speed of 120km/h. The intelligent hybrid powertrain control ensures that the engine and the electric motor work together in perfect unison.

The lithium-ion battery is housed under the rear luggage compartment, so there’s no compromise on luggage space. Charging the battery is easy. Simply charge at home from a standard outlet or take advantage of faster charging with the BMW i Wallbox or a public charging station. With BMW 360° ELECTRIC, customers are offered an holistic service concept - covering everything from the supply and installation of the charging station to maintenance, advice and other services. BMW will ensure that customers have everything they need to charge their cars from home.

Catering to customers’ demand for an SAV, as well as emission-free driving, we’re very confident that this vehicle will be a big success here in China and worldwide.

It’s already caught the eye of Hollywood producers. We’re thrilled to once again be involved in a Blockbuster “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” with cutting-edge BMW vehicles, such as the BMW X5 xDrive40e.

Thank you!

This was unacceptable to us. FOTA therefore has no choice but to press
ahead with preparations for an alternative championship. In the series
organised by FOTA, the best drivers and the best teams will compete
against each other. This will take place within a stable set of
regulations and a transparent management structure. We will also take
into account the wishes of the fans, who have lent us a great deal of
support particularly in recent weeks. Since its founding in September
of last year, FOTA has been committed to cutting costs in Formula One,
enhancing its appeal and supporting independent teams. During this
short period of time, more has been achieved than ever before in the
history of Formula One. We will not be making any further statements
on the matter during this weekend. We want to concentrate fully on the
race and provide the fans with the spectacle they deserve."