Introduction
Oliver Zipse, CEO of BMW AG, addressed stakeholders during the 2026 Annual Conference held at BMW Welt in Munich on March 12, 2026. His remarks highlighted the company’s robust performance in 2025 and outlined its strategic direction for the future.
2025: A Year of Resilience
BMW Group reported a solid financial result for 2025, with profits exceeding €10 billion. This reflects not only a stable economic model but also an expansion in vehicle sales, reinforcing its position as a leader in the global premium segment. The company delivered approximately 2.46 million vehicles worldwide, marking a 0.5% growth compared to the previous year.
Electrification and the NEUE KLASSE
A highlight was the introduction of the BMW iX3, marking the series launch of the NEUE KLASSE. Production began at a new facility in Debrecen, Hungary, with demand significantly exceeding initial expectations. The iX3 is now available in European showrooms, contributing to the overall electrification strategy as BMW aims for 26% of its total sales to come from electrified vehicles.
Sales Growth by Region
Sales in Europe increased by over 7%, with the company delivering more than one million vehicles for the first time since the pandemic. In the United States, sales grew by 5%, even in a saturated market. However, sales in China fell short of expectations due to increased competition, illustrating the challenges of maintaining market share in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Diversified Product Offerings and Market Strategy
BMW has maintained its global leadership position in its segment, with strong demand for models such as the X1, X3, X5, and 3 Series. The M division also recorded a historic sales level, delivering over 213,000 vehicles, with the M5 and X3 M50 as notable contributors to this success.
MINI experienced significant growth, with sales increasing by nearly 18%. The new Countryman model accounted for over 32% of total volume, while Rolls-Royce maintained delivery levels compared to the previous year, reflecting ongoing demand for bespoke luxury vehicles.
Commitment to Sustainability
BMW’s commitment to sustainability is evident, as the company exceeded EU CO₂ emission targets for 2025, achieving emissions of 90 grams of CO₂ per kilometer. This achievement reinforces BMW’s technology openness strategy, allowing for a mix of propulsion technologies that cater to diverse customer preferences.
The company aims to reduce its CO₂ emissions by at least 60 million tons by 2035 compared to 2019 levels, demonstrating its long-term commitment to climate goals.
Future Outlook and Strategic Focus
Looking ahead, Zipse emphasized three key factors for success: the current product range, the rollout of additional NEUE KLASSE models, and collaborations with leading tech companies to enhance vehicle capabilities. The introduction of fully electric vehicles across all segments is anticipated, with 20 models expected by the end of the year.
The upcoming launch of the BMW i3, based on the NEUE KLASSE, is expected to further elevate the brand’s offerings, while production capacity is being increased at global facilities to meet growing demand.
Conclusion
- BMW achieved over €10 billion in profits in 2025.
- The iX3 marks the start of NEUE KLASSE production.
- Sales grew by 0.5% globally, with significant growth in Europe and the U.S.
- BMW remains committed to sustainability, exceeding EU CO₂ targets.
- Future product lines will focus on fully electric vehicles and collaborations with tech companies.
