BMW 2014 Annual Report Download - page 41

41 COMBINED MANAGEMENT REPORT
High level of investment safeguards productivity
and technology lead
The Purchasing and Supplier Network is also responsible
for component production throughout the BMW Group.
The importance of the Landshut plant as a competence
centre for lightweight construction was underlined by
the expansion of CFRP production facilities at the site.
The Landshut plant also serves as a centre for electro-
mobility-related components, including, for instance,
production of the electric motors and engine transmission
units
for the BMW i3 and i8. Important chassis and
drive
components for the BMW i models are produced
at the Dingolfing plant.
The worldwide sales network currently consists of some
3,250 BMW, 1,550 MINI and 130 Rolls-Royce dealer-
ships.
In China alone, more than 40 BMW and 30 MINI
dealerships were opened in 2014. The BMW i dealership
and agency network currently covers some 650 loca-
tions.
BMW extends its model range
For the BMW Group, the year 2014 was dominated by
the introduction of a number of new models and model
updates. The new BMW 4 Series Convertible and the
model revision of the BMW X1 were both launched in
March. The BMW 4 Series Convertible excels with its
enhanced sports performance and quintessential ele-
gance. Since March 2014 customers have also been able
to enjoy the impressive driving dynamics of the new
BMW 2 Series Coupé. The BMW M3 Sedan and the
BMW M4 Coupé were first seen in the showrooms in
June. Our M models are a unique blend of genuine
sporting performance and perfect suitability for every-
day use. The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, the third body
variant of this series, came onto the market the same
month. It combines the attractive design of a two-door
coupé with the functionality of four doors and space
to spare. A particularly important event for the BMW
Group took place in June, namely the market launch of
the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which offers the
dynamics of a high-performance sports model with low
fuel consumption and emissions levels.
July saw the sales launch of the new BMW X4, a vehicle
that possesses the sporty elegance of a classic coupé,
superbly crossed with the typical characteristics of the
BMW X series. The model update of the BMW X3 fol-
lowed the same month. The new BMW 2 Series Active
Tourer and the BMW M4 Convertible have been on
display in dealership showrooms since September. The
new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer opens up completely
new customer groups, meeting their needs for versa-
tility, functionality and ample spaciousness in the com-
pact segment. The BMW M4 Convertible’s design lan-
guage conveys an unmistakeably stylish and at the same
time muscular profile. The second-generation BMW X6,
which boasts a luxurious interior design and new
fea-
tures with a wider range of standard equipment, has been
in the showrooms since December 2014.
New MINI also available in five-door version
The third generation of the three-door MINI entered the
showrooms in March. The new MINI has been received
enthusiastically, with its new possibilities for connectivity
SALES AND MARKETING