Tag Archives: Board

BMW

BMW Group launches building of high-voltage battery meeting plant in Thailand

Rayong, Thailand. After a joint ground-breaking ceremony with Milan Nedeljković, Board Member for Production, representatives of the Thai authorities and the German ambassador to Thailand Ernst Reichel, building work is underway for the BMW Group’s personal native manufacturing facility for Gen-5 high-voltage batteries. With that, the BMW Group is readying one more manufacturing facility to fabricate absolutely electrical automobiles, with native BEV manufacturing scheduled to start out within the second half of 2025.

“Local production of high-voltage batteries in Rayong is the next logical step in the continued electrification of our production network. Once again, the principle of ‘local for local’ applies, supporting economic development, employment opportunities and knowledge transfer in Thailand and the ASEAN region,” stated Milan Nedeljković, Board Member for Production at BMW AG, on the ground-breaking ceremony.

The forthcoming high-voltage battery meeting facility could have a footprint of 4,000 sq. metres and is a vital addition to the enterprise actions of BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand. The new meeting line will convert imported battery cells into modules that may then be built-in into high-voltage batteries. The BMW Group has invested greater than 1.6 billion baht (approx. 42 million euros) within the challenge, a major share of which – virtually 1.4 billion baht (approx. 36 million euros) – might be used to purchase state-of-the-art tools and methods.

The BMW Group has been producing high-voltage batteries in Thailand for regionally made plug-in hybrids since 2019. Plant Rayong manufactures round two dozen BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad fashions for the Thai in addition to numerous ASEAN markets. In 2023 output totalled greater than 12,000 automobiles and virtually 11,000 bikes.

Comprehensive coaching programme

Employees will bear complete coaching programmes, which might be delivered within the world manufacturing community with the intention of bettering the technical abilities of native employees by data switch. The funding in skilled coaching and improvement additionally underscores the BMW Group’s dedication to advancing the Thai financial system.

Joint training programme with UNICEF – additionally in Thailand

As nicely as growing its personal workforce, the BMW Group could be very a lot concerned in boosting trade in Thailand and the worldwide transition to mobility options that assist preserve assets. This yr it’s collaborating with UNICEF in Thailand to enhance profession alternatives for younger folks by a focused STEM training programme, coaching and careers recommendation.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group strengthens its Technical Development Board perform in China

The Volkswagen Group is strengthening its Technical Development Board perform within the China area as a part of its “In China, for China” technique. Thomas Ulbrich, former Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Brand for “New Mobility”, will head up Technical Development for the Group in China from April 1, 2024. In his new capability, Ulbrich, who has already held two administration positions for the Group in China, will proceed to advance the technological localization of the portfolio. He succeeds Marcus Hafkemeyer, who – along with his intensive expertise of China – will assist the corporate’s transformation in a brand new position within the Group.

“The Volkswagen Group’s ‘In China, for China’ strategy is about systematically adapting to the dynamic changes taking place in China’s automotive industry. A high degree of localization will allow us to cater to the wishes of our Chinese customers. I would like to thank Marcus Hafkemeyer, whose outstanding personal commitment and broad expertise in China have really moved forward Technical Development’s regional focus, for example through the establishment of our new development center in Hefei,” stated Ralf Brandstätter, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG for the China area and CEO of Volkswagen Group China.

“Thomas Ulbrich, one of our top development and software experts, will now continue to advance the localization and networking of our Group’s development activities in the region. Ulbrich has exceptional expertise in important future technologies and excellent connections in the company and the China region. One of his priorities will therefore be to further strengthen the collaboration with our joint venture companies FAW-Volkswagen, SAIC Volkswagen and Volkswagen Anhui. I firmly believe that this will be an important source of impetus in our transformation to smart e-mobility”, Brandstätter added.

In his new position, Thomas Ulbrich will even be the CEO of Volkswagen China Technology Company (VCTC) in Hefei in jap China. The Group’s greatest growth heart exterior Germany is the central growth unit of Volkswagen Group China, which focuses squarely on clever, totally linked electrical automobiles.

VCTC will subsequently play a key position within the growth of particular fashions for China. One of the issues being developed there’s the primary native electrical platform, which is able to kind the premise for brand spanking new Volkswagen model fashions in China from 2026.

By implementing environment friendly growth processes and utilizing state-of-the-art applied sciences, VCTC will scale back the time to marketplace for automobiles and parts by 30 p.c. Further synergies shall be leveraged by intently interweaving growth work with the three way partnership corporations SAIC Volkswagen, FAW-Volkswagen and Volkswagen Anhui in addition to with Gotion (batteries) and Chinese automaker XPENG. Partners Horizon Robotics (autonomous driving), ARK (person expertise) and Thundersoft (infotainment) will even be integrated, working intently with Volkswagen’s software program arm CARIAD.

After a pioneering part, the “New Mobility” Board of Management division of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars model shall be transferred to Technical Development (TE) as deliberate to make sure environment friendly constructions and stronger networking. Thomas Ulbrich particularly examined and established new software program growth processes for electrical automobiles based mostly on MEB within the “New Mobility” division. The switch of those actions to the MQBevo has already taken place as deliberate, and the “New Mobility” division’s mission has been completed. Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen model chargeable for Technical Development, will in future handle the technical venture administration for future applied sciences and growth underneath one roof.

Additional Information
Thomas Ulbrich studied automotive engineering at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences. In 1992, the engineering graduate began his profession in plant logistics at Wolfsburg, the place he assumed a administration position in 1995.

In 1996, he turned head of logistics at FAW-Volkswagen in Changchun, China. Two years later he assumed duty for meeting “segment II” on the Wolfsburg plant earlier than changing into head of plant logistics at Emden in 1999.

The subsequent stage of his profession took him to AUTO 5000 GmbH in Wolfsburg, the place he was technical managing director and speaker of the administration board from 2001 to 2008. He turned Board of Management member for Production at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Hannover in 2008.

Ulbrich moved to SAIC VOLKSWAGEN, China, as Technical Executive Vice President in 2010, taking cost of growth in addition to manufacturing and logistics at a complete of 5 places.

From April 2014 till January 2018, Thomas Ulbrich was chargeable for Production and Logistics as Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen model. From February 2018 till January 2021 he was Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen model chargeable for E-Mobility. Since February 2021, he has been a member of the Brand Board of Management chargeable for Technical Development at Volkswagen Passenger Cars and took over the newly created “New Mobility” Board perform at Volkswagen Passenger Cars efficient October 1, 2022.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen model trims Board of Management: established processes from “New Mobility” division to be built-in into Technical Development

The Volkswagen Passenger Cars model is trimming its Board of Management; subsequent to a pioneer section for the “New Mobility” division, and according to plans, the model is integrating key components of this division into Technical Development (TE). Led by Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Technical Development, all growth actions for future applied sciences and car architectures (MEB and SSP) have already been bundled. The growth division additionally steers growth volumes for ICE mannequin collection (MQB). In future, duty for collection technical undertaking administration will relaxation completely with TE. In the context of the model’s efficiency program, this plan of action helps the additional optimization of growth processes in Wolfsburg and helps shorten growth occasions. New software program growth processes for electrical automobiles based mostly on the MEB have been particularly examined and established within the “New Mobility” division. The switch of those actions to the MQBevo has already taken place as deliberate, and the “New Mobility” division’s mission has been achieved. Thomas Ulbrich, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for “New Mobility” since 2022, has been named the Volkswagen Group’s Head of Development in China efficient April 1, 2024.

“On behalf of the entire team I would like to thank Thomas Ulbrich for his tremendous commitment to the Volkswagen brand. He has been a driving force behind the development of our ID. electric range and put some truly pioneering work into software and digital networking and the associated processes. This work is now bearing fruit and will be transferred in full to Technical Development. I am delighted that our close ties will continue once he has taken up his new role in China and that he will be contributing his expertise to the development of the VW brand in the world’s largest automobile market,” stated Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen model and Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Brand Group Core. “Going forward, Kai Grünitz will be in charge of both the “New Mobility” future matters and Technical Development. This is the correct step on the proper time. New digital applied sciences will thus develop into an much more integral a part of our future-oriented car growth. At the identical time, we’re making an essential contribution to the model’s efficiency program with extra environment friendly constructions and leaner processes.”

Additional info:

Curriculum vitae: Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Ulbrich

Curriculum vitae: Kai Grünitz

News, Technology

OpenAI In Talks To Bring Back Sam Altman Just Days After Firing Him

OpenAI’s board is seeking to bring back Sam Altman, possibly due to pressure from key investors like Microsoft, Thrive Capital, Khosla Ventures, Sequoia, and Tiger Global. According to Bloomberg, Altman is discussing plans for a new company with Brockman and other AI researchers in his camp, as reported by Forbes.

Internal sources cited by Forbes indicate that the situation could escalate, with measures such as widespread uprising by senior researchers, withholding of cloud computing credits from Microsoft, and the looming threat of a lawsuit. This potential Altman homecoming would bring about a major change in the leadership of OpenAI, with speculation that members of the current board may step down soon, as mentioned by Bloomberg. Additionally, Microsoft’s Nadella has reportedly pledged his support for Altman’s future endeavors. However, OpenAI and its lead investors, including Microsoft, have yet to make any public statements regarding the push to reinstate Altman.

BMW

BMW Group Announces New Top Management Appointments

Munich. The BMW Group is making several changes to its top management positions under the Management Board. These changes include the appointment of Jochen Goller as the head of the Customer, Brands, Sales division, and the appointment of Christopher Brownridge as the CEO of Rolls-Royce.

Frank Weber, currently in charge of the Development division, will see changes in his role. Meanwhile, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, who has been responsible for Rolls-Royce since 2010, will retire at the end of November 2023, making way for Christopher Brownridge to lead the prestigious brand.

Markus Flasch will take over as the head of BMW Motorrad, succeeding Markus Schramm, who has held the position since 2018. Flasch, currently in charge of the product line for mid-size and luxury class BMW vehicles and the Rolls-Royce marque, has been with the BMW Group since 2015.

Replacing Markus Flasch as the Head of Product Line Midsize and Luxury Class BMW, Rolls-Royce will be Nicolai Martin. Martin, who joined the BMW Group in 2004, is currently responsible for Driving Experience, overseeing the development of chassis, driving dynamics, and automated driving functions.

Mihiar Ayoubi, who has been with the BMW Group since 1997 and is currently leading the development of all Rolls-Royce vehicles, will assume the role of the new head of Driving Experience starting in January 2024.

Bernd Körber, the head of Product Management for the BMW brand, will also take on the additional responsibility of BMW Brand Management from November 2023.

Jens Thiemer, who is currently in charge of BMW Brand Management, will leave the BMW Group at the end of October 2023 to pursue new opportunities.

For further inquiries:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Spokesperson: Sebastian Kessler

Telephone: +49 89 382-21616

Email: sebastian.ke.kessler@bmwgroup.de

Head of Communications Corporate, Finance, Sales: Eckhard Wannieck

Telephone: +49 89 382-24544

Email: eckhard.wannieck@bmwgroup.com

Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.com

Email: presse@bmwgroup.com

BMW

BMW Motorrad celebrates the opening of the BMW Motorrad Welt in its anniversary year.

The Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Oliver Zipse, and the Head of BMW Motorrad, Dr. Markus Schramm, opened BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin yesterday, 28 September 2023, as the highlight of the brand’s anniversary celebrations. This took place exactly 100 years to the day after the first BMW motorcycle, the R 32, was presented at the Berlin Motor Show on 28 September 1923.

The ceremony was attended by 150 guests from politics, business and the press. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad and the opening of the BMW Motorrad Welt, the company makes a donation of 100,000 euros. As an international brand with a production site in Berlin, this amount benefits both an international institution such as UNICEF and local and regional charities in Berlin and Brandenburg.

The highlight of the opening ceremony was not only the presentation of the best custom bikes based on the BMW R 18 model family as part of the BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship, but also the world premiere of the new BMW R 1300 GS, which continues the success story of the GS series.

“Today, BMW Motorrad is more innovative and diverse than ever. BMW Motorrad Welt perfectly embodies and presents our claim: Technological innovations that inspire people. Over the past eight years, we have invested more than half a billion euros in training and further education as well as state-of-the-art production technologies at the BMW Group Plant in Berlin. This is not only an endorsement of Berlin as a traditional location, but even more a clear commitment by BMW to Germany as an industrial location,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

“When we celebrate 100 years of BMW Motorrad today, we are of course celebrating 100 years of German industrial history, 100 years of development and innovation, 100 years of global competition,” said Olaf Scholz, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany at the anniversary celebration. “The industrial country of Germany thrives on women and men who choose a career in industry. I was able to get an idea of how they work here last December. Craftsmanship meets high-tech, digitalization in education and training, employees with a wide variety of backgrounds, all of whom are passionate about 100-year traditional crafts, that impressed me. I am happy that with today’s opening of the Motorrad Welt, BMW is also enabling many curious people to discover what is being created here in Berlin thanks to your work.”

BMW Motorrad and the BMW Group Plant Berlin: a long-standing joint success story. BMW Motorrad Welt is located adjacent to the BMW motorcycle plant in Berlin-Spandau and thus exactly where the heart of the BMW Motorrad brand beats. BMW motorcycles have been manufactured in Berlin since 1969. Every day, 900 motorcycles and premium e-scooters roll off the assembly line on almost 230,000 square metres and in partly listed buildings. BMW Motorrad Welt now moves into its new home in one of the historic brick buildings.

“The BMW Group Plant in Berlin is one of the most steeped-in-tradition and at the same time most innovative industrial locations in Berlin and the region. It is an essential part of the BMW Motorrad success story. Almost the entire BMW Motorrad model range is manufactured in Berlin. From here we control the manufacturing in our international production network. It fills us with pride that we are reaffirming our commitment to Berlin with the opening of BMW Motorrad Welt at the production site,” emphasises Helmut Schramm, Head of BMW Group Plant Berlin.

“BMW Motorrad and the innovation capital Berlin — that’s a perfect match, and we’re proud that Berlin is part of the company’s 100-year success story. The plant at Am Juliusturm is a poster child for Berlin as a location; the employees at the BMW Motorradwerk provide proof every day that the answers to the mobility issues of our time come not only from China or Silicon Valley, but in fact from Berlin-Spandau as well. With the newly opened Motorrad Welt, Berlin will have one more attraction in the future — a real gift for the 100th anniversary of the major brand ‘Made in Berlin'”, explains Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin.

“With BMW Motorrad Welt, our brand finds a home directly where our motorcycles are manufactured in Berlin. The term home is associated with strong emotions – just like BMW Motorrad Welt Berlin. It is our Home of the Brand. On an area of around 1,000 square metres, it offers a holistic brand experience that connects BMW Motorrad with its community in a lively and highly emotional way,” says Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, describing the cornerstones of BMW Motorrad Welt Berlin.

Interactive presentations and glimpses behind the scenes. The interactive presentation of current BMW Motorrad vehicles is one of the central components of BMW Motorrad Welt Berlin. Special exhibitions – on the subject of customizing, for example – as well as selected highlights from the BMW Motorrad Gear & Garment Collection and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories round off the experience at BMW Motorrad Welt Berlin.

Thrilling live broadcasts or a meet & greet with prominent motorbike VIPs are just as much a permanent fixture at BMW Motorrad Welt as are art exhibitions, living room concerts, autograph sessions with well-known artists and the Motorcycle Cinema. BMW Motorrad Welt offers a variety of different activities for the general public, motorcycle fans and all BMW Group employees.

From Monday to Friday, visitors can also experience the fascination of state-of-the-art vehicle production at BMW Motorrad by going on tours of the plant. In addition, a guided tour of the plant grounds and through the production halls offers a rare opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of two-wheeler production and to experience the passion and team spirit of the Berlin plant at first hand.

BMW Motorrad Welt as an emotional platform for events, including rental options. With its spacious and emotional room concept, BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin offers a wide range of possibilities for events of all kinds. Be it conferences, interactive workshops, meetings, closed room events or celebrations – BMW Motorrad Welt Berlin offers the right, extraordinary setting. In addition, the BMW Motorrad Welt facilities can be rented externally.

Next weekend, 30 September to 1 October, BMW Motorrad Welt will open its doors to the public. With a colourful entertainment programme, live music and gastronomic highlights, BMW Motorrad Welt invites everyone who is interested to be part of the grand opening weekend. Admission is free.

The regular BMW Motorrad Welt opening hours.

Mon – Sun: 10.00 am – 7.00 pm.

Public holidays: Closed.

You will find press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad rider equipment in the BMW Group PressClub at www.press.bmwgroup.com.

BMW

Supervisory Board extends Oliver Zipse’s contract until 2026 – Jochen Goller newly appointed to Management Board

Munich. The Supervisory Board of BMW AG has extended the contract of Oliver Zipse as Chairman of the Board of Management until 2026. Zipse has been a member of the Board since 2015 and became Chairman in August 2019. Under his leadership, the BMW Group has significantly expanded its range of electric vehicles, offering fully electric models in almost all core segments. The company has also started development on the Neue Klasse, the next model generation set to begin production in 2025.

Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BMW AG, praised Zipse’s successful navigation of the company through volatile times, stating that the BMW Group has achieved robust results and strengthened its leading position in the global market under his leadership. Reithofer also expressed confidence in the future expansion of BMW’s position with the introduction of the Neue Klasse.

Martin Kimmich, Chairman of the General Works Council of BMW AG, expressed satisfaction with the reappointment of Zipse, highlighting the good cooperation between the Board of Management and the Works Council. He looks forward to continuing to make constructive decisions together.

During the meeting, the Supervisory Board also appointed Jochen Goller to the Board of Management. Goller will take over responsibility for the division Customer, Brands and Sales on November 1, 2023, succeeding Pieter Nota. Nota played a key role in accelerating sales of electric models and digitalizing the customer interface. With Goller’s appointment, the Supervisory Board recognizes his international sales experience and expertise in the Chinese market, the BMW Group’s largest market.

Goller has been with the BMW Group since 1999 and has held various cross-brand positions in the UK and China. He has successfully managed the company’s activities in the China region since 2018, overseeing the BMW Group’s majority stake acquisition in local joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive. Goller has also previously been responsible for the MINI brand.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Max-Morten Borgmann, Communications BMW Group

Telephone: +49 89 382-24118

Email: max-morten.borgmann@bmwgroup.com

Eckhard Wannieck, Head of Communications BMW Group, Finance, Sales

Telephone: +49 89 382-24544

Email: eckhard.wannieck@bmwgroup.com

Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.com/deutschland

Email: presse@bmwgroup.com

Technology

5 Operating Systems to Try on Raspberry Pi for Beginners

The official operating system for the Raspberry Pi board, previously known as Raspbian, is now called Raspberry Pi OS. It is based on the Debian distribution and offers over 35,000 software packages to explore. There are three versions of the Raspberry Pi OS to choose from: desktop version, desktop with recommended software, and Lite (without a graphical interface, only command line). All versions are optimized for Raspberry Pi, ensuring compatibility.

Installing the Raspberry Pi OS is a breeze since it was developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. You just need to download the OS installer app called Raspberry Pi Imager (also made by the foundation), insert your microSD card into your computer, and select your preferred version of Raspberry Pi OS from the list.

What makes the Raspberry Pi OS ideal for beginners is its versatility. If you’re a developer, you can install any necessary software for your projects. You can even connect hardware like sensors and Arduino microcontrollers to the GPIO pins and ports, which are likely to be recognized seamlessly. If you’re not a developer, you can simply use the Raspberry Pi as a regular computer. You can browse the internet, listen to music, write documents, and watch videos without any hassle.

Motorsport

Gernot Dollner Becomes New Audi CEO, Replaces Markus Duesmann

Gernot Döllner is taking over as the Chairman of the Board of Management at Audi, replacing Markus Duesmann. The transition will occur on September 1. After leading Audi since April 2020, Duesmann will be departing the automaker.

Döllner expressed his honor and excitement about his new position, stating that Audi is an exceptional company with a rich history. He looks forward to working with the entire Audi team to shape the company’s future.

Since joining the Volkswagen Group in 1993, Döllner has steadily climbed the ranks. His journey began as a systems analyst for VW. In 1998, he moved to Porsche, where he led the Vehicle Concepts and Package department from 2001 to 2010. During this time, he also served as the project manager for developing the Porsche 918 Spyder. From 2011 to 2018, Döllner was in charge of the Panamera series before becoming the head of the Product and Concept department.

In 2021, Döllner returned to the Volkswagen brand, holding leadership positions in Group Strategy, Group Strategy Product, and the General Secretariat. He reported directly to VW Group’s then-CEO Herbert Diess.

Recently, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume criticized Audi during a presentation, acknowledging severe software problems that caused delays in launching electric products. Blume also mentioned that Audi’s products are not competitive enough in the Chinese market, with sales down by 16% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.

These software issues have also led to delays in several premium EVs. For instance, Audi had to postpone the introduction of its Audi-branded EV until 2027, initially planned for 2024. Bentley faced a similar delay, pushing its version to around 2030 instead of 2025.

Despite these challenges, Audi is gearing up to launch a range of A6 E-Tron EVs in the near future, with the first model expected to debut before the end of the year. Additionally, the Q6 E-Tron is also in the pipeline.

Volkswagen

Gernot Döllner appointed as the new CEO of AUDI in Volkswagen’s Group Board of Management

Gernot Döllner will become the new CEO of AUDI AG and will join Volkswagen AG’s Group Board of Management on September 1, 2023. He will be taking over from Markus Duesmann, who will step down from Group management at the same time. This decision was made by the Group Supervisory Board today.

The Chairman of Volkswagen’s Supervisory Board, Hans Dieter Pötsch, expressed gratitude towards Markus Duesmann for his contributions at Audi. Duesmann played a pivotal role in implementing an ambitious electrification strategy, achieving a significant milestone with the E-Roadmap, and leading the way for a complete transition to e-mobility. Pötsch also emphasized that Gernot Döllner, with his extensive experience within the Group and its products, will effectively advance and develop Audi’s strategy.

Gernot Döllner, who hails from Lower Saxony, studied mechanical engineering and joined Volkswagen as a doctoral student in 1993. He held various managerial positions at Porsche AG, including head of Concept Development and head of the Panamera series. Döllner has been responsible for Product and Group Strategy, as well as the General Secretariat in the Volkswagen Group since 2021.