Munich: Markus Flasch will take over as the Head of BMW Motorrad on 1 November 2023. Currently serving as the product line manager, Flasch is responsible for the development and conception of BMW vehicles in the middle and luxury classes, as well as the Rolls-Royce brand. With a background as a passionate motorcyclist, Flasch has been with the BMW Group since 2015 and previously held the position of Head of BMW M GmbH. During his time there, BMW M GmbH became the leading supplier of performance and high-performance cars, and merged with BMW Motorsport. Flasch will succeed Markus Schramm, who began his successful career with the BMW Group in 1991. Schramm, also a passionate motorcyclist, held various management positions within the company before becoming the Head of BMW Motorrad in May 2018. Under his leadership, the brand achieved the number one position in the global premium motorcycle market for the first time, with record-breaking results. Following the record 2022 results of 202,895 motorcycles and scooters delivered to customers, BMW Motorrad aims to continue this success in its 100th anniversary year.
As part of the brand’s anniversary celebrations, BMW AG’s Chairman of the Board of Management, Oliver Zipse, and BMW Motorrad’s Head, Dr. Markus Schramm, inaugurated the new BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin on 28 September 2023. The event included the world premiere of the new BMW R 1300 GS, continuing the success story of the GS models.
Under Markus Schramm’s leadership, BMW Motorrad has experienced its most successful years to date, establishing itself as a leader in the global premium motorcycle market. The introduction of the M brand at BMW Motorrad, with performance models like the M 1000 RR, M 1000 R, and M 1000 XR, as well as the entry into the cruiser segment with the R 18 family, have contributed to the brand’s success. BMW Motorrad has also focused on innovation and expanding its product offerings, while emphasizing sustainability. The all-electric CE 04 has dominated the two-wheeled electric mobility segment worldwide, with around 70% market share for vehicles over 11 kW. In spring 2024, BMW Motorrad will introduce the CE 02, another all-electric premium option for emission-free urban mobility. Furthermore, BMW Motorrad plans to electrify more of its segments starting from 2026.
Dr. Markus Schramm expressed his pride in leading BMW Motorrad to its historic success and setting the course for a successful future. He welcomed the appointment of Markus Flasch as his successor, praising his experience, expertise, and passion for motorcycles, and expressing confidence in Flasch’s ability to further expand BMW Motorrad’s leading position in the industry. Markus Flasch himself expressed his excitement about taking on the role and working with the motivated team at BMW Motorrad to lead the brand into a successful future.
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