BMW 2014 Annual Report Download - page 35

35 COMBINED MANAGEMENT REPORT
Solid sales volume growth for BMW Motorrad
The Motorcycles segment profited from a positive market
environment during the period under report. In total,
we sold 123,495 BMW motorcycles worldwide (2013:
115,215
1
; + 7.2 %) and therefore outperformed the market
as a whole.
Motorcycle sales up in all markets
The number of motorcycles sold in Europe rose to 73,611
units (2013: 68,961 units), a solid growth rate of 6.7 %.
With a sales volume of 21,714 units, business in Germany
edged up slightly on the previous year (2013: 21,473 units;
+ 1.1 %). Motorcycle sales were also slightly higher (+ 2.5 %)
in Italy, with 10,487 units handed over to customers
(2013: 10,230 units). Significant growth was achieved in
France, however, where we recorded a sales volume of
11,600 units (2013: 10,400 units; + 11.5 %). Motorcycle
sales in the USA, at 15,301 units, grew solidly compared
to the previous year (2013: 14,100 units; + 8.5 %).
BMW Motorrad enters world of electromobility
In May 2014, the arrival of the new C evolution marked
the beginning of a new chapter in the urban mobility
segment for BMW Motorrad. The new electrically pow-
ered scooter fuses riding fun and dynamism with the
benefits of zero-emissions performance to create a whole
new experience on two wheels.
The new R nineT, S 1000 R, R 1200 RT, R 1200 GS Adven-
ture and K 1600 GTL Exclusive models presented in
au-
tumn 2013 were all launched in time for the start of
the season in March 2014. Important contributions to
BMW Motorrad’s success were made in particular by the
R 1200 GS Adventure and R 1200 RT models. The new
R nineT generated a highly positive response among cus-
tomers and media alike.
Three BMW motorcycles celebrated their world premieres
at the INTERMOT in Cologne: the S 1000 RR, the R 1200 R
and the R 1200 RS. The latest version of the S 1000 RR
Supersports bike has an even better weight-to-power ra-
tio and a whole host of integrated technical innovations.
MOTORCYCLES SEGMENT
The new R 1200 RS succeeds in combining the qualities
of a touring bike with the dynamic performance of a
sports machine. The new R 1200 R continues in the tra-
dition of a “purist” BMW roadster combined with a tried-
and-tested boxer engine. The new models will become
available in spring 2015, in good time for the start of the
motorcycle season. BMW Motorrad also presented two
more new models at the EICMA Motorcycles Exhibition
in Milan – the S 1000 XR and the F 800 R. The S 1000 XR
unites dynamic touring qualities, sporty performance
and high levels of comfort with outstanding everyday
usability. The new F 800 R Roadster offers sporty perfor-
mance, agile handling and even greater versatility.
BMW Motorrad’s new brand strategy
The BMW Group launched its new brand strategy for BMW
Motorrad at the INTERMOT international motorcycle
show. The brand’s new motto – MAKE LIFE A RIDE –
equates motorcycle riding with the joy of living. People
tell their (life) stories in a documentary style and, by air-
ing their emotions regarding all aspects of the motor-
cycle, raise enthusiasm worldwide for motorcycle riding.
Motorcycle production volume significantly up
on previous year
In total, 133,615 BMW motorcycles were manufactured
during the period under report (2013: 110,1273 units;
+ 21.3 %), with the sharp increase primarily reflecting
the production starts of a number of new models. Up to
600 motorcycles (from various series) and maxi-scooters
are manufactured each day at the motorcycles plant in
Berlin. BMW Motorrad also continued to expand the in-
ternational reach of its production activities. Local motor-
cycle assembly facilities, such as those in Brazil and
Thailand, are becoming increasingly important.
BMW sales volume of motorcycles2
in 1,000 units
120
100
80
60
40
20
10 11 12 13 14
98.0 104.3 106.4 115.2 123.5
BMW Group – key motorcycle markets 2014
as a percentage of sales volume
Germany 17.6 Brazil 6.1
USA 12.4 Great Britain 5.5
France 9.4 Spain 5.0
Italy 8.5 Other 35.5
Germany
USA
France
Brazil Italy
Spain
Other
Great Britain
1 Plus an additional 1,110 Husqvarna motorcycles (until 5 March 2013).
2 Excluding Husqvarna, sales volume up to 2013: 59,776 units.
3 Plus an additional 1,569 Husqvarna motorcycles (until 5 March 2013).