Q3 2025 Bayerische Motoren Werke AG Earnings Call - Press Conference
Speaker #2: Colleagues . We shall now turn to the second part of our quarterly conference , and we'll continue this in German with interpretation . As always , you get some technical information before we take the first question .
Speaker #2: Ladies and gentlemen , we are now beginning the Q and A session . If you'd like to ask a question , please use the raise your Hand function at the bottom of your screen .
Speaker #2: If you have dialed in by telephone , please push the star button and nine . And in the order received , you will then be given the opportunity to ask your question as soon as your name has been announced , you can ask your question to withdraw your question .
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Speaker #2: Thank you. And just a moment for the first question. The first question comes from Christina Aman, Thomson Reuters. Please unmute your microphone now.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): The first question comes from Christina Amann, Thomson Reuters. Please unmute your microphone now. Good morning to Munich. Thank you for your statements. I have a couple of questions. I'd like to start with Nick Speria. I bet that's the question most will ask. What's the supply situation with semiconductors? What are the perspectives for production? What are the perspectives in the short, mid, and long term? What is BMW doing in order to solve that situation? Second question regarding investments. With the metal receptor investments Will be reduced according to plan, both for development and for production facilities and similar. Could you explain that a little more? Since in that context and now a look into the US. Tariffs aren't issues for BMW. Is repayments outstanding are a reason for your lowered forecast? What other steps has BMW taken in order to improve the situation?
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): The first question comes from Christina Amann, Thomson Reuters. Please unmute your microphone now.Good morning to Munich. Thank you for your statements. I have a couple of questions. I'd like to start with Nick Speria. I bet that's the question most will ask. What's the supply situation with semiconductors? What are the perspectives for production? What are the perspectives in the short, mid, and long term? What is BMW doing in order to solve that situation? Second question regarding investments. With the metal receptor investments Will be reduced according to plan, both for development and for production facilities and similar. Could you explain that a little more? Since in that context and now a look into the US. Tariffs aren't issues for BMW. Is repayments outstanding are a reason for your lowered forecast? What other steps has BMW taken in order to improve the situation?
Speaker #2: Good to Munich. Thank you for your statements. I have a couple of questions I'd like to start with for next year. I bet that's the question.
Speaker #2: Most will ask . What's the supply situation with semiconductors ? What are the perspectives for production ? What are the perspectives in the short , mid and long term ?
Speaker #2: What is BMW doing in order to solve that situation ? Second question regarding investments , Mr. . Matt , you said that investments will be .
Speaker #2: Reduced according to plan , both for development and for production facilities and similar . So could you explain that a little more since in that context and now I'll look into the US tariffs are an issue for BMW .
Speaker #2: These repayments outstanding are a reason for your lowered forecast . What are the steps ? Is BMW taking in order to improve the situation ?
Speaker #2: Are you planning to relocate more production into the US ? And now a first glance into the year 2026 . What are the prospects for that year ?
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Are you planning to relocate more production into the US? Now a first glance into the year 2026. What are the prospects for that year? Thank you. Thank you, Amman. I guess that covered pretty much everything that we need to answer today. Let's start with Nick Speria. Mr. Zipse. Good morning, Amman. The question is not entirely unexpected, but let me answer strategically. Being at home in global supply chains, I mean, that's something we've practiced twice, once during Corona and then during the semiconductor crisis 2 and a half years ago. It doesn't really hit us as a surprise. To get back to this particular case, all I can say is that we are in close contact with our direct and indirect suppliers, the ones further down in the supply chain, and we continue to assess the situation.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Are you planning to relocate more production into the US? Now a first glance into the year 2026. What are the prospects for that year? Thank you. Thank you, Amman. I guess that covered pretty much everything that we need to answer today. Let's start with Nick Speria. Mr. Zipse. Good morning, Amman. The question is not entirely unexpected, but let me answer strategically. Being at home in global supply chains, I mean, that's something we've practiced twice, once during Corona and then during the semiconductor crisis 2 and a half years ago. It doesn't really hit us as a surprise. To get back to this particular case, all I can say is that we are in close contact with our direct and indirect suppliers, the ones further down in the supply chain, and we continue to assess the situation.
Speaker #2: Thank you . Thank you , Miss Harman . I guess that covered pretty much everything that we need to answer today . Let's start with an Mr. Typekit .
Speaker #2: Good morning , Miss Amann . The question is not entirely unexpected . But let me answer strategically in global being at home in global supply chains , I mean , that's something we've practiced twice .
Speaker #2: Once during Corona and then during the semiconductor crisis. Two and a half years ago. So it doesn't really hit us as a surprise to get back to this particular case. All I can say is that we are in close contact with our direct and indirect suppliers.
Speaker #2: The ones further down the supply chain and we continue to assess the situation . So we do this several times a day in order to identify potential supply risks early and if necessary , to then take required or appropriate measures .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): We do this several times a day in order to identify potential supply risks early and if necessary, to then take required or appropriate measures. Currently, production and market is going well, but it is a volatile situation. This is why we are making use of all possible measures to keep up our production as good as possible. What is important, Nick Speria is not a direct business partner of the BMW Group, but it supplies our direct suppliers, and we support them in validating and activating alternative supply opportunities. Thank you for the question. Part two, investment. Vital, please. Hello, Miss Amman. Our long-term plan had been planned early, we were able to talk about that investing in 2020. A peak is a peak, and it's not a level.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): We do this several times a day in order to identify potential supply risks early and if necessary, to then take required or appropriate measures. Currently, production and market is going well, but it is a volatile situation. This is why we are making use of all possible measures to keep up our production as good as possible. What is important, Nick Speria is not a direct business partner of the BMW Group, but it supplies our direct suppliers, and we support them in validating and activating alternative supply opportunities. Thank you for the question. Part two, investment. Vital, please. Hello, Miss Amman. Our long-term plan had been planned early, we were able to talk about that investing in 2020. A peak is a peak, and it's not a level.
Speaker #2: Currently, production and market conditions are going well, but it is a volatile situation. This is why we're making use of all possible measures to keep our production as optimal as possible.
Speaker #2: What is important next is not a direct business partner of the BMW Group , but it supplies our direct suppliers and we support them in validating and activating alternative supply opportunities .
Speaker #2: Thank you for the question . Then part two investment , please . Hello . Miss Amann . Our long term plan had been planned early , so from we were able to talk about that investing in 2020 and a peak is a peak and it's not a level .
Speaker #2: So it's always been clear that in 2025 and six and 27 , we would gradually reduce that back to our strategic corridor . And that's reflected in our actual figures .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): It's always been clear that in 2025 and 2026 and 2027, we would gradually reduce that back to our strategic corridor. That's reflected in our actual figures. We've done our homework. We've had to invest in CapEx and R&D. We carry that out. Now, regarding the tariffs, the requests or the applications for refunds have already been filed. Otherwise, we continue to optimize the way that we'd announced it in the last two quarters as well. We're doing everything we can in order to reduce costs for 2026. Well, we'll talk about that next year, March, at the Balance Sheet press conference. Thank you. Okay, let's take the next question. Next question, Christoph Rümmer from DPA. Please unmute your microphone now. Well, good morning. I can take it from there.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): It's always been clear that in 2025 and 2026 and 2027, we would gradually reduce that back to our strategic corridor. That's reflected in our actual figures. We've done our homework. We've had to invest in CapEx and R&D. We carry that out. Now, regarding the tariffs, the requests or the applications for refunds have already been filed. Otherwise, we continue to optimize the way that we'd announced it in the last two quarters as well. We're doing everything we can in order to reduce costs for 2026. Well, we'll talk about that next year, March, at the Balance Sheet press conference. Thank you. Okay, let's take the next question. Next question, Christoph Rümmer from DPA. Please unmute your microphone now. Well, good morning. I can take it from there.
Speaker #2: We've done our homework . We've had invest in CapEx and R&D and we carried that out . Now regarding the tariffs , the requests or the applications for refunds have already been filed .
Speaker #2: Otherwise, we continue to optimize the way we announced it in the last two quarters as well. And we're doing everything we can in order to reduce costs for 2026.
Speaker #2: Well , we'll talk about that next year . March at the Balance Sheet press conference . Thank you . Okay . Let's take the next question .
Speaker #2: Next question . Just a from DPA , please unmute your microphone . Now . Well good morning . I can take it from there .
Speaker #2: The refund for the applications you filed. What are the quantities we're talking about? How much will you be refunded? Then another question relating to figures.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): The refunds, the applications you filed, what are the quantities we're talking about? How much will you be refunded? Another question relating to figures. The support for dealerships in China. Can you give us a dimension here, an idea? How much does that cost you? Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Rümmer. Vital Mette, please. Hello, Mr. Rümmer. Well, the application for tariff refund, we file it. We do it once a quarter. We file that retrospectively for August and September. Since end of September, the most recent tariff applies 50% in the US, and the other refunds for production support of 3.75%. We can also file an application for refund of that.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): The refunds, the applications you filed, what are the quantities we're talking about? How much will you be refunded? Another question relating to figures. The support for dealerships in China. Can you give us a dimension here, an idea? How much does that cost you? Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Rümmer. Vital Mette, please. Hello, Mr. Rümmer. Well, the application for tariff refund, we file it. We do it once a quarter. We file that retrospectively for August and September. Since end of September, the most recent tariff applies 50% in the US, and the other refunds for production support of 3.75%. We can also file an application for refund of that.
Speaker #2: The support for dealerships in China. Can you give us a dimension here? An idea. How much did that cost you?
Speaker #2: Thank you . Thank you , Mr. Mayor . Walter Mertl , please . Hello , Mr. mayor . Well , the application for tariff refund , we filed it .
Speaker #2: You do it once a quarter. We filed that retrospectively for August and September. Since the end of September, the most recent tariffs apply.
Speaker #2: 15% in the US and the other refunds for production support as 3.75% . We can also file an application for refund of that .
Speaker #2: And as you know from our ad hoc or guidance , we're assuming it's a high three digit million amount . If you add up , all of them , paid refunds or pay back of overpayments , and then you asked about support for dealerships , that's a low three digit million amount .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): As you know from our ad hoc, our guidance, we're assuming it's a high three-digit million amount if you add up all of them, be it refunds or payback of overpayments. You asked about support for dealerships. That's a low three-digit million amount to clarify this, and profitability and liquidity as well as operations can this way be maintained in China. Thank you. Next question, please. Next question, Stephen Wilmot from The Wall Street Journal. Unmute yourself now.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): As you know from our ad hoc, our guidance, we're assuming it's a high three-digit million amount if you add up all of them, be it refunds or payback of overpayments. You asked about support for dealerships. That's a low three-digit million amount to clarify this, and profitability and liquidity as well as operations can this way be maintained in China. Thank you. Next question, please. Next question, Stephen Wilmot from The Wall Street Journal. Unmute yourself now.
Speaker #2: To clarify this . And profitability and liquidity , liquidity , as well as operations , can this way be maintained in China ? Thank you .
Speaker #2: Next question please . Next question , Steven Wilmot from the Wall Street Journal . Unmute yourself now please .
Stephen Wilmot: Thank you for taking my questions. Firstly, just a quick yes or no one on the Nick Speria situation. Are you seeing an easing of the situation now or not? Secondly, just wondering if you can give a bit more guidance on the outlook for tariffs going forward. 175 basis points in the quarter, 150 for the full year. I mean, is 175 the new normal? Do you expect the impact to come down as you head into 2026? Yeah, those were the 2 questions. Thank you very much.
Speaker #3: Thank you for taking my questions . Firstly , just a quick yes or no . One on the next situation are you seeing an easing of the situation now or not ?
Stephen Wilmot: Thank you for taking my questions. Firstly, just a quick yes or no one on the Nick Speria situation. Are you seeing an easing of the situation now or not? Secondly, just wondering if you can give a bit more guidance on the outlook for tariffs going forward. 175 basis points in the quarter, 150 for the full year. I mean, is 175 the new normal? Do you expect the impact to come down as you head into 2026? Yeah, those were the 2 questions. Thank you very much.
Speaker #3: And then secondly, I'm just wondering if you can give a bit more guidance on the outlook for tariffs going forward. So, 175 basis points in the quarter, 150 for the full year.
Speaker #3: I mean, is 175 the new normal? Or do you expect the impact to come down as you head into 2026?
Speaker #3: So yeah , those are the two questions . Thank you very much .
Speaker #2: Well , Steven , as we already said earlier , we're in close contact with our suppliers and we are really continuously assessing the situation in order to early identify potential supply risks and then to take suitable measures .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Well, Stephen, as we already said earlier, we're in close contact with our suppliers, and we are really continuously assessing the situation in order to early identify potential supply risks and then to take suitable measures. This is something that's happening on a basis of several times a day. What's also important to us, and this is what we already talked about earlier, and to add to this, we're welcoming the positive signals coming from politics, so we're explicitly welcoming those. I think it is very important that all stakeholders in the economy and politics are aware of the fact that these are global supply chains, and they will remain global.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Well, Stephen, as we already said earlier, we're in close contact with our suppliers, and we are really continuously assessing the situation in order to early identify potential supply risks and then to take suitable measures. This is something that's happening on a basis of several times a day. What's also important to us, and this is what we already talked about earlier, and to add to this, we're welcoming the positive signals coming from politics, so we're explicitly welcoming those. I think it is very important that all stakeholders in the economy and politics are aware of the fact that these are global supply chains, and they will remain global.
Speaker #2: So this is something that's happening on the basis of several times a day . But what's also important to us , and this is what we already talked about earlier .
Speaker #2: And to add to this, we are welcoming the positive signals coming from politics. So we're explicitly welcoming those. I think it is very important that all stakeholders in the economy and politics are aware of the fact that these are global supply chains, and they will remain global. Even if you take hedging measures, you will especially see this in the semiconductor industry or battery industry.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Even if you take hedging measures, you will, especially the semiconductor industry or the battery industry, no matter how you position yourself, if you've got several suppliers, I mean, there'll always be some remaining dependency, and this is why we welcome it very much if politics recognize that, especially here in Germany, we do have these global dependencies, and they also have a lot of benefits. Thank you. Maybe Walter, the outlook regarding the tariffs. Well, as I said in my presentation, we're assuming 1.75 percentage points impact for the entire year. Of course, we're expecting that everything has been translated into laws that's been announced. We're assuming also in terms of, you know, from the EU, we're expecting that the 0% import tariffs from the US into the EU will then be ratified and confirmed by the parliament.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Even if you take hedging measures, you will, especially the semiconductor industry or the battery industry, no matter how you position yourself, if you've got several suppliers, I mean, there'll always be some remaining dependency, and this is why we welcome it very much if politics recognize that, especially here in Germany, we do have these global dependencies, and they also have a lot of benefits. Thank you. Maybe Walter, the outlook regarding the tariffs. Well, as I said in my presentation, we're assuming 1.75 percentage points impact for the entire year. Of course, we're expecting that everything has been translated into laws that's been announced. We're assuming also in terms of, you know, from the EU, we're expecting that the 0% import tariffs from the US into the EU will then be ratified and confirmed by the parliament.
Speaker #2: No matter how you position yourself , if you've got several suppliers , I mean , there'll always be some remaining dependency . And this is why we welcome it very much .
Speaker #2: It's politics . Recognize that , especially here in Germany , we do have these global dependencies . And they also have a lot of benefits .
Speaker #2: Thank you . Maybe Walter , the outlook regarding the tariffs . Well , as I said in my presentation , we're assuming 1.75 percentage points impact for the entire year .
Speaker #2: And of course , we expecting that everything has been translated into laws . That's been announced . So we're assuming also in terms of from the EU , we're expecting that the 0% import tariffs from the US into the EU will then be ratified and confirmed by the Parliament .
Speaker #2: That's what we're assuming is going to happen. Thank you. Next question, please. The next question is from Joachim Heil from Zeitung.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): That's what we are assuming is going to happen. Thank you. Next question, please. Next question is from Joachim Herr from Werden Zeitung. Please unmute your microphone and push the buttons Star and six. Good morning. I have two questions. Mr. Zipse, again, on next area, you said in earlier cases you were able to practice in Corona and also during the semiconductor crisis or where we have these bottlenecks. Can you briefly explain what you've learned from that or how you are able to better handle the situation this time? Second question on China. Sales in China, -11% in the first nine months, that's below your expectations. How do you react to that? Are you going to lower the capacities? Are you reducing headcount as well? How do you deal with that in terms of production? Thank you.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): That's what we are assuming is going to happen. Thank you. Next question, please. Next question is from Joachim Herr from Werden Zeitung. Please unmute your microphone and push the buttons Star and six. Good morning. I have two questions. Mr. Zipse, again, on next area, you said in earlier cases you were able to practice in Corona and also during the semiconductor crisis or where we have these bottlenecks. Can you briefly explain what you've learned from that or how you are able to better handle the situation this time? Second question on China. Sales in China, -11% in the first nine months, that's below your expectations. How do you react to that? Are you going to lower the capacities? Are you reducing headcount as well? How do you deal with that in terms of production? Thank you.
Speaker #2: Please unmute your microphone and push the buttons . Star and six . Good morning . I have two questions . Mr. Zipser again on you said .
Speaker #2: In earlier cases, you were able to practice during COVID-19 and also during the semiconductor crisis, where we faced these bottlenecks. Can you briefly explain what you've learned from that or how you are able to better handle the situation this time?
Speaker #2: And second question on China sales in China — down 11% in the first nine months. So that's below your expectations. How do you react to that?
Speaker #2: Are you going to lower the capacities? Are you reducing headcount as well? So how do you deal with that in terms of production?
Speaker #2: Thank you . Let's begin with Nexperia . All that and then Walter Mertl . Well , Mr. Chair , what I mean by that when I say we have been able to practice all supply chains .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Let's begin with next area, Oliver Zipse, and then Walter Märkle. Well, Mr. Herr, what I mean by that, when I say we have been able to practice all supply chains with BMW, begin with a commodity or with a mine, then there's processing stages happening somewhere in the world. Then we've got the first levels of aggregation, the first refinements, then until in the very end, this reaches our first-tier suppliers. We have a high degree transparency now regarding all components of the vehicle. Depending on the type, there's between 12 and 18,000 individual components involved. We now have a pretty good overview of the value chain, and this is why we know fairly early when there could be a bottleneck.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Let's begin with next area, Oliver Zipse, and then Walter Märkle. Well, Mr. Herr, what I mean by that, when I say we have been able to practice all supply chains with BMW, begin with a commodity or with a mine, then there's processing stages happening somewhere in the world. Then we've got the first levels of aggregation, the first refinements, then until in the very end, this reaches our first-tier suppliers. We have a high degree transparency now regarding all components of the vehicle. Depending on the type, there's between 12 and 18,000 individual components involved. We now have a pretty good overview of the value chain, and this is why we know fairly early when there could be a bottleneck.
Speaker #2: BMW begins with a commodity or with a mine, and then there are processing stages happening somewhere in the world. Then we have the first levels of aggregation.
Speaker #2: The first refinements , and then until in the very end , this reaches our first tier suppliers . And we have a high degree transparency .
Speaker #2: Now regarding all components of the vehicle, depending on the type, there are between 12,000 and 18,000 individual components involved. We now have a pretty good overview.
Speaker #2: Of value chain . And this is why we know fairly early when there could be a bottleneck . And before that even begins we can either increase our inventory already or we can try and be more flexible .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Before that even begins, we can either increase our inventory already, or we can try and be more flexible. Do we always succeed? Obviously not, because there's just too many components involved. In a case like Nick Speria, I think we are fast enough. It's also about speed, about acting quickly, because when we can act quickly, then we can minimize the effects. Well, of course, we cannot entirely escape the situation. As I said earlier, at the current point in time, our plants are all full up and running, and everything else remains to be seen. Sales in China, Walter. Well, if you look at the development of the quarter compared to the previous year in China, then you'll see that in Q1, there was a decrease of 70%.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Before that even begins, we can either increase our inventory already, or we can try and be more flexible. Do we always succeed? Obviously not, because there's just too many components involved. In a case like Nick Speria, I think we are fast enough. It's also about speed, about acting quickly, because when we can act quickly, then we can minimize the effects. Well, of course, we cannot entirely escape the situation. As I said earlier, at the current point in time, our plants are all full up and running, and everything else remains to be seen. Sales in China, Walter. Well, if you look at the development of the quarter compared to the previous year in China, then you'll see that in Q1, there was a decrease of 70%.
Speaker #2: Do we always succeed ? Obviously not , because there's just too many components involved , but in a case like the I think we are fast enough , it's also about speed , about acting quickly .
Speaker #2: Because when we can act quickly, then we can minimize the effects. Well, of course, we cannot entirely escape the situation.
Speaker #2: But as I said earlier, at the current point in time, our plans are all full up and running, and everything else remains to be seen.
Speaker #2: Then sales in China . Walter . Well , if you look at the development of the quarter compared to the previous year in China , then you will see that in Q1 , there was a decrease by 70% .
Speaker #2: Second quarter was about 15 . And now third quarter , nine months . We're at 11% . So gradually . We're doing less bad news to put it that way .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Q2 was about 15, now Q3, 9 months, we're at 11%. Gradually, we're doing less bad, to put it that way. What are we doing? Well, we're just about to rightsize our dealership network, so we're consolidating it and we're restructuring. Doesn't mean that we're closing certain shops, but we're also. We've got some user service locations. We've also opened up new ones. We'll be done with all of that by the middle of next year, somewhat on the sales side. That obviously helps to increase or support dealer profitability. That way we'll be able to sell more. With Neue Klasse, I'm sure they'll do a great job. Now in terms of vehicle production, of course, we've got a tight grip on costs.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Q2 was about 15, now Q3, 9 months, we're at 11%. Gradually, we're doing less bad, to put it that way. What are we doing? Well, we're just about to rightsize our dealership network, so we're consolidating it and we're restructuring. Doesn't mean that we're closing certain shops, but we're also. We've got some user service locations. We've also opened up new ones. We'll be done with all of that by the middle of next year, somewhat on the sales side. That obviously helps to increase or support dealer profitability. That way we'll be able to sell more. With Neue Klasse, I'm sure they'll do a great job. Now in terms of vehicle production, of course, we've got a tight grip on costs.
Speaker #2: So what are we doing ? Well , we're just about to rightsize our dealership network , so we're consolidating it and we're restructuring doesn't mean that we're closing certain shops , but we're also .
Speaker #2: We've got some user service locations . We've also opened up new ones and we'll be done with all of that by the middle of next year .
Speaker #2: So much on the sales side, and that obviously helps to increase or support dealer profitability. That way, we'll be able to sell more and with lower classes. I'm sure they'll do a great job.
Speaker #2: And now in terms of vehicle production , of course . We've got a tight grip on costs . And in terms of headcount , we've got fixed term contracts in the joint venture and depending on capacity .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): In terms of headcount, we've got fixed-term contracts in the joint venture, and depending on capacity, these contracts will either expire or they'll be renewed. We can handle everything quite flexibly, both in sales and production. Next question, please. Next question. Felix Stippler, Handelsblatt. Please unmute your microphone now. Good morning. I've got two questions on Neue Klasse. Mr. Zipse, in your statement you said demand is already exceeding expectations. I'd like to know what were your expectations and by how far were they exceeded? Mr. Merz, you just mentioned China and Neue Klasse. Well, what do you expect? How much less bad will it be because of Neue Klasse? I've got two general questions regarding the state of the automobile industry. Volkswagen, Mercedes, they've got pretty bad figures. You're appearing a little more stable.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): In terms of headcount, we've got fixed-term contracts in the joint venture, and depending on capacity, these contracts will either expire or they'll be renewed. We can handle everything quite flexibly, both in sales and production. Next question, please. Next question. Felix Stippler, Handelsblatt. Please unmute your microphone now. Good morning. I've got two questions on Neue Klasse. Mr. Zipse, in your statement you said demand is already exceeding expectations. I'd like to know what were your expectations and by how far were they exceeded? Mr. Merz, you just mentioned China and Neue Klasse. Well, what do you expect? How much less bad will it be because of Neue Klasse? I've got two general questions regarding the state of the automobile industry. Volkswagen, Mercedes, they've got pretty bad figures. You're appearing a little more stable.
Speaker #2: These contracts will either expire or they'll be renewed. So we can handle everything quite flexibly, both in sales and production. Next question, please.
Speaker #2: Next question . Felix Handelsblatt , please unmute your microphone now . Good morning . I've got two questions on Mr. Zipser in your statement you said demand is already exceeding expectations .
Speaker #2: Now I'd like to know what your expectations were and by how far they were exceeded? And then, Mr. Metal, you just mentioned China and the Neuer Class.
Speaker #2: Well, what do you expect? How much less bad will it be because of the Neuer class? And then I've got two general questions regarding the state of the automobile industry.
Speaker #2: Volkswagen and Mercedes have posted some pretty bad figures. You're appearing a little more stable. Are you still worried about the state of the German automotive industry?
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Are you still worried about the state of the German automotive industry? If you look at the geopolitical situation and sales in China, do you think that European carmakers will have to bet more strongly on Europe, where you also grew strongly? Thank you, Mr. Stippler. I think I'll pass it to Oliver Zipse. Interpreter's not getting any sound right now. Well, just not getting any sound input. Can you hear me now, Mr. Zipse? Hello, Mr. Stippler? Mr. Stippler, are you still there? Yeah, I can hear you now. Thank you a lot. I'll try again. Well, with Neue Klasse, our plan was with the iX3 to set a new benchmark, and the feedback and customer interest is really huge. It's very positive.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Are you still worried about the state of the German automotive industry? If you look at the geopolitical situation and sales in China, do you think that European carmakers will have to bet more strongly on Europe, where you also grew strongly? Thank you, Mr. Stippler. I think I'll pass it to Oliver Zipse. Interpreter's not getting any sound right now. Well, just not getting any sound input. Can you hear me now, Mr. Zipse? Hello, Mr. Stippler? Mr. Stippler, are you still there? Yeah, I can hear you now. Thank you a lot. I'll try again. Well, with Neue Klasse, our plan was with the iX3 to set a new benchmark, and the feedback and customer interest is really huge. It's very positive.
Speaker #2: And if you look at the geopolitical situation and sales in China, do you think that European carmakers will have to bet more strongly on Europe, where you also grew strongly?
Speaker #2: Thank you, Mr. Stiffler. I think I'll pass it to Oliver Zipse. Interpreters are not getting any sound right now. They're not getting any sound in.
Speaker #2: Can you hear me now ? Hello , Mr. . Are you still there ? Yeah , I can hear you now . Thank you a lot .
Speaker #2: I'll try again . Well , with no classic . Our plan was that the ix3 to set a new benchmark . And to feedback and customer interest is really huge .
Speaker #2: It's very positive . This concerns the entire concept , but also individual performance data . The design , the concept . And this is also reflected in orders in Europe .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): This concerns the entire concept, but also individual performance data, the design, the user contact, and this is also reflected in orders in Europe. They are well above our expectations. For example, 1 out of 3 orders received September in Europe was an iX3. I mean, you get the idea. We've got 15 all-electric vehicles in our portfolio right now, and in the next few days, the first multipliers, series vehicles will be tested, and there'll be comprehensive reporting, which will give us additional tailwind. That is not supposed to be the end, because in 2026 we'll also be celebrating the BMW i3, not the iX3, but the i3. This shall be the next premiere, and we're just electrifying the heart of BMW, or we're continuing on that journey, that is. Do we need to be worried about China?
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): This concerns the entire concept, but also individual performance data, the design, the user contact, and this is also reflected in orders in Europe. They are well above our expectations. For example, 1 out of 3 orders received September in Europe was an iX3. I mean, you get the idea. We've got 15 all-electric vehicles in our portfolio right now, and in the next few days, the first multipliers, series vehicles will be tested, and there'll be comprehensive reporting, which will give us additional tailwind. That is not supposed to be the end, because in 2026 we'll also be celebrating the BMW i3, not the iX3, but the i3. This shall be the next premiere, and we're just electrifying the heart of BMW, or we're continuing on that journey, that is. Do we need to be worried about China?
Speaker #2: They are well above our expectations. For example, one out of three orders received in September in Europe was an ix3. I mean, you get the idea.
Speaker #2: We've got 15 all electric vehicles in our portfolio right now and in next few days , the first multipliers . Will be tested and they'll be comprehensive reporting , which will give us additional tailwind .
Speaker #2: But that is not supposed to be the end because in 2026 , we'll also be celebrating the BMW i3 , not the Ix3 , but the i3 disdains about be the next premier and we're just electrifying the heart of BMW .
Speaker #2: Or we'll continue on that journey . That is . Do we need to be worried about China ? Well , let me combine that with the question about China .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Well, let me combine that with the question about China. You see, Neue Klasse, because it's a global product, sure, Neue Klasse will also be available in China. It'll there be enriched by digital solutions that are made in China and for China with the partners we have there. It'll be pretty much of a Chinese product. It'll be a long-wheelbase version. We're not really that much worried that there won't be any demand for that product. No, on the contrary, what you're seeing in Europe now, we're expecting the same to also happen in China. Do we need to worry about the German automotive industry? Well, well, it's not our job to be worried. It's our job to look for attractive products and cater for the markets. I gave you the figures before.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Well, let me combine that with the question about China. You see, Neue Klasse, because it's a global product, sure, Neue Klasse will also be available in China. It'll there be enriched by digital solutions that are made in China and for China with the partners we have there. It'll be pretty much of a Chinese product. It'll be a long-wheelbase version. We're not really that much worried that there won't be any demand for that product. No, on the contrary, what you're seeing in Europe now, we're expecting the same to also happen in China. Do we need to worry about the German automotive industry? Well, well, it's not our job to be worried. It's our job to look for attractive products and cater for the markets. I gave you the figures before.
Speaker #2: You see , Neuer class because it's a global product . Sure . My class will also be available in China . It will there be enriched by digital solutions that are made in China .
Speaker #2: And for China, with the partners we have there, it will be a much more Chinese product. It'll be a long wheelbase version.
Speaker #2: So we're not really that much worried that there won't be any demand for that product . No . On the contrary , what you're seeing in Europe now , we're expecting the same to also happen in China .
Speaker #2: So we need to worry about the German automotive industry . Well , well . It's not our job to be worried . It's our job to look for attractive products and cater for the markets and I gave you the figures before in Europe , we're growing by almost two digit growth rates , and we're gaining market share , share so that general concern for everything in the automotive industry , I don't think you need to be worried , about obviously being competitive in that environment .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): In Europe, we're growing by almost two-digit growth rates, and we're gaining market share. That general concern for everything in the automotive industry, I don't think you need to be generally worried. Obviously being competitive in that environment, speed, momentum in adjustments, that's what's now more important than it was a couple of years ago. You just have to switch up the gears. Do European OEMs have to bet more on Europe? Well, it's always good to be strong in your home market. You can see our growth here is the strongest, apart from the US and the rest of the world. The home market always has a very special meaning, but that should not lead to a picture where we should actually withdraw from other regions.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): In Europe, we're growing by almost two-digit growth rates, and we're gaining market share. That general concern for everything in the automotive industry, I don't think you need to be generally worried. Obviously being competitive in that environment, speed, momentum in adjustments, that's what's now more important than it was a couple of years ago. You just have to switch up the gears. Do European OEMs have to bet more on Europe? Well, it's always good to be strong in your home market. You can see our growth here is the strongest, apart from the US and the rest of the world. The home market always has a very special meaning, but that should not lead to a picture where we should actually withdraw from other regions.
Speaker #2: Speed , momentum in adjustments . That's what's now more important than it was a couple of years ago . So you just have to switch up the gears and do European OEMs have to bet more on Europe ?
Speaker #2: Well, it's always good to be strong in your home market. You can see our growth here; it's as strong as that in the U.S. and the rest of the world.
Speaker #2: The home market always has a very special meaning, but that should not lead to a picture where we should actually withdraw from other regions.
Speaker #2: I mean , the overall picture shows if you want to be resilient , you have to be strong in all regions . And for you , that has always applied , and it will also apply in the future .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): I mean, the overall picture shows if you want to be resilient, you have to be strong in all regions. For BMW, that has always applied, and it will also apply in the future. Thank you, Oliver. Thank you, Mr. Stippler. Can I ask for the next question, please? Next question comes from Frank Volk from Automobilwoche. Please unmute your microphone now. Good morning, everyone. In connection with next period and the dependencies, battery technology, rare earths, I have a question on global supply chains. In connection with localization. I mean, that's been a success factor for BMW. Question is, has that system now reached its limits, where you're becoming vulnerable in terms of industrial policy, as if you said there's always been supply bottlenecks, and we can handle those, but doesn't it now have a new quality?
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): I mean, the overall picture shows if you want to be resilient, you have to be strong in all regions. For BMW, that has always applied, and it will also apply in the future. Thank you, Oliver. Thank you, Mr. Stippler. Can I ask for the next question, please? Next question comes from Frank Volk from Automobilwoche. Please unmute your microphone now. Good morning, everyone. In connection with next period and the dependencies, battery technology, rare earths, I have a question on global supply chains. In connection with localization. I mean, that's been a success factor for BMW. Question is, has that system now reached its limits, where you're becoming vulnerable in terms of industrial policy, as if you said there's always been supply bottlenecks, and we can handle those, but doesn't it now have a new quality?
Speaker #2: Thank you . Oliver . Thank you , Mr. Stippler . Can I ask for the next question , please ? Next question comes from Frank Falk from Automobilwoche .
Speaker #2: Please unmute your microphone now. Good morning, everyone. In connection with an, and the dependencies battery technology, rare earth, I have a question on global supply chains in connection with localization.
Speaker #2: That's I mean that's been a success factor for BMW . Question is as that system now reached its limits . Where you're becoming .
Speaker #2: Vulnerable in terms of industrial policy, have you said there's always been supply bottlenecks and we can handle those? But doesn't it now have a new quality?
Speaker #2: How that is used as an industry, as an instrument in global politics. How can you better prepare yourself for that? I think you also mentioned this in your statement that you want to increase your flexibility in supply and network.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): How that is used as an instrument in global politics. How can you better prepare yourself for that? I think you also mentioned this in your statement, that you want to increase your flexibility in the supplier network. Can you give us some insights in which direction this might be going? Then a question on the EU block. Do you have any hope that your voice will be heard in that context, that the EU will actually postpone that final date? What is the status of the negotiations there? Thank you, Mr. Volk. We've understood all of your questions. I'll pass those questions to our CEO, Oliver Zipse. Mr. Volk, the dependencies. Maybe you need to ask that question slightly differently. How do you best get by having these dependencies? You know, we depend on all sorts of things.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): How that is used as an instrument in global politics. How can you better prepare yourself for that? I think you also mentioned this in your statement, that you want to increase your flexibility in the supplier network. Can you give us some insights in which direction this might be going? Then a question on the EU block. Do you have any hope that your voice will be heard in that context, that the EU will actually postpone that final date? What is the status of the negotiations there? Thank you, Mr. Volk. We've understood all of your questions. I'll pass those questions to our CEO, Oliver Zipse. Mr. Volk, the dependencies. Maybe you need to ask that question slightly differently. How do you best get by having these dependencies? You know, we depend on all sorts of things.
Speaker #2: Can you give us some insights into which direction this might be going? And then a question on the EU bloc. Do you have any hope that your voice will be heard in that context, that the EU will actually postpone that final date?
Speaker #2: What is the status of the negotiations there ? Thank you , Mr. Fogg . We've understood all of your questions . I'll pass those questions to our CEO .
Speaker #2: Oliver Zipse . Mr. Falk , the dependencies . Maybe you need to ask that question slightly differently . How do you best get by having these dependencies ?
Speaker #2: You know , we depend on all sorts of things . We depend on politicians on supply chains , global value flows . But ultimately we also depend on our customers .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): We depend on politicians, on supply chains, global value flows, but ultimately, we also depend on our customers. The question about the dependencies, for me, that, you know, I tend to think, why do you even ask that question? We depend on all sorts of things, and the core is who is best in managing these dependencies in such a way that it turns into a profitable business model. The question is not how do I reduce dependencies, but the question is how do I make use of them? In the end, I have a profitable business model, a business model that's resilient and future-oriented. It essentially means you need to manage your dependencies. You will never be able to get rid of them. That's not possible.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): We depend on politicians, on supply chains, global value flows, but ultimately, we also depend on our customers. The question about the dependencies, for me, that, you know, I tend to think, why do you even ask that question? We depend on all sorts of things, and the core is who is best in managing these dependencies in such a way that it turns into a profitable business model. The question is not how do I reduce dependencies, but the question is how do I make use of them? In the end, I have a profitable business model, a business model that's resilient and future-oriented. It essentially means you need to manage your dependencies. You will never be able to get rid of them. That's not possible.
Speaker #2: So the question about the dependencies for me that , you know , I always I tend to think , why do you even ask that question ?
Speaker #2: We depend on all sorts of things. The core is who is best in managing these dependencies in such a way that it turns into a profitable business model.
Speaker #2: The question is not how do I reduce dependencies , but the question is how do I make use of them ? So in the end , I have a profitable business model .
Speaker #2: Some a business model that's resilient and future oriented . It essentially means you need to manage your dependencies . You will never be able to get rid of them .
Speaker #2: That's not possible on the supplier side. If you run into situations where there's a monopoly, then you have to make sure that you turn the monopoly into an oligopoly.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): In the supplier side, if you run into situations where there's a monopoly, then you have to make sure that you turn the monopoly into a liquid play. Instead of one, you need two or three partners. The political dependencies, you need to talk to people, and let me combine that with your second question. CO2 regulation, which only looks at the tailpipe, and they're hoping to bring this down to 0%. It doesn't reflect the reality. It'll actually lead to the opposite. I don't think this will achieve any substantial CO2 reductions because the customer, and the customer that's the greatest dependency we have, the customer always has the possibility to just continue driving their old car. I think with the life cycle approach, we've actually chosen a very good approach.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): In the supplier side, if you run into situations where there's a monopoly, then you have to make sure that you turn the monopoly into a liquid play. Instead of one, you need two or three partners. The political dependencies, you need to talk to people, and let me combine that with your second question. CO2 regulation, which only looks at the tailpipe, and they're hoping to bring this down to 0%. It doesn't reflect the reality. It'll actually lead to the opposite. I don't think this will achieve any substantial CO2 reductions because the customer, and the customer that's the greatest dependency we have, the customer always has the possibility to just continue driving their old car. I think with the life cycle approach, we've actually chosen a very good approach.
Speaker #2: So instead of one , you need 2 or 3 partners . And the political dependencies you need to talk to people . And let me combine that with your second question .
Speaker #2: CO2 regulation , which only looks at the tailpipe . And they're hoping to bring this down to 0% . And this does not reflect it doesn't reflect the reality .
Speaker #2: It will actually lead to the opposite . I don't think this will achieve any substantial CO2 reductions because the customer and the customer has the greatest dependency .
Speaker #2: We have the customer always has the possibility to just continue driving their old car. But I think with the life cycle approach, we've actually chosen a very good approach.
Speaker #2: And we can be much faster if we manage this type of dependency in a better way . Mr. Falk . And then the dependencies , especially when it comes to semiconductors , when it comes to cloud based digital services , when it comes to batteries .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): We can be much faster if we manage this type of dependency in a better way, Mr. Volk. The dependencies, especially when it comes to semiconductors, when it comes to cloud-based digital services, when it comes to batteries. All that matters is to make these more resilient. Reducing these dependencies would directly lead to a situation in which we can no longer innovate and in which we would no longer be competitive. If you don't recognize this, then you probably have a greater problem in taking your successful business model into the future. What's also important for me is that you recognize these dependencies, and this brings me to the Brussels regulations. I will not take that technology as the only admissible technology where I have the greatest dependency.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): We can be much faster if we manage this type of dependency in a better way, Mr. Volk. The dependencies, especially when it comes to semiconductors, when it comes to cloud-based digital services, when it comes to batteries. All that matters is to make these more resilient. Reducing these dependencies would directly lead to a situation in which we can no longer innovate and in which we would no longer be competitive. If you don't recognize this, then you probably have a greater problem in taking your successful business model into the future. What's also important for me is that you recognize these dependencies, and this brings me to the Brussels regulations. I will not take that technology as the only admissible technology where I have the greatest dependency.
Speaker #2: All that matters is to make these more resilient. Reducing these dependencies would directly lead to a situation in which we can no longer innovate and in which we would no longer be competitive.
Speaker #2: And if you don't recognize this, then you probably have a greater problem in taking your successful business model into the future. But what's also important for me is that you recognize these dependencies.
Speaker #2: And this brings me to the Brussels regulations . Then I will not take the that technology as the only admissible technology where I have the greatest dependency dependency .
Speaker #2: I'm talking about dependency in terms of batteries, because most of that is outside of Europe. So, presumably, that's the largest step you can take.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): I'm talking about dependency in terms of batteries, because most of that is outside of Europe. Presumably, that's the largest step you can take. Don't just bet on one horse. This also applies to politics. Thank you, Oliver. Thank you, Mr. Volk. The next question, please. Next question is by Sebastian Ash from Financial Times. Please unmute your microphone now.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): I'm talking about dependency in terms of batteries, because most of that is outside of Europe. Presumably, that's the largest step you can take. Don't just bet on one horse. This also applies to politics. Thank you, Oliver. Thank you, Mr. Volk. The next question, please. Next question is by Sebastian Ash from Financial Times. Please unmute your microphone now.
Speaker #2: Don't just bet on one horse . And this also applies to politics . Thank you Oliver . Thank you , Mr. Fog . The next question , please .
Speaker #2: Next question is by Sebastian Ash from Financial Times . Please unmute your microphone now . .
Sebastien Ash: Hi, everyone, and thank you for the information you've provided to us so far. Mr. Zipse, you fairly strongly criticized the idea of stronger regulation of corporate fleet emissions in the European Union. Now, this seems to be almost being prepared as an exchange for a weakening of the 2035 target for consumers more generally. I mean, could you just give me your thoughts on how you would see or how you would look at a situation in which, on the one hand, 2035 was weakened, but on the other hand, the corporate goals were strengthened once again? Thank you.
Speaker #4: Hi , everyone , and thank you for the information you've provided to us so far . Mr. Zipser . You fairly strongly criticized the idea of stronger regulation of corporate fleet emissions in the European Union .
Sebastien Ash: Hi, everyone, and thank you for the information you've provided to us so far. Mr. Zipse, you fairly strongly criticized the idea of stronger regulation of corporate fleet emissions in the European Union. Now, this seems to be almost being prepared as an exchange for a weakening of the 2035 target for consumers more generally. I mean, could you just give me your thoughts on how you would see or how you would look at a situation in which, on the one hand, 2035 was weakened, but on the other hand, the corporate goals were strengthened once again? Thank you.
Speaker #4: Now , this seems to be almost being prepared as a as an exchange for a weakening of the 2035 target for consumers . More more generally .
Speaker #4: I mean , could you just give me your thoughts on how you would see or how you would look at a situation in which , on the one hand , 2035 was weakened , but on the other hand , the corporate goals were strengthened .
Speaker #4: Once again , thank you .
Speaker #2: Thank you . Oliver , please . Thank you for the question . Now , to clarify this . We're not asking for the targets to be weakened .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Thank you. Oliver, please. Thank you for the question. To clarify this. We're not asking for the targets to be weakened. We're asking for a different regime as to how these targets can be achieved. The way we put it, these targets can be achieved much more easily if they don't just focus on tailpipe emissions, and this applies to the fleet as well as to private cars. Currently all that's done is they're measuring tailpipe. That's wrong because it leaves out of account all other possibilities of reducing CO₂ within that regulation. For example, it doesn't matter if today an OEM buys green steel. That's not part of today's fleet regulation. It's irrelevant. We believe it is important. I mean, the greening of supply chains. Where does the green power come from? That should be part of that vehicle emission to provide incentives.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Thank you. Oliver, please. Thank you for the question. To clarify this. We're not asking for the targets to be weakened. We're asking for a different regime as to how these targets can be achieved. The way we put it, these targets can be achieved much more easily if they don't just focus on tailpipe emissions, and this applies to the fleet as well as to private cars. Currently all that's done is they're measuring tailpipe. That's wrong because it leaves out of account all other possibilities of reducing CO₂ within that regulation. For example, it doesn't matter if today an OEM buys green steel. That's not part of today's fleet regulation. It's irrelevant. We believe it is important. I mean, the greening of supply chains. Where does the green power come from? That should be part of that vehicle emission to provide incentives.
Speaker #2: We're asking for a different regime as to how these targets can be achieved . The way we put it , these targets can be achieved much more easily if they don't just focus on tailpipe emissions .
Speaker #2: And this applies to the fleet as well as to private cars . Because currently all that's done is they're measuring tailpipe . But that's wrong because it leaves out of account all other possibilities of reducing CO2 within that regulation .
Speaker #2: For example , it doesn't matter if today an OEM buys green steel , that's not part of today's fleet regulation . It's irrelevant .
Speaker #2: And we believe it is important . I mean , the greening of supply chains . Where does the green power come from ? That should be part of that regulation to provide incentives .
Speaker #2: What we are asking for is a new regulation that is more effective and greening the fleet . I mean , which is pretty strong .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): What we are asking for is a new regulation that is more effective and greening the fleet, I mean, which is pretty strong. It's pretty strong in Europe. In almost all major European countries, there's very large vehicle fleets. To prescribe in that field which technology has to be applied regardless of the framework conditions, is at least as wrong as the tailpipe regulation. The better thing to do would be to prescribe that CO2 regulation is such that you need to have improvements every day, the reporting CSRD, that should be combined with the fleet regulation. BMW Group today already reports its Scope 1, 2, and 3 CO2 reductions and the success we have. We're continuously going down. All forecasts show that we are dramatically reducing our CO2 footprint, Scope 2, 3, and upstream. Usually that is irrelevant, although we are reporting it.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): What we are asking for is a new regulation that is more effective and greening the fleet, I mean, which is pretty strong. It's pretty strong in Europe. In almost all major European countries, there's very large vehicle fleets. To prescribe in that field which technology has to be applied regardless of the framework conditions, is at least as wrong as the tailpipe regulation. The better thing to do would be to prescribe that CO2 regulation is such that you need to have improvements every day, the reporting CSRD, that should be combined with the fleet regulation. BMW Group today already reports its Scope 1, 2, and 3 CO2 reductions and the success we have. We're continuously going down. All forecasts show that we are dramatically reducing our CO2 footprint, Scope 2, 3, and upstream. Usually that is irrelevant, although we are reporting it.
Speaker #2: It's pretty strong in Europe and almost all major European countries . There's very large vehicle fleets . And to prescribe in that field , which technology has to be applied regardless of the framework is at least as wrong as .
Speaker #2: The tailpipe regulation , the better thing to do would be to prescribe that CO2 to regulation is such that you need to have improvements every day , and then the the reporting card .
Speaker #2: That should be combined with the fleet regulation BMW Group today already reports its scope one , two and three CO2 reductions and the success we have , with continuously going down all forecasts show that we are dramatically reducing our CO2 footprint .
Speaker #2: Scope two , three and upstream . But usually that is irrelevant . Although we are reporting this . So that is in a way a little absurd .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): That is, in a way, a little absurd. You're reporting something, but it has no effect. We just want to combine those two in this way to arrive at a much better solution instead of having single solutions. The current regulation on the corporate fleet actually achieves the opposite because it prescribes something. In that case, it tells companies what they have to do, regardless of whether the CO₂ reduction is actually happening or not. Thank you, Oliver. We've now got three questions left. Well, three. Next question, please. Next question, that's Regina Imkle from Passauer Neue Presse, Mediengruppe Bayern. Please unmute your microphone now. Good morning. I have a question that relates to becoming climate neutral. Debrecen is the first fossil-free plant. Will further sites follow? Have you got something in the pipeline here? Next question is about less costly models.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): That is, in a way, a little absurd. You're reporting something, but it has no effect. We just want to combine those two in this way to arrive at a much better solution instead of having single solutions. The current regulation on the corporate fleet actually achieves the opposite because it prescribes something. In that case, it tells companies what they have to do, regardless of whether the CO₂ reduction is actually happening or not. Thank you, Oliver. We've now got three questions left. Well, three. Next question, please. Next question, that's Regina Imkle from Passauer Neue Presse, Mediengruppe Bayern. Please unmute your microphone now. Good morning. I have a question that relates to becoming climate neutral. Debrecen is the first fossil-free plant. Will further sites follow? Have you got something in the pipeline here? Next question is about less costly models.
Speaker #2: Your reporting something , but it has no effect . And we just want to combine those two in this way to arrive at a much better solution instead of having single solutions and the current regulation on the corporate fleet actually achieves the opposite , because it prescribes something .
Speaker #2: In that case , it tells companies what they have to do , regardless of whether the CO2 reduction is actually happening or not .
Speaker #2: Thank you . Oliver . We've now got three questions left . Well , three . So next question , please . Next question .
Speaker #2: That's Christina and Claire from Passauer Neue Presse . Bayern , please unmute your microphone now . Good morning . I have a question that relates to the coming climate neutral .
Speaker #2: That is the first fossil free plant will further sites follow ? Have you got something in the pipeline here and next question is about less costly models .
Speaker #2: There's people say that German cars are too expensive . Is BMW working on a more low cost alternative ? And then next question .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): People say that German cars are too expensive. Is BMW working on a more low-cost alternative? Next question, that's about the dealer network. BMW wants to switch to an agency model. Is that still what you're planning to do, or are you going to postpone that? Thank you. Let's begin. Thank you, Ms. Imkle. Debrecen and more inexpensive models, the agency model that'll be about to matter. Oliver, please. Well, Ms. Imkle, I explicitly like to thank you for your question. Debrecen is the first fossil-free plant with clearly reduced CO2 emissions and targets also. These targets, well, we've got those for every existing site. I like that question because the reduction that we're doing there, by the way, we're doing that on our own free volition because we are really convinced climate protectus.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): People say that German cars are too expensive. Is BMW working on a more low-cost alternative? Next question, that's about the dealer network. BMW wants to switch to an agency model. Is that still what you're planning to do, or are you going to postpone that? Thank you. Let's begin. Thank you, Ms. Imkle. Debrecen and more inexpensive models, the agency model that'll be about to matter. Oliver, please. Well, Ms. Imkle, I explicitly like to thank you for your question. Debrecen is the first fossil-free plant with clearly reduced CO2 emissions and targets also. These targets, well, we've got those for every existing site. I like that question because the reduction that we're doing there, by the way, we're doing that on our own free volition because we are really convinced climate protectus.
Speaker #2: That's about the dealer network in wants to switch to an agency model . Is that still what you're planning to do , or are you going to postpone that ?
Speaker #2: Thank you . Let's begin . Thank you , Miss M-clear . And more expensive models . And then the agency model . That'll be Walter Mertl .
Speaker #2: Oliver , please . Well , Miss M-clear , I explicitly like to thank you for your question . Is the first fossil free plant with clearly reduced CO2 emissions and targets also .
Speaker #2: And these targets . But we've got those for every existing site . And I like that question because the reduction that we're doing there , by the way , we're doing that on our own , free volition because we are really convinced climate protectors .
Speaker #2: But these have no effect on the fleet regulation . Do you understand whether we do this or not , except for the fact that we're reporting it , it has no effect whatsoever .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): This has no effect on the fleet regulation. Do you understand? Whether we do this or not, except for the fact that we're reporting it has no effect whatsoever. This is why we're asking for a new regulation, so that something like Debrecen or something what we do here in Munich, where we're switching entirely to electrified vehicles, that this actually has a value and something that's reflected. If somebody makes more efforts, you should have a higher chance to avoid a possible penalty payment. Thank you so much for your question. As you know, we're right on track for fill-filling all of the targets, Scope 1, 2, and 3, including CO2 fleet targets. We're really doing extremely well. Now, less costly models. Well, they already exist today. The all-electric ones and the hybrid ones, and also the ICE.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): This has no effect on the fleet regulation. Do you understand? Whether we do this or not, except for the fact that we're reporting it has no effect whatsoever. This is why we're asking for a new regulation, so that something like Debrecen or something what we do here in Munich, where we're switching entirely to electrified vehicles, that this actually has a value and something that's reflected. If somebody makes more efforts, you should have a higher chance to avoid a possible penalty payment. Thank you so much for your question. As you know, we're right on track for fill-filling all of the targets, Scope 1, 2, and 3, including CO2 fleet targets. We're really doing extremely well. Now, less costly models. Well, they already exist today. The all-electric ones and the hybrid ones, and also the ICE.
Speaker #2: And this is why we're asking for a new regulation so that something like that or something , what we do here in Munich , where we're switching entirely to electric vehicles , that this actually has a value and something that's reflected .
Speaker #2: So if somebody makes more effort , you should have a higher chance to avoid a possible penalty payment . So thank you so much for your questions .
Speaker #2: And as you know , we are right on track for fulfilling all of the targets . Scope one , two and three , including CO2 fleet targets .
Speaker #2: So we're really doing extremely well now . Less costly models . Well , they already exist today . The all electric ones and the hybrid ones and also the ICS .
Speaker #2: That's the mini brand . The mini brand is highly attractive and the only thing that makes these cars expensive at the moment is a penalty custom tariff of more than 30% for the parts of the cars that are manufactured in China , the European Union artificially makes these cars more expensive , and that is obviously to the detriment of the consumers .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): That's the MINI brand. The MINI brand is highly attractive, and the only thing that makes these cars expensive at the moment is a penalty custom tariff of more than 30% for the parts of the cars that are manufactured in China. The European Union artificially makes these cars more expensive, and that is obviously to the detriment of the consumers. That's why we think that this regulation is highly detrimental to our customers, namely to be able to offer low cost or more inexpensive cost to our customers. The status of the agency model. Yes, happy to answer that, Herr Stumme, because with MINI direct sales in Europe, we started that quite successfully in January 2024, and the last review markets went live this year in the summer of 2025, and it was quite successful.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): That's the MINI brand. The MINI brand is highly attractive, and the only thing that makes these cars expensive at the moment is a penalty custom tariff of more than 30% for the parts of the cars that are manufactured in China. The European Union artificially makes these cars more expensive, and that is obviously to the detriment of the consumers. That's why we think that this regulation is highly detrimental to our customers, namely to be able to offer low cost or more inexpensive cost to our customers. The status of the agency model. Yes, happy to answer that, Herr Stumme, because with MINI direct sales in Europe, we started that quite successfully in January 2024, and the last review markets went live this year in the summer of 2025, and it was quite successful.
Speaker #2: That's why we think that this regulation is highly detrimental to our customers , namely , to be able to offer their cost or more inexpensive cost to our customers .
Speaker #2: Then the status of the agency model . Yes . Happy to answer that . As Mr. . Because with mini direct sales in Europe , we started that quite successfully in January 2024 , and the last 13 markets to go went live this year in the summer of 2025 .
Speaker #2: And this is quite successful . All is going according to plan in the first six months , 24 some fine tuning was still necessary .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): All is going according to plan in the first 6 months, 2024. Some fine-tuning was still necessary. This is why it was a staggered go live. This is a successful concept that we will also roll out for BMW. It'll take a bit of time. We need to upscale it. We need to prepare the contracts, finalize them for BMW. We will also introduce that in Europe. Thank you, Walter. Next question, please. Next question is from Thibault Madelin from Les Echos. Please unmute your microphone now. Good morning. I hope you can hear me. Yes, we do. We hear you. Thank you for taking my question. Actually, it's two questions. Is there already a price for Neue Klasse in China? If not, could you just give us an idea of what the price will be?
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): All is going according to plan in the first 6 months, 2024. Some fine-tuning was still necessary. This is why it was a staggered go live. This is a successful concept that we will also roll out for BMW. It'll take a bit of time. We need to upscale it. We need to prepare the contracts, finalize them for BMW. We will also introduce that in Europe. Thank you, Walter. Next question, please. Next question is from Thibault Madelin from Les Echos. Please unmute your microphone now. Good morning. I hope you can hear me. Yes, we do. We hear you. Thank you for taking my question. Actually, it's two questions. Is there already a price for Neue Klasse in China? If not, could you just give us an idea of what the price will be?
Speaker #2: It was a staggered go live and this is a successful concept that we will also roll out for BMW . It'll take a bit of time .
Speaker #2: We need to upscale it and we need to prepare the contracts , finalize them for BMW . We will also introduce that in Europe .
Speaker #2: Thank you . About next question , please . Next question is from Tibor Madla from Lisco . Please unmute your microphone now . Good morning .
Speaker #2: I hope you can hear me . Yes we do . We hear you . Thank you for taking my question . Actually , it's two questions .
Speaker #2: Is there already a price for Newcastle in China ? And if not could you just give us an idea of what the price will be ?
Speaker #2: And then on steel tomorrow we'll have the steel summit in Berlin . What are your expectations ? Okay . We'll begin with the steel summit .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): On steel, tomorrow, we'll have the Steel Summit in Berlin. What are your expectations? We'll begin with the Steel Summit. Well, Mr. Madelin, the Steel Summit is something we welcome, of course. We welcome that politics has now recognized that supply chains, resilience, competitiveness, that all of these are so important for central industries such as steel, but also chemistry or the automotive industry. It's highly relevant, that's why we welcome this discussion. Of course, you need to protect yourself from unfair competition, that doesn't mean you shouldn't do everything you can in order to stay competitive. I think we need to continue to work on that. The industry as such, it applies to us also, we need to have, you know, despite difficult framework conditions, we have to remain competitive.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): On steel, tomorrow, we'll have the Steel Summit in Berlin. What are your expectations? We'll begin with the Steel Summit. Well, Mr. Madelin, the Steel Summit is something we welcome, of course. We welcome that politics has now recognized that supply chains, resilience, competitiveness, that all of these are so important for central industries such as steel, but also chemistry or the automotive industry. It's highly relevant, that's why we welcome this discussion. Of course, you need to protect yourself from unfair competition, that doesn't mean you shouldn't do everything you can in order to stay competitive. I think we need to continue to work on that. The industry as such, it applies to us also, we need to have, you know, despite difficult framework conditions, we have to remain competitive.
Speaker #2: Where Mr. Madelin , the steel summit is something we welcome . Of course we welcome that . Politics is now recognized . That supply chains resilience , competitiveness , all of these are so important for central industries such as steel , but also chemistry or the automotive industry is highly relevant .
Speaker #2: So that's why we welcome this discussion . Of course , you need to protect yourself from unfair competition , but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do everything you can in order to stay competitive .
Speaker #2: And I think we need to continue to work on that . The industry as such , it applies to us also , but we need to have , you know , despite difficult framework conditions , we have to remain competitive .
Speaker #2: That's something that's got to be said . In addition to all of these protective mechanisms , that people also like to discuss . And then the prices for neulasta in China , it's a very attractive product offering or will be .
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): That's something that's got to be said in addition to all of these protective mechanisms that people also like to discuss. Then the prices for Neue Klasse in China, it's a very attractive product offering or will be, but we haven't actually fixed the prices yet. Of course, it'll be quite competitive. Thank you. It's time to the last request for the floor. Last question comes from Christoph Rümpel, dpa. Please unmute your microphone now. Good morning. It's me again. Maybe a good question to finish off with because it's quite global. When I look at your figures and what the outcome will be for the year, if compare that to 2022, it looks much worse. If I compare to the time before that, it's actually looking quite normal. 2022, 2023, that was a very special situation, obviously. If I were to ask you now.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): That's something that's got to be said in addition to all of these protective mechanisms that people also like to discuss. Then the prices for Neue Klasse in China, it's a very attractive product offering or will be, but we haven't actually fixed the prices yet. Of course, it'll be quite competitive. Thank you. It's time to the last request for the floor. Last question comes from Christoph Rümpel, dpa. Please unmute your microphone now. Good morning. It's me again. Maybe a good question to finish off with because it's quite global. When I look at your figures and what the outcome will be for the year, if compare that to 2022, it looks much worse. If I compare to the time before that, it's actually looking quite normal. 2022, 2023, that was a very special situation, obviously. If I were to ask you now.
Speaker #2: But we haven't actually fixed the prices yet . But of course it will be quite competitive . Competitive . Thank you . Let's turn to the last request for the floor .
Speaker #2: Last question comes from Christoph Meyer , dpa . Please unmute your microphone now . Good morning . It's me again . Maybe a good question to finish off with because it's quite global .
Speaker #2: When I look at your figures and what the outcome will be for the year if compared to '22, it looks much worse.
Speaker #2: If compared to the time before that . It's actually looking quite normal . 2223 that was a very special situation . Obviously . Now if I were to ask you now .
Speaker #2: Crisis , is this now a time of crisis for BMW ? Because in the industry , when we talk about a crisis , but now , if you could answer that for BMW , are you in a state of crisis or is this normal ?
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Crisis, is this now a time of crisis for BMW? In the industry, when we talk about a crisis. Now, if you could answer that for BMW, are you in a state of crisis or is this normal? Oliver, please. Well, Mr. Rümpel, you've never heard us speak of a crisis before. A crisis is if you don't know what to do anymore, that's a crisis. I think Corona was when we had a standstill in all plants. That was a crisis because we didn't know how that was going to end. We didn't know when we could reopen the plants. In the last 2 or 3 years, you've never heard us speak out the word crisis. Business results, they are as they are. I mean, we work for them hard every year. In 2022, 2023, there were always special effects.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): Crisis, is this now a time of crisis for BMW? In the industry, when we talk about a crisis. Now, if you could answer that for BMW, are you in a state of crisis or is this normal? Oliver, please. Well, Mr. Rümpel, you've never heard us speak of a crisis before. A crisis is if you don't know what to do anymore, that's a crisis. I think Corona was when we had a standstill in all plants. That was a crisis because we didn't know how that was going to end. We didn't know when we could reopen the plants. In the last 2 or 3 years, you've never heard us speak out the word crisis. Business results, they are as they are. I mean, we work for them hard every year. In 2022, 2023, there were always special effects.
Speaker #2: Oliver , please . Well , Mr. Wehmeier , you've never heard us speak of a crisis before . A crisis is if you don't know what to do anymore , that's a crisis .
Speaker #2: I think Corona was when we had a standstill in all plants. That was a crisis because we didn't know how that was going to end.
Speaker #2: We didn't know when we could reopen the plants, but in the last 2 or 3 years, you've never heard us speak the word crisis.
Speaker #2: And business . Results . They are as they are . I mean , we work for them hard every year . And in 2022 , 23 .
Speaker #2: They were always special effects. In 2022, we had a special effect of $7 billion. That was when the 75% majority in BBA was established, and before that, we had a special effect.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): In 2022, we had a special effect of EUR 7 billion. That was when the 75% majority in BBA, you thought that we have a special effect, so that perhaps can't be compared. In 2023, there was the semiconductor situation, which reminds me of an experience. Every year it's a little different. I don't really think you can compare the years directly. We're satisfied with what we're doing here in Munich. Could it be better? Yes, of course, it could. The entrepreneurial job is to just in the environment you find, you know, it's neutral. You just have to work with it. Never just talk about the crisis all the time. As you can see in Europe, individual mobility still has a very large demand on the market, and globally it's even associated with growth.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): In 2022, we had a special effect of EUR 7 billion. That was when the 75% majority in BBA, you thought that we have a special effect, so that perhaps can't be compared. In 2023, there was the semiconductor situation, which reminds me of an experience. Every year it's a little different. I don't really think you can compare the years directly. We're satisfied with what we're doing here in Munich. Could it be better? Yes, of course, it could. The entrepreneurial job is to just in the environment you find, you know, it's neutral. You just have to work with it. Never just talk about the crisis all the time. As you can see in Europe, individual mobility still has a very large demand on the market, and globally it's even associated with growth.
Speaker #2: So that's perhaps something that can't be compared. And in '23, there was the semiconductor situation, which reminds me of a specific year. So every year is a little different.
Speaker #2: I don't really think you can compare the years directly with being satisfied with what we're doing here in Munich. Could it be better?
Speaker #2: Yes , of course it could . But the entrepreneurial job is to just in the environment you find , you know , it's neutral .
Speaker #2: You just have to work with it. Never just talk about the crisis all the time. As you can see in Europe, individual mobility still has a very large demand on the market.
Speaker #2: And globally, it’s even associated with growth. So we would not want to speak of a crisis in a situation today. Thank you.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): We would not want to speak of a crisis in a situation today. Thank you, Mr. Rümpel. Thank you for the last question. I think that kind of rounds off our telephone conference today pretty well. Thank you, colleagues, for your questions. All the best to you, and I'm sure we'll see each other soon. Servus and goodbye.
[Company Representative] (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG): We would not want to speak of a crisis in a situation today. Thank you, Mr. Rümpel. Thank you for the last question. I think that kind of rounds off our telephone conference today pretty well. Thank you, colleagues, for your questions. All the best to you, and I'm sure we'll see each other soon. Servus and goodbye.
Speaker #2: Mr. . Thank you for the last question . I think that kind of rounds off our telephone conference today pretty well . So thank you , colleagues , for your questions .