BMW Group

BMW Group operates as the world's leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles, with a comprehensive business model that encompasses vehicle design, manufacturing, distribution, and financial services. The company's operations span the entire automotive value chain, from research and development to sales and after-sales service.

The company's core business focuses on premium vehicle manufacturing across four distinct brands: BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad. Each brand serves specific market segments while maintaining the group's premium positioning. BMW represents the core premium automotive segment, Mini targets premium compact vehicles, Rolls-Royce serves the ultra-luxury market, and BMW Motorrad produces premium motorcycles.

BMW Group's business model emphasizes technology-neutral electrification, offering internal combustion, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains across its model range. This approach allows customers to choose their preferred propulsion technology while the company gradually transitions toward electric mobility. In 2025, electrified vehicles accounted for 26% of total sales, with fully electric vehicles representing 18% of deliveries.

The company maintains a global production network comprising over 30 production sites worldwide, enabling efficient manufacturing and regional market adaptation. Major production facilities include plants in Germany (Munich, Dingolfing, Leipzig, Regensburg), the United States (Spartanburg, South Carolina), China (Shenyang), the United Kingdom (Mini and Rolls-Royce plants), and other strategic locations.

Financial performance remains strong despite challenging market conditions. In 2024, BMW Group reported revenues of €142.4 billion with profit before tax of €11.0 billion. The company employs approximately 159,000 people globally, with significant concentrations in Germany, the United States, and China.

BMW Group's business extends beyond vehicle manufacturing to include premium financial services through BMW Financial Services. This division provides leasing, financing, and insurance products to support vehicle sales and enhance customer ownership experience. Financial services contribute significantly to the group's profitability and customer loyalty.

Research and development represents a crucial component of BMW Group's business strategy, with annual investments exceeding €5 billion. The company focuses on electric mobility, autonomous driving, connectivity, and digital services. The upcoming NEUE KLASSE platform, scheduled for 2026, represents BMW's next generation of electric vehicles with advanced technology and sustainable manufacturing processes.

Sustainability has become integral to BMW Group's business strategy, encompassing the entire vehicle lifecycle from supply chain through production to end-of-life recycling. The company has committed to reducing CO2 emissions in production and operations while increasing the use of recycled materials and renewable energy.

The company's global sales network spans over 140 countries, with approximately 4,500 dealers and sales partners worldwide. This extensive distribution network ensures premium customer experience and after-sales service, supporting the company's premium positioning and brand value.

BMW Group was founded in 1916 in Munich, Germany, originally established as Bayerische Motoren Werke (Bavarian Motor Works) to manufacture aircraft engines. The company's early success came from producing aircraft engines for World War I, followed by motorcycle production in the 1920s and automobile manufacturing beginning in the 1930s.

Following World War I, BMW transitioned to motorcycle and automobile manufacturing, leveraging its engineering expertise to create high-quality products. The company became known for producing innovative motorcycles and premium vehicles, establishing a reputation for engineering excellence and performance that continues to define the brand today.

Throughout the 20th century, BMW established itself as a leading premium automotive manufacturer. The company developed iconic vehicles including the BMW 2002, which established the compact sports sedan segment, and the BMW 3 Series, which became the benchmark for premium compact executive cars. BMW became recognized for engineering excellence, driver-focused design, and innovation in automotive technology.

The late 1990s marked a significant expansion period for BMW Group. In 1998, the company acquired Rolls-Royce Motor Cars from Vickers, adding ultra-luxury vehicles to its portfolio. This acquisition included the rights to manufacture Rolls-Royce automobiles while Volkswagen retained the Bentley brand. BMW has since developed Rolls-Royce into a prestigious ultra-luxury brand with models like the Phantom, Ghost, and Cullinan.

In 2000, BMW acquired the Mini brand from the Rover Group, expanding its portfolio to include compact cars. The company relaunched Mini Cooper as a modern premium compact car, successfully capturing the retro design trend while incorporating modern technology and premium features. The Mini brand has become highly successful, particularly in urban markets and among younger consumers.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, BMW Group expanded its global presence with new manufacturing facilities in China, the United States, and other key markets. The company invested heavily in electric vehicle technology, introducing the BMW i3 in 2013 as its first dedicated electric vehicle. BMW also developed EfficientDynamics technology to improve fuel efficiency across its model range.

In recent years, BMW Group has accelerated its electric vehicle strategy with the introduction of the iX3, i4, iX, and i7 models. The company has committed to electrification while maintaining a technology-neutral approach that includes internal combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrains. In 2025, BMW Group delivered 442,072 fully electric vehicles worldwide, representing 18% of total sales, while electrified vehicles (including plug-in hybrids) accounted for 26% of total deliveries.

The year 2025 marked significant milestones for BMW Group, including the 100,000th fully-electric MINI delivery and record sales for BMW M performance vehicles. The company delivered 2,463,715 vehicles globally despite challenging market conditions, with particularly strong growth in Europe where electrified vehicles represented over 40% of sales. BMW Group continues to invest in the NEUE KLASSE (New Class) electric vehicle platform, scheduled for launch in 2026, representing the company's next generation of electric vehicles.