BMW Group PressClub Global

Conversion of Preferred Shares into Ordinary Shares: BMW Group Simplifies Capital Structure

Wed, 13 May 2026 17:26:19 +0200

Munich. BMW AG is simplifying its capital structure: its share capital of approximately €616 million will in future consist solely of ordinary shares. At today’s Annual General Meeting of BMW AG and a subsequently held separate meeting of preferred shareholders, the conversion of preferred shares into ordinary shares was approved by a clear majority. Approval at the Annual General Meeting amounted to 99,99%, while the separate meeting of preferred shareholders approved the resolution with 99,77%. The conversion will be brought into effect by way of an amendment to the Articles of Association, with no additional payment obligation for preferred shareholders. The conversion will become effective upon registration of the amendment to the Articles of Association in the commercial register. The BMW AG will announce the exact timing by public notice.

Currently, approximately 91% of BMW AG’s share capital consists of voting ordinary shares, and around 9% of non-voting preferred shares, which carry a fixed dividend preference of €0.02 per share. The dividend preference of the preferred shares will be applied for the last time for the 2025 financial year. From the 2026 financial year onward, the balance sheet profit available for distribution will be allocated evenly across all shares. Following the approved conversion at a ratio of 1:1,each share will in future carry the same voting right at the Annual General Meeting.

“For the weighting of BMW AG in major stock indices such as the DAX or the EURO STOXX 50, it is already the ordinary shares that are decisive as the share class with the highest free‑float market capitalization. As a result of the conversion, their proportion in free float will increase significantly by around 19%,” said Chief Financial Officer Walter Mertl on Wednesday in Munich. “This step therefore strengthens the weighting of BMW AG in relevant indices. The simplified capital structure represents a clear added value for investors and may have a positive impact on the share price performance of the BMW share.”

A single share structure follows the internationally recognised corporate governance principle of “one share, one vote”. This increases the attractiveness of the BMW share, in particular for international and institutional investors.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Dr Britta Ullrich, Finance Communications

Telephone: +49 89 382-18364

Email: britta.ullrich@bmwgroup.com

Max-Morten Borgmann, head of Communications BMW Group, Finance, Sales

Telephone: +49 89 382-24118

Email: Max-Morten.Borgmann@bmwgroup.com

Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.com/deutschland

Email: presse@bmwgroup.com

The BMW Group

With its four brands, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,500 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2025 was € 10.2 billion on revenues amounting to € 133,5 billion. As of 31 December 2025, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,540 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products – from the supply chain through production to the end of their useful life.

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BMW showcases mobility at the Cannes Film Festival and presents the new BMW 7 Series for the first time in Europe in a luxurious international setting.

Wed, 13 May 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Munich/Cannes. Now in its 79th year, the Cannes Film Festival is one of the most significant events in the social and cultural calendar. International actors, directors, producers and creative professionals from all over the world are flocking to the Côte d’Azur. Moving beyond the confines of the film industry, the festival has established itself as a showcase for luxury, design and contemporary lifestyle. For BMW, Cannes once again provides the ideal backdrop to present innovations and the latest luxury models to an international audience.

This year’s exclusive BMW shuttle fleet comprises more than 150 vehicles. These include, among others, the fully electric BMW i7 and BMW iX models, as well as the BMW XM plug-in hybrid. With its electrified vehicles, BMW is providing premium transport to festival-goers without generating local emissions.

The Cannes Film Festival: the perfect venue for the new BMW flagship model.
One of this year’s highlights is the comprehensively updated BMW 7 Series. The seventh generation of this luxury sedan is the brand’s flagship model and technology showcase. It will be presented to European audiences for the first time in Cannes. The BMW 7 Series plays a pioneering role in introducing Neue Klasse technologies to the existing range of BMW models. It also marks the start of a technology rollout across all powertrain types and vehicle segments from which all future BMW automobiles will benefit.

With the most extensive model update in the history of the BMW Group, the new BMW 7 Series sets new standards – particularly in the areas of design, digitalisation, comfort and electrified powertrain technology. Its monolithic exterior, the new BMW kidney Iconic Glow and the minimalist BMW Individual crystal headlights make for a striking presence. A world first is the BMW Individual Dual-Finish paintwork, which combines matt and metallic paint finishes in the same colour, with no visible transition where the two finishes meet. The interior of the BMW 7 Series combines luxurious materials and modern design with advanced technology. Highlights include the BMW Panoramic iDrive display and operating system introduced with the Neue Klasse, the first BMW Passenger Screen, the upgraded BMW Theatre Screen and an immersive lighting concept.

The new BMW 7 Series also underscores the brand’s equitable drive-type approach. The powertrain range extends from efficient internal combustion engines with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, through plug-in hybrid models, to fully electric variants with an electric range of over 720 kilometres according to WLTP. Sixth-generation BMW eDrive cylindrical cell technology is a key factor in this context.

Advanced assistance systems with BMW Symbiotic Drive and AI integration.
With advanced technologies and an increased use of artificial intelligence, the new BMW 7 Series Sedan sets new standards for comfort and safety in partially automated driving and parking. Innovative SAE Level 2 driver assistance systems and active safety features deliver tangible added value, while BMW Symbiotic Drive optimises the interaction between driver and vehicle.

The European premiere of the new BMW 7 Series will take place during the film festival (12–23 May) right on “La Croisette”, the busiest boulevard in Cannes. The worldwide market launch of the new BMW 7 Series will begin in July 2026.

Starring roles for the BMW 7 Series in movies and in Cannes.
The BMW 7 Series has demonstrated its qualities as a luxury sedan in numerous movie and TV productions such as “Stranger Things”, “Mission: Impossible” and “Red Sparrow”. These vehicles driven by stars are the focus of an exhibition during the film festival. The cars on display include an E38 BMW 7 Series – the original car from the James Bond film “Tomorrow Never Dies”.

Expansion of the “BMW Art Makers” programme to include film.
At the intersection of art, culture and mobility, BMW is expanding its successful “BMW Art Makers” programme to include film. From 2027, BMW will implement a targeted strategy to promote artistic excellence and support emerging talent in the film industry. The aim is to develop BMW Art Makers into a wide-ranging initiative as part of BMW cultural engagement. It builds on the established arts funding programme that sees BMW France annually supporting a curator-artist duo in the development of a new body of work, which is then presented at the Rencontres d’Arles and Paris Photo festivals. This year’s award winners are Lara Tabet and Yasmine Chemali. In addition to its partnership with the Cannes Film Festival, BMW supports other major industry events such as the Marrakech International Film Festival and the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival as part of a cultural commitment spanning more than fifty years and involving hundreds of initiatives worldwide. BMW also supports young filmmakers in Malaysia with its “BMW Shorties” programme, for example.

Panel discussion at the Plage des Palmes.
The panel discussion at the Plage des Palmes will see distinguished guests discussing the importance of human craftsmanship in an era of technological revolution. Speakers include Iris Knobloch, President of the Cannes Film Festival, and the Emmy-nominated producer, writer and serial entrepreneur Mehret Mandefro. Born in Ethiopia and raised in the US, Mandefro and 20th BMW Art Car artist Julie Mehretu jointly founded the African Film and Media Arts Collective (AFMAC), which, in collaboration with the BMW Group, brings together filmmakers across the African continent through workshops and supports new productions.

Statement Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, 106th Annual General Meeting of BMW AG on 13th May 2026, Livestream from the BMW Welt in Munich

Wed, 13 May 2026 10:00:00 +0200

- Check against delivery –

The 106^th BMW Annual General Meeting!

A very warm welcome to all our shareholders!

Welcome to our most important event of the year. This is our opportunity to stand before you and answer your questions. We commit to doing so objectively, based on the facts. What you can always expect from BMW is confidence! Confidence is not a mood or an attitude. It is an active decision – especially when what we know becomes fragile. In hindsight, difficult situations often appear less dramatic than they do at the time.

It is our responsibility to set the right course. We refer to this as making robust decisions: decisions that are geared towards the company’s long-term success, based on data, facts and informed analysis. We assess developments with nuance, both globally and regionally – because that is how our world works. We make decisions with the future in mind.

This is possible because our investors also take the long view – especially our anchor shareholders, Stefan Quandt and Susanne Klatten – as well as our many institutional investors. For BMW, this is a privilege; for our employees, it is a source of stability and support; and, in a competitive environment, it is an advantage. This is one of the reasons why BMW turns external crises into opportunities for progress. In the current environment, many things are uncertain. That is why antifragility is our strategic tool of choice for ensuring the long-term future of your company.

Building on a foundation of continuity, we can achieve major advances in innovation – connecting brands, products, technologies and markets.

Standing here beside me is the new 7 Series – the latest example of BMW’s innovative strength. In April, it celebrated its world premiere at the Auto China trade show. The full Board of Management was there.

The 7 Series is the first vehicle already on the market to incorporate the technologies of the NEUE KLASSE. From this day forward, all future BMW models will feature its technology clusters and new design across all drive technologies – as promised. There will be more than 40 vehicles released in total between now and 2027. The NEUE KLASSE is our launchpad for the future.

You, Ladies and Gentlemen, know us well and support us.

What currently defines the BMW way?

1. Robust strength in a dynamic environment:
Our financial year 2025.

2. The race is on:
The NEUE KLASSE is realising its potential and generating excitement.

3. Global player BMW:
Antifragile and future-proof.

These are the topics I would like to discuss.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We met the following goals in financial year 2025:

• Our target profitability range for the Automotive Segment.

• Group earnings before tax of over 10 billion euros.

• A 10-cent increase in our dividend – to 4.40 euros per share
of common stock.

We achieved all of this despite unfavourable currency translation effects, a difficult market situation in China and tariff headwinds.

We managed our business in an extremely disciplined manner, with everyone fully on board. We have saved 2.5 billion euros across all cost categories, while reducing our R&D spending and capital expenditure. Everything is progressing as planned – because we invested early in the NEUE KLASSE. Our people really gave it their all. So, I would like to say a big thank you to our BMW team worldwide.

Others are cancelling bonuses. We are paying our employees in Germany an attractive profit-sharing bonus for 2025. Our business model is robust. Models and markets are good indicators of this.

In 2025, we delivered more than 2.46 million vehicles to customers.

That is more than the previous year. All brands are contributing to this:

• BMW leads the global premium segment.

• BMW M GmbH increased its sales for the 14th consecutive year.

• The MINI brand posted growth of around 18 percent, with the
new model family being very well received.

• At Rolls-Royce, the number of handcrafted motor cars remained at the same high level as the previous year. We are now expanding our workshop in Goodwood to give our luxury brand more space for its Bespoke models and top-of-the-range Coachbuild products.

• BMW Motorrad sold more than 200,000 two-wheeled vehicles in the segment above 500 cc, although the total market declined during the same period.

Let’s move from models to markets.

In Europe, we were – and still are – really strong. For the first time since the pre-Covid era, we once again delivered more than one million vehicles to customers. Although the US market is considered saturated, we made gains there. This is also thanks to our long-standing presence in the US. Spartanburg is our largest plant. It exports worldwide, with an export volume of more than 100 billion dollars over the past ten years. BMW remained the country’s largest automotive exporter by value in 2025. A fact that is recognized and appreciated in US political circles.

Every market is important, including the many markets outside the main regions, where we also recorded growth overall.

Let's turn our attention to China. China receives a great deal of coverage – and you, our shareholders, also have questions about it. More than 24 million vehicles were sold in China in 2025. China is also one of our industry’s most important technology hubs. However, the market there is normalizing, with fewer purchases being made.

Local manufacturers are increasingly entering the market and trying to gain market share. Competition is extremely intense.

Our objective for 2025 was to stabilize sales – and we achieved that, delivering 625,000 vehicles to customers in China. In the first quarter of 2026, the total market continued to decline. This is also affecting domestic suppliers and, specifically, the smaller vehicle segments. In this situation, BMW outperformed the market overall.

Our measures are taking effect. Three core areas are particularly important in China: local relevance, speed and software.

1. We create value locally: This applies at our plants in Shenyang, our engine plant and the new battery center – all through our BBA joint venture.

2. We responded quickly to the changing environment by consolidating development and purchasing activities and by reducing costs through increased local sourcing. Our new sales structure is making rapid progress.

3. Digitalized vehicles: This is a key issue in China, where we have strong local technology partners in Momenta, DeepSeek and Alibaba Banma. Together, we are integrating innovations into our models.

Local relevance, speed and software are essential conditions for strengthening our competitive position. In China, we also benefit from BMW’s ongoing dialogue with policymakers in Liaoning Province and at national level. In February, I was part of Federal Chancellor Merz's business delegation to China. Our goal is very clear: We intend to resume our growth in China.

Our approach to this is the following: In China. For China. With China.

We develop products that are tailored to the wishes of our Chinese customers. Just a few weeks ago, we unveiled three new BMW models in Beijing: the 7 Series and the long-wheelbase versions of the iX3* and the i3.

These long-wheelbase versions are the most China-centric cars we have ever built. The media was impressed by the driving dynamics and digital experience offered by the iX3L.

In China. For China. With China.

That also includes exporting from China. This is where the European Commission's punitive tariffs on imports of fully electric vehicles from China are hurting us. They are among the highest tariffs we have to pay. That cannot be in the EU's interest. Tariffs are like a boomerang. Who pays them? The customer.

The same applies to the tariffs between the EU and the US. Imports into the US are subject to tariffs of 15 percent. For us, this means higher financial outlays. On the other hand, we would benefit from the new tariff rate for imports into the EU, which is expected to fall to 0 percent. The emphasis here is on “expected to.” The new rate has not yet been implemented by the EU.

The tariff debate remains dynamic and highly complex. The fundamental principle here is that tariffs do not protect; they cause damage – on all sides. A global production and supply network is a strength. Any industry that is supposedly shielded by tariff barriers is weaker – and ultimately shrinks.

We make this point clearly wherever we engage in political dialogue. Who knows better than we do in Europe that exports and free trade lay the foundation for innovation and for jobs. The European Commission generally has good intentions, but the execution often falls short. Take the “Made in Europe” initiative.

Every industrial policy measure should

• recognize that exports drive value creation – especially in Germany,

• and ensure continuity in cooperation with international trading
partners.

This is crucial for our globally interconnected industry. E-mobility, in particular, is not possible without global value chains.

Another example of “good idea, poor execution”: the CO₂ requirements from 2035. The current proposal does not support technology-openness and ignores market realities. For more than 90 percent of vehicles across the EU, a de facto ban looks set to remain in place. Strict electrification quotas are also planned for company fleets.

Following the ban on the supply side, restrictions on the demand side are now also set to be introduced. This benefits neither customers, nor European industry, nor the environment.

If key areas of the e-mobility value chain are to be located outside of Europe, we risk becoming unilaterally dependent. The European Parliament and the European Council have a clear responsibility in this regard. Things cannot remain as they are.

BMW shows how it can be done: with a technology-neutral approach. Our vehicles with conventional drive trains remain in demand. They, too, can achieve an even smaller climate footprint through the use of renewable fuels. At the same time, we are growing with our fully-electric models – BEVs for short – and our plug-in hybrids, or PHEVs.

We consistently outperform EU CO₂ targets and did so again in 2025 – by a significant margin of 2.9 grams. Based on our preliminary calculations, our fleet-wide emissions came in less than 90 grams of CO₂ per kilometer in Europe. We achieved this entirely through our own efforts – without “pooling” with other manufacturers or “averaging” across multiple years.

We are also setting our own targets, with goals that are realistic, reliable and ambitious. What matters most to us is the overall impact. That means every ton of CO₂ we can avoid emitting. Scope 3 upstream is becoming increasingly relevant in this respect: In other words, reducing the carbon footprint throughout the supply chain.

The overall balance determines the climate impact – not the drive train alone. Our plants require 36 million parts every day. These are delivered by 2,700 direct suppliers and another 65,000 second-tier suppliers. By 2030, we aim to reduce our CO₂ emissions by at least 40 million tonnes compared to 2019 levels. You already know that. Now, we are aiming even higher, targeting a further 20 million tons of CO₂by 2035. As you can see: We are on track to reach NET ZERO by 2050. To achieve this, we are relying even more on secondary materials and CO2-free energy.

Germany carries significant weight as an industrial location within Europe.

Here, academic research, technological development and industrial implementation are closely intertwined.

However, we are falling behind:

• Energy and labour costs are substantially higher than in
other countries.

• The European Commission does not reward innovation and export orientation, but rather downsizing. It is replacing effective market mechanisms by bans and protectionism.

We are already feeling the effects of this trend. However, BMW is standing firm. In 2025, we built more than one million vehicles in our home country. About a quarter of all cars produced in Germany now come from BMW.

Our plants are operating at high capacity:

• Regensburg was our highest-volume plant in Germany in 2025,
operating in three shifts.

• Leipzig is our only plant where BMW and MINI vehicles are built on a single line – also in three shifts.

• At our main plant in Munich, the new BMW i3 is also ready to go.
From 2027, the plant will produce only EVs. This follows a 650-million-euro investment in extensive remodelling in line with the principles of the BMW iFactory.

• In Dingolfing, the two-millionth BEV has just come off the production line: a BMW i5* that we are delivering to Spain.

We can build different models and drive trains on the same production line – not only in Germany, but worldwide. So, when demand fluctuates, we are able to balance it out. Your company, esteemed shareholders, remains financially solid – capable of taking action and making investments.

In 2026, deliveries are forecast to be on a par with last year. The same applies to our BEVs. Our electric models have recently achieved strong year-on-year growth. Model cycles are now beginning to have an impact. The dynamics of the market regions and regulatory frameworks are shifting. In both the US and China, e-mobility now receives less government support.

The situation is different in Europe: In the first three months of the year, BMW recorded its highest-ever new orders for a first quarter: BEV sales are up more than 60 percent on the previous year, with well over 50,000 orders for the BMW iX3 alone since the IAA International Motor Show.

Our sales of fully electric vehicles have already surpassed last year’s strong performance in Europe. This, too, shows that different regions of the world are developing at different rates. In this context, our technology-neutral approach is proving all the more effective.

We have strong momentum across all brands and all drive technologies. That brings me to my second point:

The race is on.

The NEUE KLASSE is realising its potential and generating excitement.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Many of you were with us at our Annual General Meeting in the Olympiahalle last year, when we unveiled the first two production models of the NEUE KLASSE live. Then, they were still wrapped in camouflage foil. Today, the iX3 is already driving on the roads, and we have already introduced the i3.

In January, we handed over the first iX3s to their new owners. The iX3 has been in European showrooms since March, with the US and Asia set to follow in the coming months. We are winning many new customers with the iX3. In Germany, one in three customers ordering an iX3 did not previously drive a BMW.

We are producing the iX3 at our new plant in Debrecen. Because demand is so high, we introduced a second shift in February – significantly earlier than planned. The iX3 can drive 805 kilometers on a single charge, according to WLTP. Our engineers like to test limits, so they wanted to show that it can do even more. A small team set out to drive the iX3 from Plant Debrecen to Munich – precisely 1,007 kilometers – without charging. No one has ever achieved that before with a vehicle in this class.

When they arrived at BMW Welt, they still had two percent charge left in the high-voltage battery. This record-breaking drive demonstrates the potential of the technologies in the NEUE KLASSE.

The eighth generation of the 3 Series now brings the NEUE KLASSE right to the heart of the BMW brand.

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Video.

* * *

Ladies and Gentlemen,

There are cars that belong to history – and then there are cars that make history. The BMW i3 definitely falls into the second category. We celebrated the i3 premiere with around 40,000 employees at the BMW Park in Munich. The atmosphere was incredible.

We will begin series production in August, and the i3 will be launched shortly afterwards in Europe. The technical specifications of the i3 are truly exceptional – boasting a range of up to 900 kilometers in the WLTP cycle.

In just ten minutes, it charges enough energy to drive up to 400 kilometers. This is made possible by the sixth-generation e-drive with 800-volt technology.

The BMW i3 brings together all the technologies we have developed for the NEUE KLASSE – for the powertrain and driving dynamics, battery technology, operating concept and the digital driving experience.

The 3 Series is more than just a sedan – and it will remain that way in the future. The 3 Series Touring is very popular with families and business customers, which is why we have already confirmed this model.

Our M GmbH is inseparable from BMW: The first fully electric M model will debut in 2027. Thanks to the technologies of the NEUE KLASSE, this M model will also excel on the racetrack, if desired.

At the core of the NEUE KLASSE lies a completely new electronic and digital architecture. Many functionalities are enabled, expanded and continuously improved through software.

We can roll out new features and updates wirelessly via mobile communications or Wi-Fi. This allows us to react faster, scale innovations and meet regional customer needs.

Take BMW Panoramic iDrive, which combines display, operation and intelligent voice control in an intuitive and driver-oriented concept. It is typically BMW and, at the same time, locally customizable.

In China, we are working with Alibaba Banma to realize this. Together, we are bringing next-generation voice control into our vehicles. We are also enhancing the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with the functionality of the Chinese AI model DeepSeek.

In Europe and other markets, we will be integrating Alexa+ to make the voice assistant even more interconnected, intelligent and personalized.

We are relying on technology clusters as part of our modular approach.

In this way, we can integrate market-specific functionalities quickly and selectively into the vehicle, within a globally scalable system.

We are strengthening our research and development capacity in the regions accordingly. The NEUE KLASSE gives us the flexibility to respond precisely to regional requirements. The same applies to our driver assistance systems. Our objective is for them to be intelligent, symbiotic – and, above all, safe. We also have strong partners in this area: In China, we are working with Momenta, a leading supplier of ADAS technology; outside of China, we are collaborating with Qualcomm.

With the software-defined NEUE KLASSE, we maintain control over our systems and can roll out innovations worldwide. At the same time, we are able to rapidly integrate local technology stacks. This ensures that a BMW remains a BMW everywhere in the world. Nevertheless, every BMW offers precisely those features that local customers expect.

Now to the third key aspect that defines our BMW way.

How many global manufacturers do you think there are in our industry?

Not even a handful – but BMW is one of them. What does GLOBAL even mean in this context? Naturally, a global footprint across production, research and development, and sales. We call this local for local. It is how we secure access to individual markets, strengthening our local supply chains to make ourselves more resilient.

One example of this is our five new locations for high-voltage batteries – in Europe, the Americas and China. A global manufacturer has global brands – like we do with BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad.

We offer our customers a broad range of products across all key segments – from the urban compact-car segment to the absolute luxury class. And now, they are joined by BMW ALPINA, a highly exclusive brand with a strong tradition. With BMW ALPINA, we are tapping into a highly profitable, high-growth segment positioned above the BMW brand’s top models and below our Rolls-Royce luxury brand.

On the drive train side, we also offer battery-electric vehicles in all relevant segments. By end of the year, we will have 20 BEVs across all brands. Our plug-in hybrids also remain important. In 2028, BMW will add a further drive train: hydrogen. The next generation of our BMW X5 will then be available with five drive train variants.

Dear Shareholders,

Resilience is a word we hear a lot these days. But we are taking it a step further: We are making BMW antifragile. That means more than being resilient. Resilient companies withstand challenges, while antifragile companies use them to become better and to grow. This mindset transforms uncertainty into strategic clarity and pressure into momentum.

Difficult circumstances generate forward impetus that makes our company even stronger. Our global team makes this possible. In the autumn, we once again surveyed all our employees worldwide.

More than 90 percent said they support our goals and our strategy and 92 percent said they are proud to work at BMW.

* * *

Video.

* * *

What you see here is genuine. It is authentic. That is our BMW spirit, my dear Shareholders! At BMW, it is never about the individual – not the Board of Management; not the CEO.

It is always about our products and our brands; about the company – and its success. This is what we work for and strive towards. Because we can – and because we want to. Because it makes sense and unlocks potential. And because it brings joy – to our customers and to us in our daily work.

For almost seven years, since August 2019, I have been responsible for your company. Seven months after I took office, the coronavirus brought the world – and our plants – to a standstill. As you know, the period that followed remained turbulent.

We invested and initiated the NEUE KLASSE, the mega-project you see before you today. And we will continue – just as we always have at BMW for the past 110 years.

Tomorrow, dear Milan Nedeljković, you take over as Chairman of the Board of Management. The two of us have worked well together on the Board of Management.

Strategy is the responsibility of the Board of Management, and our strategy is focused on the long term. We consider and prepare for different scenarios. Decisions are made jointly by the Board of Management.

We implement them unanimously and with a united approach. Everything is done calmly and consistently, with a clear focus on the road ahead.

The appointment of new the Chairman of the Board of Management was decided and communicated in the same spirit.

Milan, I wish you and the Board of Management team continued strength in shaping the future. You, ladies and gentlemen of the Supervisory Board, continue to support us with critical and constructive guidance in true BMW style – always solution-oriented and focused on our shared success.

The fact that the entire Supervisory Board is present at our Annual General Meetings visibly underscores the support you give us,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

Those who invest expect their investment to be worthwhile, dear Shareholders. At the BMW Group, there are many compelling reasons why this will continue to be the case in the future.

Allow me to say, from the bottom of my heart:

Thank you for 35 intense and exciting years at BMW!

106th Annual General Meeting: Oliver Zipse hands over Chairmanship of the Board of Management of BMW AG to Milan Nedeljković

Wed, 13 May 2026 10:00:00 +0200

Munich. Continuity and experience at the helm of the Group: At the end of today, Oliver Zipse will hand over the position of Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG to Dr.-Ing. Milan Nedeljković. Zipse is concluding his tenure on the Board of Management as planned after a total of 35 years with the company.

The entire Supervisory Board of the company expresses its sincere gratitude to Oliver Zipse for his outstanding contributions to the BMW Group. During his tenure, he strategically realigned the company and successfully guided the BMW Group through global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Through his strategic leadership and long-standing commitment, Oliver Zipse has shaped the development of the BMW Group. His name will be closely associated with the NEUE KLASSE, as BMW’s central future-oriented project,” says Supervisory Board Chairman Dr. Nicolas Peter. “Oliver Zipse has always taken a clear stance, even in the face of external resistance, thereby keeping the company strategically on course during volatile times.”

“For more than 35 years, the BMW Group has been my professional home. I am leaving with a deep sense of gratitude: for the trust that was placed in me, for the professional challenges that have taken me to various areas in the company; and above all, for an exceptional team that is shaping the mobility of the future with passion and a pioneering spirit. It has been a great honour for me to lead the BMW Group as Chairman of the Board of Management for seven years”, says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

His successor, Milan Nedeljković, has been a member of the Board of Management of BMW AG since 2019 and has been responsible for Production. The 57-year-old began his professional career with the company in 1993 as a trainee and has extensive international experience. Nedeljković held various management positions, including at the Oxford, Leipzig and Munich plants, as well as Head of Corporate Quality. His contract as Chairman of the Board of Management runs through 2031.

Dr. Nicolas Peter: “Milan Nedeljković impresses with entrepreneurial thinking and a consistent goal-oriented approach, as well as a clear focus and stringent execution of complex issues. He places great importance on the responsible use of resources, whether economic or ecological.”

Milan Nedeljković says: “With the NEUE KLASSE, we are bringing a generation of vehicles to the road that sets technological and emotional benchmarks. Our product momentum is outstanding. Together with our global footprint, this gives us a tailwind. In a dynamic environment, consistent and entrepreneurial action is required. Profitability and speed are crucial. I look forward to leading this extraordinary company into the future.”

Dr. Raymond Wittmann (47) will succeed him as Board Member for Production effective 14 May. He has been with the BMW Group since 2015 and has been responsible for Corporate Strategy and Development since 2024. Prior to this, he held several management positions in various corporate divisions.

“Raymond Wittmann combines strategic thinking with operational excellence and sound business management,” says Dr. Nicolas Peter. “With his broad, cross-divisional experience and international perspective, he possesses the key qualities required to lead the Production division.”

As part of today’s Annual General Meeting, the Supervisory Board will propose that Dr. Christian Bruch, Chairman of the Executive Board of Siemens Energy AG, be re-elected to the Supervisory Board for a term of four years. The term of office of Mr Heinrich Hiesinger, former Chairman of the Executive Board of ThyssenKrupp AG, will end with the close of today’s Annual General Meeting.

Following the 106th Annual General Meeting of BMW AG, a separate meeting of the preferred shareholders will be held today. It is to decide on the approval of converting all preferred shares into ordinary shares.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Max-Morten Borgmann, head of Communications BMW Group, Finance, Sales

Telephone: +49 89 382-24118

Email: Max-Morten.Borgmann@bmwgroup.com

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24h Nürburgring: title defense, BMW M3 Touring 24H and numerous activities for fans and guests – a full programme for BMW M Motorsport in the “Green Hell”.

Tue, 12 May 2026 12:22:11 +0200

Munich. One of the absolute highlights of the season awaits BMW M Motorsport next weekend with the Nürburgring 24 Hours (GER). Three BMW M4 GT3 EVOs will be battling for their second overall victory in a row after the 2025 triumph. The BMW M3 Touring 24H, which proved to be a great fan favourite in the preparatory races, will enter the race in a new design. The BMW M and BMW M Motorsport support programme will feature numerous activities for fans and guests .

As defending champions, ROWE Racing is sending two BMW M4 GT3 EVOs into the race. Car #1, shared by last year's winners Augusto Farfus (BRA), Raffaele Marciello (SUI) and Kelvin van der Linde (RSA) with Jordan Pepper (RSA), has already qualified for Top Qualifying 3, the shootout for the first twelve grid positions, based on the results of the preparatory races. The ROWE Racing #99 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, with drivers Dan Harper (GBR), Max Hesse (GER), Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) and Dries Vanthoor (BEL), and the Schubert Motorsport #77, with Philipp Eng (AUT), Robin Frijns (NED), Charles Weerts (BEL) and Marco Wittmann (GER) at the wheel, still have to secure one of the remaining seven places in the shootout in the course of Top Qualifying 1 and 2. In preparation for the 24-hour race, both ROWE Racing and Schubert Motorsport have each won a round of the Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie (NLS).

The BMW M3 Touring 24H is the big fan favourite in the BMW line-up of 38 cars. The car, which evolved from an April Fool's joke, has won the SPX class in all the preparatory races in which it has taken part, proving that it can keep up with the GT3 cars in terms of speed. The cockpit of the BMW M3 Touring 24H, which will contest the 24-hour race in a new design, will be shared by Connor De Phillippi (USA), Ugo de Wilde (BEL), Jens Klingmann (GER) and Neil Verhagen (USA).

The BMW M3 Touring 24H, the BMW M4 GT3 EVO and numerous other BMW race cars will make their first major appearance for the fans on Wednesday at the Adenauer Racing Day. BMW M and BMW M Motorsport will offer an extensive support programme for their numerous guests in a large hospitality area in the paddock. A highlight this year will once again be the BMW M Corso around the Nordschleife on Saturday before the race. A public viewing of the race action will take place at BMW Welt in Munich (GER) over the weekend. This will be accompanied by a sim racing challenge (Saturday, 15:00-20:00) and talks and autograph sessions (Sunday, from 12:00pm) with BMW M works driver Tim Tramnitz (GER) and Automotive Gaming driver Gregor Schill (GER). It is therefore well worth paying a visit to BMW Welt.

Quotes ahead of the 24h Nürburgring:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): "The 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours will be a spectacle – both for the fans and for us from a sporting perspective. We have a huge grid with extremely strong cars and some great projects like our BMW M3 Touring 24H. Under the motto 'By the fans – for the fans', the car has already caused quite a stir in the run-up to the race. In the battle for overall victory, we have three very strong BMW M4 GT3 EVOs on the grid. We will start the race as defending champions with starting number one. This is an honour and at the same time a great incentive to be on the top step of the podium again. I can hardly wait to drive to the Nürburgring and keep my fingers crossed for all BMW participants. I also wish that the weather plays along to some extent for the incredible number of fans."

Raffaele Marciello (#1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, ROWE Racing): "This is one of the biggest races in the world, and I was lucky enough to win it last year. That was one of the best days of my life as a racing driver. We have almost the same line-up as last year, and Jordan is a very strong fourth driver. Together with the great ROWE Racing team, we will do everything we can to defend the number one on the car. We know that the competition is very strong, but we have every chance of finishing at the front again."

Sheldon van der Linde (#99 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, ROWE Racing): "I'm delighted to be back in the cockpit of the BMW M4 GT3 EVO. I last drove in NLS1 on the Friday, but the race was then cancelled due to snow. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to collect any race kilometres this year, but my driver colleagues and the team have done a great job and prepared the car perfectly. I think we have a very good chance of playing a major role in the fight for the podium and hopefully also for victory. Our driver line-up is extremely strong. This is my first time driving a car with Dan and Max, and I know Dries very well. After my first FIA WEC victory last weekend, my motivation is all the greater to stand on the top step of the podium for the first time at the Nürburgring."

Robin Frijns (#77 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Schubert Motorsport): "I'm really looking forward to driving on this spectacular track. It's always a pleasure to race at the highest level on the Nordschleife. We were able to win a race in preparation, which was very positive. Our development project with our tyre partner Yokohama is still relatively new, but we were still able to show that we can win when everything fits. It looks like the weather conditions will be difficult and changeable next weekend. That could be a challenge for us, but we will do everything we can to make the most of our opportunities."

Jens Klingmann (#81 BMW M3 Touring 24H, BMW M Motorsport): "I'm expecting a terrific event and absolute top-class sport next weekend. The starting field with great projects like our BMW M3 Touring 24H or the Mercedes in our SPX class, with a superstar like Max Verstappen and more than 40 GT3 cars in the top category promises one of the best 24-hour races for many years. Racing on the Nordschleife has certainly reached a peak with the 2026 edition. We are very well prepared with our BMW M3 Touring 24H. We had no technical issues and a strong pace in the run-up to the race. We enjoy the fact that we will be one of the fan favourites of the weekend, but we also have the sporting ambition to achieve the best possible result. However, our top priority is to complete the 24 hours and present our car to the fans over the full distance on the track."

Outstanding safety: MINI sets new benchmarks in occupant protection.

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:01:00 +0200

Munich. Safety has always been a core development objective at MINI. Numerous five-star ratings in the Euro NCAP crash tests provide impressive proof of this commitment. At the heart of this is a consistently advanced safety concept of the highest standard, delivering an exceptionally high level of protection straight from the factory.

Integrated safety at MINI: Sensors, cameras and radar systems working together.
The integration of up to twelve ultrasonic sensors, five cameras and five radar systems forms the technological foundation for a wide range of driver assistance systems and safety functions. All MINI models come equipped as standard with a comprehensive package of active safety features. These systems support the driver by identifying potentially hazardous situations at an early stage and, ideally, helping to avoid accidents altogether.

Standard equipment includes Lane Departure Warning with active steering intervention, Front Collision Warning with approach warning and automatic braking intervention, including during turning maneuvers and in complex junction situations, continuous information on applicable speed limits, as well as cruise control with braking function. In addition, all MINI derivatives are equipped with the Driving Assistant, which includes functions such as Lane Change Warning with collision warning in the blind-spot area, Exit Warning, Rear Collision Warning for approaching vehicles, and Rear Cross Traffic Warning to support safe reversing out of parking spaces.

MINI Pre‑Crash technologies: Occupant protection activated before an accident.
Integral safety in the current MINI models also incorporates intelligent Pre-Crash functions that actively prepare the vehicle ahead of a potential collision. Based on comprehensive driving dynamics data, sensor input and environmental information, the system detects critical situations at an early stage and initiates targeted, reversible protective measures. These include the automatic closing of windows and sliding roofs, as well as the anticipatory positioning of seat backrests.
Through this preventive interaction, MINI further enhances occupant protection even before an accident occurs. As a result, every MINI offers a high level of active safety as standard – in urban environments and beyond.

For the MINI Cooper family, the MINI Aceman and the MINI Countryman, the Driving Assistant Plus is available as an option. It enables partially automated driving and includes features such as the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, and the automatic Speed Limit Assistant. The radar- and camera-based system supports the driver in maintaining lane position, distance and speed.

With the Driving Assistant Professional, the MINI Countryman further expands this range with additional safety and comfort features such as the Lane Change Assistant and Active Lane Guiding. When route guidance is active, the system alerts the driver to upcoming lane changes or exits. After the indicator is activated, the vehicle supports the lane change by adjusting the speed and applying a gentle steering input towards the target lane, including stabilization. Additional features include side collision protection for motorway driving and traffic light recognition for urban use.
With this combination of standard and optional functions, a new level of driver assistance is achieved. MINI combines a high degree of safety with enhanced comfort and everyday convenience.

MINI parking assistance systems: Precision and safety in urban environments.
The range of functions designed to ensure safe and relaxed driving is complemented by high-performance parking assistance systems. From the factory, features of the Parking Assistant such as the Parking Maneuver Assistant, Reversing Assistant, Active Park Distance Control and the Reversing Camera support safe and confident maneuvering. Depending on the model, enhanced systems are also optionally available.

Within the Parking Assistant Plus, four surround-view cameras generate 360-degree views of the vehicle’s surroundings, which can be used both for the Anti-Theft Recorder and for particularly precise parking maneuvers. Remote-controlled parking via smartphone and the MINI App becomes possible with the Parking Assistant Professional.

Passive safety at MINI: Body structure, airbags and restraint systems.
All current MINI models come equipped with a comprehensive package of passive safety features as standard, providing effective protection in frontal, side and rear impacts. A particularly rigid body structure, precisely defined crumple zones and state-of-the-art restraint systems form the foundation for the high level of safety.

Depending on the model and market, up to nine adaptive front and side airbags are deployed. In Germany, for example, the MINI Countryman is equipped as standard with seven airbags, including a central airbag designed to enhance the protection of both front-seat occupants. The MINI Cooper family as well as the all-electric MINI Aceman additionally feature two side airbags in the second row of seats.

A key element of passive safety is the seat belt system. MINI combines adaptive force limiters and automatic belt tensioners to create a finely tuned overall system that adapts to different collision scenarios depending on the situation.
In the all-electric MINI Cooper models and in the MINI Aceman, buckle-mounted belt tensioners are also used. This technology specifically improves restraint in the pelvic area. Another important safety feature is the Seat Belt Reminder, which is activated as standard on all seats. The second row of seats is likewise equipped with belt force limiters and automatic tensioners.

For almost all MINI models, the comprehensive safety concept also includes an active bonnet. In the event of a collision with a pedestrian, the bonnet is raised in a targeted manner, helping to reduce the risk of injury.

MINI’s safety commitment: Standard across all models and independently confirmed.
The intelligent combination of vehicle structure, state-of-the-art airbag and seat belt technology, and well-engineered protection systems for all occupants, paired with numerous Driving Assistant Systems, reflects MINI’s high standards in terms of safety. The repeated five-star Euro NCAP ratings are testament to this consistently rigorous development work.

In case of queries, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Julian Kisch, Press Spokesperson, Product Communications MINI
Phone: +49-151-601-38072
E-mail: julian.kisch@mini.com

Micaela Sandstede, Head of Communications MINI
Phone: +49-176-601-61611
E-mail: micaela.sandstede@bmw.de

FIA WEC: The spell is broken! BMW M Team WRT celebrates a one-two result at their Spa-Francorchamps home race.

Sat, 9 May 2026 23:31:05 +0200

Spa-Francorchamps. Home victory for the BMW M Team WRT at Spa-Francorchamps (BEL)! The #20 Shell BMW M Hybrid V8 won the second race of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) season. Robin Frijns (NED), René Rast (GER), and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) triumphed after a six-hour thriller ahead of their teammates Kevin Magnussen (DEN), Raffaele Marciello (SUI), and Dries Vanthoor (BEL). It was the first overall victory for BMW M Motorsport since entering the World Endurance Championship for the 2024 season.

The season highlight, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is just around the corner in June, and after the celebrated one-two finish at their home race in Spa-Francorchamps, the BMW M Team WRT could not be heading to Le Mans with more momentum.

After a disappointing qualifying session on Saturday, the two BMW M Hybrid V8s started the race from only tenth and eleventh positions, but Magnussen made up important places right after the start, putting car #15 in a good position. Car #20 was initially stuck in eleventh place, but a bold strategy with a shorter first pit stop brought Rast to the front. From that point on, Rast, van der Linde, and Frijns showed impressive pace, built up a lead, and were able to take the lead during a yellow flag period, even after pit stops were accounted for. Frijns brought the car safely to the finish. Behind him, Magnussen put up a fantastic fight and defended second place in style. The crew of car #15 made a strong comeback after Vanthoor spun following an unavoidable collision.

BMW M Team WRT currently leads both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ standings of the FIA WEC after two out of eight races.

In the LMGT3 class, things did not go as hoped after the season-opening victory at Imola (ITA). The #69 BMW M4 GT3 EVO of Dan Harper (GBR), Parker Thompson (CAN), and Anthony McIntosh (USA) struggled with the success ballast from Imola and finished eleventh. The #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO of Augusto Farfus (BRA), Sean Gelael (INA), and Darren Leung (GBR) was running well for a long time but dropped back to 14th place after a collision and a penalty.

Quotes after the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “Both cars at the very front, all six of our drivers on the podium – it doesn’t get any better than that! Congratulations to both crews! This is a fantastic success with the BMW M Hybrid V8 and also a huge relief after all the hard work we’ve put in over the past years. I can only say a big thank you to everyone involved in this project. Everyone can be very proud of this one-two finish. With our update for this season, our goal was to make the car more consistent. We achieved that, and that was the key to victory today, because as soon as we had a clear track ahead of us, we were able to set very fast lap times and pull away. We have to celebrate this win.”

Vincent Vosse (Team Principal BMW M Team WRT): “We couldn’t have dreamed of a better home race. I’m super happy and incredibly pleased for the whole team. The drivers did a perfect job, and the team was fantastic with the right strategy calls at the right time. Next up is the big highlight at Le Mans. We couldn’t go there with a better feeling.”

René Rast (BMW M Team WRT, #20 Shell BMW M Hybrid V8, 1st place): “This is a really great story for us. We’ve waited more than two years for this first win in the FIA WEC. Everyone at BMW M Motorsport and Team WRT has worked unbelievably hard for this. We were close before, and now it finally worked out. If someone had told me before the race, I wouldn’t have believed it, because we were still lacking a bit of pace in qualifying. I was stuck in traffic at first, but the team worked a miracle with its strategy and brought me to the front. With a clear track, our car just flew. This victory is something very special not only for BMW M Motorsport but also for Team WRT, after all, it’s their home race.”

Sheldon van der Linde (BMW M Team WRT, #20 Shell BMW M Hybrid V8, 1st place): “This is like a fairy tale for us. For the team, the win came at just the right time after more than two years in this project. And for me, it was my first victory in a WEC race – that’s incredible! Many thanks to my teammates, who always kept calm and did a perfect job. Our strategy was risky, because if the next yellow period had come at the wrong time, we would have dropped to the back of the field but it worked out perfectly.”

Robin Frijns (BMW M Team WRT, #20 Shell BMW M Hybrid V8, 1st place): “As the final driver, I definitely felt the pressure to bring home the first victory. That’s why I was a bit more cautious than usual when lapping the GT cars. We’ve all worked a very long time for this moment. Now we’re at the front with both cars, and I’m very happy and especially proud of everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this happen.”

Kevin Magnussen (BMW M Team WRT, #15 BMW M Hybrid V8, 2nd place): “It’s definitely the best second place I’ve ever had. Usually you’re not that happy about second place, but today – wow. A one-two for BMW M Team WRT. On the home track of WRT, a one-two for BMW – the first one in the Hypercar class in WEC. It’s just amazing. What a day, and what an effort from everyone! I’m so proud, and I’m so motivated to keep working from here, keep improving things, and getting more of this.”

Raffaele Marciello (BMW M Team WRT, #15 BMW M Hybrid V8, 2nd place): “It’s an amazing day. It was a great race for the team. The sister car had a very good strategy. We were a bit lucky with a virtual safety car, but in the end we were quite quick in the race, so we’re very happy with this one, too. We finally won a race. We finished 1-2, and it also looks good in the championship now, even if it is still early in the season.”

Dries Vanthoor (BMW M Team WRT, #15 BMW M Hybrid V8, 2nd place):
“Kevin did an amazing job; I think he’s the hero of the day. He had a great start and a great finish. Imola showed that we were doing a good job, and here we improved again. We’re making more steps. We still need to work hard, but we’re progressing well, especially in the race. And of course, the sister car winning, that’s what we were waiting for. It’s really nice to get a 1-2 and build from here – to give everyone in the project, the mechanics, everyone, a confidence boost. I’m super happy for everyone. A big thank you to everyone at BMW for always pushing forward and keeping going. It’s been tough at times, but we always kept going – and the team as well. When you keep working hard, the results will come, and I think that’s what we saw today.”

Dan Harper (Team WRT, #69 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, 11th place LMGT3): “Spa was probably one of the trickiest weekends I’ve had, to be honest. I really struggled from the beginning of the weekend to get the car into as good a window as we could. Obviously, the success ballast from Imola was hurting, especially at Spa. It’s a very weight-sensitive track, and I think that hurt us a lot and made everything very tricky. We tried our best to get some points. A big shout-out to the boys for giving it everything. Big congrats to the other side of the garage – 1-2. It’s a very special weekend for them. First victory and a 1-2. Unbelievable. They definitely deserve it, because I know they’ve had a lot of hard times, and it’s not easy. I’m very happy for them.”

Augusto Farfus (Team WRT, #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, 14th place LMGT3): “We didn’t have the speed this weekend. We tried everything we could, and unfortunately it didn’t turn out the way we wanted. In the end, I got a push from behind, which caused the Ferrari to retire, and I feel extremely sorry about that. So there were a lot of negatives in LMGT3, but we can still smile because the Hypercars did an incredible job. We definitely have to celebrate that one. A 1-2 in WRT’s home race is something very special. Now we have important weeks ahead of us, and we’ll try to capitalise on this.”

BMW M Ignite technology: Innovative new technology for all six-cylinder in-line engines from BMW M.

Thu, 7 May 2026 17:00:00 +0200

Munich. With BMW M Ignite technology, a new engine technology patented by BMW in 2024 is set to enter series production. This new kind of pre-chamber ignition system for petrol engines will debut in the six-cylinder in-line units for the BMW M2, BMW M3 and BMW M4 from mid-2026. One of its standout benefits is a significant reduction in fuel consumption under high loads – during track use, in particular. This new engine innovation has its roots in motor sport, making it another example of the transfer of technology from the race track to the road. And it also plays a major role in meeting the stringent requirements of the Euro 7 standard.

The centrepiece of BMW M Ignite technology is the pre-chamber positioned within the cylinder head. It is connected with the cylinder’s main combustion chamber by overflow openings. The pre-chamber has its own spark plug and ignition coil, meaning the engine has two ignition systems.

At low and medium revs, the conventional spark plug in the main combustion chamber fires before the spark plug in the pre-chamber. But when the engine is operating under higher revs and loads, the pre-chamber ignition takes over the lead role, with part of the fuel-air mixture channelled through the openings into the pre-chamber also ignited there. The flames generated as a result exit the pre-chamber at around the speed of sound.

These ignition jets then ignite the mixture in the main combustion chamber above the piston at multiple points at the same time. The result is a significantly higher combustion speed. Meanwhile, the possible cause of uncontrolled combustion – i.e. “knocking” – is also countered effectively. An additional effect of this technology is a drop in the temperature of the exhaust gas.

Other new technical features alongside the pre-chamber ignition include a higher compression ratio and turbochargers with variable turbine geometry.

BMW M Ignite technology boosts the efficiency of the six-cylinder in-line engines dramatically, especially when the engine is being pushed to its limits. Under high loads, fuel consumption drops substantially. This is particularly beneficial for BMW M customers who drive their cars on race circuits – e.g. during track days: the fuel consumption reduction enabled by BMW M Ignite technology means they can keep lapping for longer on the same amount of fuel.

As well as these efficiency gains, BMW M Ignite technology also helps to meet the new European Euro 7 standard, which will come into force in November 2026. In this way, BMW M is ensuring the high-performance cars fitted with this technology will continue to meet European registration requirements in the future. The new engines therefore represent another instance of technology from racing cars making its way into series-production models.

All variants of the BMW M3 and BMW M4 will come with BMW M Ignite technology from July 2026. Production of the BMW M2 featuring this technology will get underway in August 2026. The displacement and power outputs of all the models with BMW M Ignite technology will be unchanged from those of the corresponding outgoing engines.

Statement Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Conference Call Quarterly Statement to 31 March 2026

Wed, 6 May 2026 08:43:03 +0200

- Check against delivery –

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

Before I'm talking about the quarter figures, I would like to address a tragic loss that has deeply touched many BMW fans around the world.

On May 1, race car driver, longtime BMW works driver, and company ambassador Alessandro Zanardi passed away unexpectedly.

“Alex” was an impressive personality, an unwavering optimist, and an inspiration to many people worldwide. He demonstrated what is possible in life with dedication, willpower, and ambition.

The BMW Group has lost a fascinating humanitarian representative, and BMW M Motorsport has lost an ambitious and successful works driver.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Walter Mertl has taken you through the results after the first three months of 2026.

As we outlined in March at our Annual Conference, we knew that there would be several headwinds we would face throughout this year.

For us, it is about minimizing their impact, while consistently leveraging opportunities that arise.

At the same time, we remain firmly on course with our long-term strategy – a strategy that has provided clear direction and enabled us to navigate an increasingly unpredictable global business environment over recent years.

Three characteristics in particular define the BMW way:

First: Our strategy of technological neutrality

Second: The BMW Group’s global footprint and

Third: Inspiring brands and fascinating products.

Since 2021, the BMW Group’s long-term product and technology orientation has focused on the NEUE KLASSE.

Building on an exceptionally strong foundation of products and successful technologies delivered to customers over many years through to today, we are now making a huge leap forward in nearly every area of technology with the NEUE KLASSE. This will pay off as we roll these technologies out rapidly across the whole product portfolio.

Last year in September, here in Munich at the IAA Mobility, we presented the BMW iX3*, the first vehicle of the NEUE KLASSE. With this all-new vehicle generation BMW is entering into a new era.

The launch of the iX3 has been extremely successful.

Just a few weeks ago, in March, we handed over the first BMW iX3 vehicles to customers across Europe.

Over the past weeks, the model has also reached showrooms throughout the region.

Pre‑orders in Europe now exceed 50,000 units, underscoring the strong interest in this vehicle.

The iX3 also continues to win notable major international awards.

Most recently, it won two awards at the renowned World Car Awards. An international jury of 98 automotive journalists presented the BMW iX3 two prestigious titles: the 2026 “World Car of the Year”, beating out competitors across all powertrain categories; as well as 2026 “World Electric Vehicle” accolade.

With the first NEUE KLASSE model, BMW has delivered a clear step forward in technology and design – one that is resonating strongly with experts, journalists, and customers alike.

Given the very high market demand, we already pulled forward the second shift of BMW iX3 production at our Debrecen plant in February.

Further rollout across the US and Asian markets is planned for the coming months.

And the iX3 was just the beginning – a lot has happened since our annual conference. The NEUE KLASSE is gradually making its mark across the entire BMW portfolio.

In March, we unveiled the next step with the world premiere of the new BMW i3 at BMW Park in Munich.

Since 1975, the 3 Series has inspired dreams. At the core of the brand, each of the eight generations embodies progress and innovation. And with the BMW i3 we are building our future on this rich legacy.

This event provided a unique opportunity to celebrate this milestone not only with media and other key stakeholders, but especially and perhaps most importantly with our associates.

More than 30,000 employees joined the celebrations over days, underscoring the strong bond our team feels with the brand and their pride in this incredible moment – both for the company and for their achievements in bringing this vehicle to life.

As the second model of the NEUE KLASSE, the BMW i3 perfectly symbolizes the journey BMW has taken over the last years.

It is, of course, a completely new vehicle with a reimagined design and seamless integration of advanced technologies.

At the same time, the BMW i3 represents the progress of the BMW Group itself – from the systematic modernization of our production facilities through new ways of working that enable efficiency, scalability, and our long-term competitiveness.

The i3 will be produced at our main Plant in Munich. With an investment of around 650 million euros, the facility has been completely remodeled following the principles of BMW iFactory – lean, green, digital.

Production of up to 1,000 vehicles a day continued uninterrupted during the shopfloor adaptations over many months.

Beginning in 2027, the plant will exclusively produce electric vehicles.

The plant also continues to make great progress in realizing cost efficiencies. When the i3 rolls off the line for customers, we will have reduced overall production costs at the Munich plant by an additional 10%.

These improvements are driven by optimized production processes, targeted automation and digitalization, as well as the vehicle construction improvements enabled by NEUE KLASSE technologies.

Series production of the BMW i3 begins in August, followed by the market launch in Europe a few weeks later.

Several additional NEUE KLASSE models will soon be manufactured in Munich, including the BMW i3 Touring.

The BMW i3 leverages all the technologies developed for the NEUE KLASSE. From driving dynamics to powertrain, from battery technology to operating concept and the digital user experience.

And of course you can choose between different drive variants. Because we remain technology-open.

Each element is perfectly attuned to the characteristics of the 3 Series – creating a whole new dimension of sheer driving pleasure.

This is also confirmed by initial reviews and feedback from customers and journalists, which have been very positive.

This was also evident just two weeks ago at Auto China in Beijing, the world’s largest automotive trade fair.

We presented not 1, not 2, but 3 new models:

The BMW iX3 and BMW i3 Long Wheelbase for the Chinese market as well as the world premiere of BMW 7 Series model update with NEUE KLASSE technologies and design elements.

The China-specific NEUE KLASSE vehicles have been developed in close collaboration with our local R&D teams and local partners in China – think global, act local.

This enables us to leverage the know-how of leading Chinese tech players and integrate local digital ecosystems and technologies to meet the specific needs of our Chinese customer needs – for example, in voice assistant features and automated driving solutions.

The momentum generated by the NEUE KLASSE in China will provide a powerful impulse for our portfolio and marks the beginning of the next chapter in BMW’s tailored innovation and technology leadership in this key market.

In 2026, the seven millionth BMW vehicle will roll off the lines at our Shenyang production base. This remarkable milestone underscores our long-term commitment to China. And we are constantly strengthening our local footprint to underpin this momentum.

Through deeper localization across the value chain and expanded China-based decision making, we are faster, more robust, and even more synchronized with local customer expectations and market dynamics.

The new BMW 7 Series we unveiled in Beijing will kick off the roll-out of Neue Klasse technologies across all powertrains and into other product lines, and segments.

Coming in the middle of its lifecycle, it is the most extensive model revision in BMW's history and will take the 7 Series to a whole new level.

The technology-open drive offer covers all customer needs. The updated BMW i7 with new round battery cells features up to over 700 kilometers of range according to the WLTP cycle, meaning an increase of 100 kilometers from the current version.

Start of production will begin in our plant at Dingolfing in July.

The new 7 Series exemplifies BMW’s ability to industrialize the latest technologies at speed, integrating them into series vehicles and making them available directly to our customers.

This summer, we will also unveil the next generation of our BMW X5. It will be the first BMW model to be offered with five different drivetrain variants: highly efficient conventional powertrains, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and – from 2028 – also hydrogen.

In this way, we are laying the foundation to successfully meet the diverse needs of our customers around the world, both today and in the future.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our products continue to enjoy strong demand globally. We are well positioned to meet the needs of customers across different regions and markets.

In the first quarter we leveraged the strength of our current portfolio in a shifting environment – supported by a broad offering across brands, segments, drivetrain technologies and geographies.

Consistent with our balanced, global approach to sales, the performance in Europe helped to partially offset weaker dynamics in other markets. Sales were particularly robust in Germany, where Group registrations increased by more than 10% year-on-year.

In China and the U.S., the BMW Group performed better than the overall declining market.

BEV orders in Europe were up by around 62%, with European sales of fully-electric vehicles exceeding the previous year’s high level.

For the fifth consecutive quarter, the MINI brand delivered global growth, with sales increasing by 6%.

As we roll out the NEUE KLASSE, we can look ahead with confidence. Its technologies and design language will provide fresh momentum into our already strong BMW products. Offering individual mobility solutions tailored to the needs of customers across markets worldwide.

At the same time, the company is prepared to weather differing dynamics in global markets and to seize opportunities.

That combination is what sets the BMW Group apart.

We have stayed on course, consistently implementing our long-term strategy and are now ideally positioned to reap the rewards.

This is very much part of our DNA. Time and again, the BMW Group has proven resilient from the pandemic through supply chain disruptions and semiconductor shortages and the energy crisis.

Throughout, we have remained true to our technology‑open approach, which has proven its strength as global automotive markets continue to transition and delivered stronger results in new technologies.

As this will be my final quarterly call as CEO of the BMW Group, I want to extend my sincere thanks to the media and capital market communities who have accompanied me throughout my tenure since 2019.

I have always valued our dialogue – at times challenging, but consistently constructive – and I am grateful for the professionalism and engagement you have brought to these exchanges.

I hope you will extend the same openness and warm welcome to my successor, Milan Nedeljković.

I wish you all the best – and look forward to answering your questions one last time.

Thank you.

Statement Walter Mertl, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Finance, Conference Call Quarterly Statement to 31 March 2026

Wed, 6 May 2026 08:30:00 +0200

- Check against delivery –

SLIDE 2: BMW Group Quarterly Statement to 31 March 2026

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning.

The year 2026 started off with sound financial results for the BMW Group, in line with our expectations.

SLIDE 3: BMW Group Performance in Q1 2026

In the first quarter, Group revenues totaled 31 billion euros.

Group earnings before tax amounted to 2.35 billion euros, approximately 25 percent lower than in Q1 2025.

With this result, we generated a Group EBT margin of 7.6 percent, on the level of the 2025 full year.

The operating profit in the Automotive segment was 1.345 billion euros.

Consequently, the EBIT margin in the Automotive segment stood at
5 percent, in the middle of our full-year guidance corridor of 4 to 6 percent.

As you know, we consistently focus on our reported figures. Accordingly, the five percent represents our reported
EBIT margin without any adjustments.

The Q1 extra tariff burden of 1.25 percentage points is accounted for in this margin.

In addition, the EBIT margin includes the depreciation from the BBA purchase price allocation of 1.2 percentage points.

SLIDE 4: Automotive Retail Units, BEV Units and Auto Revenue

Let me now provide more details on the Automotive Segment’s performance across key metrics.

In the first quarter, the BMW Group delivered around 566,000 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles to customers. This represents a slight decrease of 3.5 percent compared to the same period last year, driven by the sales decline of all-electric vehicles in the US and China.

The BMW brand saw a decline of 4.6 percent year-on-year.

This was driven by shifts in regional and powertrain sales.

The MINI brand continued its growth following the successful renewal of its model portfolio, achieving a solid sales increase of 6 percent.

Let’s take a closer look at our sales performance across regions.

Starting this year, we have slightly adjusted our regional sales reporting to reflect our sales organization structure rather than geographical continents.

In our largest sales region, Europe, deliveries increased slightly by 3.0 percent. We saw growth across all powertrains – combustion engine vehicles, all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

The BMW brand’s order intake in Europe showed strong growth across the entire product portfolio in Q1, with an order bank reaching well into the second half of the year.

In our sales region Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa, deliveries declined by around 6,700 units – or 8.3 percent – year-on-year. This development was influenced by multiple factors, predominantly the macroeconomic environment and the diverse competitive landscape throughout the region, while the conflict in the Middle East had a limited regional sales impact in Q1.

In the Americas region, retail sales decreased by 4.0 percent year-on-year, primarily due to the US.

Here, sales of all-electric vehicles dropped significantly following the discontinuation of IRA support in the fourth quarter of last year. Our product portfolio enabled us to largely offset this decline and fulfil customer demand with our attractive ICE vehicles.

When comparing US sales to previous year, we must also remember that Q1 2025 was positively influenced by strong customer demand, driven by expectations of customs duty increases starting in April 2025.

Overall, we performed better than the total US market, which declined by 6.6 percent in the first quarter.

In China, the overall market declined sharply by over 17 percent in Q1, driven by reductions of government subsidies and changes of regulations.

By comparison, BMW Group sales decreased by 10 percent and therefore outperformed the overall market in Q1.

Switching gears to BEV retail sales:

In the first three months, the BMW Group delivered over 87,000 all-electric vehicles to customers worldwide.

Sales of electrified vehicles, including both BEVs and plug-in hybrids, amounted to approximately 133,000 vehicles.

This represents a BEV share of total sales of 15.5 percent and an electrified vehicle share of 23.4 percent.

In Europe, BEV sales continued to grow and order intake increased by more than 60 percent year-on-year, especially due to strong demand for our all-new iX3* and the iX1*.

In China and the US, the removal of incentives and the reduction of subsidies for electrified vehicles had a noticeable impact on BEV sales year-on-year, reflecting the country-specific market dynamics.

Automotive Segment revenues declined moderately by 7.0 percent to
27.2 billion euros in the first quarter.

Adjusted for currency translation, mainly from the US-Dollar and the Chinese Renminbi, the decrease was 2.9 percent.

It was driven by lower sales volumes and intense global competition.

Let’s now take a closer look at the year-on-year changes in the operational result on the following slide.

SLIDE 5: Automotive Segment EBIT in Q1 2026

In the first three months, changes in currency and raw material positions accounted for a negative impact of around 400 million euros.

As anticipated, the adverse FX development from the second half of 2025 continued into the first quarter of 2026.

The net effect of volume, model mix and pricing resulted in a negative impact of around 700 million euros compared to Q1 2025.

In addition to the impact from lower sales volumes, this decline was driven by intense competitive pressure across all major markets.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are continuing cost reductions across the company to tackle the overall headwinds.

In the first quarter of 2026, we have further reduced both R&D and capital expenditure, thanks to early investments in the NEUE KLASSE.

As of March, Group R&D expenditure totalled around 1.8 billion euros, a significant decrease of around 12 percent compared to the previous year.

The R&D ratio according to the German Commercial Code came in at 5.7 percent.

Despite this significant reduction, research and development expenses in the P&L increased by 100 million euros due to two factors:

An increase of 200 million euros in depreciation, resulting from capitalized development costs in prior years.

And a lower R&D capitalization ratio compared to Q1 2025, which decreased by 4.3 percentage points to 31.4 percent.

Our ongoing commitment to reducing operating costs is further visible by the development of selling and administrative expenses, which decreased by around 100 million euros year-on-year.

Other Cost Changes provided a tailwind of around 400 million euros compared to the first quarter of 2025.

This includes various factors, most notably manufacturing costs and warranty expenses as well a year-on-year tariff burden.

Overall, Automotive EBIT amounted to 1.3 billion euros in the first quarter.

The decline of approximately 700 million euros compared to Q1 2025 was driven by headwinds from FX, tariffs and depreciation.

SLIDE 6: Automotive Segment Free Cash Flow in Q1 2026

Free cashflow in the Automotive Segment amounted to around 800 million euros in the first quarter of 2026.

The net change in working capital reduced free cashflow by around
500 million euros, as expected.

This mainly reflects the typical Q1 inventory build-up, with production exceeding sales volume.

The impact of higher inventories was partly compensated by an increase in trade payables, which rose in line with production levels.

The net effect of capital expenditure and depreciation contributed about 600 million euros to free cashflow.

Depreciation exceeded capital expenditure in the first quarter, positively impacting free cashflow.

We expected this position to flip versus previous years, as we continue to reduce capex and see depreciation from earlier investments take effect.

This trend will continue throughout 2026.

The capex ratio for Q1 was 2.0 percent, reflecting the typical low level seen in the first quarter of the year.

The change in provisions reduced free cashflow in the first quarter by
300 million euros, primarily due to the consumption of warranty provisions.

The change in the position other reduced free cashflow by 300 million euros, mainly due to regular tax payments.

For the full year, the BMW Group is targeting a free cashflow in the Automotive segment above 4.5 billion euros.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The BMW Group remains firmly committed to its shareholder return strategy, which includes both dividend payments and share buybacks.

The second tranche of our third share buyback program with a volume of 625 million euros is currently underway and is scheduled for completion by the end of August at the latest. The third tranche is planned to follow thereafter.

SLIDE 7: Financial Services Segment YTD March 2026

Let’s now turn to our Financial Services Segment.

In the first quarter, the number of new contracts concluded with retail customers increased slightly by 4.3 percent year-on-year, reaching 420,000 contracts.

The penetration rate for lease and loan offerings increased to 51.6 percent in the first quarter.

This development was supported by changes in the competitive environment in China. Mid-2025, local banks significantly reduced commissions related to brokering financing and insurance products for end customers.

Adjusted for FX effects, new business volume grew by 4.1 percent to about 16 billion euros.

Segment earnings for the first quarter amounted to 381 million euros, a decrease of 269 million euros compared to Q1 2025.

This decline results from an addition to an already existing risk provision in the UK. At the end of March, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued its final cross-sector compensation program for customers who were sold automotive financing products under certain commission models.

Unfortunately, the published program reflects only a few of the many amendment proposals made to the initial draft by both the UK Finance and Leasing Association and the BMW Group.

As a result, the compensation payment volume will likely exceed previous estimations.

Additionally, income from the resale of end-of-lease vehicles was lower year-on-year, as expected.

The credit loss ratio across the entire credit portfolio remained low at 0.27 percent.

SLIDE 8: Motorcycles Segment in Q1 2026

In the Motorcycles Segment, first-quarter deliveries declined slightly by 4.2 percent year-on-year.

Segment EBIT for the first three months rose to 89 million euros, with an EBIT margin of 11.4 percent.

Finally, one remark on the Other Entities result, which increased by around 300 million euros.

This was driven by positive valuation effects from interest rate derivatives, resulting from the sharp rise in long-term interest rates in March.

SLIDE 9: Outlook 2026

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me now turn to our outlook for 2026 and briefly outline some of our current assumptions.

The situation in the Middle East currently remains highly uncertain. Our outlook assumes that the ongoing conflict is temporary.

The expected tariff impact on our 2026 results can still only be estimated based on our existing assumptions.

We expect import duties from the EU to the US to remain at their current levels.

Following the recent positive vote in the European Parliament, we anticipate that tariffs on imports from the US to the EU will drop to 0 percent effective in the second half of the year.

Similarly, tariff reductions for imports into the US from Mexico and Canada are also expected to take effect in the second half of the year.

We continue to anticipate a full-year negative impact of around
1.25 percentage points on the Auto EBIT margin from the increased tariffs, after 1.5 percentage points in 2025.

In China, we are making good progress with our set of measures to support market performance.

The overall vehicle market in China declined more sharply than anticipated throughout the first quarter, already prompting several revisions of official market forecasts for the year by the CPCA.

In light of this trend, our focus will remain on achieving the right balance between sales volume, transaction prices, and dealer profitability.

Based on our assumptions, our full-year guidance parameters remain unchanged.

Group earnings before tax are expected to be moderately lower than in 2025.

In the Automotive segment, we forecast global deliveries to be at last year’s level.

The EBIT margin is expected to be within a corridor between 4 and 6 percent.

The EBIT margin in the Motorcycles Segment should also come in at between 4 and 6 percent.

In the Financial Services Segment, we are targeting a Return on Equity (RoE) in the range of 13 to 16 percent for the full year.

SLIDE 10: Q1 Profitability in the middle of full-year guidance corridor

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The year 2026 started off with sound financials for the BMW Group, with an Auto EBIT margin in the middle of our full-year guidance corridor.

Within our global business model, we continue to leverage flexibility across powertrains and regions, as we ramp up our NEUE KLASSE.

This flexibility enables us to effectively mitigate risks as they arise.

The prudent management of R&D, capex, and operating costs is clearly reflected in our Q1 results, underscoring our strong commitment to financial discipline.

With that, the BMW Group remains on track to meet its operational targets as we advance our strategic plan.

And as we roll-out the NEUE KLASSE technologies across the entire portfolio, we at the BMW Group and all of our stakeholders have plenty to look forward to.

Thank you.

BMW Group Quarterly Statement to 31 March 2026

Wed, 6 May 2026 07:31:55 +0200

Attached please find the Quarterly Statement to 31 March 2026 for download.

The speeches and telephone conferences for journalists and analysts & investors will be broadcast live on our website https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/company-reports.html:

08.30 am (CEST): Speeches Oliver Zipse and Walter Mertl
09.05 am (CEST): Journalists Q&A
10.15 am (CEST): Analysts & Investors Q&A

The online version of the BMW Group Report 2025 can be explored here: https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/report/2025/index.html

Solid start to the year: BMW Group achieves Group EBT margin at previous full-year level

Wed, 6 May 2026 07:30:00 +0200

Munich. Parallel to the ramp-up of the Neue Klasse, the BMW Group has released solid financial figures in the first quarter: The Munich-based premium automaker reported an EBT of € 2,348 million – surpassing the two previous quarters (Q3/Q4 2025). Group EBT margin of 7.6 % was on par with the figure for the full year 2025 (7.7 %). Free cash flow in the Automotive segment totalled € 777 million, significantly above the same quarter of the previous year (+88.1 %).

As such, the BMW Group has maintained its positive momentum from the previous year in the first quarter of 2026. The company’s attractive product portfolio, technology‑open approach and resilience in key global regions ensure it maintains its successful course.

“Once again, our earnings for the first quarter demonstrate the value of strategic consistency, operational strength and a high degree of flexibility. We are well positioned to deliver continued success, despite challenging conditions,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

Order intake in Europe reaches record levels

The BMW brand achieved its highest ever order intake figure for a single quarter in Sales Region Europe. From January to March, orders for all-electric vehicles increased by more than 60% in Europe compared to the previous year. The BMW iX3* alone secured more than 50,000 orders since its design premiere in September by the end of March.

“During the first three months on the year, we received more orders in Europe than in any other quarter in the Company’s history. The key to our success lies in our broad product range: with our strong brands, we serve key segments and allow customers to select from the full range of drivetrains,” said Zipse. “The successful launch of the BMW iX3 and the positive feedback on the BMW i3 confirm that we made the right decisions with the Neue Klasse. Every future BMW model will feature the new technology clusters and use the new design language – regardless of drivetrain. Thus, we are elevating our product portfolio to a whole new level.”

The BMW Group delivered a total of 565,780 vehicles to customers worldwide in the first quarter. This represents a slight decrease of -3.5% compared with the same period last year. The BMW brand delivered a total of 496,006 vehicles to customers across the world in the first quarter of 2026 (-4.6%). One in ten of all BMW units delivered was a BMW M model.

MINI maintains its growth trajectory

The MINI brand increased its global sales for the fifth consecutive quarter, delivering 68,503 vehicles – growth of +6.0%. BEVs accounted for 35.1% of all MINI deliveries.
The Rolls-Royce brand delivered a total of 1,271 vehicles to customers in the first quarter (-8.0%). BMW Motorrad delivered 42,735 motorcycles and scooters to customers over the same period (-4.2%).

BEV demand growing in Europe

The BMW Group’s vehicle deliveries increased by 3.1% across all drivetrains in Europe, its largest sales region. Battery‑electric vehicles accounted for 25.3% of all sales in Europe (global: 15.5%). The BMW Group remains confident that it will meet the EU (27 + 2) CO₂ targets for 2026.
In the Americas sales region, which slightly declined by -4.0%, the decline in deliveries of all-electric BMW automobiles was largely offset by increased deliveries of vehicles with combustion engines. In China, where the total market contracted sharply by -17.5%, BMW Group deliveries performed somewhat better, falling by -10.0% during the reporting period.

Currency effects weigh on revenues

Group revenues totalled € 31,007 million (2025: € 33,758 million; -8.1%; adjusted for currency translation effects: -4.3%) highlighting the persistently intense competition in the automotive sector – particularly in China – as well as the slight decline in sales. Furthermore, adverse currency effects had a negative impact, primarily the Chinese renminbi and the US dollar.

Disciplined cost management continues to deliver results

The BMW Group successfully delivered nominal costs reductions in the first quarter to tackle external challenges. The cost of sales went down by -6.4%, while administrative and sales expenses fell by -5.1% across the Group. As planned, the Company reduced its research & development expenditure from the 2024 peak to € 1,755 million (Q1/2025: € 1,984 million; -11.5%). The research & development expenditure ratio (German Commercial Code) fell to 5.7% (Q1/2025: 5.9%). Investments also decreased in the first quarter to € 1,723 million in line with planning (Q1/2025: € 2,819 million; -38.9%). The capital expenditure ratio came in at 2.0% (Q1/2025: 3.6%).

“Flexibility and speed of execution are two of the BMW Group’s strengths. That’s abundantly clear with the Neue Klasse – a stringent and comprehensive renewal of our entire vehicle portfolio in record time. The automotive innovations coming to market will strengthen our competitive position and improve our profitability,” said Chief Financial Officer Walter Mertl. “In a demanding economic environment, we remain highly focused on costs, leveraging multiple opportunities across the company with an approach designed to deliver sustained results.”

Share buyback on track

The Annual General Meeting in May 2025 authorised the Board of Management to buy back up to 10% of BMW AG’s share capital over the next five years. Based on this new authorisation, the Board of Management approved a third share buyback programme with a volume of up to € 2 billion, to be completed no later than 30 April 2027. The first tranche of shares worth € 750 million were repurchased by December 2025. The second tranche of shares, amounting to € 625 million, is on track to be purchased by 31 August 2026. On 31 March 2026, BMW AG held shares with a nominal value of € 12,225,269. This corresponds to 1.99% of the share capital on the same date.

Group EBT well over € 2 billion again despite the tariffs burden

The Group achieved earnings before tax (EBT) of € 2,348 million in the first three months of the year (Q1/2025: € 3,113 million; -24.6%). In doing so, the company delivered earnings of more than € 2 billion in a demanding economic environment once again. The EBT margin for the period was 7.6% (Q1/2025: 9.2%). Group net profit amounted to € 1,672 million (Q1/2025: € 2,173 million; -23.1%).

EBIT margin in the annual guidance corridor of 4–6%
The Automotive segment achieved an EBIT of € 1,345 million (Q1/2025: € 2,024 million; -33.5 %) and an EBIT margin of 5.0 % (Q1/2025: 6.9 %; -1.9 percentage points) – in the middle of the forecast annual range of 4–6% – and extra tariffs accounted for a 1.25 percentage point reduction in the EBIT margin in the quarter. This was a significantly larger hit than the same quarter in the previous year, in which only EU import tariffs were due on battery‑electric vehicles from China. The EBIT margin was also affected by depreciation and amortisation from the BBA purchase price allocation amounting to 1.2 percentage points.

Fierce competition across major automotive markets, especially in China, impacted pricing and sales volumes, weighing on EBIT. As anticipated, currency and raw material price effects dampened the company’s first‑quarter earnings performance.

Free cash flow in the Automotive segment increased significantly to € 777 million in the first three months of the year (Q1/2025: € 413 million). The marked reduction of capital expenditure compared with prior‑year figures had a positive impact on free cash flow. Conversely, the typical seasonal increase in inventories weighed on working capital. The segment’s free cash flow is expected to exceed
€ 4.5 billion for the full year.

Financial Services: slight growth in new contracts with end customers

The Financial Services segment secured 420,212 new credit financing and leasing contracts with end customersin the first quarter. The growth of 4.3 % compared to the same quarter last year is largely attributable to the changes in the competitive landscape in the Chinese market since mid‑2025. The penetration rate** – the share of BMW Group vehicles either leased or financed through the Financial Services segment – increased to 51.6% in the reporting period(Q1/2025: 43.0%; +8.6%).

The segment generated a profit before tax (PBT) of € 381 million in the first three months of the year (Q1/2025: € 650 million; –41.4%). The decline was primarily driven by an increase of the existing risk provision for cross-sector compensation schemes for motor finance customers in the United Kingdom.

Moreover, the income from the resale of end-of-lease vehicles was lower.

Outlook for the 2026 financial year confirmed

The BMW Group confirms its full‑year forecast after the first quarter, in a deteriorating economic environment. Forecasts for the global economy and automotive markets have been revised downwards in recent weeks. The global automotive market is now expected to see a slight decrease.

For the 2026 financial year, the BMW Group continues to expect a higher level of volatility related to tariffs. The company anticipates a negative impact from higher tariffs of around 1.25 percentage points on the EBIT margin in the Automotive segment.

The geopolitical situation in the Middle East is currently characterised by a high degree of uncertainty due to the ongoing conflict in the region. The outlook assumes that the conflict will not be enduring.

The BMW Group continues to see overall growth potential in Europe and the United States. In China, the company looks to balance sales volume, transaction prices and dealer profitability.

Globally, the company forecasts that deliveries will be on a par with the previous year and that fully-electric vehicles will account for the same share of sales as 2025.

The BMW Group remains disciplined in cost management. In the 2026 financial year, the company will further reduce capital expenditure, manufacturing costs, research & development spending, as well as sales & administrative expenses. Compared to the prior year, the BMW Group expects a lower additional burden from tariffs as previously outlined. This will be offset by increasing depreciation resulting from investments and the capitalization of development costs in previous years. Additionally, earnings will be negatively impacted by adverse currency and raw material effects, by pricing and product measures to stabilize transaction prices in China, by a significantly lower capitalization rate resulting from the development portfolio structure, and by overall lower revenues related to the used-car market. The BMW Group will partially offset these higher burdens through the afore-mentioned cost reductions.

Regarding forecast KPIs: The EBIT margin for the Automotive Segment is forecast to be within the range of 4–6%. Return on Capital Employed (RoCE) will be between 6–10%.

In the Financial Services Segment, Return on Equity (RoE) is projected to be between 13–16%.

In the Motorcycles Segment, deliveries are forecast to be on a par with the previous year, with an EBIT margin within the range of 4.0–6.0% and a Return on Capital Employed (RoCE) of 10–14%.

In light of the forecast developments, a moderate decline in Group earnings before tax is expected for 2026.

The BMW Group’s actual business performance may deviate from these expectations – for example, due to changes in political and macroeconomic conditions.

BMW Group – overview Q1 2026		Q1 2026	Q1 2025	Change in %
Deliveries to customers
Automotive¹	units	565,780	586,117	-3.5
thereof: BMW	units	496,006	520,121	-4.6
MINI	units	68,503	64,615	6,0
Rolls-Royce	units	1,271	1,381	-8.0
Motorcycles	units	42,735	44,609	-4.2

Employees (as of 31 Dec. 2025)		154,540
EBIT margin Automotive Segment	percent	5.0	6.9	-1.9 %-pts.
EBIT margin Motorcycles Segment	percent	11.4	9.4	+2.0 %-pts.
EBT margin BMW Group²	percent	7.6	9.2	-1.6 %-pts.
Free cash flow Automotive Segment	€ million	777	413	88.1

Revenues	€ million	31,007	33,758	-8.1
thereof: Automotive	€ million	27,159	29,211	-7.0
Motorcycles	€ million	779	806	-3.3
Financial Services	€ million	9,837	10,126	-2.9
Other Entities	€ million	3	3	0.0
Eliminations	€ million	-6,771	-6,388	6.0

Profit before financial result (EBIT)	€ million	2,004	3,142	-36.2
thereof: Automotive	€ million	1,345	2,024	-33.5
Motorcycles	€ million	89	76	17.1
Financial Services	€ million	353	652	-45.9
Other Entities	€ million	2	-6	-
Eliminations	€ million	214	396	-46.0

Profit before tax (EBT)	€ million	2,348	3,113	-24.6
thereof: Automotive	€ million	1,266	1,904	-33.5
Motorcycles	€ million	88	75	17.3
Financial Services	€ million	381	650	-41.4
Other Entities	€ million	543	295	84.1
Eliminations	€ million	70	189	-63.0

Group income taxes	€ million	-676	-940	28.1
Net profit	€ million	1,672	2,173	-23.1
Earnings per share (ordinary/preferred)³	€	2.68/2.68	3.38/3.38	-20.7

¹Deliveries include the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., Shenyang.

²Ratio of Group earnings before taxes to Group revenues.

³ Earnings per share of preferred shares are calculated by distributing the earnings required to cover the additional dividend of € 0.02
per preferred share proportionally over the quarters of the corresponding financial year.

** Starting in the 2026 financial year, the penetration rate will also include financing and leasing contracts for young used vehicles that are sold to end customers for the first time in the reporting year.

GLOSSARY – explanatory comments on key performance indicators

Deliveries to customers

A new or used vehicle is recorded as a delivery once it is handed over to the end user (which also includes leaseholders under lease contracts with BMW Financial Services). In the US and Canada, end users also include (1) dealers when they designate a vehicle as a service loaner or demonstrator vehicle and (2) dealers and other third parties when they purchase a company vehicle at auction and dealers when they purchase company vehicles directly from the BMW Group. Deliveries may be made by BMW AG, one of its international subsidiaries, a BMW Group retail outlet, or independent third-party dealers. The vast majority of deliveries – and hence the reporting of deliveries to the BMW Group – is made by independent third-party dealers. Retail vehicle deliveries during a given reporting period do not correlate directly to the revenues that the BMW Group recognises in respect of that particular reporting period.

Payout ratio

The payout ratio is preliminary. Although the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board will propose a fixed dividend per share at the Annual General Meeting, the number of shares entitled to a dividend is expected to fall by the Annual General Meeting due to the ongoing share buy-back programme. Accordingly, the total amount to be distributed to shareholders is also still expected to change by 13 May.

EBIT

Profit before financial result. Profit before financial result comprises revenues less cost of sales, less selling and administrative expenses and plus/minus net other operating income and expenses.

EBIT margin

Profit/loss before financial result as a percentage of revenues.

EBT

EBIT plus financial result.

PHEV

Plug-in-hybrid electric vehicle - hybrid vehicle with petrol engine and electric drive.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Dr Britta Ullrich, Finance Communications

Telephone: +49 89 382-18364

Email: britta.ullrich@bmwgroup.com

Sebastian Keßler, Communications BMW Group, Strategy

Telephone: +49 89 382-21616

Email: Sebastian.KE.Kessler@bmwgroup.com

Max-Morten Borgmann, head of Communications BMW Group, Finance, Sales

Telephone: +49 89 382-24118

Email: Max-Morten.Borgmann@bmwgroup.com

Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.com/deutschland

Email: presse@bmwgroup.com

The BMW Group

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Update: Injury layoff for Miguel Oliveira – Michael van der Mark to race in Most.

Tue, 5 May 2026 20:32:20 +0200

Munich. Miguel Oliveira (POR) will not take part in the upcoming FIM Superbike World Championship races in Most, Czech Republic. The Portuguese rider suffered fractures of the scapula and ribs, injuries to the shoulder tendons, and a concussion during Sunday’s Superpole Race at Balaton Park Circuit. Together, Oliveira, BMW Motorrad Motorsport, and the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team decided that the full focus will now be on his complete recovery, meaning he will sit out the next race weekend. As a replacement rider for Most (15th to 17th May), BMW Motorrad factory rider Michael van der Mark (NED) will step in on the BMW M 1000 RR.

“Of course, I’m very disappointed, because with the podium in Saturday’s race in Hungary we showed that we are on the right path towards success,” said Oliveira. “Unfortunately, setbacks such as injuries can happen in racing. I will now fully focus on getting back to 100 percent fitness and returning to my team and my BMW M 1000 RR as soon as possible. My thanks go to everyone who helped me after my injury in Hungary. Thanks also to Mickey – I know my bike is in good hands in Most.”

Van der Mark knows the motorcycle, the team, the championship, and the circuit extremely well. The Dutchman, now a rider in the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and test rider for the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Test Team, competed with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team in WorldSBK from 2021 to 2025.

“First of all, I wish Miguel a speedy recovery,” said van der Mark. “I’m ready and I will give everything to settle back in quickly. My task will be to support BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the team as best as possible in Most, collect important data for the rest of the season, and of course score as many points as possible.”

The recovery process will now be closely monitored, and a decision regarding Oliveira’s participation in upcoming races will be made in due course.

"BMW ART CARS – 20 ARTISTS, 50 YEARS OF INNOVATION. REUNITED AT BMW WELT." Record exhibition of all BMW Art Cars: 29 July to 31 August 2026 at BMW Welt in Munich.

Tue, 5 May 2026 14:00:00 +0200

Munich. For the first time ever, the entire BMW Art Car Collection will be reunited at home in Munich. Titled “BMW ART CARS – 20 ARTISTS, 50 YEARS OF INNOVATION. REUNITED AT BMW WELT”, the exhibition will present all 20 Art Cars together in one location for the first time, from 29 July to 31 August 2026. The opening ceremony will take place on 28 July. The exhibition within the iconic BMW Welt architecture brings together the “rolling sculptures” from Alexander Calder (1975) to Julie Mehretu (2024). A particular highlight is Olafur Eliasson's “BMW H2R Project”: based on a hydrogen prototype, this piece has only been displayed publicly three times as an installation in a special frozen-down environment since its world premiere in 2007. The exhibition marks the culmination of the BMW Art Car World Tour, which has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of the BMW Art Car Collection with a global exhibition programme in over 30 countries across five continents since March 2025.

“I am delighted that the BMW Art Car World Tour is ending here at BMW Welt. This exhibition enables our international visitors to experience the diversity of artistic approaches and technological developments over the last fifty years first-hand, and it reinforces BMW Welt’s role as a place of encounter,” says Sandra Wittemer, Head of BMW Welt.

Spanning five decades, the retrospective at BMW Welt showcases artistic engagement with art, design, technology, innovation, motor racing and engineering. The BMW Art Car Collection started in 1975, when the French racing driver and art dealer Hervé Poulain collaborated with Jochen Neerpasch, then Head of BMW Motorsport, to invite the artist Alexander Calder to transform a racing car into a work of art. The result was a BMW 3.0 CSL that competed in the 1975 Le Mans 24-hour race and became an instant crowd favourite. Since then, the collection has grown to encompass 20 works, with contributions from renowned artists such as Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Esther Mahlangu, David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Jeff Koons, Cao Fei and Julie Mehretu. Each artist has brought their own unique vision and style to the project.

“BMW ART CARS – 20 ARTISTS, 50 YEARS OF INNOVATION. REUNITED AT BMW WELT” brings together all of the “rolling sculptures” for the first time in a public exhibition space. Each Art Car tells the story of its creator's artistic vision, technological developments and the social context of the period in which it was created. The collection therefore also provides a cross-section of art history from the last five decades: Minimalism, Pop Art, Magical Realism, Abstraction, Conceptual Art and Digital Art are all represented.

Artist Julie Mehretu‘s project shows that a BMW Art Car can transcend the concept of the car as an object: She conceived her project on aBMW M Hybrid V8 (BMW Art Car #20, 2024) from the very beginning as multidimensional endeavour, co-founding the African Film and Media Arts Collective (AFMAC) with screenwriter/ film producer Mehret Mandefro. This initiative brought together artists and filmmakers from Africa and the diaspora for workshops led by international lead artists, exploring new forms of artistic practice and cultural dialogue. The final exhibition, “Turning Towards the Sun”, will be presented from 11 December 2026 to 15 August 2027 at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town.

BMW Art Car Collection at BMW Welt.

Alexander Calder / BMW 3.0 CSL / 1975
Frank Stella / BMW 3.0 CSL / 1976
Roy Lichtenstein / BMW 320i Turbo / 1977
Andy Warhol / BMW M1 / 1979
Ernst Fuchs / BMW 635 CSi / 1982
Robert Rauschenberg / BMW 635 CSi / 1986
Michael Jagamara Nelson / BMW M3 Group A / 1989
Ken Done / BMW M3 Group A / 1989
Matazo Kayama / BMW 535i / 1990
César Manrique / BMW 730i / 1990
A.R. Penck / BMW Z1 / 1991
Esther Mahlangu / BMW 525i / 1991
Sandro Chia / BMW M3 GTR / 1992
David Hockney / BMW 850 CSi / 1995
Jenny Holzer / BMW V12 LMR / 1999
Olafur Eliasson / BMW H2R / 2007
Jeff Koons / BMW M3 GT2 / 2010
Cao Fei / BMW M6 GT3 / 2017
John Baldessari / BMW M6 GTLM / 2016
Julie Mehretu / BMW M Hybrid V8 / 2024

The Art Car exhibition at BMW Welt marks the grand finale of the BMW Art Car World Tour, the largest exhibition project in the collection's history. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the BMW Art Cars, an exhibition programme has been taking place worldwide across five continents since March 2025. Having stopped at 60 locations in more than 30 countries, the touring BMW Art Cars have already attracted over 2 million visitors to leading art fairs, museums, motorsport events, and cultural institutions. Highlights include: Art Basel Hong Kong, Art Dubai, Auto Shanghai, Le Mans 24 Hours and Le Mans Classic, Louwman Museum in The Hague, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and The Bridge in the USA, Contemporary Istanbul, Zoute Grand Prix in Belgium, ADI Design Museum in Milan, Rétromobile in Paris, RAD Art Fair in Bucharest, and Market Art Fair in Stockholm. Before the final exhibition in Munich, the BMW Art Car World Tour will make further stops at the Classic Car House in Copenhagen (until 21 June) and the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on Lake Como (15–17 May).

General Information.
BMW ART CARS – 20 ARTISTS, 50 YEARS OF INNOVATION.
REUNITED AT BMW WELT.

Opening: 28 July 2026, 6:30 PM (by invitation)
Exhibition period: 29 July–31 August 2026
Venue: BMW Welt (Auditorium), Am Olympiapark 1, 80809 Munich

Opening hours: Monday–Sunday 09:00 AM–06:00 PM

BMW Welt Lifestyle & Accessory Shop: A range of products for fans of the BMW Art Cars will be available in the BMW Welt shop during the exhibition period. Alongside to the newly reissued publication "BMW Art Cars" (Hatje Cantz Verlag), visitors can look forward to a selection of BMW Art Car miniature models, among other items.

Further information at:
BMW Welt
BMW Art Car Collection

The BMW Group's Cultural Engagement, with exclusive updates and deeper insights into its global initiatives can be followed on Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.

BMW Group Plant Leipzig introduces terahertz-based measurement of plastic components in series production.

Tue, 5 May 2026 10:00:00 +0200

Leipzig. As the BMW Group systematically advances the digitalisation of its production processes, Plant Leipzig is introducing a terahertz-based measurement system for plastic exterior components in series production. Capable of determining paint layer thickness non-destructively, the new technology has recently been scaled up to enable automated, precise and reproducible quality inspections directly within the production process.

“Terahertz measurement technology replaces complex manual inspection with a fully automated solution, taking quality assurance to an entirely new level,” says Christoph Theiselmann, Head of Exterior Plastics, Production at Plant Leipzig.

At the heart of the innovation is the terahertz measurement system “Irys”, developed by technology partner das‑Nano specifically for industrial inline inspections. The system enables contactless, non‑destructive measurement of multi‑layer paint systems and delivers real‑time data, representing a significant advance over previous inspection methods.

From manual inspection to inline measurement

Until now, paint layer thickness inspections on plastic exterior components at Plant Leipzig have been carried out manually during production, using scalpels and microscopy, thereby destroying parts in the process. This not only generated unnecessary waste but also meant that deviations from specifications were often only identified at a later stage.

Terahertz technology fundamentally transforms this process: sensors mounted on two robots in the existing end‑of‑line measurement cell are automatically and precisely positioned in relation to the component, where they measure the thickness of the individual paint layers by analysing the time‑of‑flight of reflected terahertz waves. Measurements take only seconds and achieve accuracy down to the micrometre level.

The new technology not only delivers objective and reproducible measurement results, but also enables the early detection of process deviations. By eliminating destructive testing, it reduces waste and material consumption while improving both process efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The resulting digital measurement data enhance transparency within production and provide a robust foundation for data‑driven process control.

“The combination of higher measurement accuracy, direct process integration and full digitalisation delivers tangible benefits across the entire production chain, strengthening quality, economic efficiency and resource conservation in equal measure,” Christoph Theiselmann adds.

Digitalisation of plastic component paint operations

Following the introduction of automated surface inspection in 2024, terahertz measurement technology marks the next step towards a fully digital paint shop for plastic components at Leipzig. The measurement and quality data it generates are available entirely in digital form, creating the basis for advanced data‑supported analysis. In the future, this data will be analysed using AI‑based methods to identify deviations early, evaluate trends and continuously optimise process parameters.

Pioneering role within the BMW Group and the plastics segment

By scaling terahertz measurement technology for industrial use, Exterior Plastics at Leipzig has broken new ground in more than one respect. As well as being the first BMW Group site to integrate the new technology into in-house production, Plant Leipzig sets new standards in the plastics segment more widely, being the first to use terahertz technology to inspect paint layer thickness on plastic components.

Following successful piloting and ramp‑up, the new technology can now be deployed with all component carrier systems, or ‘skids’, and is currently being enabled for all colour variants as well. It also offers significant potential for rollout at other plants, particularly in painted body shops and across the supplier network.

The Exterior Plastics team is part of the Purchasing and Supplier Network division at Leipzig. Its 450 employees specialise in the manufacture of injection-moulded plastic exterior body components – such as bumpers, side sills and spoilers – which it supplies not just to Leipzig, but also to the BMW Group plants in Dingolfing and Regensburg.

BMW Group produces its two-millionth all-electric vehicle

Tue, 5 May 2026 09:00:00 +0200

Munich/Dingolfing. One out of two million: A BMW i5 M60 xDrive sedan in Tansanit Blue assembled at Plant Dingolfing is the two-millionth all-electric vehicle produced by the BMW Group. The anniversary vehicle is going to a customer in Spain.

BMW Group Plant Dingolfing: home to the most all-electric models

Plant Dingolfing began series production of all-electric automobiles in 2021 with the BMW iX. Today, it builds the widest range of BEV models within the BMW Group: the BMW iX, the BMW i5 sedan and touring, and the BMW i7. Since 2021, more than 320,000 all-electric vehicles have already been built at the Lower Bavarian site. This means that almost every sixth of the BMW Group’s total of two million BEVs comes from Dingolfing. In 2025, more than a quarter of the vehicles produced at Plant Dingolfing were all-electric.

Clear strategy with maximum flexibility

As part of the BMW iFACTORY, the BMW Group continues to pursue a technology-open approach in its plants: vehicles with different powertrains are flexibly produced in a mixed build on a single production line. For several years now, at least one all-electric model has been rolling off the line at every German BMW Group plant - e-mobility has become the new normal across the company’s production network. In doing so, the BMW Group is making a significant contribution to Germany being the world’s second-largest production location for electric cars today.

Josef Honeder appointed Head of Development at BMW Motorrad.

Mon, 4 May 2026 09:00:00 +0200

Munich. Josef Honeder will assume the position of Head of Development at BMW Motorrad on 1 June 2026. In this role, he will be responsible for the entire technical concept, engineering, testing and further development of technologies for all new motorcycle models of the brand. A mechanical engineering graduate, Josef Honeder is a highly experienced product development expert who has held various management positions within the BMW Group for more than 20 years, including responsibilities in the areas of overall vehicle development and powertrain.

Most recently, Josef Honeder was responsible for the development of powertrain and fuel supply systems.

With his appointment as Head of Development at BMW Motorrad, Josef Honeder is returning to a field closely linked to his long-standing and profound passion for two-wheeled vehicles. From 2011 to 2013, he already held responsibility for various development scopes at BMW Motorrad.

Thanks to his extensive development expertise, Josef Honeder is the ideal choice to continue the success story of BMW Motorrad.

Markus Flasch, CEO BMW Motorrad: “BMW Motorrad has demonstrated a unique product offensive in recent years. I am very pleased that we have been able to appoint an experienced development expert in Josef Honeder, who will enrich BMW Motorrad with his comprehensive knowledge across the entire field of vehicle development.”

Josef Honeder takes over from Christof Lischka, who was responsible for BMW Motorrad in recent years and oversaw the successful launch of numerous models. Christof Lischka has left the BMW Group at his own request.

You will find press material on BMW motorcycles in the BMW Group PressClub at www.press.bmwgroup.com.

IMSA: BMW M Team WRT on the podium at Laguna Seca.

Mon, 4 May 2026 03:18:06 +0200

Laguna Seca. Second podium of the season for BMW M Team WRT in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA Series). At WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (USA), Philipp Eng (AUT) and Marco Wittmann (GER) finished third in the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8 after a strong comeback drive. The duo started from 10th position and steadily improved throughout the 2-hour and 40-minute race. It was the second podium for the BMW M Hybrid V8 this year, following third place for car number 24 in Daytona (USA). On the occasion of Alessandro Zanardi’s passing, BMW M Motorsport honoured the Italian with a personal tribute message on both BMW M Hybrid V8 cars.

The first half of the race was shaped by Dries Vanthoor (BEL) and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), who, starting from fourth position in the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8, took the lead within the opening hour. However, the duo dropped back during a pit stop under yellow and was unable to fight their way back to the front. In the end, they finished ninth. Eng and Wittmann managed a flawless race, and their strategy paid off. After the final pit stop, Wittmann was in third place, which he was able to defend in a fiercely contested final phase.

Before the race, members of BMW M Motorsport and BMW M Team WRT honoured the long-time BMW works driver and brand ambassador Alessandro Zanardi, who passed away over the weekend, with a personally signed tribute message on both LMDh cars. The drivers and Team Principal Vincent Vosse also wore black armbands. IMSA also honoured Zanardi with a message and a poster in the very corner that made him famous for a spectacular overtaking maneuver in IndyCar: the Corkscrew.

In the two GTD classes, Paul Miller Racing and Turner Motorsport did not achieve podium finishes. In GTD PRO, Neil Verhagen and Connor De Phillippi (both USA) were in contention for the podium for a long time, but after a late final fuel stop for the #1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, they finished eighth. BMW M works driver Robby Foley and Patrick Gallagher (both USA) finished seventh in the GTD class in the #96 BMW M4 GT3 EVO from Turner Motorsport.

IMPC: Turner Motorsport triumphs with the BMW M4 GT4 EVO.
On Saturday, the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) held its 2-hour race at WeatherTech Raceway. This was the moment for Dillon Machavern and Luca Mars (both USA), who celebrated victory in the #95 BMW M4 GT4 EVO from Turner Motorsport. Robby Foley and Vincent Barletta (both USA) finished fifth in the sister car, number 96. Right behind them, Roland Krainz (USA) and Stevan McAleer (GBR) finished sixth in the #27 BMW M4 GT4 EVO from AutoTechnic Racing. In eighth place, BMW M works driver Bill Auberlen (USA) and Samantha Tan (CAN) crossed the finish line in car number 38 from ST Racing by Random Vandals.

Comments after the race:

Vincent Vosse (Team Principal BMW M Team WRT): “First podium of the season for Philipp and Marco - it was a good, strong race for them both. Congratulations to the entire crew! We brought the number 24 car into the lead with a shorter first pit stop, but the yellow flag that followed shortly afterward meant our strategy didn’t work out. That’s very unfortunate, but it’s something we have to take away as a lesson from this weekend.”

Philipp Eng (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8, BMW M Team WRT, 3rd place GTP): “A good ending to a difficult weekend for us. I’m very happy for the whole team - thank you, everyone! We struggled with the car’s balance all weekend, but in the race we did a perfect job. Marco drove fantastically, and I was able to save a lot of energy in my first stint, which helped us in the end.”

Marco Wittmann (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8, BMW M Team WRT, 3rd place GTP): “That’s what I call a happy end to a tough week! We had many problems with the car’s balance this weekend. Considering that, third place is much more than we expected. It’s great that the hard work of the whole team was rewarded with a podium. At the end of the race, I could only defend, but the Porsche was simply too strong. I couldn’t hold it off, but at least it was still enough for third place.”

Dries Vanthoor (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8, BMW M Team WRT, 9th place GTP): “After a difficult first practice, we made very good progress with the car overnight, and I was able to secure fourth place on the grid. In the race, my first stint was also very strong, and I even took the lead. After that, unfortunately, quite a few things went wrong. A much better result would have been possible. Congratulations to our sister car on the podium!”

GT World Challenge Europe: Podium for the defending champions at Brands Hatch.

Sun, 3 May 2026 23:48:43 +0200

Brands Hatch. With the opening two races at Britain’s Brands Hatch circuit, the Sprint Cup season of the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS has now begun. Defending champions Charles Weerts (BEL) and Kelvin van der Linde (RSA) started the new season of the championship with a podium finish: they were placed third in the first of Sunday’s two races in the Team WRT #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO. The team also had reason to celebrate in the Silver Cup, with a victory and a third-place finish in class for Matisse Lismont (BEL) and Ignacio Montenegro (ARG) in the #30 BMW M4 GT3 EVO.

Weerts and van der Linde, who won both the overall title and the Sprint Cup title in the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS last season, produced strong comeback drives after difficult qualifying sessions in both races. In race one on Sunday morning, they fought their way up to fourth place. However, after several drive-through penalties were issued after the race for yellow-flag infringements, they were promoted to third and onto the podium. In the second race, their charge through the field brought them up to sixth place.

Max Hesse (GER) and Valentino Rossi (ITA) also impressed in the Team WRT #46 BMW M4 GT3 EVO. With eighth place (Rossi) and third place (Hesse), they were the fastest BMW drivers in each of the two qualifying sessions. In the first race, they fought their way up to fifth place but were among the crews penalised after the race, leaving them classified 16th. In race two, Hesse and Rossi narrowly missed out on the podium in fourth place. In the third PRO Cup entry from Team WRT, the #31 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Jordan Pepper (RSA) shared driving duties with Amaury Cordeel (BEL). They finished a strong fourth in the first race and crossed the line seventh in race two.

In the #30 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Lismont and Montenegro won both Silver Cup qualifying sessions. Starting from pole position, they also crossed the finish line first in class in both races. In the opening race, a post-race penalty dropped them to third place, while in the second race they kept the victory. A fifth BMW M4 GT3 EVO was entered at Brands Hatch by KPX Motorsport. Driving car number 77, Jop Rappange (NED) and David Pittard (GBR) finished sixth and fourth in the Gold Cup.

Remembering Alessandro Zanardi.

The weekend at Brands Hatch began for BMW M Motorsport and the entire racing family with the very sad news that Alessandro Zanardi (ITA) had passed away at the age of 59. Tributes at Brands Hatch honoured the life of the long-time BMW works driver and corporate ambassador. It was at this circuit that he won two of his Paralympic gold medals in 2012. Zanardi also competed in the former Blancpain GT Series with the BMW Z4 GT3, the championship that later evolved into today’s GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS.

All four BMW M4 GT3 EVO cars entered by Team WRT carried the message: “Grazie, Alex. Our Hero – R.I.P.” A moment of silence was held on the grid before the first race, and a video featuring Zanardi at Brands Hatch paid tribute to the remarkable man and athlete.

Reactions after the races at Brands Hatch:

Charles Weerts (#32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT, Race 1: 3rd place, Race 2: 6th place): “Overall, it was a pretty positive race weekend, although we made life significantly harder for ourselves because of the very difficult qualifying yesterday, and we still need to understand why it went that way. Both Kelvin and I struggled a bit more than we expected. And, of course, at Brands Hatch it is extremely difficult when you start outside the top ten. Despite that, we had a really strong first race – with a good start, some good overtakes on track, a great pit stop and then a strong finish by Kelvin. The podium was a great reward and a good turnaround. Unfortunately, we lost some time in the pit stop in the second race, otherwise a better result would have been possible. But overall, it all came down to the difficult qualifying we had. That is what we will focus on and see what we can improve in the future.”

Max Hesse (#46 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT, Race 1: 16th place, Race 2: 4th place): “Overall, it was another strong weekend. I think we have had very good pace since Paul Ricard, which is very promising. It is a bit of a shame about the penalty in race one, because I think with two fourth places it would have been a great weekend. Especially as we did not have the fastest car, but the guys executed everything perfectly. Overall, I am satisfied. Vale also did a super job, so at least we take away good points from race two.”

Jordan Pepper (#31 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT, Race 1: 4th place, Race 2: 7th place): “After difficult qualifying sessions, we showed real resilience in the races. We drove strongly, and the crew did an incredible job – as we know, Team WRT always leads the pit stop challenge. There were also some entertaining battles on track. Brands Hatch is not really known for overtaking, but we had three or four of them. Race one was great fun, and to finish just off the podium in fourth place was an exceptional result for us. Overall, we are very happy and proud of everyone. Especially because I share the car with Amaury, who is still very new to GT racing – that should not be forgotten. He is still a Silver-rated driver competing in the Pro category. Everyone did a great job, all the cars were very competitive throughout the weekend. It was a very strong showing for BMW M Motorsport, Team WRT and all of us.”

Balaton Park: Podium celebrations and a black Sunday.

Sun, 3 May 2026 18:54:00 +0200

Balaton Park. Great podium celebrations on Saturday and shocking moments on Sunday: at the fourth race weekend of the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) at Balaton Park Circuit (HUN), BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team experienced the highs and lows that motorsport can bring. Saturday’s headline was: Miguel Oliveira (POR) is back on the podium! Sunday then brought a bitter twist. In the Superpole Race, both Oliveira and teammate Danilo Petrucci (ITA) were injured, through no fault of their own, and were unable to start the second main race.

Oliveira showed early in the weekend that he would be a contender at Balaton Park Circuit. In Superpole qualifying, he secured fourth place on the grid on his #88 BMW M 1000 RR. He converted that into his fourth podium finish of the season in Saturday afternoon’s first main race: third place for Oliveira. Teammate Petrucci had a more difficult race and finished in 11th.

The team headed into Sunday full of optimism. Oliveira actually made an excellent start to the Superpole Race. But then several other riders collided, and Oliveira was also taken down. The race was red-flagged. An initial diagnosis at the medical centre indicated concussion and an injury to his left shoulder. To assess the injuries further, Oliveira was transferred to hospital.

At the restart of the Superpole Race, Petrucci was then heavily struck by another rider. He was able to continue and fight his way to 16th at the finish. However, race doctors later diagnosed a bruise to his left hip caused by the contact and declared Petrucci unfit to compete in race two.

Reactions after the Balaton Park round.

Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport: “It was a weekend in which we had to experience every emotion. The great celebration on Saturday: Miguel back on the podium! We could also see that we have improved further in terms of pace. We were faster than last year and, if everything had gone to plan, a podium finish in all three races would definitely have been possible. But Sunday turned into a black day for us. First there was Miguel’s heavy crash, when he was innocently caught up in a collision in the Superpole Race. That was a major shock, along with the initial uncertainty. Fortunately, there was some early, albeit cautious, positive news. But now we must continue to wait and see what the further examinations at the hospital reveal. Then, at the restart, Danilo was also hit so hard by another rider that he was injured as well. Although he was still able to finish the race, based on the examinations in the medical centre afterwards, it was decided that he would not be allowed to start race two. We wish both our riders a good and speedy recovery and will support them as much as possible throughout their recovery process. On the technical side, we will now analyse the positive findings from the weekend ahead of Most in order to continue our upward trend.”

Christian Gonschor, Technical Director BMW Motorrad Motorsport: “First and foremost, we wish both riders a speedy recovery and hope for their quick return so that we can build on the strong performances from Saturday here in Hungary together again in Most. We were very pleased to see Miguel deliver a very strong qualifying performance and, by the end of the day, clearly demonstrate our podium potential with third place in the main race. The qualifying could have been even better: without the yellow flags, Miguel would have taken second place. That clearly shows that we have a highly competitive team and rider line-up. Unfortunately, on Sunday we were unable to carry that strong performance into the Superpole Race and race two due to a chain of unfortunate circumstances. With both riders unable to continue, a highly promising weekend came to an end. However, we can travel to Most with plenty of confidence and hope to fight for the podium again there with two fit riders, in order to keep the championship exciting. When everything comes together, we are the second-strongest force behind the Ducati factory team. We will continue fighting for podiums and, hopefully soon, for victories again, and we are looking forward to making the most of our bike’s strengths in Most. We remain optimistic about the future, even though this Sunday was a very difficult one.”

Facts and figures.

Superpole.

Air temperature: 21°, track temperature: 34°, humidity: 36%, conditions: dry.

Pos.	Rider	Team	Manufacturer	Time
1.	Nicolò Bulega (ITA)	Aruba.it Racing - Ducati	Ducati	1:38.094
2.	Lorenzo Baldassari (ITA)	Team Goeleven	Ducati	1:38.702
3.	Yari Montella (ITA)	Barni Spark Racing Team	Ducati	1:38.719
4.	Miguel Oliveira (POR)	ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team	BMW	1:38.867
5.	Iker Lecuona (ESP)	Aruba.it Racing - Ducati	Ducati	1:38.878
13.	Danilo Petrucci ITA)	ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team	BMW	1:39.533

Race 1.

Air temperature: 23°, track temperature: 40°, humidity: 35%, conditions: dry, laps: 21.

Pos.	Rider	Team	Manufacturer	Gap
1.	Nicolò Bulega (ITA)	Aruba.it Racing - Ducati	Ducati	-
2.	Iker Lecuona (ESP)	Aruba.it Racing - Ducati	Ducati	2.538
3.	Miguel Oliveira (POR)	ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team	BMW	12.584
4.	Yari Montella (ITA)	Barni Spark Racing Team	Ducati	14.077
5.	Álvaro Bautista (ESP)	Barni Spark Racing Team	Ducati	15.032
11.	Danilo Petrucci (ITA)	ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team	BMW	28.643

Fastest race lap: Nicolò Bulega, lap 2, 1:38.783 (new record)

Superpole Race.

Air temperature: 20°, track temperature: 35°, humidity: 37%, conditions: dry, laps: 8 (after red flag).

Pos.	Rider	Team	Manufacturer	Gap
1.	Nicolò Bulega (ITA)	Aruba.it Racing - Ducati	Ducati	-
2.	Iker Lecuona (ESP)	Aruba.it Racing - Ducati	Ducati	0.894
3.	Lorenzo Baldassari (ITA)	Team Goeleven	Ducati	5.103
4.	Álvaro Bautista (ESP)	Barni Spark Racing Team	Ducati	7.955
5.	Yari Montella (ITA)	Barni Spark Racing Team	Ducati	8.647
16.	Danilo Petrucci (ITA)	ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team	BMW	18.736
DNS	Miguel Oliveira (POR)	ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team	BMW	-

Fastest race lap: Nicolò Bulega, lap 3, 1:38.230 (new record)

Race 2.

Air temperature: 23°, track temperature: 41°, humidity: 29%, conditions: dry, laps: 21.

Pos.	Rider	Team	Manufacturer	Gap
1.	Nicolò Bulega (ITA)	Aruba.it Racing - Ducati	Ducati	-
2.	Iker Lecuona (ESP)	Aruba.it Racing - Ducati	Ducati	2.558
3.	Yari Montella (ITA)	Barni Spark Racing Team	Ducati	11.970
4.	Lorenzo Baldassari (ITA)	Team Goeleven	Ducati	12.478
5.	Garrett Gerloff (USA)	Kawasaki WorldSBK Team	Kawasaki	24.903
DNS	Danilo Petrucci (ITA)	ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team	BMW	-
DNS	Miguel Oliveira (POR)	ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team	BMW	-

Fastest race lap: Nicolò Bulega, lap 2, 1:38.569

Current riders’ classification (R04/12, after 12 of 36 races).

Pos.	Rider	Team	Manufacturer	Points
1.	Nicolò Bulega (ITA)	Aruba.it Racing - Ducati	Ducati	248
2.	Iker Lecuona (ESP)	Aruba.it Racing - Ducati	Ducati	166 (-82)
3.	Sam Lowes (GBR)	ELF Marc VDS Racing Team	Ducati	99 (-149)
4.	Miguel Oliveira (POR)	ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team	BMW	85 (-163)
5.	Yari Montella (ITA)	Barni Spark Racing Team	Ducati	82 (-166)
11.	Danilo Petrucci (ITA)	ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team	BMW	46 (-202)

Current manufacturers’ classification (R04/12, after 12 of 36 races).

Pos.	Manufacturer	Points
1.	Ducati	248
2.	Bimota	108 (-140)
3.	BMW	92 (-156)
4.	Yamaha	73 (-175)
5.	Kawasaki	40 (-208)
6.	Honda	12 (-236)