Tag Archives: Oliver

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.

Motorsport

BMW Boss Oliver Zipse To Continue as CEO Until 2026

BMW has announced that Oliver Zipse will remain as the Chairman of the Board of Management (CEO) until 2026. Zipse joined the executive levels of the company in 2015 and became Chairman in August 2019.

In a press release, Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BMW, praised Zipse’s leadership and his successful navigation of challenging times. Martin Kimmich, Chairman of the General Works Council of BMW, emphasized the positive cooperation between the Board of Management and the Works Council and expressed confidence that this collaboration would continue during Zipse’s reappointment.

Under Zipse’s leadership, BMW has significantly expanded its electric vehicle lineup, offering fully electric models across most of its core vehicle segments. This strategic move aligns with the global trend toward sustainable mobility, as stated in the press release. Furthermore, BMW has begun development of the Neue Klasse, the next generation of BMW models, with production scheduled to start in 2025. The company has not yet set a specific date to end sales of combustion-powered cars.

Zipse has dedicated his entire professional career to BMW. He joined the company in 1991 and has held various leadership positions since then. In 2019, he assumed the role of CEO at BMW.

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

News

Blume: Volkswagen Group to prioritize design in its future operations

Oliver Blume, the CEO of Volkswagen Group, has announced the company’s plans for the future, highlighting the importance of design as a key pillar in its operations. Speaking at the 2023 Munich motor show, Blume emphasized that design would play an even more crucial role as the company transitions from traditional combustion engine models to electric-powered ones.

Blume also emphasized the Volkswagen Group’s efforts to differentiate its individual car brands, which include Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Škoda, Seat, Cupra, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Porsche, and Scout. According to Blume, design is a critical factor in achieving success and enhancing brand differentiation.

He stated, “With distinctive design identities, we can create unique products and enhance brand differentiation in terms of exterior, interior, and digital presence. The Volkswagen Group is transforming into a design-driven company.”

In line with this new design strategy, the Volkswagen Group aims to deliver high design quality and strong brand differentiation. Blume showcased the ID. GTI Concept and Cupra DarkRebel show car as examples of the company’s design-led approach.

The ten-point plan also includes goals such as improving the platform strategy, enhancing the technology profile to stay competitive, expanding in the Chinese market with local partners, and implementing a growth plan for the US market, including the relaunch of the Scout brand with unique electric models designed specifically for the North American market.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group shares future plans with stronger focus on design orientation

Volkswagen Group recently presented its future plans for a stronger focus on design orientation. CEO Oliver Blume highlighted the importance of design in the company’s overall strategy, from corporate identity to products and digital offerings. The design departments will now have a closer connection to their respective brand CEOs.

The company hosted a pre-show event at the Eisbach Studios, attended by over 400 guests from international media, just two days before the official start of IAA 2023. The evening centered around the theme of design.

Oliver Blume emphasized the significance of good design in pleasing customers and creating differentiation between brands. He stated that Volkswagen Group is becoming a design-driven company.

In the past year, under the leadership of Oliver Blume, the Group has successfully implemented key initiatives such as a redesigned platform strategy, partnership with local entities in China, growth plan for the USA, the relaunch of the Scout brand in the American market, expansion of PowerCo and its gigafactory to Canada, rollout of an integrated mobility platform, stronger focus on sustainability, closer engagement with capital markets, and refined portfolio plan for CARIAD.

The Group has also implemented quality improvement programs and restructured its product strategy to position itself for sustainable success.

The Group’s CEO highlighted that customer satisfaction is a top priority, and strong brands with clear differentiation are essential for success. Volkswagen Group aims to become a design-driven company and create an emotional connection with its customers through the design of its models.

Michael Mauer, Head of Group Design and Head of Porsche Design, emphasized the strategic role of design in shaping brand identity, consistency, and innovation. He stated that design is an important differentiating factor between brands and helps communicate a brand’s unique character. In the multi-brand universe of Volkswagen Group, each brand needs its own strong personality.

While brand design was previously organizationally assigned to technical development, it will now gain overall corporate significance. The design heads of each brand will work even closer with their respective CEOs to ensure a holistic implementation of design principles and a coherent brand experience.

During the event, Volkswagen Group unveiled the Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept, a new electric vehicle that carries on the legacy of the iconic GTI. The company demonstrated how the design principles of the GTI have been adapted for the electric era, blending German engineering with cutting-edge technology.

CUPRA, a brand with no long tradition, presented the CUPRA DarkRebel, a showcar that challenges design norms with its striking lines and dynamic proportions. The design of the car was developed in collaboration with the CUPRA Tribe, incorporating feedback from more than 270,000 online configurations.

The Volkswagen Group’s design strategy focuses on the further development of established model series, technological lighthouse projects for electric vehicles, and iconic products. The Group aims to cover all customer segments and sustainably expand its competitive edge through higher design quality and stronger differentiation between brands.

For those interested, the Volkswagen Group Night was broadcasted live online on September 3.

Source: Volkswagen Group

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group Reports Strong H1 Results and Expands Presence in China

The Volkswagen Group has announced solid results for the first half of the year, demonstrating its strategic realignment and restructuring efforts. With a focus on long-term, sustainable growth, the Group delivered reliable performance and strong financial results. Sales in North America are showing improvement, while the Group is also strengthening its position in China through technological partnerships and capitalizing on the growing trend of fully electric vehicles.

Financial Performance

In H1 2023, the Volkswagen Group achieved an operating profit of EUR 13.9 billion, an increase of around 13 percent compared to the previous year. The corresponding margin was 8.9 percent, surpassing the guidance range of 7.5 percent to 8.5 percent. Operating profit stood at EUR 11.3 billion, primarily due to non-cash hedging effects mainly from commodity hedging.

In terms of revenue, the Group experienced an 18 percent growth to EUR 156.3 billion in H1, driven by a recovery in volume, solid mix, and pricing. Although vehicle deliveries in China declined by 1 percent, signs of recovery were observed towards the end of the reporting period.

The Group’s electrification strategy continued to gain momentum, with battery electric vehicles (BEV) representing a 7.4 percent share of total deliveries in H1. The Group also aimed to reach a BEV share of 8-10% of total deliveries in FY 2023. Despite challenges in the market environment, Volkswagen managed to increase its market share in Europe and remains the market leader in the BEV segment.

The Group’s net cash flow in H1 was influenced by logistics chain bottlenecks, resulting in a muted net cash flow of EUR 2.5 billion. However, Volkswagen Group aims to achieve a full-year net cash flow of EUR 6-8 billion, taking measures to ensure the lower end of this range is met.

China Expansion

Volkswagen Group is accelerating its strategic transformation in China, aiming to maintain its position as the most successful international OEM and one of the top 3 players in the market. Despite an initial challenging period in the first two months of the year, the Group’s delivery figures in China showed significant improvement from March to May compared to the previous year. A decline in June was attributed to non-recurring effects. The Group delivered a total of 1,451,900 vehicles in China in H1 2023.

In order to expand its product range and address promising customer and market segments in China, Volkswagen Group has entered into two partnerships in the region: a strategic partnership with Xpeng and an expansion of an existing cooperation between Audi and FAW/SAIC. These collaborations align with the Group’s “in China for China” strategy, allowing it to capitalize on market-defining trends and leverage the growth momentum of the Chinese market.

Brand Performance Programs

Each brand within the Volkswagen Group is launching its own Performance Program to enhance profitability and resilience. These programs set ambitious targets across the brands, focusing on improving margins, product mix, and vehicle equipment. The programs also explore emerging business models, such as mobility solutions, to generate additional profit. The Group aims to achieve efficiency through economies of scale and cost optimization in areas including development, materials, production, distribution, and fixed costs.

Realignment of Platforms

The Group is realigning its technology platforms to drive innovation and achieve economies of scale. Key advancements include the establishment of the group-wide SSP platform by 2024, followed by the introduction of the second-generation MEB+ platform from 2025. The Group’s battery strategy and ramp-up will be supported by the Unified Cell developed by PowerCo. The CARIAD organization is also being realigned to accelerate the execution of the E³ platforms and further develop software-defined vehicles.

Financial Outlook

Volkswagen Group confirms its financial outlook for FY 2023, with a slight adjustment in the delivery forecast to 9 to 9.5 million vehicles. The Group remains on track to achieve its sales revenue target. Supply chain disruptions have been easing, with pressure shifting from semiconductor shortages to transportation and logistics delays. Lower raw material costs and an improving logistics situation in H2 are expected to support the Group’s performance programs and strengthen its competitive position in an increasingly challenging market environment.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Group has delivered solid financial results in H1 2023, driven by its strategic realignment and focus on sustainable growth. By expanding its presence in China, accelerating electrification efforts, and implementing brand performance programs, the Group aims to enhance its competitiveness and strengthen its position in key markets. With a clear plan, measurable milestones, and a commitment to value-driven production, Volkswagen Group is well-positioned for long-term success.

Motorsport

Porsche CEO Camped In $7,000 Roof Tent On Top Of 911 Turbo S At Le Mans

Porsche CEO Oliver Blume decided to experience this year’s Le Mans race firsthand, but he didn’t opt for luxury accommodations. Instead, he parked his black 911 Turbo S at the Porsche Employee Camp and stayed in a rooftop tent with his wife for two nights.

The rooftop tent, introduced by Porsche less than a year ago, is an all-season accessory that can comfortably accommodate two adults. It features an integrated polyfoam mattress, two side windows with insect screens, and a skylight for ventilation and views. The tent also proudly displays Porsche branding and a mountain silhouette motif inside. It was designed, developed, and produced by Porsche’s original accessories and upgrades division, Porsche Tequipment.


Motorsport

VW Group CEO Acknowledges Audi’s Lagging Position Compared to Competitors, Software Problems to Blame

The CEO of Volkswagen Group, Oliver Blume, has admitted that Audi is falling behind its rivals, with software issues being identified as the main culprit. In order to address this issue, the automaker will accelerate the development of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) for the luxury brand.

Blume made this statement about Audi’s current standing during the company’s Capital Markets Day. He specifically mentioned, “We have encountered significant software problems that have caused delays in the launch of our exciting electric products,” as reported by Automotive News Europe.


News

Volkswagen SSP EV platform to offer up to 1700bhp from 2026

Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to launch its comprehensive SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) electric architecture in 2026, despite potential delays to 2028/29 that were previously mentioned.

Blume stated that the architecture will cover a wide range of vehicles, from city cars to sports cars, with power exceeding 1700bhp. Initially, VW had planned for the SSP to handle around 1100bhp.

“The SSP architecture will balance the need for scale and standardization with differentiation and speed,” Blume emphasized.

The SSP architecture was initially announced in 2021 with a planned launch date in 2026, starting with Audi’s Artemis project. However, delays, particularly concerning the crucial software 2.0, caused development to be pushed back to 2028/29, as previously stated by executives like VW brand CEO Thomas Schäfer.

VW Group brands will share architecture modules across 40 million vehicles as part of their efforts to standardize parts and increase economies of scale, with the goal of reducing the high price of electric cars. Blume stated that “most” vehicles on the SSP platform will achieve profit margin parity with internal-combustion-engined cars, compared to only “some” on the group’s MEB electric car platform.

“Architectures cover up to 75% of all material costs for BEV, compared to up to 10% for ICE,” Blume explained. “Therefore, architectures are a key driver for profitability in the future.”

One component that will be shared across all models is the planned ‘Unified’ battery cell, which will be manufactured in future VW plants and can accommodate a range of chemistries, including the cost-effective LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate).

Blume also revealed new performance details about SSP cars, including a 10%-80% charging time reduced to an average of 12 minutes, compared to the existing 35 minutes for MEB models. Additionally, the software 2.0 and electronic architecture will enable hands-free driving up to level four.