BMW 2014 Annual Report Download - page 17

17 STATEMENT OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
In Mexico, preparations are underway for the opening of a new plant with a capacity of up to 150,000 units
in 2019. During celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of our Spartanburg plant, we announced an in-
crease in capacity there to 450,000 units. We are also stepping up local production at our facility in Shenyang,
China, which is set to build six BMW models specifically for the Chinese market. We have already extended
our joint venture with Brilliance to 2028, thereby paving the way for further growth in China.
The innovation of our engineers and developers ensures the company’s continued success. In 2014, we
invested more than 4.5 billion euros in research and development. Between now and 2018, we will expand
and modify our FIZ Research and Innovation Centre in Munich. Once the final stage of expansion
is com-
plete, the investment will be equivalent to building a completely new plant.
Connectivity defines our times and will dominate the future The digital, connected world is a particularly
important area for premium manufacturers when it comes to differentiation and growth. It affects both the
vehicle itself and the way that vehicle is produced. Last year, at our Spartanburg and Dingolfing plants, we
took a major step towards intensive human-robot collaboration. We use this form of cooperation selectively in
areas where it adds value and relieves associates of heavy physical work, enabling them to stay healthy for a
long time.
The car as a part of the Internet will change our industry even more than the shift to alternative drivetrains.
As in-car connectivity increases, new competitors will seek access to customers in their vehicles. We are
committed to shaping the age of in-car connectivity responsibly, in the interests of our customers. We already
offer advanced driver assistance systems in our vehicles today. Moreover, we also have the capacity for highly
autonomous driving.
Mobility services mainly used by young people We are selectively expanding our range of mobility
services: car-sharing is one option that is particularly appealing to young people. London and Vienna are
two further European cities outside of Germany that have now been added to our DriveNow offering. By the
end of 2014, around 390,000 customers had already registered with DriveNow. Additional cities in Europe
and in the US will follow in 2015.
The course is set for the future To mark our centenary on 7 March 2016, we deliberately choose to look
to the future. Every age has its challenges and must find its own solutions. That is why we give younger
generations the chance to shape the further development of the company according to their own ideas.
In December 2014, the Supervisory Board decided to make a change at the head of the company’s Board
of Management. Our Board of Management Member for Production Harald Krüger will take over as Chairman
of the Board of Management after the 2015 Annual General Meeting. This generational change will enable
the company to move forward with new ideas and impulses.
As you can see, much still remains to be done. New trends and challenges also bring new business opportu-
nities and possibilities. I strongly believe that the BMW Group will grow dynamically, by innovatively shaping
the individual mobility of the future in all its forms and continuing to be a responsible partner for society.
The course is set for the future.
Norbert Reithofer
Chairman of the Board of Management