And we expect more than 20% of US 5 Series sales in 2018 will be
Plug-in-Electric Hybrids
With increased customer demand for our electrified models, the US
plays a vital role in our global electrification strategy. To keep
the momentum going, the new and updated 2018 BMW i8 Coupe here on
stage makes its World Premiere.
This new BMW i8 Coupe features: More power, more range, and more refinements.
Success at the BMW Group is driven by “innovations” both in our
cars and our business. With this in mind, I’d like to highlight a
program where our innovations are making a difference!
The BMW Group Service Technician Education Program (STEP) is a 16
week program that provides deep, hands-on training for future
technicians to service the nearly 5 million BMW Group vehicles on
the road in the US. Following the program, we help place graduates
at one of our 624 BMW, MINI, and Motorrad dealers nationwide!
We’re now taking this to the next level by tapping into a group of
candidates who fully understand what it means to serve – the men
and women of the US Military. We’re pleased to announce our new
special Military STEP Education program (MSTEP) that launches with
the first pilot group this February.
The US Military provides a source of highly trained men and women
who are experienced on some of the world’s most sophisticated
technologies. They are highly focused and goal oriented, and this
is the exact mindset and skills that the BMW Group and our dealers
are looking for. What makes the Military STEP program truly unique
is that the BMW Group will set up special training workshops on
select US military bases. The first one of its kind will open at
Camp Pendleton in California.
The BMW Group is the first luxury OEM to deliver technical
training on-base to assist veterans to transition from the
military to a civilian automotive career.
We believe that hiring veterans makes good business sense. The
experience and character they bring is invaluable to us and our
customers, and we are honored for the opportunity to work with
them. And it’s just another example of how the BMW Group is
expanding its commitment in, and to America.
Now to tell you more, please welcome Dr. Nicolas Peter, Member of
the Board of BMW AG, responsible for Finance.
Dr. Nicolas Peter:
Good morning!
It’s great to be back in Detroit.
The film just showed our broad footprint – including a strong
dealer network – that extends to all four corners of the US.
The new BMW X3 was launched in November and customer response has
been excellent. We are now looking forward to a full year of sales
of this very popular vehicle. In America, our success is not only
driven by building inspiring vehicles like this – it’s driven by
our strong commitment to this country. And our deep ties.
This country has influenced our global thinking in terms of:
– Strategy,
– Production,
– Design and Technology,
– And our vision of future mobility.
We are proud to call the United States our second home and to be
responsible for more than 70,000 jobs in this great country. It is
also home to our largest production site in the world: To date we
have invested close to 9 billion USD in Plant Spartanburg. We now
build 1,400 vehicles there every day. Our commitment to Plant
Spartanburg in the great state of South Carolina continues.
By 2021, we will invest a further 600 million USD, plus 200
million in training and education, as well as create 1000 more
jobs. We’re proud that 70 percent of what we produce in the US is
exported. That makes BMW the most valuable exporter of
American-made vehicles.
The success story of our X vehicles began nearly two decades ago
right here in the US. With the BMW X5, we created the very first
Sports Activity Vehicle.
Now, our X vehicles account for more than a third of BMW sales worldwide.
2018 will be the year of “X”!
This year we will launch a new BMW X4 and extend the line-up of
our X range, starting with the incredibly cool X2 in spring. This
year, the hotly anticipated BMW X7 will go into production at
Plant Spartanburg. The X7 underlines BMW’s stronger focus on the
luxury segment – which is part of our Strategy NUMBER ONE
NEXT. The upcoming i8 Roadster, 8 Series Coupé and M8 will add
further weight to our “luxury offering”. These new models are an
important part of the boldest model offensive in our company’s
history. Because, with new models we strengthen our financial
basis. At the same time, we are investing in the future. Our clear
strategic focus is on autonomous driving and, of course,
electrification. We are the leaders when it comes to premium
electric mobility.
By the end of 2019, we aim to have a total of more than half a
million electrified vehicles on the road worldwide. In 2021, we
will launch the BMW iNEXT with highly automated driving and a
range of up to 435 miles.
As always, we deliver on our promises. Just take a look at 2017!
Last year was the BMW Group’s most successful year ever in sales.
We are the world’s number one premium car company. In 2018, we are
aiming to achieve our eighth consecutive year of record sales
based on our very exciting product portfolio.
As always, we remain focused on profitable growth. We are also
the world’s leading manufacturer of premium motorcycles and maxi
scooters. In 2018 customers can look forward to many new thrilling
models! Please welcome Michael Peyton to tell you more about that.
Michael Peyton:
Our motorcycles continue to attract a growing number of
fans worldwide, especially here in the US. BMW Motorrad is
investing in new products that make the brand accessible to more
consumers, while enhancing our presence in key segments in the
market. This is driving growth and it’s why we are expecting
strong sales once again this year. We offer a full range of
products that appeal to the tastes and needs of almost every kind
of rider, from our HP4 Race, BMW’s exclusive superbike for those
who expect the highest performance on two wheels, to our entry
level G 310 R. And we’re expanding our G 310 range with the
all-new G 310 GS, a bike for those with a desire to enter the
world of Adventure riding. As the latest GS to join the model
range, the 310 GS will be available to consumers in early 2018.
When we talk about urban mobility, BMW Motorrad plays a key role
for the BMW Group. And that includes electrified and
emission-free riding. Globally, we offer urban riders a scooter
that is emission-free, and we are now pleased to make this model
available in the US. Here is the C evolution scooter from BMW
Motorrad! Since we launched the C Evolution with more power and an
increased range of 100 miles, global demand has soared.
We’ve begun to introduce the C Evolution to the US in key markets
starting with California. And no surprise that it’s generated
significant interest, here. Anyone who has ridden this scooter
knows that electric mobility delivers maximum riding enjoyment. In
the next years, electrification will expand even further within
the BMW Motorrad portfolio.
For riders who prefer to the freedom of riding on the open road,
we created the K 1600 Grand America.
This bike is tailor-made for American customers who enjoy
long-distance riding adventures and endless highways, with its
classic yet modern design, its relaxed riding position, and
impressive power.
From electrified urban riding, to the racetrack, from enduro
riding to cruising on the open road, BMW Motorrad offers a ride
for a wide range of customer tastes.
What easier way to Make Life a Ride than on a BMW Motorcycle!
Now from two wheels to four, I invite Thomas Felbermair, Vice
President of MINI USA to tell you the latest from MINI!
Thomas Felbermair:
MINI is the heart of urban mobility for today and tomorrow.
We already have strong demand for our first ever plug-in hybrid,
the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4. Recently in Los Angeles, we
showed our new MINI Electric Concept, giving a glimpse of the
future with zero-emission driving. We are sure customers will love
the all-new, all-electric MINI when it comes in 2019.
Excitement is what it’s all about at MINI. Whether it’s
all-electric, plug-in hybrid or gasoline powered, every MINI
shares this DNA:
– They are fun to drive.
– With iconic design.
– And a highly customized experience.
From bold colors to eye-catching patterns, you can make your MINI
really YOURS. Most of our Hardtops are one-of-a-kind builds.
Factors like these build MINI passion. And we have some of the
most passionate customers anywhere.
While experience is at the core of the MINI brand, the product is
what drives us forward. Today we are excited to present new
versions of the original MINI Hardtop and MNI Convertible.
These new models give our customers MORE OF WHAT MATTERS to them:
– More emotional design coupled with great driving dynamics.
– More chances to personalize.
– More ways to stay connected.
We have a new LED headlight design and LED taillights
featuring a Union Jack. And several new exterior paints and
interior options. Our new MINI Yours Customised products offer
even more ways for customers to personalize their MINI, including
designing their own parts. MINI is the first auto manufacturer in
the US to offer customized parts that are produced using High-Tec
methods such as 3D printing and laser lettering. We’ve further
enhanced our in-car technology options with a new 8.8-inch
touchscreen navigation system with Apple CarPlay.
With all these new features, MINI remains the most emotional car
in its segment.
And now it’s back to BMW.
Bernhard Kuhnt:
The first-ever BMW X2 is the newest addition to our BMW X family
in a whole new segment for the brand. As you can see, the X2
features a bold design with sporty, compact dimensions with an
appearance unique from our other X models. The BMW X2 combines the
fast-moving forms of a coupe with the robust proportions of an X
model. And in a special nod to our heritage, the X2 features the
BMW Roundel on the C-pillar like the iconic BMW 3.0 CS of the 70s.
The vehicle’s sport-tuned chassis dynamics and xDrive,
all-wheel-drive system, promise pure driving fun in all-weather
conditions. And in the US the BMW X2’s TwinPower Turbo engine,
strikes a perfect balance between sporting dynamic and exceptional
efficiency. With 228 HP (technical specifications tbc after market
launch) the BMW X2 xDrive 28i is produced for the US market. This
Sports Activity Coupe goes from 0-60 mph in just 6.3 seconds!
Customers can look forward to the first-ever BMW X2 in spring this year.
These vehicles and our complete portfolio symbolize the BMW
Group’s growth strategy, from BMW X to BMW i and from MINI to
Motorrad. And most importantly we are going for the lead in
shaping the future of premium mobility across all our brands!
Thank you very much.