BMW 2013 Annual Report Download - page 23

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23 COMBINED MANAGEMENT REPORT
General Information on the BMW Group
Research and Development
Research and development play a vital role for the
BMW Group, given its broad range of products and
the
high number of new models. Our vehicles and
services also set standards in terms of connecting car
occupants with the outside world. During 2013, a total
of 11,359 employees were engaged throughout the
BMW Group’s global research and innovation network
at twelve locations spread over five countries, to deliver
the best product quality possible and develop innova-
tive technologies for customers. Further information on
our research and development activities is provided in
the relevant section of the Report on Economic Position.
Research and development expenditure for the year
rose by 21.3 % to € 4,792 million, mostly for projects
aimed at securing the Group’s future business (2012:
€ 3,952 million). The research and development ratio
was 6.3 %, 1.2 percentage points higher than in the
previous year (2012: 5.1 %).
The ratio of capitalised development costs to total re-
search and development costs for the period (capitali-
sation
ratio) was 36.4 % (2012: 27.6 %). Amortisation
of
capitalised development costs totalled € 1,069 million
(2012: € 1,130 million). Further information on research
and development expenditure is provided in the section
Results of Operations, Financial Position and Net Assets
and in note 10 to the Group Financial Statements.
As one of the most innovative companies in the
auto-
mobile industry, suppliers and external providers are
also highly involved in our research and development
activities. Close collaboration with the parties concerned
enables us to offer our customers new technologies
more quickly and underscores our aspiration to be inno-
vation
leader in the sector. It also helps us to ensure that
important project-related technological expertise remains
within the BMW Group.