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BMW AG
Annual Report 2014

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FY2014 Annual Report · BMW AG
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ANNUAL  REPORT

2014

innovative

successful

sustainable

profi table

forward-looking

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   3  

 BMW GROUP IN FIGURES  

   6  

 REPORT OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD  

 14  

 18  
 18  

 23  

 65  

 82  

 83  
 87  

 90  
 90  
 90  
 92  
 94  
 96  
 98  

  STATEMENT OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE 
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT  

 Business Model
 Management System

 COMBINED MANAGEMENT REPORT  
 General Information on the BMW Group
18  
20  
 Report on Economic Position
23  
26  
26  
29  
49  

  General and Sector-specific Environment
  Overall Assessment by Management
 Financial and Non-financial Performance Indicators
 Review of Operations
  Results of Operations, Financial Position and 
Net Assets
 Comments on Financial Statements of BMW AG
 Events after the End of the Reporting Period

 Outlook
 Report on Risks and Opportunities

61  
64  
 Report on Outlook, Risks and Opportunities
65  
70  
  Internal Control System and Risk Management System 
 Relevant for the Consolidated Financial Reporting 
Process
  Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers
 BMW Stock and Capital Markets in 2014

 GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 Income Statements for Group and Segments
  Statement of Comprehensive Income for Group
 Balance Sheets for Group and Segments
 Cash Flow Statements for Group and Segments
 Group Statement of Changes in Equity
 Notes to the Group Financial Statements

  98  
116  
123  

124  
149  
165  

 Accounting Principles and Policies
 Notes to the Income Statement
  Notes to the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income
 Notes to the Balance Sheet
 Other Disclosures
 Segment Information

 170  

 170  
 171  

 172  
 173  
 176  

 178  

 183  

 184  
 189  

  STATEMENT ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (§ 289 a HGB)  
(Part of the Combined Management Report)
  Information on the Company’s Governing Constitution
   Declaration of the Board of Management 
and of the Supervisory Board pursuant to § 161 AktG
  Members of the Board of Management
  Members of the Supervisory Board
  Composition and Work Procedures of the Board of 
 Management of BMW AG and its Committees
  Composition and Work Procedures of the Supervisory Board 
of BMW AG and its Committees
  Information on Corporate Governance Practices
Applied beyond Mandatory Requirements
 Compliance in the BMW Group
  Compensation Report

 198  

  Responsibility Statement by the
Company’s Legal Representatives

 199  

 Auditor’s Report

 200  
 200  
 202  
 204  
 206  
 208  
 209  

 OTHER INFORMATION  
 BMW Group Ten-year Comparison
 BMW Group Locations
 Glossary
 Index
 Financial Calendar
 Contacts

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3    

BMW Group in figures 

 2010

 2011

 2012

 2013

 2014

 Change in %

 Principal non-financial performance indicators

BMW Group
Workforce at end of year 1

Automotive segment
Sales volume2
Fleet emissions in g CO2 / km3

Motorcycles segment
Sales volume 4

 95,453

 100,306

 105,876

 110,351

 116,324

 5.4

 1,461,166

 1,668,982

 1,845,186

 1,963,798

 2,117,965

 148

 145

 143

 133

 130

 7.9

  – 2.3

 98,047

 104,286

 106,358

 115,215

 123,495

 7.2

Further non-financial key performance figures

Automotive segment

Sales volume
BMW 2

MINI 

Rolls-Royce
Total 2

Production volume
BMW 5 

MINI 

Rolls-Royce
Total 5

Motorcycles segment
Production volume6

BMW 

Financial Services segment

 1,224,280

 1,380,384

 1,540,085

 1,655,138

 1,811,719

 234,175

 2,711

 285,060

 3,538

 301,526

 3,575

 305,030

 3,630

 302,183

 4,063

1,461,166

1,668,982

1,845,186

1,963,798

2,117,965

 1,236,989

 1,440,315

 1,547,057

 1,699,835

 1,838,268

 241,043

 3,221

 294,120

 3,725

 311,490

 3,279

 303,177

 3,354

 322,803

 4,495

1,481,253

1,738,160

1,861,826

2,006,366

2,165,566

 9.5

  – 0.9

 11.9

   7.9

 8.1

 6.5

 34.0

   7.9

 99,236

 110,360

 113,811

 110,127

 133,615

 21.3

New contracts with retail customers

 1,083,154

 1,196,610

 1,341,296

 1,471,385

 1,509,113

 2.6

1  Figures exclude suspended contracts of employment, employees in the non-work phases of pre-retirement part-time arrangements and low income earners.
2  Including the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., Shenyang (2010: 53,701 units, 2011: 94,400 units, 2012: 141,165 units, 2013: 198,542 units, 2014: 275,891 units).
3  EU-28.
4  Excluding Husqvarna, sales volume up to 2013: 59,776 units.
5  Including the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., Shenyang (2010: 55,588 units, 2011: 98,241 units, 2012: 150,052 units, 2013: 214,920 units, 2014: 287,466 units).
6 Excluding Husqvarna, production up to 2013: 59,426 units.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4

BMW Group in figures 

 Principal financial performance indicators

 2010

 2011

 2012

 2013

 2014

 Change in %

BMW Group

Profit before tax

Automotive segment

Revenues

EBIT margin

RoCE 

Motorcycles segment

 € million

 4,853

 7,383

 7,803

 7,8931

 8,707

 10.3

 € million

 54,137

 63,229

 70,208

 % (change in %pts)

 % (change in %pts)

 8.0

 40.2

 11.8

 77.3

 10.8

 73.7

 70,6301

 75,173

 9.4
 63.01

 9.6

 61.7

 6.4

 0.2

  – 1.3

RoCE 

 % (change in %pts)

 18.0

 10.2

 1.8

 16.4

 21.8

 5.4

Financial Services segment

RoE 

 % (change in %pts)

 26.1

 29.4

 21.2

 20.01

 19.4

  – 0.6

Further financial key performance figures

in € million

Capital expenditure

Depreciation and amortisation

Operating cash flow Automotive segment

 3,263

 3,682

 8,149

 3,692

 3,646

 8,110

Revenues

 60,477

 68,821

 5,240

 3,541

 9,167

 76,848

 70,208

 1,490

 19,550

 5

 6,7111
 3,7411
 9,9641

 76,0591
 70,6301

 1,504

 19,874

 6

 6,100

 4,170

 9,423

 80,401

 75,173

 1,679

 20,599

 7

 54,137

 1,304

 16,617

 4

 63,229

 1,436

 17,510

 5

  – 11,585

  – 13,359

  – 14,405

  – 15,955

  – 17,057

 5,111

 4,355

 71

 1,201

  – 41

  – 475

 4,853

 3,887

 65

 1,214

 45

  – 358

 8,018

 7,477

 45

 1,763

  – 19

  – 1,248

 7,383

 6,823

 41

 1,790

  – 168

  – 1,103

 8,275

 7,599

 9

 1,558

 58

  – 949

 7,803

 7,170

 6

 1,561

 3

  – 937

 7,9781
 6,6491

 79

 1,643

 44
  – 4371

 7,8931

 6,561

 76
 1,6191

 164

  – 527

 9,118

 7,244

 112

 1,756

 71

  – 65

 8,707

 6,886

 107

 1,723

 154

  – 163

  – 9.1

 11.5

  – 5.4

 5.7

 6.4

 11.6

 3.6

 16.7

 6.9

 14.3

 8.9

 41.8

 6.9

 61.4

 85.1

 10.3

 5.0

 40.8

 6.4

  – 6.1

 69.1

  – 1,610

  – 2,476

  – 2,692

 3,243

 4,907

 5,111

 4.93 / 4.95

 7.45 / 7.47

 7.75 / 7.77

  – 2,5641
 5,3291
 8.081/ 8.101

  – 2,890

 5,817

  – 12.7

 9.2

 8.83 / 8.85

 9.3 / 9.3

 Automotive

 Motorcycles

 Financial Services

 Other Entities

 Eliminations

Profit before financial result (EBIT)

 Automotive

 Motorcycles

 Financial Services

 Other Entities

 Eliminations

Profit before tax

 Automotive

 Motorcycles

 Financial Services

 Other Entities

 Eliminations

Income taxes

Net profit
Earnings per share2 in €

1 Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.
2  Common / preferred stock. In computing earnings per share of preferred stock, earnings to cover the additional dividend of € 0.02 per share of  preferred stock are spread over the 
quarters of the  corresponding financial year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5   

BMW Group in figures 

Sales volume of automobiles*
in thousand units

2,100 

1,800 

1,500 

1,200 

    900 

    600 

    300 

Revenues
in € billion

84 

72 

60 

48 

36 

24 

12 

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

  1,461.2  1,669.0  1,845.2  1,963.8  2,118.0 

60.5 

68.8 

76.8 

76.1* 

80.4 

*  Including the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd.,  Shenyang (2010:  
53,701 units, 2011: 94,400 units, 2012: 141,165 units, 2013: 198,542 units, 2014: 
275,891 units).

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

Profit before financial result
in € million

Profit before tax
in € million

8,400 

7,200 

6,000 

4,800 

3,600 

2,400 

1,200 

8,400 

7,200 

6,000 

4,800 

3,600 

2,400 

1,200 

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

5,111 

8,018 

8,275 

7,978*  9,118 

4,853 

7,383 

7,803 

7,893*  8,707 

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6

Joachim  Milberg 
Chairman of the Supervisory Board

7   REPORT OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD

Dear Shareholders and Shareholder Representatives,

Back in 2007, the BMW Group set a new strategic course with the adoption of its strategy “Number ONE”. 

Today, we can look back on the fifth successive year in which we have achieved record figures. Responsible 
management involves anticipating new developments and initiating the next moves in good time to ensure 
the future success of the business. This forward-looking approach applies equally to the Supervisory Board. 
By taking the step of announcing Harald Krüger’s future appointment to the position of Chairman of the 
Board of Management at an early stage and implementing other decisions with respect to the board’s com-
position, the resolutions adopted by the Supervisory Board in 2014 have set a clear-cut course for the future 
leadership of the BMW Group. At the same stage, we also announced our plan to ring in a change at the 
head of the Supervisory Board in 2015 by declaring our unanimous support in favour of the appointment of 
Dr Norbert Reithofer as its new Chairman. With the backing of major shareholders, we intend to propose 
his election to the Supervisory Board at the Annual General Meeting. These proposed changes in leadership 
have been initiated in order to strengthen the position of the BMW Group by ensuring a long-term manage-
ment perspective.

Main emphases of the Supervisory Board’s monitoring and advisory activities  The Supervisory Board 
again advised the Board of Management during the past financial year and carefully monitored its governance 
of the business. Our work, both within the Supervisory Board and together with the Board of Management, 
was constructive and characterised by open, trustful interaction.

In a total of five Supervisory Board meetings, we deliberated on the current situation of the BMW Group 

as well as on macroeconomic developments in its most important sales markets. Additional key points of 
 debate at our meetings were Group corporate strategy and planning. Furthermore, we developed concepts 
for a generational change at the chair level of both the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board, took 
decisions regarding the composition and compensation of the Board of Management and passed resolutions 
with respect to corporate governance.

We carefully monitored the performance of the BMW Group, both at scheduled meetings and at other times 

as the need arose. In particular, the Board of Management kept us well informed of all key sales and workforce 
figures. The Chairman of the Board of Management, Dr Norbert Reithofer, informed me promptly and di-
rectly about major business transactions and projects. In addition to scheduled meetings, Dr Karl-Ludwig Kley, 
the Chairman of the Supervisory Board’s Audit Committee, and Dr Friedrich Eichiner, member of the Board 
of Management responsible for Finance, consulted with each other directly at other times as the need arose.

At the beginning of the year, the Board of Management presented us with a summary of new and revised 

models scheduled for market launch over the course of 2014.

In its regular reports on the financial condition of the Group, the Board of Management informed us of 

sales volume developments and market competition issues relevant for the Automotive and Motorcycles 
segments and highlighted fluctuations in the size of the workforce. Equally, we were kept up to date with 
 respect to the market developments and economic prospects of the world’s key regions. On the Financial 
Services side of the business, the Board of Management provided us with regular updates on new business 
with retail customers, changes in the portfolio of contracts with dealerships and retail customers as well as 
the total volume of business.

The Board of Management also reported to us on its intention to increase the size of the Group’s produc-
tion network, with particular regard to the planned expansion of the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, 
USA, and the search for a new plant location in the NAFTA region, which is now due to be built in San Luis 
Potosí, Mexico. As part of this process, we also discussed with the Board of Management the general sig-
nificance and scope of the “production follows the market” principle in the context of the global distribution 
of value added along the production chain.

8

Furthermore, both in business status reports and subsequent discussions with the Board of Management, 
numerous important current events and projects were addressed, such as the extension of the cooperation 
agreement with the Chinese joint venture partner Brilliance, the cooperation with Toyota and the current 
state of plans for the long-term development of production facilities in Russia. Other topics reported on and 
discussed at Supervisory Board meetings included the start-up of the new MINI at the Oxford plant, the 
current situation with recalls and the economic impact of the Ukraine conflict.

One Supervisory Board meeting was held in Shenyang, one of the locations operated by the BMW Brilliance 

Automotive Ltd. (BBA) joint venture in China. Representatives of the managements of BBA and the BMW 
sales company reported to us on sales volume trends and the car market in China in general as well as plans 
for additionally increasing production capacity in the plants located at Tiexi and Dadong in Shenyang. We 
also visited the production facilities of the Tiexi plant. Moreover, in the course of our on-site visits we gathered 
 useful facts regarding cooperation with suppliers and dealerships in China. Reports from, and discussions 
with, local management representatives provided us with a useful overview of local developments in China 
and individual development projects, and helped provide a good insight into the specific needs of Chinese 
customers.

One two-day meeting of the Supervisory Board dealt with the BMW Group’s corporate and product 
strategies as well as the Long-term Business Forecast. The format of the two-day meeting was designed to 
provide the opportunity for an in-depth discussion with the Board of Management on forward-looking 
 topics and technical innovations.

In the first part of the meeting, together with the Board of Management we discussed the results of the 
corporate strategy Number ONE review, which is performed by the Board of Management once a year. Our 
discussions primarily focused on challenges involving further reductions in carbon emissions and also the 
electrification, digitisation and, in particular, the increasing connectedness of vehicle data. As part of its strategy 
review report, the Board of Management also looked at the importance of the “Future Retail” programme, 
which is designed to improve sales and after-sales services by consistently seeing things from the point of view 
of customers and intensifying their product and brand experience.

In the course of various vehicle presentations, we were given the opportunity to test selected BMW, MINI 

and Rolls-Royce brand cars on a test track. In addition, the current state of progress of selected vehicle de-
velopment projects was presented and explained to us.

In the second part of the meeting we deliberated at length on the Long-term Business Forecast pre-
sented by the Board of Management for the years 2015 – 2020. After diligent examination, we approved 
the forecast.

We also gave in-depth consideration to the business development, strategic direction and role of the Finan-
cial Services segment going into the future. The Board of Management also reported on the latest develop-
ments on used car markets and explained individual measures designed to further improve the stability of 
the segment in times of crisis.

The two boards jointly discussed the annual budget put forward by the Board of Management towards the 

end of the year under report for the financial year 2015, and considered pertinent external factors.

The structure and amount of compensation of Board of Management members was examined once again in 

2014 by both the Personnel Committee and the full Supervisory Board. In addition to comparing performance 
trends and board compensation on a multi-year basis, we also reviewed he development of the remuneration 
of senior management and employees of BMW AG within Germany over the course of time. An external 

9   REPORT OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD

compensation consultant, independent of both the Board of Management and BMW AG, was called upon to 
provide expert advice and assist us in evaluating DAX compensation studies. After a careful review, we con-
cluded that the compensation of board members is appropriate and that the current compensation system 
is functioning well. Further information on the compensation of Board of Management members is provided 
in the Compensation Report (see chapter Statement on Corporate Governance).

Corporate governance  The Supervisory Board and the Board of Management again jointly addressed the 
topic of corporate governance within the BMW Group in 2014. In the most recent Declaration of Compliance, 
issued in December 2014, the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board declared that the BMW 
Group has and will continue to comply with all of the recommendations of the German Government Cor-
porate Governance Code Commission published on 30 September 2014 (Code version; 24 June 2014), with 
one exception, which relates to the presentation of information concerning Board of Management compensa-
tion using stipulated model tables. We remain committed to providing information on board compensation 
that is both as comprehensive and comprehensible as possible, taking into account all relevant financial 
 reporting requirements. After careful consideration, we came to the conclusion that the additional use of the 
tables recommended in the Code would not improve the desired level of transparency and readability of 
the Compensation Report.

As part of the joint examination of corporate governance within the BMW Group, the Board of Manage-

ment informed both the Personnel Committee and the full Supervisory Board on the status of implementa-
tion of the BMW Group’s diversity concept. This programme does not only focus on gender, it is also aimed 
at promoting diversity in other areas, particularly in terms of cultural diversity and age mix within the work-
force. We were also informed with respect to the proportion and number of women occupying positions 
at various levels of management and deliberated with the Board of Management on the planned measures to 
continue the process of raising that proportion, specifically at a senior level. Consideration was also given to 
draft legislation relating to equal participation of women and men in management positions in Germany and 
the potential impact of this legislation on the BMW Group.

With regard to its own composition, based on a detailed composition profile, the Supervisory Board has 
decided upon specific appointment targets, which are discussed in detail in the Corporate Governance Report. 
Based on a self-assessment, the Supervisory Board concluded that its composition at 31 December 2014 
meets the targets set.

BMW AG has entered into contracts for personnel-related services with an external entity, in which mem-

bers of the Supervisory Board have an indirect participation. During the year under report, the Personnel 
Committee approved an amendment to these contracts as a precautionary measure. None of the members of 
the Supervisory Board with an interest in the relevant entity participated in this vote. Apart from this one 
matter, there were no indications of potential conflicts of interest involving Supervisory Board members during 
the financial year 2014.

Supervisory Board members are required to provide information on a quarterly basis of any significant 

transactions they or other related parties (as defined by IAS 24), including close relatives and intermediary 
entities, have with BMW Group entities.

We are fully committed to assessing and continuously improving the efficiency of the work of the Super-

visory Board and its committees. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and myself are therefore always 
glad to receive comments and suggestions for improvement from Supervisory Board members. The formal 
examination of the Supervisory Board’s efficiency is also treated each year as a separate agenda point 
for discussion, without the members of the Board of Management being present. The efficiency examination 

10

in 2014, again prepared with the aid of a questionnaire, resulted in a number of suggestions being accepted 
for additional consideration.

Each of the five Supervisory Board meetings in 2014 was attended, on average, by over 95 % of its mem-
bers, a fact that can be tied in to the analysis of attendance fees for individual members, as disclosed in the 
Compensation Report. No member of the Supervisory Board was absent at more than two meetings during 
the period under report. Presiding Board and committee meetings were fully attended in the vast majority of 
cases (see chapter Statement on Corporate Governance).

Description of Presiding Board activities and committee work  In order to work more efficiently and 

prepare complex issues and decisions with greater thoroughness, the Supervisory Board has established 
a Presiding Board and several committees. A description of the duties, composition and work procedures of 
these committees is provided in the Corporate Governance Report.

The relevant chairmen reported in depth on the status of Presiding Board and committee work at the 

subsequent Supervisory Board meeting.

In a total of four meetings, the Presiding Board focused mainly on preparing topics for the meetings of 
the full Supervisory Board, unless this responsibility fell under the remit of one of the committees. Complex 
issues, such as the Long-term Business Forecast and the Annual Strategic Review, were dealt with on the 
 basis of written and oral reports provided by Board of Management members and senior department heads. 
The Presiding Board selected further topics of discussion for Supervisory Board meetings and made sugges-
tions to the Board of Management regarding items to be included in its reports to the full Supervisory Board.

The Audit Committee held four meetings and three telephone conference calls during 2014. Prior to their 
publication, the Interim Financial Reports were discussed with the Board of Management in those telephone 
conference calls. Representatives of the external auditors took part in the telephone conference call held to 
present the Interim Financial Report for the six-month period ended 30 June 2014. The report had been sub-
jected to review by the external auditors.

The Audit Committee meeting held in spring 2014 was primarily dedicated to preparing the Supervisory 
Board meeting at which the financial statements were examined. Prior to proposing KPMG AG Wirtschafts-
prüfungsgesellschaft for election as Company and Group auditor at the 2014 Audit Committee Meeting, we 
obtained a Declaration of Independence from KPMG. The Audit Committee also considered the scope and 
composition of non-audit-related services, including tax advisory services provided by KPMG entities to the 
BMW Group. There were no indications of conflicts of interest, grounds for exclusion or lack of independence 
on the part of the auditor.

The fee proposals for the audit of the year-end Company and Group Financial Statements 2014 and 
the review of the six-month Interim Financial Report were deemed appropriate by the Audit Committee. 
Subsequent to the Annual General Meeting 2014, the Audit Committee therefore appointed KPMG AG 
Wirtschafts prüfungsgesellschaft for the relevant engagements and, with due consideration to the sugges-
tions made by the full Supervisory Board, specified a number of audit focus areas.

The Head of Group Controlling reported to the Audit Committee on risk management processes within 
the BMW Group, provided information with respect to new developments and elucidated a number of risks 
which are required to be reported on in accordance with internal rules.

The Head of Group Financial Reporting provided the Audit Committee with an up-to-date overview of 
developments concerning the internal control system (ICS), which serves as the basis for financial reporting. 

11   REPORT OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD

Testing performed during the year under report did not highlight any material ICS weaknesses which could 
jeopardise the system’s effectiveness.

The Chairman of the BMW Group Compliance Committee reported to the Audit Committee on the con-
cept that has been developed to strengthen local compliance functions as well as on the current compliance 
situation, which, as in the previous year, was deemed satisfactory overall. None of the information received 
relating to potential non-compliance or actual incidences of non-compliance identified in specific cases gave 
any indication of serious or systemic non-compliance with applicable requirements.

The Head of Group Internal Audit reported to us in the Audit Committee on the organisation of the Group 
Internal Audit as the BMW Group’s “Third Line of Defence”, informed us of the significant findings of audits 
conducted by Group Internal Audit, on both the industrial and financial services sides of the business, and 
explained the main points of emphasis for planned audits.

We concurred in the Audit Committee with the decision of the Board of Management to raise the Com-

pany’s share capital in accordance with § 4 (5) of the Articles of Incorporation (Authorised Capital 2014) by 
€ 239,757 and to issue a corresponding number of new non-voting bearer shares of preferred stock, each with 
a par value of € 1, at favourable conditions to employees.

The Personnel Committee convened six times during the financial year 2014. One major area of deliberation 

was the future composition of the Board of Management, with particular regard to preparing for successor 
decisions, including consideration of possible scenarios for the future change in the chair of the Board of 
Management.

In preparation for the full Supervisory Board’s meetings, the Personnel Committee reviewed the structure 
and appropriateness of Board of Management compensation and prepared the Supervisory Board’s decision 
with respect to board members’ bonuses. In two cases we also gave our approval for one member of the 
Board of Management to accept the mandate for membership of the supervisory board of a non-BMW Group 
entity.

The Nomination Committee convened twice during the financial year 2014. At these meetings, we deliber-

ated on successor planning for mandates of the shareholders’ representatives on the Supervisory Board and 
considered proposals for candidates for the Supervisory Board elections at the Annual General Meeting 2015, 
taking the composition objectives stipulated for the Supervisory Board into due account.

The statutory Mediation Committee was not required to convene during the financial year 2014.

Generational change at head of Board of Management and Supervisory Board initiated  The Supervisory 

Board worked through a number of scenarios with respect to succession planning at the head of the Super-
visory Board and – together with the Chairman of the Board of Management, Dr Norbert Reithofer – assessed 
the range of options available for selecting a new Chairman of the Board of Management. Various constella-
tions were examined, including the important issue of timing. We wanted to bring about a farsighted, timely 
change in leadership in order to strengthen the position of the BMW Group with a long-term perspective 
for management. We shared the opinion of major shareholders that Dr Reithofer’s wealth of knowledge and 
experience should be retained within the BMW Group and that the Supervisory Board would benefit greatly 
from his playing a key role in its work.

The Supervisory Board therefore supports the proposal that Dr Norbert Reithofer be appointed to the 
position of Chairman of the Supervisory Board – subject to his election to that board. After carefully con­
sidering various scenarios, the conclusion was reached that a direct move by Dr Reithofer to the position of 

12

Chairman of the Supervisory Board – without an interim phase – will strengthen the role of the Supervisory 
Board and is thus in the best interests of the BMW Group.

In order to ensure that this generational change can also take place in good time at the head of the Super-

visory Board, in agreement with its other members, I have resigned my mandate as Supervisory Board 
member with  effect from the end of the Annual General Meeting 2015.

In due consideration of these developments, the Supervisory Board has reached agreement with 
Dr Reithofer concerning the early termination of his Board of Management mandate and his service con-
tract with effect from the end of the Annual General Meeting 2015.

Harald Krüger has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Management with effect from the end of the 

Annual General Meeting 2015, to coincide with Dr Reithofer’s planned exit from the Board of Management. 
Harald Krüger brings a great deal of experience to this position from his previous board responsibilities. Since 
2013, he has been in charge of Production, before which, from 2008 to 2012, he was first responsible for Human 
Resources and then for the MINI, BMW Motorrad, Rolls-Royce and BMW Group Aftersales division.

Other changes in the composition and organisational structure of the Board of Management  Klaus 
Fröhlich, previously Head of Small and Mid-size Series BMW Group, was appointed as member of the Board 
of Management with effect from 9 December 2014, with responsibility for Development. His predecessor, 
Dr Herbert Diess, resigned from the Board of Management on 9 December 2014.

With effect from the end of the Annual General Meeting 2015, the Supervisory Board appointed 
 Oliver Zipse, most recently Head of Corporate Planning and Product Strategy, as a member of the Board of 
Management. He  will take over responsibility for Production from Harald Krüger.

The Supervisory Board also renewed the appointment of three Board of Management members in 2014.

Other personnel changes in the Supervisory Board  In accordance with the regulations of the Co-Deter-

mination Act, the ten employee representatives were re-elected with effect from the end of the Annual 
General Meeting on 15 May 2014. 

After 10 years of valuable and highly appreciated work in the Supervisory Board, Bertin Eichler did not 

stand for re-election. In his place, Christiane Benner (Executive Board member of IG Metall) was newly 
elected to the Supervisory Board as union representative. As a result, the Supervisory Board now has five 
 female members (25%). Ulrich Kranz, Head of the BMW i product line, was newly elected to the Super visory 
Board to succeed Dr Markus Schramm as executive staff representative. The Supervisory Board thanked 
the members leaving office for their constructive work and trusting cooperation within the Super visory 
Board. The composition of the Presiding Board and the committees remained unchanged in 2014, with all 
previous members confirmed in their respective functions. The Corporate Governance Report includes an 
overview of the composition of the Supervisory Board and its committees (see chapter Statement on Corpo-
rate Governance).

Wolfgang Mayrhuber has resigned his mandate as member of the Supervisory Board with effect from 

the end of the Annual General Meeting 2015. We also wish to extend our thanks to him for more than 
ten years of valuable and highly appreciated service in the Supervisory Board, always working in the best 
 interest of the Group.

Examination of financial statements and the profit distribution proposal  KPMG AG Wirtschafts-
prüfungsgesellschaft conducted a review of the abridged Interim Group Financial Statements and Interim 
Group Management Report for the six-month period ended 30 June 2014. The results of the review were 
presented to the Audit Committee by KPMG representatives. No issues were identified that might indicate 

13   REPORT OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD

that the abridged Interim Group Financial Statements and Interim Group Management Report had not been 
prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable provisions.

The Group and Company Financial Statements of Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft for the 

year ended 31 December 2014 and the Combined Management Report – as authorised for issue by the Board 
of Management on 19 February 2015 – were audited by KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft and 
given an unqualified audit opinion.

The Financial Statements and the Combined Management Report, the long-form audit reports of the 

external auditors and the Board of Management’s profit distribution proposal were made available to all 
members of the Supervisory Board in a timely manner.

These documents were examined and discussed thoroughly by the Audit Committee at the meeting held 
on 5 March 2015. The Supervisory Board subsequently examined these documents at its meeting on 12 March 
2015, after receiving the committee chairman’s report on the meeting of the Audit Committee. In both 
meetings, the Board of Management gave a detailed explanation of the financial reports it had prepared. 
Representatives of the external auditors attended both meetings, reported on significant findings and an-
swered any additional questions raised by the members of the Supervisory Board. They also confirmed that 
the risk management system put in place by the Board of Management is capable of identifying any events 
or developments that might impair the going-concern status of the Company and that no material weak-
nesses in either the internal control system or the risk management system were found with regard to the 
 financial reporting process. Similarly, they confirmed that they had not identified any facts in the course of 
their audit work that were inconsistent with the contents of the Declaration of Compliance issued jointly by 
the two boards.

Based on thorough examination by the Audit Committee and the full Supervisory Board, we concurred 

with the results of the external audit. In accordance with the conclusion reached after the examination by 
the Audit Committee and Supervisory Board, no objections were raised. The Group and Company Financial 
Statements of Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft for the financial year 2014 prepared by the Board 
of Management were approved at the Supervisory Board meeting held on 12 March 2015. The separate finan-
cial statements have therefore been adopted.

The Supervisory Board also examined the proposal of the Board of Management to use the unappropriat-
ed profit to pay an increased dividend of € 2.90 per share of common stock and € 2.92 per share of non-voting 
preferred stock. We consider the proposal appropriate and therefore concur with it.

Expression of appreciation by the Supervisory Board  We wish to express our appreciation to the mem-
bers of the Board of Management and the entire workforce of the BMW Group worldwide for their concerted 
efforts and outstanding contribution to the record result we are able to post for the financial year 2014. 

Munich, 12 March 2015

On behalf of the Supervisory Board 

Joachim Milberg
Chairman of the Supervisory Board

14

Norbert  Reithofer 
Chairman of the Board of Management

15   STATEMENT OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

Dear Shareholders,

The successes a company has achieved in the past belong to its history. All that matters today is a com-
pany’s future. Forward-looking companies renew themselves of their own initiative. It is crucial for a company 
to question its own actions, explore new directions and consistently implement innovations to benefit its 
customers. Financial strength allows companies to invest in the future – thereby securing long­term success 
and fulfilling responsibilities towards shareholders, associates and other stakeholders.

BMW will reach its 100th year in 2016. We naturally plan to celebrate this important milestone in our 
history. It is a testament to our value-based corporate philosophy, geared towards the long term and shaped 
by independent-minded decisions. But above all else, this centenary compels us to look to the future.

Investors in the BMW Group can look forward to long-term value enhancement, on the basis of healthy, 

organic growth. Our shareholders can rely on us to sustain our profitability. Strong competition, market 
 volatility, political uncertainty, new trends in our environment – all of this is part of our daily business.

We firmly believe that mobility will remain a fundamental human need and a cornerstone of dynamic 
economies. We aim to lead the industry with our ideas in all areas of individual mobility, transporting sheer 
driving pleasure to a new age of sustainable mobility. This is an exciting direction for us – and a profitable 
one for our shareholders who accompany us along this path.

2014 financial year – fifth successive record year for the BMW Group  In the 2014 financial year, the 
company’s successful development since the global financial and economic crisis of 2008 / 2009 continued. 
We had set ourselves ambitious goals in a difficult environment: record sales of over two million vehicles; 
our highest-ever Group profit before tax, with a significant increase year-on-year; and an EBIT margin in our 
target range of eight to ten per cent for the Automotive Segment.

Today, we can say: we delivered on our promises. Group profit before tax climbed 10.3 per cent to 
8.7 billion euros. Net profit increased by 9.2 per cent to more than 5.8 billion euros. The EBIT margin in the 
Automotive Segment stands at 9.6 per cent and therefore at the upper end of our target range.

Strong demand for our premium vehicles is the main factor contributing to record revenues of 80.4 billion 

euros. For the first time, we sold more than two million vehicles worldwide in a single year – 2.118 million 
BMW, MINI and Rolls­Royce vehicles, to be exact – fulfilling a wish for many customers. This represents an 
increase of 7.9 per cent over the previous year and a new sales high for the BMW Group.

With regard to our individual brands, there were new records for BMW, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad. 

More than 1.8 million customers purchased a BMW in 2014. Our MINI brand maintained roughly the same 
high level as the previous year, with a total of 302,000 vehicles sold, despite the model changeover. Our 
MINI plant in Oxford in the UK produced its three-millionth MINI last year. With exactly 4,063 vehicles sold, 
Rolls-Royce remains in strong demand and continues to set the standard for the ultra-luxury class. BMW 
 Motorrad also reported growth, with more than 123,000 deliveries, and once again outperformed the overall 
market. The anniversary model BMW R nineT and the fully electric C evolution proved popular with both 
customers and the automotive press.

The Financial Services segment once again made a solid contribution to the success of the BMW Group.

Impact of Strategy Number ONE reflected in key performance indicators  We laid the foundation for 
this successful development back in 2007 with our Strategy Number ONE. This strategy guides all our busi-
ness activities into 2020 and has already taken the company to a new dimension. We operate at an entirely 
different level of performance today than in 2007.

16

Customer deliveries climbed more than 40 per cent between the end of 2007 and the end of 2014. Group 

revenues increased by 44 per cent over the same period while pre-tax earnings more than doubled. During 
this time, BMW common shares performed much better than the DAX. Our associates, as well as our share-
holders, benefit from this positive development through our preferred shares programme.

We owe our achievements to our associates worldwide  Our successful business development is driven 
by our 116,324 associates worldwide. Their skills, their performance and their dedication – each in his or her 
own area of responsibility – contribute to the overall success of the company.

Our associates at all 30 BMW Group production sites in 14 countries are our most important success factor. 

We are investing extensively in vocational and professional training to qualify them for new demands and 
technologies, such as digitalisation. Between 2007 and the end of 2014 alone, we channelled around 1.8 billion 
euros into vocational and professional training – more than in our Efficient Dynamics technology package. 
People and technology have the same importance for us.

The younger generation ensures our future success: more than 1,500 apprentices worldwide embarked 
on a career with us in September 2014; 1,200 of them in Germany. A total of 4,595 young people are currently 
in vocational training with the BMW Group. This represents an increase of 150 over the previous year.

I would therefore like to thank all our associates on behalf of the Board of Management. I would also like 

to thank all our business partners, and especially our suppliers, who play such a key part in our success. 
And, of course, our thanks also extend to our entire retail organisation and the dealers who are our link to 
the customer.

Customers have the choice: sheer driving pleasure also available with electric and hybrid drivetrains   
The new BMW i family has further strengthened our image as the industry’s leading innovator. 2014 was the 
first year of availability for the pure electric BMW i3. More than 16,000 customers chose this model, which 
was specially designed for urban areas. The BMW i8 has been available to customers since summer. Orders for 
the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid continue to well exceed the planned number of units for production. A total of 
1,741 BMW i8 vehicles were delivered to customers from June to December.

We also use our know-how and experience with BMW i in series production of our other models. In autumn 

2015, we will release our first plug-in hybrid BMW X model, the BMW X5 xDrive40e, which incorporates the 
technological expertise gained from BMW i. The new BMW 7 Series is also set to become the benchmark for 
lightweight design in its segment through the use of carbon fibre. Over time, all model series will be available 
with electric drive technology. Climate protection policies worldwide will remain challenging and growing 
urbanisation demands new mobility solutions.

We will continue to chart our own course with Efficient Dynamics, hybridisation and electromobility. 

There is no way back. Average emissions for our European fleet currently stand at 130 grams of CO2 per 
kilometre. At the same time, we are focusing on sustainable production and efficient use of resources. Since 
2006, we have reduced average resource consumption per vehicle produced by 45 per cent. Sustainability 
pays dividends – in every respect.

Targeted expansion of our global production network  We continue to aim for a balanced distribution 

of sales between the three main economic regions of the world. This allows us to offset fluctuations in indi-
vidual markets and avoid overdependence on any single region. In 2014, Europe accounted for around 43 per 
cent of sales, Asia 31 per cent and the Americas just under 23 per cent.

The global automobile market continues to expand: from around 62 million new vehicle registrations in 

2007 to more than 80 million in 2014. We see no contradiction between participating in this growth and 
maintaining the desirability of our premium brands. In 2014, we continued to create the conditions necessary 
for strategic expansion of our global production network. In October, the first car rolled off the assembly 
line at our new plant in Araquari, Brazil. This gives us a permanent presence in an important growth region. 

17   STATEMENT OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

In Mexico, preparations are underway for the opening of a new plant with a capacity of up to 150,000 units 
in 2019. During celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of our Spartanburg plant, we announced an in-
crease in capacity there to 450,000 units. We are also stepping up local production at our facility in Shenyang, 
China, which is set to build six BMW models specifically for the Chinese market. We have already extended 
our joint venture with Brilliance to 2028, thereby paving the way for further growth in China.

The innovation of our engineers and developers ensures the company’s continued success. In 2014, we 
invested more than 4.5 billion euros in research and development. Between now and 2018, we will expand 
and modify our FIZ Research and Innovation Centre in Munich. Once the final stage of expansion is com-
plete, the investment will be equivalent to building a completely new plant.

Connectivity defines our times and will dominate the future  The digital, connected world is a particularly 

important area for premium manufacturers when it comes to differentiation and growth. It affects both the 
vehicle itself and the way that vehicle is produced. Last year, at our Spartanburg and Dingolfing plants, we 
took a major step towards intensive human-robot collaboration. We use this form of cooperation selectively in 
areas where it adds value and relieves associates of heavy physical work, enabling them to stay healthy for a 
long time.

The car as a part of the Internet will change our industry even more than the shift to alternative drivetrains. 

As in-car connectivity increases, new competitors will seek access to customers in their vehicles. We are 
committed to shaping the age of in-car connectivity responsibly, in the interests of our customers. We already 
offer advanced driver assistance systems in our vehicles today. Moreover, we also have the capacity for highly 
autonomous driving.

Mobility services mainly used by young people  We are selectively expanding our range of mobility 
services: car-sharing is one option that is particularly appealing to young people. London and Vienna are 
two further European cities outside of Germany that have now been added to our DriveNow offering. By the 
end of 2014, around 390,000 customers had already registered with DriveNow. Additional cities in Europe 
and in the US will follow in 2015.

The course is set for the future  To mark our centenary on 7 March 2016, we deliberately choose to look 

to the future. Every age has its challenges and must find its own solutions. That is why we give younger 
generations the chance to shape the further development of the company according to their own ideas.

In December 2014, the Supervisory Board decided to make a change at the head of the company’s Board 
of Management. Our Board of Management Member for Production Harald Krüger will take over as Chairman 
of the Board of Management after the 2015 Annual General Meeting. This generational change will enable 
the company to move forward with new ideas and impulses.

As you can see, much still remains to be done. New trends and challenges also bring new business opportu-
nities and possibilities. I strongly believe that the BMW Group will grow dynamically, by innovatively shaping 
the individual mobility of the future in all its forms and continuing to be a responsible partner for society.

The course is set for the future.

Norbert Reithofer 
Chairman of the Board of Management

18

COMBINED MANAGEMENT REPORT

General Information on the BMW Group
Business Model

This Combined Management Report combines the 
management reports of BMW AG and the BMW Group.

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

General information on the BMW Group
General information on the BMW Group is provided be-
low. There have been no significant changes compared 
to the previous year.

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

Business model
Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (BMW AG), 
which is based in Munich, Germany, is the parent com-
pany of the BMW Group. The primary business objective 
of the BMW Group is the development, manufacture and 
sale of engines as well as of all vehicles equipped with 
those engines. The BMW Group is subdivided into the 
Automotive, Motorcycles, Financial Services and Other 
Entities segments (the latter primarily comprising hold-
ing companies and Group financing companies).

Bayerische Motoren Werke G. m. b. H. came into 
 being in 1917. Having been originally founded in 
1916 as Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG (BFW), it be-
came  Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft 
(BMW AG) in 1918. The BMW Group comprises 
BMW AG and all subsidiaries, which BMW AG – either 
 directly or indirectly – has the power to control. 
BMW AG is also responsible for managing the BMW 
Group. General conditions on the world’s automobile 
and motorcycle markets (such as the competitive situa-
tion, government policies, statutory regulations), 
 underlying trends within society as well as changes 
in raw materials prices, exchange rates and interest 
rates are some of the major external factors that exert 
an influence over our business.

The BMW Group is one of the most successful makers 
of cars and motorcycles worldwide and among the 
 largest industrial companies in Germany. With BMW, 
MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group owns three of 
the strongest premium brands in the automotive in-
dustry. The vehicles it manufactures set the highest 
standards in terms of aesthetics, dynamics, technology 
and quality, a fact borne out by the BMW Group’s 
leading position in engineering and innovation. In addi-
tion to its strong position in the motorcycles market, 
the BMW Group also offers its customers a successful 
range of financial services. In recent years, the Group 
has also established itself as a leading provider of pre-
mium services for individual mobility. At the end of the 
reporting period, the BMW Group had a workforce of 
116,324 employees worldwide.

Long-term thinking and responsible action have always 
been the cornerstones of our success. Striving for eco-
logical and social sustainability along the entire value-
added chain, taking full responsibility for our products 
and giving an unequivocal commitment to preserving 
resources are prime objectives firmly embedded in our 
corporate strategy. As a result of these endeavours, we 
have ranked among the most sustainable companies in 
the automobile industry for many years.

The BMW Group operates on a global scale and is repre-
sented in more than 140 countries worldwide. Its re-
search and innovation network is spread over twelve 
 locations in five countries. At 31 December 2014 the 
Group’s production network comprised a total of 30 lo-
cations in 14 countries.

BMW 3 Series and 4 Series models as well as petrol and 
diesel engines are manufactured at the BMW Group 
plant in Munich, next to the BMW Group’s headquarters. 
Models of the BMW 1, 3 and 4 Series as well as the Z4 
Roadster roll off the production lines at the Regensburg 
plant. The currently largest BMW Group plant is located 
in Dingolfing, where we build the BMW 3 Series Gran 
Turismo, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, models of 
the BMW 5, 6 and 7 Series as well as hybrid BMW 5 and 
7 Series vehicles. Chassis and drive components are also 
manufactured at this plant. The BMW Group Leipzig 
plant’s production range covers models of the BMW 1 
and 2 Series, the BMW X1 and the electrically powered 
BMW i3 as well as the BMW i8 hybrid sports car. The 
BMW 3 Series Sedan is assembled at the plant in 
 Rosslyn (South Africa). The BMW Group plant in 
 Spartanburg (USA) is responsible for producing the 
BMW X3, X4, X5 and X6 models. BMW X1 and models 
of the BMW 3 and 5 Series are built exclusively for 
the  Chinese market at the two plants operated by 
the BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. joint venture in 
Shenyang (China).

Components for the worldwide production network are 
manufactured at the BMW Group plants in Landshut 
and Wackersdorf. The Eisenach plant is responsible for 
toolmaking. The two production sites in Moses Lake 
(USA) and Wackersdorf are operated by the SGL Auto-
motive Carbon Fibers (ACF) joint venture and supply 
carbon fibre and carbon fibre fabrics for the production 
of BMW i models. The BMW Group’s largest engine 
manufacturing plant in Steyr (Austria) makes petrol and 
diesel engines for the various BMW plants and diesel 
engines for the MINI. In 2012 the BMW Brilliance Auto-

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

motive Ltd. joint venture opened an engine plant in 
Shenyang (China), which supplies petrol engines to its 
neighbouring plants.

The primary function of the BMW Group’s assembly 
plants is to serve nearby regional markets. BMW cars are 
currently being assembled in Chennai (India), Jakarta 
(Indonesia), Cairo (Egypt),  Kaliningrad (Russia), Kulim 
(Malaysia) and Rayong (Thailand). Production at the 
BMW Group’s newest plant in Araquari (Brazil) cur-
rently covers the BMW 3 Series and the X1, and will be 
extended to include the BMW 1 Series, the X3 and the 
MINI Countryman over the course of 2015.

The MINI models – Hatch (3- and 5-door), Convertible, 
Coupé and Roadster – are manufactured at the Oxford 
plant (United Kingdom). The UK production triangle 
also includes the components plant in Swindon as well 
as the engine plant at Hams Hall, where petrol engines 
are manufactured for MINI and BMW. In Graz (Austria), 
Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik manufactures the MINI 
Countryman and, since 2012, the MINI Paceman for 
the BMW Group. In 2014 the Dutch car manufacturer, 
VDL Nedcar bv (Born) began producing the MINI Hatch 
on behalf of the BMW Group.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom, Ghost and Wraith models 
are manufactured exclusively at the Goodwood plant 
(United Kingdom).

BMW motorcycle models roll off the production lines at 
the BMW Group plant in Berlin. Car brake discs are 
also produced at this location. Two further motorcycle 
assembly plants are located in Manaus (Brazil) and 
Rayong (Thailand).

The worldwide distribution network currently consists 
of around 3,250 BMW, 1,550 MINI and 130 Rolls-Royce 
dealerships. In China alone, more than 40 BMW dealer-
ships and 30 MINI dealerships were opened in 2014. 
Products and services are sold in Germany through 
BMW Group branches and by independent authorised 
dealers. Sales outside Germany are handled primarily 
by subsidiary companies and, in a number of markets, 
by independent import companies. The dealership 
and agency network for BMW i currently covers some 
650 locations. The sales network for BMW motorcycles 
is organised in a similar way to the automobile business. 
Currently, there are around 1,000 BMW Motorrad dealer-
ships worldwide.

Our premium brands – BMW, MINI and Rolls­Royce – 
are well known and highly admired around the globe 
for their innovative technologies and state-of-the-art 
design. The BMW Group provides the full spectrum of 
individual mobility, ranging from premium-segment 
small vehicles through to ultra-luxurious and powerful 
vehicles. Our entire product range is linked by one 
characteristic: efficiency. The MINI brand is a veritable 
icon in the premium small car segment, offering unri-
valled driving pleasure in its class. Rolls-Royce has a 
long and distinguished tradition in the ultra-luxury seg-
ment stretching back over more than 100 years. Our 
core BMW brand satisfies a broad spectrum of customer 
wishes, ranging from fuel-efficient, innovative models 
equipped with Efficient Dynamics through to high-per-
formance, extremely efficient BMW M sub-brand vehi-
cles, which bring the flair of motor sport onto the roads. 
All BMW vehicles share one thing in common: their im-
pressive driving dynamics.

Our understanding of the term “premium” is now being 
taken to a new level with the BMW i brand. Inspired 
through and through by the desire for even greater sus-
tainability, the BMW i epitomises the vehicle of the 
 future – with its electric drivetrain, revolutionary light-
weight construction, exceptional design and an entirely 
newly designed range of mobility services.

BMW Motorrad also focuses on the premium segment 
and offers a range of motorcycles for the Tourer, Enduro, 
Sport and Roadster segments as well as Maxi-Scooter 
for urban mobility. A wide range of accessories and 
equipment is also available, providing additional safety 
and comfort to customers.

The Financial Services segment, which works in  tandem 
with the sales organisation, is represented in more than 
50 countries around the world. Credit  financing and 
the lease of BMW Group brand cars and motorcycles to 
retail customers is its largest line of business. The BMW 
Group’s international multi-brand fleet business, oper-
ating under the brand name “Alphabet”, provides fleet 
financing products and comprehensive management 
services for corporate car fleets in 19 countries. Within 
the multi-brand  financing line of business, credit financ-
ing, leasing and other services are marketed to retail 
customers  under the brand name “Alphera”. The seg-
ment’s range of products is rounded off by providing 
support to the dealer organisation and offering insurance 
and banking services.

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System

23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

20

General Information on the BMW Group
Management System

The business management system applied by the BMW 
Group follows a value-based approach, with a clear focus 
on achieving profitable growth, increasing the value of 
the business for capital providers and safeguarding jobs. 
Corporate autonomy can only be ensured in the long 
term if the profit generated by the business sustainably 
exceeds the cost of equity and debt capital available to it, 
thus reflecting the profitable employment of capital.

The BMW Group’s internal management system is 
multilayered. Operating performance is managed first 
and foremost at segment level. In order to manage long-

Value added

−

Return on capital 
(RoCE / RoE )

×

Return on sales

÷

Capital turnover

÷

Cost of capital

×

term performance and assess strategic issues, additional 
key performance figures are measured at Group level for 
controlling purposes. The contribution made to busi-
ness value growth during the financial year is measured 
in terms of “value added”. This approach is translated 
for operational purposes at both Group and segment 
level by identifying the main financial and non-financial 
factors (“value drivers”) which affect the value of the 
business. The link between value added and the relevant 
value drivers is shown in simplified form in the following 
diagram.

Profit

–

Expenses

Revenues

Capital employed

Average weighted cost  
of capital rate

Due to the high aggregate impact of various factors, it is 
difficult to manage a business proactively simply by 
 focusing on value added. This key figure therefore only 
serves for intermediate reporting purposes.

Value drivers which could have a significant impact on 
profitability and the value of the business are defined 
for each controlling level. The financial and non-finan-
cial value drivers referred to above are reflected in the 
principal key performance indicators used to manage the 
business.

In the case of project decisions, the system is supple-
mented by the application of project-relevant control 
logic, also utilising value-based and return-based per-
formance indicators.

Management of operating performance at segment level
Operating performance is managed at segment level on 
the basis of capital rates of return. Depending on the 
business model, the segments are managed on the basis 

of total return or the return on equity capital. The per-
formance of the Automotive and Motorcycles segments 
is measured on the basis of the return on capital em-
ployed (RoCE) and that of the Financial Services seg-
ment using the return on equity (RoE). Profitability (re-
turn on sales) and capital efficiency (capital turnover) 
are aggregated in the capital rate of return, together with 
a whole host of business-relevant information that has 
an impact on segment performance and changes in the 
value of the business.

Automotive segment
The principal key performance indicator for the Auto-
motive segment is return on capital employed (RoCE), 
measured on the basis of segment profit before financial 
result and the average level of capital employed in oper-
ations. The strategic target for the Automotive segment’s 
RoCE is 26 %.

RoCE Automotive  =

 Profit before financial result  

    Capital employed

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
21   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Capital employed corresponds to the sum of all current 
and non-current operational assets, less liabilities that 
do not incur interest (e. g. trade payables).

Due to the key importance of the Automotive segment 
for the Group as a whole, consideration is also given to 
additional key value drivers which have a significant 
 impact on RoCE and hence on segment performance. 
The most important of these additional value drivers are 
 deliveries to customers, segment revenues and – as the 
key performance indicator for profitability – the operat-
ing return on sales (i.e. EBIT margin). Average carbon 
emissions for the fleet are also taken into account, re-
flecting their potential impact on earnings in the short 
term in the form of ongoing development expenses – 
and in the long term due to regulatory requirements. 
For these purposes “carbon emissions for the fleet” cor-
responds to average emissions of CO2 for new car sales 
in the EU-28 countries.

The use of additional key value drivers makes it easier 
to identify the reasons for changes in the RoCE and 
to define measures capable of influencing its develop-
ment.

Motorcycles segment
As with the Automotive segment, operating perfor-
mance for the Motorcycles segment is managed on the 
basis of RoCE. Capital employed is measured using 
the same procedures as in the Automotive segment. 
The strategic target for the Motorcycles segment’s 
RoCE is 26 %.

RoCE Motorcycles  =

 Profit before financial result   

    Capital employed

 Financial Services segment is defined as segment profit 
before taxes, divided by the average amount of equity 
capital attributable to the segment. The target is a sus-
tainable return on equity of at least 18 %.

RoE Financial 
Services 

=   

    Profit before tax 

      Equity capital

Strategic management at Group level
Strategic management of the Group is performed pri-
marily at Group level, including quantification of the 
 financial impact of strategic issues on long-term fore-
casting. The most significant performance indicators at 
Group level are Group profit before tax and the size 
of the Group’s workforce at the year end. Group profit 
before tax is a good overall measure of the Group’s per-
formance after consolidation procedures, and provides 
a transparent basis for comparing performance, par-
ticularly over time. The size of the Group’s workforce is 
monitored as an additional key non-financial perfor-
mance indicator.

The two key performance indicators – Group profit be-
fore tax and size of the workforce – are supplemented 
by a measurement of value added. This highly aggregated 
performance indicator provides an insight into capital 
efficiency and the (opportunity) cost of capital required 
to generate Group profit. Value added corresponds to 
the amount of earnings over and above the cost of 
capital and gives an indication of whether the Group is 
meeting the minimum requirements for the rate of 
 return expected by capital providers. A positive value 
added means that a company is creating more additional 
value than the cost of capital.

The number of vehicles delivered to customers is also 
taken into account as a non-financial value driver.

Value added Group  =  earnings amount – cost of capital  

=  earnings amount – (cost of capital rate ×  
  capital employed)

Financial Services segment
As is common practice in the banking sector, the per-
formance of the Financial Services segment is measured 
on the basis of return on equity (RoE). RoE for the 

Capital employed comprises the average amount of 
Group equity employed during the year as a whole, the 
financial liabilities of the Automotive and Motorcycles 
segments and pension provisions. “Earnings amount” 

in € million 

 Earnings amount*

 Cost of capital* (EC + DC)

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

 Value added Group*

 2014

 2013

BMW Group

 9,051

 8,300

 5,212

 4,661

 3,839

 3,639

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group forecast. This system enables an analysis of the 
periodic reporting impact of project decisions on earn-
ings and rates of return over the term of each project. 
The overall result is a self-contained controlling model.

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

22

for these purposes corresponds to Group profit before 
tax and adjusted for interest expense incurred in con-
junction with the pension provision and on the finan-
cial lia bilities of the Automotive and Motorcycles 
 segments (earnings before interest expense and taxes).

The cost of capital is the minimum rate of return ex-
pected by capital providers in return for the capital em-
ployed by the Group. Since capital employed comprises 
an equity capital element (e. g. share capital) and a debt 
capital element (e. g. bonds), the overall cost of capital 
rate is determined on the basis of the weighted average 
rates for equity and debt capital, measured using stand-
ard market procedures. The pre-tax average weighted 
cost of capital for the BMW Group in 2014 was 12 %, un-
changed from the previous year.

Value management used to control projects
Operations in the Automotive and Motorcycles segments 
are influenced, to a large extent, by project work. Pro-
jects have a substantial impact on future performance. 
Project decisions are therefore a crucial component of 
financial management for the BMW Group.

Decisions are taken on the basis of project calculations 
measured in terms of the cash flows a project is expected 
to generate. Calculations are made for the full term of 
a project, i.e. for all future years in which the project 
generates cash flows. Project decisions are taken on the 
basis of the capital value and internal rate of return cal-
culated for the project.

The capital value of a project indicates the extent to 
which a project will be able to generate a positive con-
tribution to earnings over and above the cost of capital. 
A project with a positive capital value enhances value 
added and therefore results in an increase in the value 
of the business. The internal rate of return of the project 
corresponds to the average return on capital employed 
in the project and, in terms of scope, is equivalent to the 
multi-year average RoCE for an individual project. It is 
therefore entirely consistent with the principal key per-
formance indicator used for the Automotive and Motor-
cycles segments.

The criteria used for taking decisions as well as the long-
term impact on periodic earnings is documented for 
all project decisions and incorporated in the long-term 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Report on Economic Position
General and Sector-specific Environment

General economic environment in 2014
Overall, the global economy grew by 3.3 % in 2014, with 
significant differences in growth rates recorded from 
 region to region. After a weak start, the USA performed 
strongly over the year as a whole. The growth rate in 
China remained at a relatively high level, despite a 
moderate slowdown in economic momentum. As a result 
of the value added tax hike, Japan recorded a steeper 
drop in growth than had been expected. Even though 
recession was overcome in Europe as a whole, the re-
covery could hardly be described as dynamic, especially 
in the major economies. The ongoing weak performance 
of some major emerging markets, in particular Brazil 
and Russia, also held down the global growth rate. Al-
though the Indian economy regained some momentum, 
the growth rate was still lower than in recent years.

In line with its previous announcements, the US Reserve 
Bank brought its bond-buying programme to an end 
during the year under report, resulting – in spring 2014 
– in considerable turmoil for the currencies of some of 
the world’s emerging market countries. However, so far, 
this first step to scale back its highly expansionary 
monetary policy has not had a major adverse impact, 
either in the USA or in other countries.

After a two-year lull, the eurozone returned to growth 
in 2014, albeit at a modest rate of 0.8 %. The German 
economy grew overall by 1.5 %. France was once again 
only able to report a very low growth rate of 0.4 %. Italy’s 
economy contracted for the third year in succession, 
this time at a less pronounced rate than in previous years 
(– 0.4 %). By contrast, most of the other southern Euro-
pean economies recovered well and recorded positive 
growth again after years of recession.

As the largest European economy outside the eurozone, 
the United Kingdom saw a continuation of its run of 
good quarterly figures and recorded a growth rate of 
2.6 % for the year as a whole. Although bolstered by 
monetary and fiscal policies implemented on a massive 
scale, it appears that the UK economy has now found 
a stronger footing to enable it to grow at a decent pace 
over a sustained period of time.

The cyclical upturn in the USA gained further momen-
tum in 2014. Although the reported growth rate of 2.4 % 
was similarly high compared to the previous year, it was 

only the impact of the severe winter that prevented an 
even better performance for the year as a whole. The 
 upturn was driven once again primarily by the private 
sector, with the strongest stimulus coming from the 
 employment and property markets. At the same time, 
the downward pressure on public-sector budgets and 
the gradual scaling back of expansionary monetary 
policies held down growth in the US economy slightly.

The Japanese economy was influenced by a mixture of 
positive and negative factors in 2014, including a con-
tinuation of highly expansionary monetary policies on 
the one hand, and a hike in the value added tax rate in 
April on the other. The overall outcome was that growth 
slipped to 0.3 % in Japan in 2014.

With a slightly reduced growth rate of 7.4 %, China re-
mained by far the most dynamic of the world’s major 
economies. By contrast, the performance of other major 
emerging economies was generally disappointing. India, 
for instance, managed a slightly improved growth rate 
of 5.4 % in 2014, still trailing against growth rates re-
ported in previous years. Brazil and Russia grew by 0.2 % 
and 0.6 % respectively, not far short of recession.

Currency markets
The US dollar averaged an exchange rate of 1.33 to the 
euro in 2014, similar to the previous year’s level. How-
ever, the range of fluctuation was much greater, with 
the US dollar initially losing value only then to surge 
during the second half of the year to finish at US dollar 
1.21 to the euro. The British pound also appreciated in 
value, which is reflected in an annual average exchange 
rate of 0.81 to the euro. These exchange rates were af-
fected by the expectation of reference interest rate in-
creases in these two currency blocks in 2015, a develop-
ment exacerbated by the European Central Bank’s 
decision to reduce interest rates again in 2014 and its 
announcement to loosen its monetary policies further. 
With its value coupled to that of the US dollar, the an-
nual average exchange rate of the Chinese renminbi 
(8.19 to the euro) remained at a similar level to the pre-
vious year. With fluctuations in exchange rates following 
the same pattern as the US dollar, the Chinese renminbi 
also gained noticeably in value towards the end of the 
year. In sharp contrast, the Japanese yen fell to an annual 
average rate of 140 yen to the euro in the wake of Japan’s 
monetary policy. Despite showing some signs of stabilising 

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

24

Exchange rates compared to the euro
(Index: December 2009 = 100)

160 

150 

140 

130 

120 

110 

100 

  90 

  80 

Russian Rouble

Japanese Yen

British Pound
US Dollar
Chinese  
Renminbi

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

Russian Rouble

Japanese Yen

British Pound

US Dollar

Chinese Renminbi

Source: Reuters.

over the course of the year, many emerging market 
 currencies – such as those of India, Brazil and South 
 Africa – lost further ground in 2014. The depreciation 
of the Russian rouble was particularly pronounced at 
the beginning of the Ukraine crisis and then again 
 towards the end of the year, when it fell to a value of 
70.98 roubles to the euro.

Energy and commodity prices
Oil prices plummeted during the second half of 2014. 
Although the average price of Brent Crude oil during 
the twelve-month period was only slightly down at 
US dollar 100 per barrel, its price tumbled from over 
US dollar 110 to around US dollar 55 per barrel within 
a period of six months. The story was similar for WTI 
Crude oil with an annual average price of approxi-
mately US dollar 93 per barrel. Generally speaking, 
metal prices fell slightly during the course of the year.

Automobile markets
The worldwide market for passenger cars and light com-
mercial vehicles grew once again in 2014, surpassing 
the threshold of 80 million vehicles for the first time 

Steel price trend
(Index: January 2010 = 100)

170 

160 

150 

140 

130 

120 

110 

100 

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

Source: Working Group for the Iron and Metal Processing Industry.

Oil price trend
Price per barrel of Brent Crude

120 

110 

100 

  90 

  80 

  70 

  60 

  50 

Source: Reuters.

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

Price in US Dollar

Price in €

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
25   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Precious metals price trend
(Index: December 2009 = 100)

250 

225 

200 

175 

150 

125 

100 

  75 

Source: Reuters.

Palladium

Gold

Platinum

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

(+ 4.1 %). The two largest automobile markets, the 
USA and China, again contributed strongly to this 
growth. New registrations in China were up by 13.0 % 
to  18.4 million units, while the US market saw an in-
crease of 6.0 % to 16.5 million units.

Registration figures in Germany showed a 2.9 % increase 
to 3.0 million units. The European car market (exclud-
ing Germany) grew by 6.6 % to a total of 10.0 million 
 registrations in 2014, the first increase posted since the 
financial crisis. France (1.8 million units; + 0.5 %) and 
 Italy (1.4 million units; + 4.6 %) both returned to robust 
growth after a number of years of contraction. However, 
among the major European markets, it was Spain that 
recorded the fastest growth rate (0.86 million units; 
+ 18.4 %). The UK market also saw above-average growth 
(+ 9.3 %) in 2014 with a total of 2.5 million new vehicles 
registered.

Despite the value added tax hike in April, the Japanese 
car market expanded by 3.2 % to 5.4 million units.

Car markets in the world’s major emerging economies 
also suffered from the effects of generally weak economic 
performance in these regions in 2014. The Russian mar-
ket contracted by 10.2 % to 2.3 million units, while the 
number of registrations in Brazil fell by 7.1 % to 3.3 mil-
lion units.

while France and Italy both saw increases of 2.7 %. The 
US market also developed positively (+ 1.8 %).

Financial Services
The global economy continued to recover in 2014, despite 
the existence of uncertainties which held down growth, 
particularly in the first half of the year. A strong eco-
nomic rally in the USA in the second half of the year 
heralded a further tightening of monetary policies. The 
US Reserve Bank’s bond-buying programme, which 
had already been reduced in scale over the course of the 
year, was temporarily brought to a halt in October. The 
Bank of Japan purchased government bonds in 2014, 
with the aim of keeping inflation above 2 % and stimu-
lating the domestic economy. Within the eurozone, the 
European Central Bank (ECB) also endeavoured to 
combat the risk of deflation by loosening its monetary 
policies further and reducing its reference interest rate 
yet again. At the end of the year, the ECB’s reference 
 interest rate stood at a historical low of 0.05 %.

Bad debt levels either remained stable or improved 
slightly. The negative impact of some slight increases in 
risk, such as in Ukraine, have so far remained localised.

Price levels on the world’s used car markets in 2014 
remained more or less stable across all regions, with 
selling prices fluctuating within normal ranges.

Motorcycle markets
The worldwide market for 500 cc plus class motorcycles 
grew in 2014 for the first time in several years (+ 4.9 %). 
Despite ongoing economic uncertainties, motorcycle 
registrations in Europe rose by 8.0 %. The motorcycles 
market in Germany was 9.0 % up on the previous year, 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26

Report on Economic Position
Overall Assessment by Management
Financial and Non-financial Performance Indicators

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

Overall assessment by management
The 2014 financial year was a pleasing one for the BMW 
Group in overall terms and in line with our expectations. 
The picture was also extremely positive in terms of 
 results of operations, financial position and net assets. 
This statement also takes into account events after the 
end of the reporting period.

Financial and non-financial performance indicators
In the following section, we report on the principal finan-
cial and non-financial performance indicators used as 
the basis for managing the BMW Group and its segments. 
As part of the review of operations and the financial 
condition of the BMW Group, forecasts made in the pre-
vious year are compared with actual outcomes.

BMW Group
Profit before tax
The BMW Group continued to perform extremely well 
in 2014 and achieved a new record Group profit before 
tax of € 8,707 million (2013: € 7,8931 million; + 10.3 %). 
This result reflects the steep rise in the number of vehi-
cles sold. New models (such as the BMW X4) and new 
series (such as the BMW 2 and 4 Series), combined with 
a high-value model mix, ensured that the pre-tax profit 
continued to develop positively despite ongoing intense 
competition on international car markets and consider-
able levels of investment in new technologies.

As forecast for the financial year 2014, the Group’s profit 
before tax rose significantly and was therefore in line 
with our expectations.

Workforce at year-end
The BMW Group’s workforce increased to 116,324 em-
ployees during the year under report (2013: 110,351 em-
ployees; + 5.4 %). This solid increase mainly reflects 
strong demand for the Group’s cars and motorcycles, the 
greater range of mobility services now offered and the 
need for additional qualified staff in conjunction with 
the development of electromobility.

As forecast for the financial year 2014, there was a solid 
increase in the Group’s workforce, which was therefore 
in line with our expectations.

Automotive segment
Sales volume
The BMW Group sold more cars in the year under report 
than ever before. Despite a certain degree of volatility 
on various markets, sales of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce 
brand cars as a whole rose by a solid 7.9 % to 2,117,9652 
units (2013: 1,963,7982 units). This growth was achieved 
on the back of numerous new model launches on 
 international markets in 2014, thus ensuring that the 
BMW Group remained the world’s market leader in the 
premium segment.

All three car brands made an important contribution to 
this record sales volume performance. Sales of BMW 
and Rolls-Royce brand cars increased to 1,811,7192 units 
(2013: 1,655,1382 units; + 9.5 %) and 4,063 units (2013: 
3,630 units; + 11.9 %) respectively, in both cases setting 
new records. With a sales volume of 302,183 units, the 
MINI brand was in line with previous year’s high level 
(2013: 305,030 units; – 0.9 %) despite the model change 
in 2014.

In line with the forecast provided for the full year in the 
quarterly report to 30 September 2014, the total number 
of vehicles sold by the BMW Group rose by a solid 
7.9 %. In the Annual Report 2013 a “significant rise” in 
deliveries to customers was predicted. The main reasons 
for the difference were ongoing difficult political and 
business conditions prevailing on some markets (such 
as Russia) and shifts in the timing of production starts. 
Moreover, market developments in China did not quite 
live up to expectations.

1  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.
2  Including the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd.,  Shenyang (2013:  
198,542 units, 2014: 275,891 units).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
27   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Fleet carbon emissions1
The BMW Group is continually reducing the carbon 
emissions of its fleet of vehicles by equipping them with 
highly efficient engines and electrified drivetrain sys-
tems. Thanks to the rigorous deployment of Efficient 
Dynamics technologies, our vehicles also set standards 
in terms of dynamism and driving pleasure.

In 2014, the volume of carbon emissions produced by 
our vehicle fleet sold in Europe1 decreased slightly to 
130 grams CO2 / km (2013: 133 grams CO2 / km; – 2.3 %). 
The scale of the decrease in fleet emissions in 2014 
was therefore not as pronounced as originally forecast, 
mainly reflecting the impact of a higher-value model 
mix on the one hand and the later-than-planned avail-
ability of the new MINI on the other. In the Annual 
 Report 2013, we had forecast a “moderate decrease” for 
the financial year 2014.

Revenues
Revenues from the sale of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce 
brand cars grew by 6.4 % to € 75,173 million (2013: 
€ 70,6302 million) in line with the solid sales volume 
rise. The increase was primarily attributable to the nu-
merous new models launched and the positive con-
sumer climate in major markets.

As forecast for the full year in the Quarterly Report to 
30 June 2014, automobile business revenues had a solid 
increase despite the dampening effect of exchange 
rates which had been mentioned in the previous year’s 
annual outlook as a potentially negative factor. In the 
Annual Report 2013 a “significant increase” in revenues 
was predicted.

EBIT margin and return on capital employed
The EBIT margin for the Automotive segment (profit 
 before financial result divided by revenues) came in at 
9.6 % (2013: 9.4 %) as a result of the high-value model 
mix. As forecast for the financial year 2014, the EBIT 
margin from automobile business was within the target 
range of between 8 and 10 % and thus in line with our 
expectations.

The return on capital employed (RoCE) amounted to 
61.7 % (2013: 63.02 %). Contrary to our original ex-
pectations, the RoCE decreased only slightly due to 
 improved management of capital employed and the 
 increase in service contract volumes. In the Annual 
 Report 2013 a “significant drop” in RoCE was pre-
dicted. The rate achieved was well above the minimum 
target of 26 % referred to in the forecast for 2014.

Motorcycles segment
Sales volume
In a friendlier-than-expected market environment, BMW 
Motorrad achieved a solid increase of 7.2 % with a sales 
volume of 123,495 units (2013: 115,2153 units). This per-
formance was therefore better than the “slight increase” 
forecast in the Annual Report 2013. The forecast was 
raised to “solid” in the quarterly report to 30 September 
2014.

Return on capital employed
The return on capital employed (RoCE) in the Motor-
cycles segment stood at 21.8 % (2013: 16.4 %). The solid 
increase in RoCE from motorcycles business reflects 
higher-than-expected sales volume, the high-value 
model mix and the first fruits of the segment’s strategic 
realignment. In the Annual Report 2013, it was pre-
dicted that the RoCE would be on par with the previous 
year.

Financial Services segment
Return on equity
The Financial Services segment generated a return on 
equity (RoE) of 19.4 % in 2014 (2013: 20.02 %), reflecting 
continued favourable business conditions. The RoE was 
therefore at a similar level to the previous year and re-
mained above the target level of 18 %, in line with our 
forecast for 2014. In the Annual Report 2013, a “slight 
decrease” in RoE was predicted. The main reason for 

1  EU-28.
2  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.
3 Plus an additional 1,110 Husqvarna motorcycles (until 5 March 2013).

28

the better-than-expected RoE performance was the 
 stable risk situation, particularly in the area of residual 
values.

The following overall picture arises for the principal 
 performance indicators utilised by the BMW Group and 
its segments:

Comparison of 2014 forecasts with actual outcomes 2014

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26     Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations

29    Automotive Segment
35    Motorcycles Segment
36    Financial Services Segment
38    Research and Development
40    Purchasing
41    Sales and Marketing
44    Workforce
45    Sustainability

49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

BMW Group

Profit before tax

Workforce at year end

Automotive segment
Sales volume1
Fleet emissions2

Revenues

EBIT margin

 Forecast for 2014
in 2013 Annual Report

 Forecast revision
during the year

 Actual outcome
in 2014

 significant increase

 solid increase

 € million

 8,707 (+ 10.3 %)

 116,324 (+ 5.4 %)

 significant increase

 Q3: solid increase

 units

 2,117,965 (+ 7.9 %)

 moderate decrease

 Q3: slight decrease

 g CO2 / km

 significant increase

 Q2: solid increase

 € million

 130 (– 2.3%)

 75,173 (+ 6.4 %)

 9.6 (+ 0.2 %pts)

 61.7 (– 1.3 %pts)

 123,495 (+ 7.2 %)

 21.8 (+ 5.4 %pts)

 %

 %

 units

 %

 target range between 8 and 10 %

Return on capital employed

 significant decrease

Motorcycles segment

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

Sales volume

 slight increase

 Q3: solid increase

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

Return on capital employed

 in line with last year’s level

Financial Services segment

Return on equity

 slight decrease

 %

 19.4 (– 0.6 %pts)

1  Including the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd.,  Shenyang (2014: 275,891 units).
2 EU-28.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
29   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Report on Economic Position
Review of Operations

AUTOMOTIVE  SEGMENT

More than 2 million vehicles sold for the first time
The BMW Group sold a total of 2,117,965* BMW, MINI 
and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles in 2014, thus surpassing 
the two-million mark for the first time in its history 
(2013: 1,963,798* units; + 7.9 %). All three brands con-
tributed to these excellent figures and helped the BMW 
Group to retain its pole position in the premium seg-
ment worldwide. Sales of BMW brand cars were 9.5 % 
up on the previous year (2014: 1,811,719* units; 2013: 
1,655,138* units). Despite the model change of its 
best-selling model, the MINI Hatch, the MINI brand 
achieved a sales volume of 302,183 units, almost match-
ing the previous year’s high level (2013: 305,030 units; 
– 0.9 %). Rolls-Royce Motor Cars sold 4,063 ultra-luxury 
sedans, surpassing the previous year’s strong sales per-
formance by 11.9 % (2013: 3,630 units).

Double-digit sales volume growth in Asia
Markets in Asia continued to develop dynamically in 
2014. Sales of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand 
 vehicles in this region rose significantly (+ 13.8 %) to 
658,384* units (2013: 578,678* units). China again 
 accounted for the lion’s share with a sales volume of 
456,732* units (2013: 391,713* units; + 16.6 %). The 
 number of vehicles sold in the Americas region climbed 
by 4.0 % to 482,257 units (2013: 463,822 units), of 

BMW Group sales volume of vehicles by region and market
in 1,000 units

2,200 

2,000 

1,800 

1,600 

1,400 

1,200 

1,000 

   800 

   600 

   400 

   200 

BMW Group – key automobile markets 2014
as a percentage of sales volume

Other

China*

Japan

Italy
France

USA

Great Britain

Germany

China*  

USA  

Germany  

Great Britain  

 21.6 

 18.7 

 12.9 

 9.7 

France  

Italy  

Japan  

Other  

 3.2

 3.0

 3.0

 27.9

which the USA accounted for 396,961 units, 5.4 % up on 
the previous year (2013: 376,636 units). Thanks to the 
more stable market en vironment in Europe, sales of the 
Group’s three brands grew by 6.4 % to 914,587 units (2013: 
859,546 units). The number of vehicles sold in Germany 

Europe

thereof Germany

Asia*

thereof China*

Americas
thereof USA

Other markets

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

Europe

 thereof Germany

Asia*

 thereof China*

Americas

 thereof USA

Other markets

Total

 791.2

 267.2

 286.3

 169.6

 329.7

 266.6

 54.0

 858.4

 285.3

 375.5

 233.6

 380.3

 306.3

 54.8

 865.4

 287.4

 493.4

 327.3

 425.3

 348.5

 61.1

 859.5

 259.2

 578.7

 391.7

 463.8

 376.6

 61.8

 914.6

 272.3

 658.4

 456.7

 482.3

 397.0

 62.7

1,461.2

1,669.0

1,845.2

1,963.8

2,118.0

*  Including the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., Shenyang (2010: 53,701 units, 2011: 94,400 units, 2012: 141,165 units, 2013: 198,542 units, 2014: 275,891 units).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26     Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators
29    Review of Operations

29    Automotive Segment
35    Motorcycles Segment
36    Financial Services Segment
38    Research and Development
40    Purchasing
41    Sales and Marketing
44    Workforce
45    Sustainability

49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

rose by 5.1 % to 272,345 units (2013: 259,219 units). The 
BMW Group also performed extremely well in Great 
 Britain, with sales rising to a total of 205,071 units (2013: 
189,121 units; + 8.4 %).

BMW* retains pole position in the premium segment
The BMW brand maintained its pole position in the 
 premium segment during the year under report. Signifi-
cant contributions to this achievement were made by 
the highly successful BMW X5 as well as the BMW 3, 4 
and 5 Series, each of which was market leader in its 
 relevant segment.

At 190,033 units, sales of the BMW 1 Series were down 
on the previous year’s level (2013: 213,611 units; – 11.0 %), 
reflecting the fact that the Coupé and Convertible 
body variants are now reported as part of the 2 Series. 
Similarly, the Convertible and Coupé models previously 
included in the BMW 3 Series have been reported as 

part of the BMW 4 Series since the end of 2013. For this 
reason, reported sales of the 3 Series in 2014 went 
down by 4.0 % to 480,214 units (2013: 500,332 units). 
The BMW 4 Series has been highly successful since its 
launch, with 119,580 units sold in the year under re-
port (2013: 14,763 units). A total of 373,053 customers 
opted for the BMW 5 Series (2013: 366,992 units; + 1.7 %).

The BMW X family also continued to perform well in 
2014. Following the launch of the third generation in 
November 2013, sales of the BMW X5 rose by more than 
a third to 147,381 units (2013: 107,231 units; + 37.4 %). 
The BMW X3 recorded a sales volume of 150,915 units, 
therefore not quite matching the previous year’s high 
level (2013: 157,303 units; – 4.1 %). Similarly, the BMW X1 
sales volume figure of 156,471 units was slightly lower 
than one year earlier (2013: 161,353 units; – 3.0 %). The 
new X4 became available in July 2014 and achieved a 
sales volume of 21,688 units by the end of the year.

Sales volume of BMW vehicles by model variant*
in units

BMW 1 Series

BMW 2 Series

BMW 3 Series

BMW 4 Series

BMW 5 Series

BMW 6 Series

BMW 7 Series

BMW X1

BMW X3

BMW X4

BMW X5

BMW X6

BMW Z4

BMW i

BMW total

 2014

 2013

 Change
in %

 Proportion of
BMW sales volume
2014 in %

 190,033

 41,038

 480,214

 119,580

 373,053

 23,988

 48,519

 156,471

 150,915

 21,688

 147,381

 30,244

 10,802

 17,793

 213,611

  –

 500,332

 14,763

 366,992

 27,687

 56,001

 161,353

 157,303

  –

 107,231

 36,688

 12,866

 311

1,811,719

1,655,138

  – 11.0

  –

  – 4.0

  –

 1.7

  – 13.4

  – 13.4

  – 3.0

  – 4.1

  –

 37.4

  – 17.6

  – 16.0

  –

   9.5

 10.5  

 2.3  

 26.5  

 6.6  

 20.6  

 1.3  

 2.7  

 8.6  

 8.3  

 1.2  

 8.1  

1.7  

 0.6  

 1.0  

100.0

*  Including the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., Shenyang (2013: 198,542 units, 2014: 275,891 units).

MINI at previous year’s level
The sales performance of the MINI brand in 2014 was 
influenced by the market launch of the third-genera-
tion Hatch. The BMW Group delivered 302,183 MINI 
brand cars to customers worldwide in the period under  

report (2013: 305,030 units; – 0.9 %), with sales of the 
new MINI Hatch up by 9.0 % at 140,051 units (2013: 
128,498 units) and sales of the MINI Countryman up by 
5.0 % at 106,995 units (2013: 101,897 units).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Sales volume of MINI vehicles by model variant
in units

MINI Hatch

MINI Convertible

MINI Clubman

MINI Countryman

MINI Coupé

MINI Roadster

MINI Paceman

MINI total

 2014

 2013

 Change
in %

 Proportion of
MINI sales volume
2014 in %

 140,051

 17,327

 13,326

 106,995

 3,816

 5,101

 15,567

302,183

 128,498

 21,167

 21,030

 101,897

 8,436

 9,315

 14,687

305,030

 9.0

  – 18.1

  – 36.6

 5.0

  – 54.8

  – 45.2

 6.0

– 0.9

 46.3  

 5.7  

 4.4  

 35.4  

 1.3  

 1.7  

 5.2  

100.0

More than 4,000 Rolls-Royce sold for the first time
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars remained market leader in the 
ultra-luxury segment in 2014. With 4,063 units sold, 
the brand surpassed the 4,000-unit sales volume thresh-
old for the first time (2013: 3,630 units; + 11.9 %). The  

Rolls-Royce Wraith, which became available in autumn 
2013, achieved sales volume of 1,906 units (2013: 
492 units). 1,555 units of the Rolls-Royce Ghost were 
sold worldwide (2013: 2,284 units; – 31.9 %).

Sales volume of Rolls-Royce vehicles by model variant
in units

Phantom

Ghost

Wraith

Rolls-Royce total

 2014

 602

 1,555

 1,906

4,063

 2013

 Change in %

 854

 2,284

 492

3,630

  – 29.5

  – 31.9

  –

11.9

Production network running at full pace
The most important events in the BMW Group’s pro-
duction network during the year under report were the 
numerous model start-ups, the beginning of series pro-
duction for the BMW i8 and the further expansion of 
our international manufacturing network, which grew 
to a total of 30 sites in 14 countries and set new records 
in terms of production volumes.

Due to the brisk demand on international car markets, 
in 2014 production volume rose to 2,165,566* units (2013: 
2,006,366* units; + 7.9 %), comprising 1,838,268* BMW 
(2013: 1,699,835*; + 8.1 %), 322,803 MINI (2013: 303,177; 
+ 6.5 %) and 4,495 Rolls-Royce (2013: 3,354; + 34.0 %) 
brand cars.

More than one million vehicles produced in Germany  
for fourth consecutive year
For the fourth year in a row, the BMW Group manu-
factured over one million vehicles at its German plants. 
Around 950 vehicles rolled off production lines per 
working day at the Group’s main plant in Munich, in-
cluding the BMW 3 Series Sedan, the BMW 3 Series 
Touring, the BMW 4 Series Coupé and, since February, 
the BMW M4 Coupé.

In Dingolfing, production reached all-time high levels, 
with an average of around 1,600 units manufactured per 

*  Including the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., Shenyang 
(2013: 214,920 units, 2014: 287,466 units).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32

Vehicle production of the BMW Group by plant

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26     Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators
29    Review of Operations

29    Automotive Segment
35    Motorcycles Segment
36    Financial Services Segment
38    Research and Development
40    Purchasing
41    Sales and Marketing
44    Workforce
45    Sustainability

49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

in units

Munich

Dingolfing

Regensburg

Leipzig

Rosslyn

Spartanburg
Dadong1
Tiexi 1

Oxford
Graz (Magna Steyr) 2
Born (VDL Nedcar) 2

Goodwood

64     Events after the End of the  

Assembly plants

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

BMW Group

2,165,566

2,006,366

1 Joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., Shenyang.
2 Contract production.

 2014

 2013

 Change 
in %

 Proportion of 
production in %

 228,126

 369,027

 272,015

 211,434

 68,771

 349,949

 143,390

 144,076

 179,318

 113,401

 29,196

 4,495

 52,368

 247,330

 342,629

 295,417

 186,695

 65,646

 297,326

 126,888

 88,032

 175,986

 125,559

  –

 3,354

 51,504

  – 7.8

 7.7

  – 7.9

 13.3

 4.8

 17.7

 13.0

 63.7

 1.9

  – 9.7

  –

 34.0

 1.7

7.9

 10.5

 17.0

 12.6

 9.8

 3.2

 16.2

 6.6

 6.7

 8.3

 5.2

 1.3

 0.2

 2.4

100.0

day and almost 370,000 over the full year under report. 
Production of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé began in 
February. Assembly lines at the Dingolfing plant are 
therefore now making a total of 17 models, belonging to 
five different BMW series. In February the plant cele-
brated a production record following construction of 
the nine-millionth BMW car at that location. As part of 
the plant’s modernisation, measures in 2014 included 
further work on new bodymaking facilities at the site. A 
new supply centre for vehicle assembly, a high-speed 
servo press and a production facility for axle brackets 
were all put into operation. Two new production lines 
were added in October to manufacture high-voltage 
power storage systems and electric motors for the BMW 
Group’s future plug-in hybrids.

The Leipzig plant continued to recruit new personnel 
in order to keep pace with the increased expertise and 
manpower capacity needed, both for BMW i models 
and for conventional production. In July, the four-thou-
sandth employee was welcomed to the plant. In May, 
 series production of the BMW i8 commenced, followed 
by the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer in July. In October, 
the 1.5-millionth BMW was manufactured at the plant 
since production first began in 2005. Production of the 
BMW 2 Series Convertible began in November.

At the Regensburg plant, production of the BMW M3 
Sedan began in February and the first BMW M4 
 Convertible models were manufactured there in July. 
The enlargement of the pressing plant was completed 
and the bodymaking facility expanded to include a 
 second production line. At the same time, a new supply 
centre went into operation.

The BMW Group plant in Wackersdorf celebrated its 
25th anniversary in 2014. In July, a new building and a 
new production facility for processing CFRP matting 
was taken into service.

Expansion work at the Eisenach plant also began in 
July. The existing buildings and production floor space 
are due to be enlarged to accommodate future vehicle 
projects and new technologies. Moreover, a state-of-the-
art servo press is being installed.

The components plant in Landshut is making the electric 
motor, the complete plastic outer skin, CFRP structural 
body parts and lightweight metal die-cast parts for the 
BMW i8 hybrid sports car. The plant’s lightweight die-
cast metal facilities celebrated their 25th anniversary in 
2014 and remain the only unit within the BMW Group 
producing such parts. The components plant has adopted 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
33   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

a new, energy-saving strategy to optimise energy manage-
ment. Since 2014, the waste heat from the melting 
plant has been fed into the site’s own in-house hot water 
system, which means it can be used for heating in win-
ter and cooling in summer.

third production building. It should be ready to begin 
operations by the beginning of 2015 and offers additional 
capacity for two production lines capable of handling a 
total volume of 3,000 tonnes per year.

Global presence strengthened
During the year under report, 48.5 % of the BMW Group’s 
vehicles were manufactured abroad. The BMW 5 Series 
long-wheelbase Sedan is manufactured at the Dadong1 
plant in China. The 500,000th vehicle was produced at 
the plant in March 2014, while at the engine manufac-
turing plant in Shenyang, the 400,000th 4-cylinder petrol 
engine was being produced for the Chinese market. At 
the same time, preparations were initiated at the Tiexi1 
plant for a new engine manufacturing facility, including 
a foundry, to supply local production capacities. It is 
due to begin production in 2016. The first BMW 316Li 
was manufactured at the Tiexi1 plant in October.

At the Rosslyn manufacturing plant in South Africa, 
the BMW Group concluded a contract with the energy 
company Bio2Watt (Pty) Ltd. Under its terms, from 
2015 onwards some 25 to 30 % of the plant’s electricity 
requirements will be generated by a combined heat and 
power plant that runs on landfill gas. The biogas used 
will be recovered from the treatment of waste.

Almost 350,000 vehicles were manufactured at the 
US plant in Spartanburg in 2014 – a new record for the 
 location. To coincide with the production plant’s 20th 
anniversary, in March the BMW Group announced ex-
pansion plans. Its manufacturing capacity is scheduled 
to be raised to 450,000 vehicles per year. To date, the 
BMW X3, X5, X5 M, X6 and X6 M models have been 
manufactured at the competence centre for X vehicles. 
Furthermore, production of the BMW X4 commenced 
at the site in April. In October, a second painting facility 
was also commissioned at the plant.

In July 2014 the construction of a new plant in San Luis 
Potosí, Mexico, was announced. The scheduled annual 
capacity of this plant is approximately 150,000 units. 
This move underpins the BMW Group’s strategic com-
mitment to maintaining a well-balanced global value-
added chain.

In a parallel development, the BMW Group has built an 
assembly plant in Araquari, Brazil. The first vehicles 
were produced at the location in October 2014. The new 
production facility will be fully completed in the course 
of 2015. The manufacturing infrastructure will then 
comprise bodymaking, painting and assembly. Manu-
facturing capacity is scheduled to reach up to 30,000 vehi-
cles per year. The production portfolio currently com-
prises the BMW 3 Series and the X1. The BMW 1 Series, 
the X3 and the MINI Countryman are scheduled to fol-
low in the course of 2015.

At the Group’s various assembly plants, which mostly 
serve their regional markets, 52,368 vehicles were 
 produced overall during the period under report. The 
plants are located in Araquari (Brazil), Rayong (Thailand), 
Chennai (India), Kaliningrad (Russia), Cairo (Egypt), 
Jakarta (Indonesia) and Kulim (Malaysia).

Thirteen years after the relaunching of the MINI brand in 
2001, the three-millionth vehicle has meanwhile rolled 
off the assembly lines at the Oxford plant. During this 
period, two million of the MINI brand cars manufac-
tured in the UK have been exported to over 110 coun-
tries around the world. The British production triangle 
comprising the MINI plant in Oxford, the components 
plant in Swindon and the engine production facility 
in Hams Hall is a key part of the BMW Group’s produc-
tion network. More than 900 units of the MINI are pro-
duced at the Oxford plant per day during peak times.

In order to secure greater capacity for planned growth, 
since July the MINI Hatch is also being produced at 
the Dutch carmaker VDL Nedcar bv in Born, the 
 Netherlands, under the terms of a contract with the 
BMW Group. These new arrangements enable even 
greater flexibility for the BMW Group’s production net-
work worldwide. The MINI models Countryman and 
Paceman are already being produced under contract by 
Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik (MSF) in Graz, Austria. In 

At Moses Lake2, Washington (USA), the carbon fibre 
manufacturing facility has been enlarged to include a 

1 Joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., Shenyang.
2 Joint operation SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers.

upstream preparation staff with the best possible 
 support. One good example is the innovative coopera-
tion between staff and robots in the Spartanburg and 
Dingolfing plants, by which people and robots work 
 together effectively side by side.

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26     Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators
29    Review of Operations

29    Automotive Segment
35    Motorcycles Segment
36    Financial Services Segment
38    Research and Development
40    Purchasing
41    Sales and Marketing
44    Workforce
45    Sustainability

49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

34

May 2014, MSF manufactured its one-millionth vehicle 
for the BMW Group.

The pressing plant in Swindon produces bodywork 
 components and assemblies for the Oxford plant. Since 
July the plant has also supplied the MINI  contract pro-
duction facilities at VDL Nedcar with body parts and 
the Leipzig plant with pressed parts for the BMW 2 Se-
ries Active Tourer.

During the third quarter, series production of the 
Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II commenced at the Rolls-Royce 
plant in Goodwood (UK). Construction of a technology 
and logistics centre for the plant was also announced. 
The Goodwood plant meanwhile provides jobs for more 
than 1,500 people, 100 of whom took up their posts 
during the period under report.

The engine plants in Munich, Hams Hall (UK) and Steyr 
(Austria) have continued to introduce a highly flexible, 
demand-oriented production system. In June, the engine 
production plant in Munich officially gave the green 
light for a production line for modular engines. In future, 
the Group’s main plant will therefore act internationally 
as the leading plant for the production of the 3- and 
4-cylinder petrol engines that form part of the Efficient 
Dynamics family. The Munich plant produces up to 
3,200 engines each day, 1,000 of which are modular. The 
range comprises BMW 3-, 4-, 8- and 12-cylinder petrol 
engines, BMW 6-cylinder diesel engines, and 8-cylinder 
high-performance engines for the BMW M models. In 
October, the engine plant in Steyr also launched a pro-
duction line for low-fuel-consumption 3- and 4-cylinder 
modular engines. In what is currently the largest engine 
plant operated by the BMW Group, up to 4,700 engines 
are completed each day. The diesel engine development 
centre, which is connected to the plant, is currently being 
enlarged. The Hams Hall engine plant makes 3- and 
4-cylinder petrol engines for BMW and MINI and is also 
the exclusive manufacturer of 3-cylinder petrol engines 
for the BMW i8.

Pilot projects for “Industrie 4.0” launched
During the year under report, the BMW Group initiated 
new projects within its production network which will 
ultimately pave the way towards the first intelligent plant. 
The objective is to deploy new technologies as sensibly 
as possible with the aim of providing production and 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
35   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

MOTORCYCLES  SEGMENT

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: 
115,2151; + 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. 

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

Other

Germany

USA

France

Spain

Great Britain

Brazil

Italy

Germany  

USA  

France  

Italy  

 17.6 

 12.4 

 9.4 

 8.5 

Brazil  

Great Britain  

Spain  

Other  

 6.1

 5.5

 5.0

 35.5

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.

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).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26     Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators
29    Review of Operations

29    Automotive Segment
35    Motorcycles Segment
36    Financial Services Segment
38    Research and Development
40    Purchasing
41    Sales and Marketing
44    Workforce
45    Sustainability

49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

36

FINANCIAL  SERVICES  SEGMENT

Financial Services segment remains on growth course
The Financial Services segment achieved its best figures 
to date in 2014, despite a difficult market environment. 
4,359,572 lease and credit financing contracts were in 
place with dealers and retail customers at the end of the 
reporting period (2013: 4,130,002 contracts; + 5.6 %). 
Business volume in balance sheet terms grew by 14.3 % 
to stand at € 96,390 million (2013: € 84,347 million).

The Financial Services segment is represented in more 
than 50 countries, serving the dealer organisation as a 
strong and reliable partner. Credit financing and the 
lease of cars and motorcycles to retail and business cus-
tomers is the segment’s largest line of business. Multi-
brand business, operated under the brand name 
 “Alphera”, also covers the financing of vehicles of other 
manufacturers. The Financial Services segment offers 
fleet business services under the brand name “Alphabet”. 
It also supports the Group’s dealer organisation by 
providing financing for dealership vehicle inventories, 
real estate and equipment. Supplementing its lease 
and credit financing business, the segment also offers 
its customers selected insurance and banking services.

New business up again on previous year
Credit financing and leasing business with retail cus-
tomers once again made a significant contribution 
to the segment’s success in 2014. In total, 1,509,113 
new contracts were signed during the reporting period, 
slightly more (+ 2.6 %) than one year earlier (2013: 
1,471,385 contracts).

Leasing business grew year-on-year by 5.2 %, credit 
 financing by 1.2 %. As a proportion of new business, 
leasing accounted for 34.7 % and credit financing for 
65.3 %. The proportion of new BMW Group cars leased 
or financed by the Financial Services segment was 
41.7 %, 2.3 percentage points lower than in the pre-
vious year (2013: 44.0 %).

Contract portfolio of Financial Services segment 
in 1,000 units

4,400 

4,200 

4,000 

3,800 

3,600 

3,400 

3,200 

In the used car financing line of business, 334,289 new 
contracts for BMW and MINI brand cars were signed 
in 2014, 5.8 % more than in the previous year (2013: 
315,919 contracts).

The total volume of all new credit and leasing contracts 
concluded with retail customers during the twelve-
month period under report amounted to € 41,318 mil-
lion, an increase of 5.3 % (2013: € 39,241 million).

The increase in new retail customer business is reflected 
in the overall contract portfolio. In total, 4,005,428 con-
tracts were in place with retail customers at 31 December 
2014 (2013: 3,793,768 contracts; + 5.6 %). As in pre vious 
years, growth was recorded across all regions, with in-
creases in the Europe / Middle East / Africa region (+ 6.5 %), 
the Americas region (+ 4.0 %) and for the EU Bank (+ 0.4 %). 
The most significant rise was again recorded in the 
Asia / Pacific region, where the contract portfolio grew 
by 20.1 %.

Further growth of fleet business
Alphabet, with its wide range of multi-brand products, 
is one of the top four fleet service providers in Europe. 
Alongside fleet management and financing, the broad 
product range also includes full service leasing. In total, 
a portfolio of 555,349 fleet vehicle contracts was being 
managed at the end of the reporting period, up slightly by 
3.7 % compared to one year earlier (2013: 535,528 con-
tracts).

Decrease in multi-brand financing
The volume of multi-brand financing decreased mod-
erately in 2014. Against the background of continued 
profitable portfolio growth and greater competition, 
the number of new contracts fell by 8.7 % to stand at 
165,776 contracts (2013: 181,605 contracts). A portfolio 
of 465,702 contracts (2013: 452,009 contracts; + 3.0 %) 
was in place at 31 December 2014.

BMW Group new vehicles financed by  
Financial Services segment
in %

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

3,190 

3,592 

3,846 

4,130  4,360 

  Financing  

  Leasing  

24.1 

24.1 

20.0 

21.1 

20.7 

19.7 

22.5 

21.5 

20.8 

20.9 

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Contract portfolio retail customer financing of  
Financial Services segment 2014
as a percentage by region

period under report (2013: 1,041,530 contracts; + 4.2 %). 
Overall, the portfolio increased to 2,874,158 contracts 
(2013: 2,567,168 contracts; + 12.0 %).

Risk profile
The positive trend in the global economy and a some-
what quieter period in the euro crisis enabled the risk 
profile relevant for the Financial Services segment’s 
 total portfolio to improve again in 2014. Moreover, the 
segment’s well-established procedures for managing 
credit risks continued to prove their worth. At 0.50 %, the 
overall credit loss ratio remained at a stable, low level 
(2013: 0.46 %). Reflecting the generally stable conditions 
prevailing on international used car markets, sales prices 
for our pre-owned cars developed robustly. Average re-
sidual value losses incurred on the resale of our vehicles 
remained stable at the previous year’s level.

Further information with respect to risks and opportu-
nities related to Financial Services can be found in the 
section “Report on risks and opportunities”.

Asia / Pacific

Americas

Europe / Middle 
East / Africa

EU Bank

Americas  

EU Bank  

 30.4 

 29.8 

Europe / Middle East / Africa  

 25.1

Asia / Pacific  

 14.7

Dealer financing significantly up on previous year
The total volume of dealer financing amounted to 
€ 14,710 million at the end of the reporting period, 12.2 % 
higher than one year earlier (2013: € 13,110 million).

Deposit business volume at previous year’s level
Deposit-taking represents an important element in the 
BMW Group’s refinancing strategy. The volume of cus-
tomer deposits worldwide at the end of the reporting 
period stood at € 12,466 million and thus on par with 
the previous year (2013: € 12,457 million; + 0.1 %).

Insurance business continues to grow
The Financial Services segment also operates an insur-
ance line of business. In addition to its financing and 
leasing products, we also offer a wide range of insurance 
coverage, addressing all aspects of individual mobility. 
Demand for our insurance products remained high in 
2014, with 1,085,781 new contracts signed during the 

Development of credit loss ratio
in %

0.7 

0.6 

0.5 

0.4 

0.3 

0.2 

0.1 

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

0.67 

0.49 

0.48 

0.46 

0.50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26     Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators
29    Review of Operations

29    Automotive Segment
35    Motorcycles Segment
36    Financial Services Segment
38    Research and Development
40    Purchasing
41    Sales and Marketing
44    Workforce
45    Sustainability

49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

38

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 2014, a total of 11,779 
employees were engaged throughout the BMW Group’s 
global research and innovation network at twelve loca-
tions spread over five countries, to deliver the best 
product quality possible and develop innovative tech-
nologies for customers.

Research and development expenditure for the year de-
creased by 4.7 % to € 4,566 million (2013: € 4,793* mil-
lion). The research and development ratio was 5.7 %, 
0.6 percentage points lower than in the previous year 
(2013: 6.3 %). The ratio of capitalised development costs 
to total research and development costs for the period 
(capitalisation ratio) was 32.8 % (2013: 36.4 %). Amortisa-
tion of capitalised development costs totalled € 1,068 mil-
lion (2013: € 1,069 million). Further information on re-
search and development expenditure is provided in the 
section “Results of Operations, Financial Position and 
Net Assets” and in note 11 to the Group Financial State-
ments.

Drive concepts: setting the course for the future
In line with our commitment to Efficient Dynamics, we 
are working continuously to optimise both our range 
of combustion engines featuring TwinPower turbo tech-
nology on the one hand and the various electric motors, 
energy storage and energy management systems for 
electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles developed for BMW 
eDrive on the other. In the long term, the BMW Group 
is also promoting the development of hydrogen-powered 
fuel cell technology as a source of energy.

The new Efficient Dynamics family of engines, com-
prising 3-, 4- and 6-cylinder power units, reflects the 
output of a rigorous and consistently applied develop-
ment process. Higher aluminium content plus the use 
of magnesium (which is even lighter) has enabled the 
BMW Group to significantly reduce the average weight 
of its latest range of engines. The first of this new gen-
eration of engines is a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, 
which has found its first home in the BMW i8. The BMW 
Group also presented the first 4-cylinder versions of 

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

the new engine family during the first half of 2014. Due 
to commonalities in the design of our petrol and diesel 
engines, the percentage of identical parts used can be as 
high as 60 %, while the structural similarities between 
petrol and diesel engines are around 40 %.

The BMW i8 combines the driving performance of a 
sports car with the fuel consumption of a compact-class 
model. The plug-in hybrid system developed for the 
BMW i8 meets the very highest specifications in terms 
of driving dynamics, efficiency, practical usefulness 
and quality, thus underlining the BMW Group’s techno-
logical leadership in the field of drive system develop-
ment. In the long term, the BMW Group also plans to 
transfer eDrive technology to other core brand models.

The BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid prototype unveiled in 
2014 provides a preview of how extreme efficiency can 
be combined with ultimate driving pleasure in the world’s 
most successful premium-class sedan. The prototype 
features a 4-cylinder petrol engine from the new Efficient 
Dynamics family with TwinPower turbo technology 
combined with an electric drive system. The outcome is 
a car that delivers sporty driving dynamics similar to 
being behind the wheel of a conventionally powered 
6-cylinder BMW 3 Series model, but with far lower fuel 
consumption. The possible integration of a plug-in 
 hybrid system is already a firm part of our thinking when 
new BMW and MINI models are being developed, thus 
ensuring, among other things, that future model variants 
equipped with hybrid drive technology will be just as 
suitable for everyday use as their standard counterparts.

The BMW Group took a further step forward in the field 
of powertrain electrification with its presentation in 
2014 of the newly developed range of hybrid drive sys-
tems intended for high-performance electric drives 
based on Power eDrive technology. In future-generation 
plug-in hybrid vehicles, around two-thirds of the drive 
system’s output should come from the Power eDrive 
electric system and around one-third from the TwinPower 
turbo technology combustion engine. The BMW Group 
is pressing ahead with the development of battery- 
powered drive systems (as in the BMW i3) and plug-in 
hybrids, as well as in other areas such as fuel-cell electric 
technology and high-voltage electrified systems (Power 
eDrive). With its wide range of drive systems, the BMW 
Group can and will continue to be able to react flexibly 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
39   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

to the needs of customers and new regulations stipulated 
by legislators.

Intelligently designed lightweight construction
Lightweight construction is an essential component of 
the BMW Group’s Efficient Dynamics strategy and 
firmly embedded in its basic understanding of modern 
manufacturing. The consistent use of lightweight mate-
rials in vehicle design is particularly important with 
electrically powered cars, as not only the battery capacity, 
but also the total weight of the vehicle restrict their 
range. In order to compensate for the added weight of 
the electrical components, the BMW Group has devel-
oped its LifeDrive concept for BMW i series vehicles, 
which is firmly committed to the use of lightweight de-
sign. In this context, the BMW Group has, for the first 
time, achieved an innovative combination comprising 
an aluminium chassis and a CFRP passenger compart-
ment. Specifically deployed, the material used helps re-
duce total vehicle weight, optimises its point of gravity 
and increases the stability of the car’s body. The BMW 
Group is currently working on further possible applica-
tions, such as hybrid wheel rims comprising a mixture 
of aluminium and CFRP. In the case of the BMW M3 
and M4 models, the high rigidity and low weight of CFRP 
allows the cardan shaft to be manufactured as a single 
piece, without a centre bearing. In addition to achieving 
a 40 % weight-saving compared to the previous model, 
a further benefit is that the rotating mass is reduced, 
thus resulting in a further improvement in response be-
haviour. After more than ten years of intensive research 
work and the continual optimisation of the processes, 
materials, systems and tools involved, the BMW Group 
is currently the only automotive manufacturer with 
the required know-how to utilise CFRP on a large-scale 
production basis.

Highly automated driving at the limit
Precise, reliable control of a vehicle when driven at its 
dynamic limit is a key aspect of highly automated driving. 
Only a system that can safely master all dynamic situa-
tions, including those encountered when a vehicle is 
driven at its technical limit, will be able to instil trust and 
provide sustained and secure relief for the driver in tiring 
situations.

The BMW Group has built an innovative, highly auto-
mated research prototype, which in 2014 demonstrated 

the utmost safety at the vehicle’s dynamic limit, thanks 
to perfected control technology. On a closed-off race-
track, the BMW test vehicle additionally underlined the 
efficiency of a new generation of control systems, which 
can actively intervene in key driving decisions and 
at the same time coordinate the electrically controlled 
steering with the brake and accelerator. The system 
therefore goes one decisive step further than any of its 
predecessors. With BMW ActiveAssist, the BMW Group 
is playing a pioneering role in implementing safety-re-
lated, highly automated systems. Back in October 2009, 
in conjunction with the predecessor research project, 
BMW Track Trainer, the BMW Group drove a highly au-
tomated vehicle through the racing line of the “Nord-
schleife” at the Nürburgring racetrack, one of the most 
demanding circuits in the world. The BMW emergency 
stop assistant research project has delivered further 
valuable findings. If the driver fails to react, for example 
due to a medical emergency such as a heart attack, 
this feature can switch to the highly automated mode, 
steer the vehicle safely to the roadside and automatically 
send an emergency call. Back in 2011, the first BMW 
test vehicle was already driven on a multi-lane motor-
way  using the highly automated mode. Meanwhile, with 
some 20,000 kilometres of testing behind them, the 
 development engineers have gathered valuable insights 
into the behaviour and handling strategies of their highly 
automated vehicles.

Research project “Virtual marketplace of the future”
Location Based Services enable users to receive infor-
mation on places of interest, services and events in the 
surrounding area – anytime and anywhere. Even while 
driving, location-based services and other information 
can be a useful supplement, either en route or at your 
destination. For that reason, BMW ConnectedDrive al-
ready offers users a whole range of location-based infor-
mation. In future, the vehicle will be able to present the 
customer with information and items of interest along 
the route, tailored to suit the situation and the user’s 
individual preferences. The premiere of the latest gen-
eration of the optional navigation system “Professional” 
in the BMW 2 Series Convertible achieved an even 
higher level of convenience and reliability in terms of 
route guidance. The system, which was first presented 
in 2014, updates its navigation data on a regular basis, 
several times per year, assuming a new version of map 
data is available. The user is required to pay neither 

40

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26     Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators
29    Review of Operations

29    Automotive Segment
35    Motorcycles Segment
36    Financial Services Segment
38    Research and Development
40    Purchasing
41    Sales and Marketing
44    Workforce
45    Sustainability

49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

 licensing fees nor transmission costs. Via the SIM card 
built into the car, the new map data are sent to the 
 vehicle via the mobile network (LTE), without having 
to take the longer route via an external data carrier and 
manual installation.

Outstanding technology and design
In the most recent competition for the prestigious “In-
ternational Engine of the Year Award”, the BMW Group 
was awarded prizes in two different categories. For the 
fourth time now, the 3.0-litre in-line 6-cylinder petrol 
engine featuring BMW TwinPower turbo technology was 
among the main prizewinners. The engine powers 
numerous current BMW models. The 1.6-litre 4-cylinder 
turbo engine, which is fitted in models such as the MINI 
Cooper S Countryman and the MINI Cooper S Paceman, 
was winner in its class for the eighth consecutive time.

The BMW Group won as many as eight prizes at last 
year’s “Red Dot Award for Product Design”. The “Red 
Dot” went to seven BMW models. Apart from the 
BMW i3, which took the “Red Dot: Best of the Best” 
award and thus the highest accolade for trendsetting 
design, the BMW i8, the 2 Series Coupé, the 3 Series 
Gran Turismo, the 4 Series Coupé and Convertible and 
the BMW R nineT all received prizes. Furthermore, 
the new MINI received an “Honourable Mention”. With 
the “iF product design award”, the BMW i8 was pre-
sented with a prize by Industrie Forum Design e. V. for 
its innovative design. The greatest appreciation, how-
ever, was accorded to the BMW i3, which won the “iF 
product design award Gold”. Further awards went to 
the X5, the 2 Series Coupé, the 4 Series Coupé, the 3 Se-
ries Gran Turismo and the BMW R nineT in the cate-
gory “Product, transportation design / special vehicles”.

PURCHASING  AND  SUPPLIER  NETWORK

The primary focus of the BMW Group’s purchasing and 
logistics activities is to achieve an optimal balance of 
quality, innovation, flexible supply structures and com-
petitive cost. In this context, we therefore go to great 
lengths to design the supply chain with our business 
partners, thus ensuring that we can react rapidly and 
flexibly at all times to fluctuations in order volumes, even 
within a volatile environment.

Numerous model start-ups
2014 saw the start-up of 13 new BMW and MINI brand 
models. Most of the BMW start-ups were concentrated 
on Europe and the NAFTA region. The production start 
of the new X4 at the Spartanburg plant resulted in a 
broader supplier base within the NAFTA region. Close 
collaboration with external business partners and the 
BMW Group’s own in-house component production 
team resulted in the introduction of numerous innova-
tions, many of them relating to the BMW i8.

Increasing importance of NAFTA region
During the year under report, the construction of a new 
plant in San Luis Potosí (Mexico) with a planned annual 
manufacturing capacity of 150,000 units was announced. 
This move is in line with the strategy of ensuring glob-
ally balanced growth. For the BMW Group, it will also 
entail a further increase in NAFTA-based purchases in 
the coming years, whilst at the same time contributing 
to currency hedging. In view of these developments, 
the BMW Group’s decentralised organisational struc-
tures in the NAFTA region have been strengthened and 
newly aligned.

Regional mix of BMW Group purchase volumes 2014
in %, basis: production material

Africa

Asia / Australia

NAFTA

Germany

Rest of  
Western Europe

Eastern Europe

Germany  

Eastern Europe  

Rest of Western Europe  

 47.2 

NAFTA  

 17.2 

 15.9 

Asia / Australia  

Africa  

 14.5

 3.7

 1.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
41   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

High level of investment safeguards productivity  
and technology lead
The Purchasing and Supplier Network is also responsible 
for component production throughout the BMW Group. 
The importance of the Landshut plant as a competence 
centre for lightweight construction was underlined by 
the expansion of CFRP production facilities at the site. 
The Landshut plant also serves as a centre for electro-
mobility-related components, including, for instance, 
production of the electric motors and engine transmission 
units for the BMW i3 and i8. Important chassis and 
drive components for the BMW i models are produced 
at the Dingolfing plant.

SALES  AND  MARKETING

The worldwide sales network currently consists of some 
3,250 BMW, 1,550 MINI and 130 Rolls-Royce dealer-
ships. In China alone, more than 40 BMW and 30 MINI 
dealerships were opened in 2014. The BMW i dealership 
and agency network currently covers some 650 loca-
tions.

BMW extends its model range
For the BMW Group, the year 2014 was dominated by 
the introduction of a number of new models and model 
updates. The new BMW 4 Series Convertible and the 
model revision of the BMW X1 were both launched in 
March. The BMW 4 Series Convertible excels with its 
enhanced sports performance and quintessential ele-
gance. Since March 2014 customers have also been able 
to enjoy the impressive driving dynamics of the new 
BMW 2 Series Coupé. The BMW M3 Sedan and the 
BMW M4 Coupé were first seen in the showrooms in 
June. Our M models are a unique blend of genuine 
sporting performance and perfect suitability for every-
day use. The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, the third body 
variant of this series, came onto the market the same 
month. It combines the attractive design of a two-door 
coupé with the functionality of four doors and space 
to spare. A particularly important event for the BMW 
Group took place in June, namely the market launch of 
the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which offers the 
dynamics of a high-performance sports model with low 
fuel consumption and emissions levels.

July saw the sales launch of the new BMW X4, a vehicle 
that possesses the sporty elegance of a classic coupé, 
 superbly crossed with the typical characteristics of the 
BMW X series. The model update of the BMW X3 fol-
lowed the same month. The new BMW 2 Series Active 
Tourer and the BMW M4 Convertible have been on 
 display in dealership showrooms since September. The 
new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer opens up completely 
new customer groups, meeting their needs for versa-
tility, functionality and ample spaciousness in the com-
pact segment. The BMW M4 Convertible’s design lan-
guage conveys an unmistakeably stylish and at the same 
time muscular profile. The second-generation BMW X6, 
which boasts a luxurious interior design and new fea-
tures with a wider range of standard equipment, has been 
in the showrooms since December 2014.

New MINI also available in five-door version
The third generation of the three-door MINI entered the 
showrooms in March. The new MINI has been received 
enthusiastically, with its new possibilities for connectivity 

42

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26     Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators
29    Review of Operations

29    Automotive Segment
35    Motorcycles Segment
36    Financial Services Segment
38    Research and Development
40    Purchasing
41    Sales and Marketing
44    Workforce
45    Sustainability

49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

and efficient 3- and 4-cylinder TwinPower turbo engines. 
For the first time in its 55-year history, a five-door ver-
sion of the MINI has been available since October. The 
two MINI models have received the highest acclaim 
both in the media and from customers. The model up-
dates of the MINI Countryman and MINI Paceman were 
both launched in July. In December, the BMW Group 
announced the new John Cooper Works MINI, which will 
be available on markets worldwide from spring 2015.

Start-up of Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II
The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II has been in the show-
rooms since the autumn with a moderately revised 
 design and continues to combine smooth, understated 
performance with contemporary luxury.

In 2014, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars added ten dealerships 
to its sales network, an important step in its aspiration 
to strengthen its position in the ultra-luxury segment.

New approach to communications with #BMWstories
BMW is breaking new ground in communications 
with #BMWstories. The online platform www.bmw.
com / BMWstories offers a broad spectrum of commu-
nication channels. These include films and photo gal-
leries depicting the special features of BMW models. 
Since #BMWstories started in May 2014, the online 
platform has received more than 3.5 million hits. Over 
200 million interactions have already taken place in 
 social media. The published videos have been viewed 
over 36 million times.

Successful launch of BMW i 360°ELECTRIC
With BMW i 360°ELECTRIC, BMW currently offers a 
comprehensive package of products and services for 
purely battery-powered and plug-in hybrid vehicles in 
38 countries worldwide. The package is based on four 
features: comfortable, rapid, emissions-free charging at 
home; simple comprehensive access to public charging 
stations; flexible mobility for long-distance journeys 
and an Assistance Service for maintenance and repairs. 
BMW offers two types of product for charging at home: 
in addition to the Wallbox Pure for simple, safe charging, 
the Wallbox Pro has been available since 2014 for more 
rapid availability.

worldwide. In the meantime, 95 % of all new vehicles in 
the BMW fleet are equipped with an integrated SIM 
card.

In addition to its intelligent emergency call feature, 
which already offers a broader range of functions than 
the E-call required by EU legislation as from 2016, the 
customer can benefit from a large number of innova-
tive services. These include the Concierge Call, which 
is available around the clock and – if required – looks 
up addresses and feeds them directly into the naviga-
tion system or makes reservations directly. In addi-
tion, the real-time traffic information (RTTI) or the re-
mote functions, for example, offer useful support for 
the driver.

In addition, further distribution channels have been 
 established for mobility services. During the year under 
report, the ConnectedDrive Store opened not only in 
the pilot markets of Belgium and Luxembourg, but also 
in Germany. For the first time in the premium segment, 
services can therefore be ordered quickly and easily via 
a PC or even directly from the vehicle, and used straight 
away. The ConnectedDrive Store therefore grants ac-
cess not only to new vehicles but also to used vehicles 
equipped with ConnectedDrive.

BMW i sales model
To coincide with the market launch of the BMW i3 in 
Europe and Japan, a direct sales model was successfully 
introduced in these markets. Over 200 selected BMW i 
partners offer BMW i brand vehicles. In addition, the 
BMW i models are available in selected direct sales mar-
kets via new distribution channels – including via the 
Customer Interaction Centre (CIC), which has been suc-
cessfully introduced in nine markets. In four markets 
to start with, the Mobile Sales Advisor (MSA) has also 
become a fixed component of the BMW i sales model. 
The integrated BMW i online sales platform enables cus-
tomers to order their BMW i3 via the Internet, too. The 
new sales channels provide customer-friendly access to 
the BMW i range of products and services. In the show-
rooms, the Product Genius in operation at all BMW i 
partners also contributes to comprehensive product 
 advice.

Development of connected mobility
The BMW Group further extended its connected mobil-
ity services in 2014. In total, BMW ConnectedDrive ser-
vices were introduced in a further eleven markets, as a 
result of which they are now available in 36 countries 

Premium services for individual mobility
Beyond its innovative electric and hybrid cars, BMW i 
also stands for sustainable mobility concepts. The aim 
of the mobility services is to promote urban mobility, 
 irrespective of the means of transport used.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future Retail comprises:
–   new and additional opportunities to make contact 
with our brands (for example, the BMW and MINI 
Driving Center in South Korea and BMW Brandstore 
Brussels),

–   comprehensively improved dealerships, which offer 

a premium experience, and

–   targeted support for dealerships, enabling customer 

needs to be met even more effectively.

The use of some 1,900 Product Geniuses worldwide in 
more than 1,000 dealerships has proved to be particu-
larly successful.

43   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

DriveNow, the car-sharing service offered by BMW i, 
MINI and Sixt, enables users to rent BMW and MINI 
vehicles according to their needs. Via an app, the web-
site or directly on the road, it is a simple matter for users 
to find, book and park the cars again in another part 
of the city. The DriveNow service is currently available 
in Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne, San 
Francisco, Vienna and, since December 2014, in London, 
too. The fleet currently consists of about 2,800 cars. At 
the end of 2014, over 390,000 customers had benefited 
from the premium car-sharing service. Under the brand 
name AlphaCity, we also offer a car-sharing scheme 
for businesses. Up to November 2014, 10,000 registered 
employees had used the AlphaCity service.

ParkNow is an app- and Web-based service, which helps 
resolve parking problems for users. On the one hand, 
parking spaces are available to customers in partner car 
parks which can be booked online. On the other hand, 
the service makes it easier to find roadside parking spots. 
ChargeNow is the BMW i mobility service that sim-
plifies finding and using public charging stations run by 
various suppliers belonging to an international net-
work. In 2014, a large proportion of BMW i customers 
opted for this service. ChargeNow currently has over 
24,000 charging points at its disposal in 19 markets.

BMW i Ventures was founded back in 2011 to ensure 
optimum conditions for the use and promotion of inno-
vative mobility services. Based in New York, BMW i 
Ventures facilitates access to new technologies and opens 
up new customer groups, thereby reinforcing the strate-
gic approach adopted by BMW i. Life360, MyCityWay, 
JustPark, ChargePoint and ChargeMaster are examples 
of some of BMW i Ventures’ strategic investments.

Customer services remain on track in 2014
In 2014, sales of BMW and MINI spare parts, accessories 
and services were well up on the previous year’s level, 
with the major markets in the USA, Germany and China 
making a decisive contribution to this performance. 
Growth was also registered in many other markets, such 
as Russia, Korea and South Africa. The dynamic growth 
in business goes hand in hand with investments in the 
future logistics network and with many other measures 
aimed at boosting customer satisfaction.

New premium experience in showrooms
By 2017, the Future Retail programme will be imple-
mented worldwide with a view to enhancing the pre-
mium experience of our brands and products.

44

WORKFORCE

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26     Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators
29    Review of Operations

29    Automotive Segment
35    Motorcycles Segment
36    Financial Services Segment
38    Research and Development
40    Purchasing
41    Sales and Marketing
44    Workforce
45    Sustainability

49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

Workforce further increased
The BMW Group’s worldwide workforce had grown to a 
total of 116,324 employees at 31 December 2014 (2013: 
110,351 employees; + 5.4 %). The increase was attribut-
able mainly to the expansion of our international produc-
tion network and the increased scale of development 
 activities to generate innovations and new technologies 
for the future. Engineers and skilled staff were recruited 
specifically for this purpose.

More apprentices worldwide
Some 1,500 young people, including 1,200 in Germany, 
began their vocational training with the BMW Group in 
2014, representing a significant expansion in worldwide 
training activities (2013: 1,363 apprentices). At the end 
of the reporting period, 4,595 young people worldwide 
were in vocational training and training programmes for 
young talent with the BMW Group.

Steep rise in investment in employee training
Expenditure on basic and further training rose signifi-
cantly during the period under review to €335 million 
(2013: €288 million; + 16.3 %), with the main focus of 
training on electromobility, modern production tech-
niques and healthcare programmes.

Further progress made as attractive employer
In 2014, the BMW Group further strengthened its posi-
tion as one of the most attractive employers in the world. 
In “The World’s Most Attractive Employers”, published 
by the agency “Universum”, the BMW Group was once 
again ranked as the best German employer across all 
sectors and the most attractive automotive company in 
the world. It is now classified in the top 3 in the engineer-
ing category worldwide.

In Trendence’s “European Graduate Barometer”, too, the 
BMW Group’s ranking improved. In Trendence’s “Young 
Professional Barometer”, the BMW Group occupied first 
place for the third year in a row and even managed to 
increase the gap to its competitors. Furthermore, in the 

BMW Group apprentices at 31 December

4,500 

3,750 

3,000 

2,250 

1,500 

    750 

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

3,798 

3,899 

4,266 

4,445  4,595 

Trendence “Graduate Barometer Germany”, with first 
place in the Business category, second place in Engineer-
ing and third place in IT students, the BMW Group 
achieved its best results since 2007.

Diversity ensures competitiveness
Diversity in our workforce makes a major contribution 
to improving our competitiveness, by equipping us to 
respond even better to our customers’ specific needs 
and  requirements worldwide. We focus on three criteria 
in this respect: gender, cultural background and age / 
 experience.

A number of steps were taken to promote diversity in 
the BMW Group during 2014. The proportion of women 
in the workforce as a whole, in management positions 
and in training programmes for young talent, again rose 
during the year under report. The proportion of women 
in the BMW Group’s workforce, which stood at 17.8 % 
(BMW AG: 14.8 %) currently exceeds the target range of 
15 to 17 %. The proportion of women in BMW Group 
management positions rose to 14.2 % (BMW AG: 11.4 %). 
In the young talent groups, too, the proportion of women 
rose in 2014. Female representation in trainee pro-
grammes is already above 50 %, and over 27 % of partici-
pants in student training programmes are women.

BMW Group employees 

Automotive

Motorcycles

Financial Services

Other

BMW Group

 31.12. 2014

 31.12. 2013

 106,064

 100,682

 2,894

 7,245

 121

 2,726

 6,823

 120

116,324

110,351

 Change
in %

 5.3

 6.2

 6.2

 0.8

5.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
45   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Proportion of non-tariff female employees at  
BMW AG / BMW Group 
in %

14 

13 

12 

11 

10 

  9 

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

  BMW AG  

  BMW Group  

8.8 

11.1 

9.1 

11.8 

10.0 
12.7 *    

10.9 

  11.4 

13.8 

  14.2 

* Figure adjusted.

At the same time, the workforce in Germany is also 
 becoming more international. In Munich alone, em-
ployees from 98 different countries work  together 
 successfully. We also attach importance to a balanced 
age structure in the workforce, with a view to promot-
ing exchanges between the generations and mitigating 
the loss of know-how when older employees retire.

Employee attrition rate at BMW AG*
as a percentage of workforce

7.0 

6.0 

5.0 

4.0 

3.0 

2.0 

1.0 

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

2.74 

  2.16 

  3.87 

  3.47 

  1.41 

* Number of employees on unlimited employment contracts leaving the Company.

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainable management
Sustainability for the BMW Group means making a 
lasting positive contribution to economic success, thus 
creating added value for the business. Manufacturing 
with efficient and resource-friendly production pro-
cesses and offering customers state-of-the-art solutions 
for sustainable individual mobility gives the BMW 
Group a competitive advantage. Our employees play a 
vital role in this context with their personal commit-
ment and ideas, a fact borne out, for example, by the 
€ 31 million saved in 2014 alone in conjunction with 
the ideas management system in place throughout the 
BMW Group. Our commitment to sustainable manage-
ment and our aspiration for social responsibility along 
the entire value chain are firmly embedded within the 
BMW Group.

As well as requiring social and ecological aspects to be 
taken into account in internal decision-making pro-
cesses, the BMW Group’s sustainability management 
system involves the systematic analysis of external fac-
tors and a continual dialogue with our stakeholders.

Materiality process
Global megatrends such as urbanisation or climate 
change have an impact on both regulatory conditions 
and customer requirements, causing new fields of 
business to arise. In order to recognise any such 
changes in good time, we regularly perform a review 
 using our materiality  process. In this context, we ana-
lyse the importance of challenges on society, both from 
the point of view of different stakeholder groups and 
from an internal BMW Group perspective. The results 
of the materiality analysis – shown in the materiality 
matrix – form the basis for our regular verification of 
the direction our sustainability strategy is taking.

Sustainability ratings
In 2014 the BMW Group was able to maintain its posi-
tion as most sustainable premium manufacturer in the 
automotive industry and again secured excellent plac-
ings in widely regarded ratings. In the Dow Jones Sus-
tainability Indices (DJSI), for instance, the BMW Group 
took first place in the Automobiles sector. The BMW 
Group is therefore the only enterprise in this sector to 
have been listed in the index without interruption since 
its inception. In the Global 500 rating of the Carbon 
Disclosure Project (CDP), we again achieved 100 out of 
a possible 100 points for transparent reporting and the 
best mark for climate protection measures, thus retaining 
our leading position again in 2014. Based on this result, 
the BMW Group is listed with the highest performance 
score “A” in the global Climate Performance Leadership 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26     Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators
29    Review of Operations

29    Automotive Segment
35    Motorcycles Segment
36    Financial Services Segment
38    Research and Development
40    Purchasing
41    Sales and Marketing
44    Workforce
45    Sustainability

49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

46

Materiality matrix

Importance for stakeholders

Product 
safety

Environmental and social standards in the supply chain 
Anti-corruption / compliance 

Future mobility / mobility services 

Efficient use  
of resources  
and recycling  
management


  Energy supply

  CO2 emissions  

and climate change

  Alternative drivetrain 

technologies

 Water

Corporate Citizenship 

Further education and training 

 Human rights / Occupational health and safety

 Demographic change

  Biodiversity

 Diversity

 Work-life balance

 Donations / sponsoring

 Corporate volunteering

Importance for BMW Group

Index (CPLI) – as the only automotive producer for five 
consecutive years. The BMW Group was also included in 
the British FTSE4Good Index again in 2014.

Clean production
The BMW Group improves resource efficiency by inte-
grating environmental management in all of its produc-
tion processes. Since 2006 we have reduced both the 
volume of resources utilised and the emissions per vehi-
cle produced by an average of 45.0 %.*

The individual figures are as follows:

The BMW Group again reduced the energy consump-
tion per vehicle produced by 4.7 % to 2.25 MWh during 
the period under report. One of the measures that con-
tributed towards the efficiency improvement was the 
utilisation of intelligent energy data management. It is a 
component of the BMW Group’s “Industrie 4.0” pro-
duction concept and based on intelligent electricity me-
ters that continually measure the energy consumption 
levels of production facilities and robots and compare 
them with a centralised corporate network for the pur-
pose of detecting and avoiding, at the earliest possible 
stage, any deviations that lead to excessive electricity 
consumption.

Energy consumption

Water consumption

Process wastewater

Non-recyclable waste

Solvent emissions

CO2 emissions

  – 34.2 %  

  – 33.1 %  

  – 42.7 %  

  – 74.0 %  

  – 48.6 %  

  – 37.1 %  

The utilisation of highly efficient, ecologically sustain-
able combined heat and power plants (CHPs) and the 
use of electricity generated from renewable sources at 
our production sites, as well as improved energy effi-
ciency measures, enabled us to reduce CO2 emissions 
per vehicle produced by a further 2.9 % year-on-year to 
0.66 tonnes during the period under report.

In 2014 we reduced both the volume of resources utilised 
and the emissions per vehicle produced by an average 
of 6.7 % compared with the previous year, giving rise to 
savings of € 15.8 million.

*  Including joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., Shenyang, excluding  
contract production.

At 2.18 m³ per vehicle produced, water consumption 
was maintained at a stable low level. At 0.47 m³ the same 
applies to the volume of process wastewater generated 
per vehicle produced.

The volume of non-recyclable production waste was 
further reduced to 4.93 kg per vehicle produced in 2014, 
an improvement of 14.0 %. A number of measures con-
tributed towards this development, one of which was 
an additional improvement in the treatment of washing 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
47   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Energy consumed* per vehicle produced
in MWh / vehicle

Water consumption* per vehicle produced
in m3 / vehicle

3.00 

2.80 

2.60 

2.40 

2.20 

2.00 

2.80 

2.60 

2.40 

2.20 

2.00 

1.80 

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

2.72 

2.43 

2.41 

2.36 

2.25 

2.40 

2.25 

2.22 

2.18 

2.18 

* Excluding contract production, adjusted for CHP losses.

* Excluding contract production.

water used in the production of passenger car brake 
discs at the Berlin plant.

Solvent emissions were sharply curtailed by 18.9 % 
to 1.29 kg per vehicle produced during 2014, which is 
mainly due to the fact that in the Chinese plant in 
 Dadong* the retrofitting of the paint shop with an ex-
haust air cleaning system was reflected in full-year 
 statistics for the first time. 
*  Joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., Shenyang.

Sustainability along the entire value chain
Sustainability criteria also play a major role in the selec-
tion and assessment of our suppliers as well as in the 
field of transport logistics. The active management of 
sustainability risks along the supplier chain reduces com-
pliance and image risks. With this in mind, the BMW 
Group has integrated a comprehensive system of sustain-
ability management in its purchasing processes.

The amount of energy needed for transportation world-
wide has risen considerably in recent years. In order to 
keep CO2 emissions to an absolute minimum, we adhere 
to the principle “production follows the market”. More-
over, we are continually increasing the percentage of 
low-carbon modes of transport we use. In total, 63.3 % 
of all new vehicles left our plants by rail during the twelve-
month period under report (2013: 60.7 %).

Fleet CO2 emissions again reduced
For many years now, the use of our Efficient Dynamics 
technologies in series production has enabled us to 
continually reduce the CO2 emissions generated by our 
vehicles. Again in 2014, further progress was made in 
the electrification of our fleet with the introduction of 
the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car and the launching 
of the BMW i3 in additional key markets. These meas-
ures form the basis for complying with legally stipulated 
CO2 and fuel consumption limits going into the future.

CO2 emissions* per vehicle produced
in t / vehicle

Process wastewater* per vehicle produced
in m3 / vehicle

0.90 

0.85 

0.80 

0.75 

0.70 

0.65 

0.70 

0.60 

0.50 

0.40 

0.30 

0.20 

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

0.89 

0.75 

0.72 

0.68 

0.66 

0.60 

0.57 

0.51 

0.47 

0.47 

* Excluding contract production, adjusted for CHP losses.

* Excluding contract production.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26     Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators
29    Review of Operations

29    Automotive Segment
35    Motorcycles Segment
36    Financial Services Segment
38    Research and Development
40    Purchasing
41    Sales and Marketing
44    Workforce
45    Sustainability

49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

48

Waste for disposal* per vehicle produced
in kg / vehicle

15.0 

12.5 

10.0 

  7.5 

  5.0 

  2.5 

Volatile organic compounds (VOC)*  
per vehicle produced
in kg / vehicle

2.00 

1.75 

1.50 

1.25 

1.00 

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

10.49 

8.49 

6.47 

5.73 

4.93 

1.66 

1.75 

1.78 

1.59 

1.29 

* Excluding contract production.

* Excluding contract production.

Between 1995 and 2014, the average CO2 emissions of 
the vehicles we sold in Europe fell by 38 %. In 2014, 
the BMW Group’s fleet of new vehicles sold in Europe 
(EU-28) consumed an average of 4.9 litres of diesel per 
100 km and 6.0 litres of petrol respectively. CO2 emis-
sions averaged 130 grams per km. In Germany, too, 
we led the field among premium-segment manufac-
turers with  average CO2 emissions of 136 grams per 
km. In 2014 the BMW Group’s fleet included as many 
as 53 models emitting less than 120 grams of CO2 per 
km. Our efficient technologies have given us a com-
petitive edge, particularly in markets where a CO2-
based  vehicle tax is levied.

Further information on the subject of sustainability in 
the BMW Group is available in our online sustainability 
report at: www.bmwgroup.com / sustainability. The 
Sustainable Value Report 2014 was prepared in accord-
ance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI G3.1) 
guideline and, at Level A+ (GRI-tested), fulfils the 
highest application level of the GRI guideline. It will be 
 published in conjunction with the Annual Report 2014.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Report on Economic Position
Results of Operations, Financial Position and Net Assets

Earnings performance1
The BMW Group is again able to report on an exceed-
ingly successful financial year. Business performance 
 remained on track, with sales volume, revenues and 
earnings all coming in at record levels. The number of 
BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles sold rose 
by 7.9 % to 2,117,9652 units. The BMW brand was again 
able to maintain its pole position at the head of the 
 premium segment.

The BMW Group recorded a net profit of € 5,817 mil-
lion (2013: € 5,329 million) for the financial year ended 
31 December 2014. The post-tax return on sales was 
7.2 % (2013: 7.0 %). Earnings per share of common and 
preferred stock were € 8.83 and € 8.85 respectively (2013: 
€ 8.08 and € 8.10 respectively).

Revenues of the BMW Group increased year-on-year by 
5.7 % to a new record figure of € 80,401 million (2013: 
€ 76,059 million), driven primarily by the continued up-
ward trend in sales volume. The scale of the increase 
was held down partly by higher inter-segment revenue 
eliminations due to the growth of new lease business 
and partly by the change in the average exchange rates 

of a number of currencies, including the Japanese yen, 
Russian rouble and South African rand. Adjusted for 
exchange rate factors, revenues increased by 6.8 %.

Revenues comprise mainly the sale of vehicles and related 
products (2014: € 60,280 million; 2013: € 56,812 million), 
lease instalments (2014: € 7,748 million; 2013: € 7,296 mil-
lion), the sale of vehicles previously leased to customers 
(2014: € 6,716 million; 2013: € 6,412 million) and interest 
income on loan financing (2014: € 2,881 million; 2013: 
€ 2,868 million).

All segments contributed to the increase in revenues. 
External revenues from the sale of BMW, MINI and 
Rolls-Royce brand cars grew by 6.0 % on the back of 
higher sales volumes. Adjusted for exchange rate fac-
tors, revenues went up by 7.3 %. Compared to the 
 pre vious year, the BMW Group recorded a significant 
rise (11.8 %) in external revenues from its Motorcycles 
business. External revenues generated with Financial 
Services business was 4.4 % up on the previous year. 
 Adjusted for exchange rate factors, revenues of the Motor-
cycles and Financial Services segments increased by 
14.1 % and 4.5 % respectively.

Group Income Statement
in € million

Revenues

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Selling and administrative expenses

Other operating income

Other operating expenses

Profit before financial result

 Result from equity accounted investments

 Interest and similar income

 Interest and similar expenses

 Other financial result

Financial result

Profit before tax

Income taxes

Net profit

1  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.
2  Including the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd.,  Shenyang (2013: 198,542 units, 2014: 275,891 units).

 2014

 20131

 80,401

  – 63,396

17,005

 76,059

  – 60,791

15,268

  – 7,892

  – 7,257

 877

  – 872

9,118

 655

 200

  – 519

  – 747

  – 411

8,707

 842

  – 875

7,978

 407

 183

  – 469

  – 206

  – 85

7,893

  – 2,890

5,817

  – 2,564

5,329

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
50

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

As in the previous year, Group revenues are spread 
across all regions, with the Europe region (including 
Germany) accounting for 46.8 % (2013: 45.2 %), the 
Americas region for 20.7 % (2013: 20.7 %) and the Africa, 
Asia and Oceania region for 32.5 % (2013: 34.1 %) of 
business.

Revenues in the Africa, Asia and Oceania region to-
talled € 26,147 million (2013: € 25,916 million), roughly 
at the previous year’s level (+ 0.9 %). In China, the 
higher proportion of sales generated by the joint ven-
ture, BMW Brilliance Ltd., Shenyang, resulted in a slight 
decrease in revenues reported for this market. By con-
trast, revenues generated in South Korea were up sig-
nificantly on the back of higher sales volume figures. 
External revenue in Germany grew by 10.1 %. In the 
Rest of Europe region and in the Americas region, ex-
ternal revenues increased by 9.2 % and 5.3 % respec-
tively.

Group cost of sales were 4.3 % higher than in the pre-
vious year and comprise mainly manufacturing costs 
(2014: € 38,253 million; 2013: € 36,578 million), cost of 
sales directly attributable to financial services (2014: 
€ 14,716 million; 2013: € 14,044 million) and research 
and development expenses (2014: € 4,135 million; 2013: 
€ 4,118 million). Changes in the average exchange rates 
of some currencies as well as inter-segment elimina-
tions worked in the opposite direction.

Gross profit improved by 11.4 % to € 17,005 million, re-
sulting in a gross profit margin of 21.2 % (2013: 20.1 %).

The gross profit margin recorded by the Automotive 
segment was 18.6 % (2013: 18.2 %), while that of the 
 Motorcycles segment was 18.7 % (2013: 16.7 %). In the 
Financial Services segment, the gross profit margin 
 improved from 13.1 % to 13.7 %.

Compared to the previous year, research and develop-
ment expenses increased by € 17 million to € 4,135 mil-
lion. As a percentage of revenues, the research and 
 development ratio fell by 0.3 percentage points to 5.1 %. 
Research and development expenses include amorti-
sation of capitalised development costs amounting to 
€ 1,068 million (2013: € 1,069 million). Total research 
and development expenditure amounted to € 4,566 mil-
lion (2013: € 4,793 million). This figure comprises re-
search costs, non-capitalised development costs and 
capitalised development costs (excluding scheduled 

 amortisation). The research and development expend-
iture ratio was therefore 5.7 % (2013: 6.3 %). The pro-
portion of development costs recognised as assets was 
32.8 % (2013: 36.4 %).

Compared to the previous year, selling and administra-
tive expenses increased by € 635 million to € 7,892 mil-
lion. Overall, selling and administrative expenses were 
equivalent to 9.8 % (2013: 9.5 %) of revenues. Adminis-
trative expenses increased due to a number of factors, 
including the higher workforce size and higher expenses 
for centralised IT activities and new IT projects. Depre-
ciation and amortisation on property, plant and equip-
ment and intangible assets recorded in cost of sales and 
in selling and administrative expenses amounted to 
€ 4,170 million (2013: € 3,741 million).

Other operating income and expenses improved from 
a net expense of € 33 million to a net income of € 5 mil-
lion. The improvement was mainly attributable to gains 
on the sale of assets, including those arising on the 
 deconsolidation of Noord Lease B.V., Groningen, and 
the sale of marketable securities.

The profit before financial result (EBIT) came in at 
€ 9,118 million (2013: € 7,978 million).

The financial result for the twelve-month period was a 
net negative amount of € 411 million, a deterioration 
of € 326 million compared to the previous year. The net 
expense for other financial result increased by € 541 mil-
lion to € 747 million, mostly reflecting the negative 
 impact of currency and commodity derivatives. Impair-
ment losses recognised on other investments, most 
 notably on the investment in SGL Carbon SE, Wiesbaden, 
also contributed to the deterioration in other financial 
result. By contrast, the result from equity accounted in-
vestments – which includes the Group’s share of the 
 results of the joint ventures BMW Brilliance Automotive 
Ltd., Shenyang, DriveNow GmbH & Co. KG, Munich, 
and DriveNow Verwaltungs GmbH, Munich – improved 
by € 248 million.

Profit before tax increased to € 8,707 million (2013: 
€ 7,893 million). The pre-tax return on sales was 10.8 % 
(2013: 10.4 %).

Income tax expense amounted to € 2,890 million (2013: 
€ 2,564 million), resulting in an effective tax rate of 
33.2 % (2013: 32.5 %). The changed regional earnings 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
51   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Revenues by segment
in € million

Profit / loss before tax by segment
in € million

 2014

 2013*

Automotive

Motorcycles

Financial Services

Other Entities

Eliminations

Group

 75,173

 1,679

 20,599

 7

   – 17,057

80,401

 70,630

 1,504

 19,874

Automotive

Motorcycles

Financial Services

 6

Other Entities

  – 15,955

76,059

Eliminations

Group

 2014

 6,886

 107

 1,723

 154

  – 163

8,707

 2013*

 6,561

 76

 1,619

 164

  – 527

7,893

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

mix as well as intergroup pricing issues contributed to 
the increase in the income tax expense for the year.

Earnings performance by segment
Revenues of the Automotive segment grew by 6.4 % to 
€ 75,173 million on the back of higher sales volume. 
 Adjusted for exchange rate factors, segment revenues 
rose by 7.5 %. The gross profit margin improved year-
on-year from 18.2 % to 18.6 %.

Compared to the previous year, selling and administra-
tive expenses increased by € 531 million to € 6,645 mil-
lion. Administrative expenses increased due to a num-
ber of factors, including the higher workforce size and 
higher expenses for centralised IT activities and new 
IT projects. Overall, selling and administrative expenses 
were equivalent to 8.8 % (2013: 8.7 %) of revenues.

The net expense from other operating income and ex-
penses improved by € 26 million (2013: net expense of 
€ 89 million), mainly reflecting gains on the sale of mar-
ketable securities.

The profit before financial result (EBIT) amounted to 
€ 7,244 million (2013: € 6,649 million), giving an EBIT 
margin of 9.6 % (2013: 9.4 %).

The financial result of the Automotive segment was a 
net negative amount of € 358 million, a deterioration 
of € 270 million compared to the previous year. Other 
 financial result was adversely affected by currency 
and commodity derivatives and fell to a net negative 
amount of € 724 million. This figure also includes im-
pairment losses recognised on other investments, 
most notably on the investment in SGL Carbon SE, 
Wiesbaden. By contrast, the result from equity ac-

counted investments – which includes the segment’s 
share of the results of BMW Brilliance Automotive 
Ltd., Shenyang, and the two DriveNow entities – im-
proved by € 248 million.

Overall, profit before tax amounted to € 6,886 million 
(2013: € 6,561 million), resulting in an effective tax rate 
of 34.3 % (2013: 32.8 %).

Revenues of the Motorcycles segment climbed by 11.6 % 
compared to the previous year (by 14.0 % adjusted for 
exchange rate factors).

Segment profit before tax improved by € 31 million to 
€ 107 million.

Financial Services segment revenues grew by 3.6 % to 
€ 20,599 million (by 3.8 % adjusted for exchange rate 
 factors). The segment’s performance reflects the growth 
in the contract portfolio. The gross profit margin im-
proved year-on-year to 13.7 % (2013: 13.1 %). Selling and 
administrative expenses were € 82 million higher at 
€ 1,035 million. The net negative amount from other oper-
ating income and expenses deteriorated by € 17 million. 
Overall the Financial Services segment reports profit 
before tax of € 1,723 million, 6.4 % up on the previous 
year (2013: € 1,619 million).

Profit before tax in the Other Entities segment, at 
€ 154 million, was € 10 million lower than one year 
 earlier.

The negative impact on earnings at the level of profit 
before tax reported in the Eliminations column de-
creased from € 527 million in 2013 to € 163 million in 
2014, partly reflecting product mix improvements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
52

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

within the leased products portfolio and partly due to 
elimination reversal effects.

Financial position*
The consolidated cash flow statements for the Group 
and the Automotive and Financial Services segments 
show the sources and applications of cash flows for the 
financial years 2014 and 2013, classified into cash flows 
from operating, investing and financing activities. 
Cash and cash equivalents in the cash flow statements 
correspond to the amount disclosed in the balance 
sheet.

Cash flows from operating activities are determined in-
directly, starting with Group and segment net profit. 
By contrast, cash flows from investing and financing 
 activities are based on actual payments and receipts.

The cash inflow from operating activities in 2014 de-
creased by € 1,215 million to € 2,912 million. This dete-
rioration was mainly due to higher cash outflows for 
taxes (up by € 1,465 million) and included, among other 
items, a tax payment in the USA.

The cash outflow for investing activities amounted to 
€ 6,116 million (2013: € 7,491 million) and was therefore 

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

18.4 % down on the previous year, primarily reflecting a 
€ 594 million reduction in investments in property, plant 
and equipment and intangible assets (2014: € 6,099 mil-
lion) and a € 737 million reduction in the net outflow for 
investments in marketable securities and term deposits 
(2014: net outflow of € 144 million).

Further information on investments is provided in the 
section on the net assets position.

Cash inflow from financing activities totalled € 3,133 mil-
lion (2013: € 2,703 million). Proceeds from the issue of 
bonds amounted to € 10,892 million (2013: € 8,982 mil-
lion), compared with an outflow of € 7,249 million (2013: 
€ 7,242 million) for the repayment of bonds. Non-cur-
rent other financial liabilities resulted in a cash inflow 
of € 5,900 million (2013: € 6,626 million) and a cash 
 outflow of € 5,697 million (2013: € 4,996 million). The 
net cash inflow for current other financial liabilities 
was € 2,132 million (2013: net cash outflow of € 721 mil-
lion). The change in commercial paper gave rise to 
a net cash outflow of € 1,012 million (2013: net cash 
 inflow of € 1,812 million). The payment of dividends 
 resulted in a cash outflow of € 1,715 million (2013: 
€ 1,653 million).

The cash outflow from investing activities exceeded 
the cash inflow from operating activities in 2014 by 

Change in cash and cash equivalents
in € million

11,000 

10,000 

  9,000 

  8,000 

  7,000 

  6,000 

  5,000 

  4,000 

  3,000 

  2,000 

  1,000 

 Cash and cash 
 equivalents 
 31.12. 2013* 

 Cash inflow  
 from operating  
 activities  

 Cash outflow 
 from investing 
activities  

 Cash inflow 
 from financing 
 activities 

 Currency trans- 
 lation, changes in 
   Group composition 

 Cash and cash 
 equivalents 
31.12. 2014 

       7,671 

+ 2,912  

– 6,116 

+ 3,133 

+ 88 

7,688 

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
53   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

€ 3,204 million. A similar constellation arose in the 
same  period last year, when the cash outflow from 
 investing activities had exceeded the cash inflow from 
operating activities by € 3,364.

After adjusting for the effects of exchange-rate fluctua-
tions and changes in the composition of the BMW Group 
with a total positive amount of € 88 million (2013: 
 negative amount of € 42 million), the various cash flows 
resulted in an increase of cash and cash equivalents of 
€ 17 million (2013: decrease of € 703 million).

The cash flow statement for the Automotive segment 
shows that the cash inflow from operating activities 
 exceeded the cash outflow from investing activities by 
€ 3,587 million (2013: € 1,966 million). Adjusted for net 
proceeds from marketable securities and term deposits 
amounting to € 106 million (2013: net investments of 
€ 1,037 million) – mainly in conjunction with securities 
held for strategic liquidity purposes – the excess amount 
was € 3,481 million (2013: € 3,003 million).

Free cash flow of the Automotive segment can be ana-
lysed as follows:

in € million 

Cash inflow from operating activities

Cash outflow from investing activities

Net investment in marketable securities and term deposits

Free cash flow Automotive segment 

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

Cash outflows from operating activities of the Financial 
Services segment are driven primarily by cash flows 
 relating to leased products and receivables from sales 
 financing and totalled € 4,715 million (2013: € 5,358 mil-
lion). Investing activities resulted in a cash outflow of 
€ 297 million (2013: cash inflow of € 324 million).

 2014

 2013*

 9,423

  – 5,836

  – 106

3,481

 9,964

  – 7,998

 1,037

3,003

Net financial assets of the Automotive segment com-
prise the following:

in € million 

 31.12. 2014

 31.12. 20131

Cash and cash equivalents

Marketable securities and investment funds

Intragroup net financial receivables

Financial assets

Less: external financial liabilities2

Net financial assets

1  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.
2 Excluding derivative financial instruments.

 5,752

 3,366

 8,583

17,701

  – 3,478

14,223

 6,775

 2,758

 4,411

13,944

  – 1,859

12,085

Refinancing
Operating cash flow provides a stable financial basis for 
the BMW Group. A broadly based range of instruments 
transacted on international money and capital markets  

is used to refinance worldwide operations. Almost all of 
the funds raised are used to finance the BMW Group’s 
Financial Services business.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
54

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

The overall objective of Group financing is to ensure the 
solvency of the BMW Group at all times. Achieving this 
objective is tackled in three strategic areas:
1.   the ability to act at all times by assuring permanent 
access to strategically important capital markets,
2.   autonomy through the diversification of refinancing 

instruments and investors, and

3.   focus on value by optimising financing costs.

Financing measures undertaken centrally ensure access 
to liquidity for the Group’s operating subsidiaries on 
market-based and consistent loan conditions. Funds are 
acquired with a view to achieving a desired structure 
for the composition of liabilities, comprising a finely 
tuned mix of various financing instruments. The use 
of longer-term financing instruments to finance the 
Group’s financial services business and the mainte-
nance of a sufficiently high liquidity reserve serves to 
avoid the liquidity risk intrinsic to any large portfolio 
of contracts. This prudent approach to financing also 
supports BMW AG’s ratings. Further information is 
provided in the “Liquidity risks” section of the “Report 
on outlook, risks and opportunities”.

Apart from issuing commercial paper on the money 
market, the BMW Group’s financing companies also 
 issue bearer bonds. In addition, retail customer and 
dealer financing receivables on the one hand and 
 leasing rights and obligations on the other are securi-
tised in the form of asset-backed securities (ABS) financ-
ing arrangements. Financing instruments employed 
by the Group’s in-house banks in Germany and the 
USA (e. g. customer deposits) are also used as a supple-
mentary source of financing. Owing to the increased 
use of international money and capital markets to raise 
funds, the scale of funds raised in the form of loans 
from international banks is relatively small.

Thanks to its good ratings and the high level of accept-
ance it has on capital markets, the BMW Group was 
again able to refinance operations during the financial 
year 2014 at attractive conditions. In addition to the 
 issue of bonds and loan notes on the one hand and pri-
vate placements on the other, commercial paper was 
also issued on good conditions. Additional funds were 
raised via new securitised instruments and the prolon-
gation of existing instruments. As in previous years, 
all issues were highly sought after by private and insti-
tutional investors.

BMW Group – financial liabilities
in € million

35,000 

30,000 

25,000 

20,000 

15,000 

10,000 

  5,000 

Maturity (years)  

 within 1 

   between 1 and 5 

 later than 5 

      37,482 

37,974 

5,193 

During 2014, the BMW Group issued five euro bench-
mark bonds with a total issue volume of € 4.25 billion 
on European capital markets. Bonds were also issued 
in Canadian dollars, British pounds, US dollars, Aus-
tralian dollars and other currencies for a total amount 
of € 6.9 billion.

Nine ABS transactions were executed in 2014, including 
two public transactions in the USA and one each in 

BMW Group – financial liabilities
in € million

Other

Derivative instruments

Commercial paper

Asset backed financing 
transactions

Liabilities to banks

Liabilities from customer 
deposits (banking)

Bonds

Liabilities from customer deposits (banking)

Liabilities to banks

Asset backed financing transactions

Commercial paper

Derivative instruments

Other

Bonds

 35,489

 12,466

 11,554

 10,884

 5,599

 3,143

 1,514

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
55   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Germany, China and South Africa with a total volume 
equivalent to € 2.7 billion. Further funds were also raised 
via new ABS conduit transactions in Brazil, Canada, 
and Japan totalling € 0.8 billion. Other existing trans-
actions remained in place in Switzerland, the UK, Korea 
and Australia.

The regular issue of commercial paper also strengthens 
the BMW Group’s financial basis. The following table 
provides an overview of amounts utilised at 31 Decem-
ber 2014 in connection with the BMW Group’s money 
and capital market programmes:

Programme

in € billion

Euro Medium Term Notes

Australian Medium Term Notes

Commercial paper

 Amount utilised

 30.9

  –

 6.1 

The BMW Group’s liquidity position is extremely robust, 
with liquid funds totalling € 11.7 billion on hand at 31 De-
cember 2014. The BMW Group also has access to a 
syndicated credit line of € 6 billion, with a term up to 
October 2018. This credit line, which is provided on 
 attractive conditions by a consortium of 38 international 
banks, had not been utilised at the end of the  reporting 
period.

Further information with respect to financial liabilities 
is provided in notes 35, 39 and 43 to the Group Finan-
cial Statements.

Net assets position*
The Group balance sheet total increased by € 16,426 mil-
lion (11.9 %) compared to the end of the previous finan-
cial year to stand at € 154,803 million at 31 December 
2014. Adjusted for exchange rate factors, the balance 
sheet total increased by 7.5 %.

On the assets side of the balance sheet, the increase in 
non-current assets related primarily to receivables 
from sales financing (14.8 %), leased products (16.4 %), 
property, plant and equipment (13.3 %), investments 

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 accounted for using the equity method (70.5 %), deferred 
tax assets (27.2 %) and intangible assets (5.2 %). At the 
same time, financial assets decreased by 21.9 %.

Within current assets, increases were registered in par-
ticular for receivables from sales financing (9.7 %), in-
ventories (15.6 %), other assets (18.3 %) and current tax 
(65.6 %). Trade receivables went down by 12.1 %.

The growth in business reported by the Financial Ser-
vices segment is reflected in increases of € 2,085 million 
and € 4,822 million in current and non-current receiv-
ables from sales financing respectively and in the higher 
level of leased products (up by € 4,251 million).

Non-current receivables from sales financing accounted 
for 24.2 % (2013: 23.6 %) of total assets, current receiv-
ables from sales financing for 15.2 % (2013: 15.5 %). Total 
receivables from sales financing relate to retail customer 
and dealer financing (€ 45,849 million) and finance leases 
(€ 15,175 million). Adjusted for exchange rate factors, 
non-current receivables from sales financing grew by 
9.1 %, while current receivables from sales financing 
went up by 4.8 %. The currency impact was mainly at-
tributable to the appreciation in the value of a number 
of currencies against the euro, most notably the US dol-
lar, the British pound and the Chinese renminbi.

At the end of the reporting period, leased products 
 accounted for 19.5 % of total assets, above their level 
one year earlier (18.7 %). Adjusted for exchange rate 
factors, leased products went up by 10.2 %.

Property, plant and equipment increased by € 2,014 mil-
lion compared to the previous year. The main focus in 
2014 was on product investments for production start-
ups (including the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, the 
7 Series Sedan and the 2 Series Gran Tourer) and infra-
structure improvements. In total, € 4,539 million (2013: 
€ 4,494 million) was invested, most of which related 
to the Automotive segment. Depreciation on property, 
plant and equipment totalled € 2,924 million (2013: 
€ 2,494 million). At 31 December 2014, property, plant 
and equipment accounted for 11.1 % of total assets (2013: 
11.0 %). Adjusted for exchange rate factors, property, 
plant and equipment increased by 10.8 %. Capital com-
mitments for the acquisition of items of property, plant 

 
 
 
 
 
56

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

Balance sheet structure – Group
Total equity and liabilities in € billion
Non-current assets  

63 %

24 %

38 %

62 %

26 %

37 %

 Equity

 Non-current provisions and liabilities

Current assets  

37 %

38 %

37 %

38 %

 Current provisions and liabilities

 thereof cash and cash equivalents  

5 %

6 %

 2014 

 2013 *     

 2013 *     

 2014 

    155 

138 

138 

155 

Balance sheet structure – Automotive segment
Total equity and liabilities in € billion
Non-current assets  

46 %

46 %

42 %

Current assets  

54 %

54 %

16 %

42 %

39 %

18 %

43 %

 Equity

 Non-current provisions and liabilities

 Current provisions and liabilities

 thereof cash and cash equivalents  

7 %

9 %

 2014 

 2013 *     

 2013 *     

 2014 

      79 

73 

73 

79 

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

and equipment totalled € 2,247 million at the end of the 
reporting period.

of the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., 
Shenyang.

Investments accounted for using the equity method, at 
€ 1,088 million, were € 450 million higher than one year 
earlier, mainly reflecting the strong earnings performance 

Deferred tax assets increased by € 441 million to € 2,061 mil-
lion, primarily reflecting lower fair values of derivative 
 financial instruments recognised directly in equity, 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
57   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

 remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability for 
pension plans and currency factors (in particular relating 
to the US dollar).

Trade receivables – which accounted for 1.4 % of total 
assets (2013: 1.8 %) – went down over the twelve­month 
period by € 296 million. Adjusted for exchange rate fac-
tors, they decreased by 15.8 %.

At € 6,499 million, the carrying amount of intangible as-
sets was € 320 million higher than at 31 December 2013. 
Within intangible assets, capitalised development costs 
rose by € 431 million. Investments in capitalised develop-
ment costs totalled € 1,499 million in the year under re-
port and were thus significantly lower than in the pre-
vious year (2013: € 1,744 million). In the previous year, 
additions to intangible assets included licenses acquired 
for € 379 million which are being amortised on a straight-
line basis over a period of six years. The proportion of 
development costs recognised as assets was 32.8 % (2013: 
36.4 %). Adjusted for exchange rate factors, intangible 
assets increased by 5.1 %. In total, € 1,561 million was in-
vested in intangible assets, most of which related to the 
Automotive segment.

Total capital expenditure on intangible assets and prop-
erty, plant and equipment as a percentage of revenues 
decreased to 7.6 % (2013: 8.8 %). Capital commitments 
for intangible assets totalled € 750 million at the end of 
the reporting period.

Non­current financial assets decreased by € 569 million 
to € 2,024 million, mainly due to lower fair values of cur-
rency derivatives.

Within current assets, receivables from sales financing 
grew from € 21,501 million to € 23,586 million, mostly 
 reflecting the general growth of Financial Services busi-
ness on the one hand and currency factors on the other.

Compared to the end of the previous year, inventories 
increased by € 1,494 million (15.6 %) to € 11,089 million 
and accounted for 7.2 % (2013: 6.9 %) of total assets. Most 
of the increase related to finished goods, including the 
impact of stocking up in conjunction with the introduc-
tion of new models. Adjusted for exchange rate factors, 
the increase was 11.6 %.

Current other assets were € 780 million higher than one 
year earlier, mainly due to increases in prepayments, 
 receivables from other companies in which an invest-
ment is held and other taxes as well as the reclassifica-
tion described in note 31. These increases were partly 
offset by the decrease in collateral receivables included 
in this line item.

At € 7,688 million, cash and cash equivalents were 
 almost identical to their level one year earlier (2013: 
€ 7,671 million).

The main increase on the equity and liabilities side of 
the balance sheet in percentage terms related to pen-
sion provisions (99.9 %). Increases were also recorded 
for non-current and current financial liabilities (9.4 % 
and 21.5 % respectively), equity (5.2 %), current and 
non-current other provisions (32.5 % and 11.5 % respec-
tively) and current and non-current other liabilities 
(10.1 % and 18.7 % respectively). By contrast, current 
tax and deferred tax liabilities went down by 31.4 % and 
19.7 % respectively.

Pension provisions jumped by € 2,301 million to 
€ 4,604 million, mainly as a result of the lower discount 
factors used in Germany, the UK and the USA.

Current and non-current financial liabilities increased 
from € 70,304 to € 80,649 million over the twelve-month 
period. Within financial liabilities, derivative instru-
ments went up from € 1,103 million to € 3,143 million, 
mostly reflecting the negative impact of currency and 
commodity derivatives. Additional increases within 
 financial liabilities included ABS transactions (7.5 %), 
bonds (16.9 %) and liabilities to banks (34.5 %). By con-
trast, commercial paper  decreased by 11.0 %. Adjusted 
for exchange rate factors, non-current and current 
 financial liabilities increased by 5.0 % and 17.1 % respec-
tively.

Group equity rose by € 1,837 million to € 37,437 million, 
increased primarily by the profit attributable to share-
holders of BMW AG (€ 5,798 million) and currency 
translation differences (€ 764 million) and decreased 
mainly by remeasurements of the net defined benefit 
liability for pension plans (€ 2,298 million) mainly due 
to the lower discount rates used in Germany, the United 
Kingdom and the USA. Fair value measurement had a 
negative impact in the case of derivative financial in-
struments (€ 2,194 million) and a positive impact in the 
case of marketable  securities (€ 40 million). Deferred 
taxes on items recognised directly in equity increased 
equity by € 1,438 million.

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

58

Income and expenses relating to equity accounted in-
vestments and recognised directly in equity (before tax) 
reduced equity by € 48 million.

The dividend payment decreased equity by € 1,707 mil-
lion. Minority interests increased by € 29 million. A 
 portion of the Authorised Capital 2014 created at the 
Annual General Meeting held on 14 May 2009 in con-
junction with the Employee Share Programme was used 
during the financial year under report to issue shares 
of preferred stock to employees. An amount of € 15 mil-
lion was transferred to capital reserves in conjunction 
with this share capital increase.

The equity ratio of the BMW Group fell overall by 1.5 per-
centage points to 24.2 %. The equity ratio of the Auto-
motive segment was 39.2 % (2013: 42.4 %) and that of the 
Financial Services segment was 8.8 % (2013: 9.1 %).

Other provisions increased from € 7,240 million to 
€ 8,790 million during the year under report, mainly re-
flecting allocations to provisions for personnel-related 
expenses and ongoing operational expenses as well as 
the reclassification described in note 31.

The € 711 million increase in current other liabilities was 
attributable to the expansion of service and leasing busi-
ness and the related impact on amounts recognised as 
deferred income. In addition, value added tax payables 
were higher than at the end of the previous financial 
year as a result of the higher volume of vehicles sold.

Deferred tax liabilities fell by € 485 million to € 1,974 mil-
lion as a result of lower fair values of derivative financial 
instruments recognised directly in equity, remeasure-
ments of the net defined benefit liability for pension 
plans and currency factors. The € 729 million decrease 
in current tax liabilities to € 1,590 million was mainly at-
tributable to a tax payment in the USA.

Overall, the results of operations, financial position and 
net assets position of the BMW Group continued to de-
velop positively during the financial year under report.

Compensation Report
The compensation of the Board of Management com-
prises both a fixed and a variable component. Benefits 
are also payable – primarily in the form of pension 
 benefits – at the end of members’ mandates. Further 

details, including an analysis of remuneration by each 
individual, are disclosed in the Compensation Report, 
which can be found in the section “Statement on Corpo-
rate Governance”. The Compensation Report is a sub-
section of the Combined Management Report.

Value added statement*
The value added statement shows the value of work per-
formed less the value of work bought in by the BMW 
Group during the financial year. Depreciation and amor-
tisation, cost of materials and other expenses are treated 
as bought-in costs in the value added calculation. The 
allocation statement applies value added to each of the 
participants involved in the value added process. It 
should be noted that the gross value added amount treats 
depreciation as a component of value added which, in 
the allocation statement, is treated as internal financing.

Net value added by the BMW Group in 2014 increased 
by 7.3 % to € 20,620 million and was once again at a high 
level.

The bulk of the net value added (47.4 %) is again applied 
to employees. The proportion applied to providers of 
 finance fell to 8.4 %, mainly due to the lower refinancing 
costs on international capital markets for the financial 
services side of the business. The government / public 
sector (including deferred tax expense) accounted for 
16.0 %. The proportion of net value added applied to 
shareholders, at 9.2 %, was higher than in the previous 
year. Minority interests take a 0.1 % share of net value 
added. The remaining proportion of net value added 
(18.9 %) will be retained in the Group to finance future 
operations.

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
59   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

BMW Group value added statement

Work performed

Revenues

Financial income

Other income

Total output

Cost of materials2

Other expenses

Bought-in costs

Gross value added

Depreciation and amortisation

Net value added

Applied to

Employees

Providers of finance

Government / public sector

Shareholders

Group

Minority interest

Net value added

 2014
in € million

 2014
in %

 20131
in € million

 20131
in %

 Change  
in %

 80,401

 156

 877

81,434

 44,078

 9,012

53,090

 28,344

 7,724

20,620

 9,764

 1,733

 3,306

 1,904

 3,894

 19

 98.7

 0.2

 1.1

100.0

 54.1

 11.1

65.2

 34.8

 9.5

25.3

 47.4

 8.4

 16.0

 9.2

 18.9

 0.1

 76,059

 464

 842

77,365

 42,681

 8,420

51,101

 26,264

 7,047

19,217

 8,992

 1,813

 3,083

 1,707

 3,596

 26

 98.3

 0.6

 1.1

100.0

 55.2

 10.9

66.1

 33.9

 9.1

24.8

 46.9

 9.4

 16.0

 8.9

 18.7

 0.1

20,620

100.0

19,217

100.0

   5.3

   3.9

    7.9

   7.3

 8.6

  – 4.4

 7.2

 11.5

 8.3

  – 26.9

   7.3

1  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.
2 Cost of materials comprises all primary material costs incurred for vehicle production plus ancillary material costs (such as customs duties, insurance premiums and freight).

BMW Group value added 2014
in %

Depreciation and amortisation

Other expenses

  47.4 %  

 Employees

Net value added

Cost of materials

Net value added  

Cost of materials  

 25.3 

 54.1 

Depreciation and amortisation  

 9.5

Other expenses  

 11.1

  8.4 %  

 Providers of finance

  16.0 %  

 Government / public sector

  9.2 %  

  18.9 %  

 Shareholders

 Group

  0.1 %  

 Minority interest

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60

Key performance figures

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

Group gross margin

Group EBITDA margin

Group EBIT margin

Group pre-tax return on sales

Group post-tax return on sales

Group pre-tax return on equity

Group post-tax return on equity

 Position and Net Assets

Group equity ratio

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

 Automotive equity ratio

 Financial Services equity ratio

Coverage of intangible assets, property, plant and equipment by equity (Group)

Return on capital employed

 Group

 Automotive

 Motorcycles

Return on equity

 Financial Services

Cash inflow from operating activities (Group)

Cash outflow from investing activities (Group)

Coverage of cash outflow from investing activities by cash inflow from operating activities (Group)

Free cash flow of Automotive segment

Net financial assets Automotive segment

* Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 2014

 2013*

 21.2

 16.5

 11.3

 10.8

 7.2

 24.5

 16.3

 24.2

 39.2

 8.8

 20.1

 15.4

 10.5

 10.4

 7.0

 25.8

 17.4

 25.7

 42.4

 9.1

 158.1

 166.8

 20.8

 61.7

 21.8

 19.4

 2,912

  – 6,116

 47.6

 3,481

 14,223

 21.4

 63.0

 16.4

 20.0

 4,127

  – 7,491

 55.1

 3,003

 12,085

 %

 %

 %

 %

 %

 %

 %

 %

 %

 %

 %

 %

 %

 %

 %

 € million

 € million

 %

 € million

 € million

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
61   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Report on Economic Position
Comments on Financial Statements of BMW AG

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (BMW AG), 
which is based in Munich, Germany, is the parent com-
pany of the BMW Group. The comments on the BMW 
Group and Automotive segment provided in earlier sec-
tions are also relevant for BMW AG, unless presented 
differently in the following section. The Financial State-
ments of BMW AG are drawn up in accordance with 
the provisions of the German Commercial Code (HGB) 
and the relevant supplementary pro visions contained 
in the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG).

The main financial and non-financial performance in-
dicators relevant for BMW AG are largely identical and 
synchronous with those of the Automotive segment 
of the BMW Group and are described in detail in the 
“Report on Economic Position” section of the Combined 
Management Report.

Differences between the accounting policies used in the 
BMW AG financial statements (prepared in accordance 
with HGB) and the BMW Group Financial Statements 
(prepared in accordance with IFRSs) arise primarily in 
connection with the accounting treatment of intangible 
assets, financial instruments, provisions and deferred 
taxes.

Business environment and review of operations
The general and sector-specific environment in which 
the BMW AG operates is the same as that for the BMW 
Group and is described in the “Report on Economic 
 Position” section of the Combined Management Report.

BMW AG develops, manufactures and sells cars and 
 motorcycles as well as spare parts and accessories manu-
factured by itself, foreign subsidiaries and external sup-
pliers. Sales activities are carried out through branches, 
subsidiaries, independent dealers and importers. In 
2014, BMW AG was able to increase its sales volume by 
170,869 units to 2,166,772 units. This figure includes 
287,466 units relating to series sets supplied to the joint 
venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., Shenyang, 
an increase of 72,517 units over the previous year. At 
31 December 2014, BMW AG had 80,675 employees, 
3,565 more than one year earlier.

related to Europe and North America. Sales to Group 
entities accounted for € 50.7 billion or 76.1 % of total 
revenues of € 66.6 billion. Cost of sales developed roughly 
in line with revenues, as a result of which gross profit 
increased by € 1,380 million to € 14,787 million.

At € 3,533 million, selling expenses were at a similar level 
to the previous year (2013: € 3,528 million).

Administrative expenses were 5.5 % up on the previous 
year, mainly as a result of higher expenses for centralised 
IT activities and new IT projects.

Research and development expenses fell by 4.8 %, mainly 
reflecting the production start of various development-
intensive vehicle projects in the previous year. Most of 
the expense incurred for research and development ac-
tivities related to new vehicle models, drive systems and 
innovative technologies.

The decrease in net other operating income and ex-
penses was attributable mainly to the higher net nega-
tive impact of realised exchange rate factors on the 
one hand and to higher allocations to provisions for 
commodity and currency hedging contracts on the 
other.

The financial result deteriorated year­on­year by € 121 mil-
lion, mainly due to the impairment loss (€ 196 million) 
recognised on the investment in SGL Carbon SE, 
Wiesbaden, which was written down to its lower mar-
ket value at the end of the reporting period. Higher 
 interest income and lower interest expenses had a posi-
tive impact.

The profit from ordinary activities increased from 
€ 3,963 million to € 5,163 million.

The expense for income taxes relates primarily to cur-
rent tax for the financial year 2014.

After deducting the expense for taxes, the Company 
 reports a net profit of € 3,229 million compared to 
€ 2,289 million in the previous year.

Results of operations, financial position and net assets
Revenues increased by 10.1 % compared to the previous 
year, driven principally by higher sales volume on the 
one hand and the positive impact of the model mix on 
the other. In geographical terms, most of the increase 

Capital expenditure on intangible assets and property, 
plant and equipment in the year under report amounted 
to € 3,150 million (2013: € 3,203 million). The main 
 reason for this 1.7 % decrease was the acquisition of 
licences in the previous year. Product investments for 

62

production start-ups of new models increased year-on-
year. Depreciation and amortisation amounted to 
€ 1,890 million (2013: € 1,732 million).

The carrying amount of investments decreased from 
€ 3,377 million to € 3,236 million, mainly as a result of an 
impairment loss recognised in 2014.

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

BMW AG Balance Sheet at 31 December
in € million

Assets

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

Investments

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

Tangible, intangible and investment assets

Inventories

Trade receivables

Receivables from subsidiaries

Other receivables and other assets

Marketable securities

Cash and cash equivalents

Current assets

Prepayments

Surplus of pension and similar plan assets over liabilities

Total assets

Equity and liabilities

Subscribed capital

Capital reserves

Revenue reserves

Unappropriated profit available for distribution

Equity

Registered profit-sharing certificates

Pension provisions

Other provisions

Provisions

Liabilities to banks

Trade payables

Liabilities to subsidiaries

Other liabilities

Liabilities

Deferred income

Total equity and liabilities

 2014

 2013

 405

 10,304

 3,236

13,945

 3,859

 697

 5,200

 2,502

 3,572

 3,073

 474 

 8,982

 3,377

12,833

 3,863

 659

 4,871

 3,194

 3,429

 3,757

18,903

19,773

 265

 1,123

34,236

 169

 990

33,765

 656

 2,084

 7,422

 1,904

 656

 2,069

 6,097

 1,707

12,066

10,529

 31

 12

 7,308

7,320

 1,864

 4,784

 6,872

 216

 32

 43

 7,299

7,342

 1,463

 4,818

 8,795

 285

13,736

15,361

 1,083

34,236

 501

33,765

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
63   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

BMW AG Income Statement
in € million 

Revenues

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Selling expenses

Administrative expenses

Research and development expenses

Other operating income and expenses

Result on investments

Financial result

Profit from ordinary activities

Income taxes

Other taxes

Net profit

Transfer to revenue reserves

Unappropriated profit available for distribution

 2014

 2013

 66,599

  – 51,812

14,787

  – 3,533

  – 2,259

  – 4,152

 28

 741

  – 449

5,163

 60,474

  – 47,067

13,407

  – 3,528

  – 2,141

  – 4,362

 542

 373

  – 328

3,963

  – 1,884

  – 1,629

  – 50

3,229

  – 1,325

1,904

  – 45

2,289

  – 582

1,707

At € 3,859 million, inventories were practically identical 
to the end of the previous year (2013: € 3,863 million).

The decrease in other receivables and other assets to 
€ 2,502 million (2013: € 3,194 million) was mainly attribut-
able to the lower volume of genuine repurchase (repo) 
transactions in place at the end of the reporting period.

Liquidity within the BMW Group is managed centrally by 
BMW AG on the basis of a group-wide liquidity concept, 
which revolves around the strategy of concentrating a 
significant part of the Group’s liquidity at the level of 
BMW AG. An important instrument used to achieve this 
aim is the cash pool headed by BMW AG. The liquidity 
position reported by BMW AG therefore reflects the 
global activities of BMW AG and other Group companies.

Cash and cash equivalents went down by € 684 million 
to € 3,073 million. This decrease mainly reflected the 
 repayment of intragroup borrowings, as a result of 
which intragroup refinancing volumes also reduced 
 significantly.

In order to secure obligations resulting from pre-retire-
ment part-time work arrangements and the Company’s 
pension obligations, assets have been transferred to 
BMW Trust e.V., Munich, in conjunction with Contrac-
tual Trust Arrangements (CTA), on a trustee basis. The 
assets concerned comprise mainly holdings in investment 
fund assets and a receivable resulting from a so-called 
“Capitalisation Transaction” (Kapitalisierungsgeschäft). 
Fund assets are offset against the related guaranteed 
 obligations. The resulting surplus of assets over liabilities 
is reported in the BMW AG balance sheet on the line 
“Surplus of pension and similar plan assets over liabili-
ties”.

Pension provisions, net of designated plan assets, de-
creased from € 43 million to € 12 million.

At € 4,784 million, trade payables were at a similar level 
to the previous year (2013: € 4,818 million).

Liabilities to banks increased in conjunction with a 
number of project-related loans.

Equity rose by € 1,537 million to € 12,066 million, while 
the equity ratio improved from 31.2 % to 35.2 %.

Other liabilities fell from € 285 million to € 216 million, 
mainly as a result of the expiry of option contracts.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Events after the end of the reporting period
No events have occurred since the end of the reporting 
period which could have a major impact on the results 
of operations, financial position and net assets of 
BMW AG or the BMW Group.

64

Report on Economic Position
Events after the End of the Reporting Period

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

Deferred income went up by € 582 million to € 1,083 mil-
lion, mainly reflecting the increased volume of services 
still to be performed for service and maintenance con-
tracts in conjunction with multi-component business.

Risks and opportunities
BMW AG’s performance is highly dependent on the 
same set of risks and opportunities that affect the BMW 
Group and which are described in detail in the “Report 
on Outlook, Risks and Opportunities” section of the Com-
bined Management Report. As a general rule, BMW AG 
participates in the risks entered into by Group entities 
on the basis of the relevant shareholding percentage.

BMW AG is integrated in the group-wide risk manage-
ment system and internal control system of the BMW 
Group. Further information is provided in the “Internal 
Control System and Risk Management System Relevant 
for the Consolidated Financial Reporting Process” sec-
tion of the Combined Management Report.

Outlook
Due to its dominant role in the Group and its close ties 
with Group entities, expectations for the BMW AG with 
respect to the Company’s financial and non-financial 
performance indicators correspond largely to the BMW 
Group’s outlook for the Automotive segment, which is 
described in detail in the “Report on Outlook, Risks 
and Opportunities” section of the Combined Manage-
ment Report.

KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, Munich, 
has issued an unqualified audit opinion on the financial 
statements of BMW AG, of which the balance sheet and 
the income statement are presented here. The BMW AG 
financial statements for the financial year 2014 will be 
submitted to the operator of the electronic version of the 
German Federal Gazette and can be obtained via the 
Company Register website. These financial statements 
are available from BMW AG, 80788 Munich, Germany.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
65   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Report on Outlook, Risks and Opportunities
Outlook

The report on outlook, risks and opportunities describes 
the expected development of the BMW Group, together 
with associated material risks and opportunities, from 
the perspective of Group management. The outlook 
covers a period of one year, in line with the Group’s in-
ternal management system. By contrast, risks and oppor-
tunities are managed on the basis of a two-year assess-
ment. The report on risks and opportunities therefore 
covers a period of two years.

The report on outlook, risks and opportunities contains 
forward-looking assertions based on the BMW Group’s 
expectations and assessments, which are, by their nature, 
subject to uncertainty. As a result, actual outcomes, in-
cluding those attributable to political and economic de-
velopments, could differ substantially – either positively 
or negatively – from the expectations described below. 
Further information can be found in the section “Report 
on risks and opportunities”.

Outlook
Assumptions used in the outlook
The following outlook relates to a forward-looking 
 period of one year and is based on the composition of 
the BMW Group during that period. The outlook takes 
account of all information known up to the date on 
which the financial statements are authorised for issue 
and which could have a material impact on the course 
of business of the BMW Group. The expectations con-
tained in the outlook are based on the BMW Group’s 
forecasts for 2015 and reflect the most recent status. 
The basis for the preparation of and the principal as-
sumptions used in our forecasts, which take account 
of consensual opinions of leading organisations, such 
as economic research institutes and banks, are set out 
 below. The BMW Group’s forecast is drawn up on the 
basis of these assumptions.

Our continuous forecasting process ensures that the 
BMW Group is always ready to take advantage of oppor-
tunities as they arise and to react appropriately to un-
expected risks. The principal risks and opportunities 
are described in detail in the section “Report on risks 
and opportunities”. The risks and opportunities dis-
cussed in that section are relevant for all of the BMW 
Group’s key performance indicators and could result 
in variances between the outlook and actual outcomes.

Economic outlook for 2015
For the purposes of the outlook, we assume that the 
global economy will continue its moderate upswing in 
2015 and grow by 3.5 %. Over-capacities and price 
bubbles on the Chinese property market remain signifi-

cant risk factors. Various uncertainties prevail in Europe, 
in particular with respect to future developments in 
Greece as well as in Russia and neighbouring countries. 
In addition, an interest rate turnaround is likely to take 
place in the USA. The global economy could also be 
negatively impacted by high public debt levels in Europe, 
the USA and Japan, as well as political developments in 
the Middle East and East Asia. More detailed informa-
tion on these matters can be found in the section “Politi-
cal and global economic risks” in the risk report.

It seems likely that the upswing in the eurozone will 
continue in 2015, albeit at a low level, based on an ex-
pected growth rate of 1.1 %. Europe’s largest economy, 
Germany, is forecast to grow by approximately 1.4 %. 
France is likely to see an increase of around 0.9 %. Italy 
should come out of recession in 2015 with a positive 
growth rate of 0.4 %. The upswing in Spain seems set 
to continue with growth edging up to 2.0 %. The United 
Kingdom’s economy is likely to remain strong and grow 
by a further 2.7 % in 2015.

Despite the anticipated interest rate turnaround in the 
USA, we expect growth to remain at its current high 
level. A growth rate of 3.2 % is forecast for 2015, reflect-
ing the expectation that the boom on the employment 
and property markets will remain intact.

In view of the negative impact on Japan’s economy 
caused by the value added tax hike in 2014, the Japanese 
government has decided to postpone the second step – 
originally envisaged for 2015 – until 2017. Under these 
circumstances, we forecast a growth rate of 1.0 % for the 
year 2015.

Economic growth in China is likely to slow down again 
slightly in 2015 to a rate of 7.0 %. The prerequisite for 
this forecast is that price falls on the property market do 
not have any lasting adverse impact on the macroeco-
nomic trend.

The Indian economy seems to be recovering now that 
the presidential elections are over and should grow by 
6.2 % in 2015. The recovery in Brazil is only likely to be 
a very modest 0.5 %. Russia is being negatively impacted 
in particular by lower oil prices and economic sanctions 
imposed in the wake of the unresolved Ukraine con-
flict. Forecasts, which are currently being adjusted fur-
ther downwards, indicate a 4.1 % drop in Russian GDP.

Currency markets
Currencies which have the greatest impact on the BMW 
Group’s international business, such as the US dollar, 

66

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

but also the Chinese renminbi, the British pound and 
the Japanese yen, could well be subject to a significant 
degree of fluctuation again in 2015.

The expected interest rate turnaround in the USA, low 
inflation in Europe and the fragile state of Europe’s 
economy, suggest that the US dollar will again tend to 
perform strongly against the euro in 2015.

is forecast to rise by 2.1 % to 3.1 million. The French 
market is expected to grow by 6.7 % to 1.9 million units, 
the Italian market by 2.1 % to 1.4 million units. The 
 economic upturn in Spain should maintain momentum 
and result in a further steep rise in car sales in the cur-
rent year (0.95 million units; + 11.3 %). The UK car market 
is likely to remain flat in 2015, with registrations down 
marginally by 0.5 % to approximately 2.5 million units.

The Chinese renminbi is likely to remain relatively closely 
coupled with the US dollar over the coming year. In the 
long term, however, it seems likely that volatility will 
 increase, following the announcement that capital mar-
kets in China are to be liberalised.

The Japanese yen, which has lost significant ground 
against the euro since mid-2012, is not expected to see a 
rapid recovery, given that the Japanese central bank is 
unlikely to change its monetary and exchange rate poli-
cies in the near future.

Car registrations in Japan are forecast to be in the region 
of 4.8 million units and hence about 10.0 % lower than 
in the previous year.

In the case of car markets in major emerging econo-
mies, we predict some highly divergent developments. 
Due to the prevailing economic and political situation, 
Russia is expected to see a further 21.8 % drop to 1.8 mil-
lion units. The Brazilian car market is also likely to con-
tract slightly again in 2015 by approximately 2.0 % to 
3.3 million units.

The current healthy state of the UK economy and the 
expected turnaround in interest rates that the Bank of 
England is likely to set in motion could well strengthen 
the British pound somewhat in the short and medium 
term.

The currencies of many emerging economies are expected 
to remain under pressure against the US dollar in the 
foreseeable future, due to the normalisation of US mon-
etary policies, which is likely to get under way in 2015. 
Countries with current account and fiscal deficits are 
most likely to be affected. Due to the expansionary mon-
etary policies of the ECB, emerging market currencies 
will tend to gain in value against the euro. The rouble 
will remain on the weak side until political tensions have 
eased.

Car markets
We expect global car markets to grow in the current year 
by approximately 3.0 % to 83.1 million units. The US 
market is forecast to grow by around 2.9 % to 17.0 mil-
lion units. Our prediction for passenger car registra-
tions in China is a rise of around 10.0 % to 20.3 million 
units.

The majority of Europe’s car markets should continue 
to recover in 2015. The region’s core markets, however, 
are only likely to see growth on a modest scale. The 
number of new registrations in Germany, for instance, 

Motorcycle markets in 2015
The markets for 500 cc plus motorcycles are again likely 
to continue their upward trend in 2015, albeit on a 
modest scale. Registrations are expected to rise slightly 
across Europe, including increases on a similar scale 
for the major motorcycle markets in Germany, Italy and 
France. The USA is also likely to see a continuation of 
the positive trend.

Financial Services sector in 2015
The normalisation of monetary policies in the USA is 
expected to continue throughout the coming year. The 
first steps in the direction of a slight rise in interest 
rates might be taken in summer 2015. The current debt 
situation, however, precludes any rapid interest rate 
increases in the USA. In Europe, by contrast, the ECB 
will proceed with the plans it has already announced 
for a large scale bond-buying programme as  inflation 
remains low in the first half of 2015. A weakly perform-
ing economy and a low inflation rate will maintain the 
pressure on the Bank of Japan to intervene. We there-
fore expect it to  retain its expansionary monetary poli-
cies and continue to buy government bonds. Reference 
interest rates in the eurozone and Japan are therefore 
set to remain at historically low levels at least until the 
end of 2015.

We expect the pattern of credit risks worldwide to re-
main more or less stable during the current year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
67   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Stable conditions are also predicted for used car mar-
kets in Asia and Europe in 2015, while price levels in 
North America are, at the most, only likely to fall 
slightly.

Expected impact on the BMW Group in 2015
Future developments on international automobile mar-
kets also have a direct impact on the BMW Group. 
While competition is likely to intensify in contracting 
markets, new opportunities are opening in growth 
 regions. In some countries, sales volumes will be influ-
enced to a great extent by the way we tackle new com-
petitive challenges. After the uncertainties that have 
dominated recent years, we expect Europe to generate 
some positive momentum again, albeit on a slight scale. 
North America and China are likely to see a continua-
tion of the positive trend in 2015. In contrast, the situa-
tion on the Russian car market can be expected to re-
main tense over the forecast period.

As an enterprise with global operations, the BMW 
Group is ideally placed to exploit opportunities that 
arise and thus compensate for unfavourable develop-
ments in other regions. Thanks to its strong brands, we 
forecast continued profitable growth for the BMW 
Group in the current year. We will push ahead with in-
vestments in innovation, future technologies and the 
further internationalisation of our production network 
in 2015. As a manufacturer of premium vehicles, we will 
continue to profit from strong worldwide demand in 
this segment. Given all these factors, we forecast that 
the BMW Group will remain the world’s leading pre-
mium manufacturer in 2015.

Our highly flexible international production network 
enables us to compensate for even substantial fluctua-
tions in demand. Investing in major growth markets 
provides the basis for the continued success of the BMW 
Group. We attach great importance to ensuring that 
the global distribution of our sales remains balanced, 
while simultaneously expanding the global presence of 
the BMW Group.

Outlook for the BMW Group in 2015
The BMW Group in 2015
Profit before tax: solid increase expected
The BMW Group will remain on course in 2015 and 
forecasts a solid increase in Group profit before tax 
compared to the preceding year (2014: € 8,707 million). 
However, the scale of the increase during the forecast 
period is likely to be held down by intense competition 
on car markets, rising personnel costs, continued high 

levels of upfront expenditure to safeguard business 
 viability going forward and future challenges arising in 
the wake of the normalisation of the Chinese market. 
A number of risks will also have to be faced, including 
the precarious state of the Russian market and macro-
economic uncertainties in Europe (see the section “Po-
litical and global economic risks” in the risk report). 
We expect our attractive model range to generate positive 
momentum, which will help us achieve our target of 
balanced growth on all major markets.

Workforce at year-end: solid increase expected
The BMW Group will continue to recruit staff in 2015 
and, based on our latest forecasts, we expect a solid in-
crease in the size of the workforce (2014: 116,324 em-
ployees), driven by car and motorcycle sales growth and 
the rapid pace of innovation.

Automotive segment in 2015
Deliveries to customers: solid increase expected
We expect the pace of growth in the Automotive seg-
ment to remain high in 2015. Assuming economic 
 conditions continue to be stable, we predict a solid rise 
in deliveries to customers (2014: 2,117,965 units) to 
achieve a new high level, which will, in all probability, 
enable the BMW Group to maintain its position as the 
world’s foremost premium car manufacturer in 2015.

Attractive new models and dynamic market conditions, 
particularly in North America, should have a positive 
impact on car sales. After some negative developments 
in recent years, the European car markets are expected 
to recover slightly overall. Nevertheless, the market en-
vironment is likely to remain challenging.

The new 2 Series Convertible was added to the BMW 2 Se-
ries with effect from the end of February. Its predeces-
sor, the 1 Series Convertible, achieved worldwide sales 
of more than 130,000 units and was therefore the un-
disputed leader in its class.

In April, the four-wheel drive BMW X5 M and X6 M will 
come onto the market. These high-performance models 
combine the characteristic features of the successful 
BMW X family – exclusivity, robustness, agility and every­
day usability – with the commitment to high perfor-
mance that defines an M car.

The new facelift of the BMW 1 Series, unveiled at the 
Geneva Motor Show, will provide additional sales 
 momentum. With a fully revamped engine range and 
additional features that reduce fuel consumption and 

68

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

emissions, the new BMW 1 Series will again be playing 
a pioneering role in the introduction of newly devel-
oped BMW EfficientDynamics technologies. The seven-
seater BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer also made its world 
debut in Geneva, heralding the BMW Group’s entry 
into a new vehicle segment. With its generous interior 
spaciousness, versatility and flexibility, the BMW 2 Se-
ries Gran Tourer is the first BMW to be launched in the 
multi-purpose vehicle segment.

The BMW 6 Series Coupé, Gran Coupé and Convertible 
model upgrades were presented in January and will 
come onto the market in spring 2015. The new 6 Series 
satisfies the most exacting requirements for luxury-
segment sporting vehicles in terms of dynamic driving 
performance, comfort, technology and elegance.

The highly efficient BMW X5 xDrive40e comes onto the 
market in 2015. It is the first BMW brand Sports Activity 
 Vehicle to combine the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel 
drive system with a more advanced plug-in hybrid 
system, and represents a further important step in the 
transfer of innovative drivetrain systems from BMW i 
models to the BMW Group’s core brand.

Preparations for the new BMW 7 Series are already 
 under way at the Dingolfing plant. Intelligent composite 
construction in the new BMW 7 Series and the imple-
mentation of carbon fibre (CFRP) technology will set new 
standards in the market.

We also expect the MINI brand to generate new sales 
momentum in 2015, driven, among other factors, by the 
low average age of its model range (2.5 years). The new 
MINI Clubman will be presented in 2015 and will excel 
with a wide range of high-value details, plenty of room 
for functionality and outstanding materials.

The Araquari plant in Brazil commenced production of 
BMW brand vehicles in autumn 2014. The completion 
of the new production site is scheduled for 2015. The 
plant will have a planned annual capacity of up to 
30,000 units. The BMW Group is also increasing pro-
duction capacities in the USA. After the expansion 
of the Spartanburg plant has been completed, up to 
450,000 vehicles per year will roll off the production 
lines as from the end of 2016.

Carbon fleet emissions*: slight decrease expected
Regulations for vehicle carbon emissions are becoming 
continually stricter worldwide. The BMW Group com-
mitted itself at an early stage to meeting future legal 
 requirements with the aid of its innovative Efficient 
Dynamics technology package. The increasing scope of 
electrification in our vehicle fleet is enabling us to play 
a pioneering role in reducing both carbon emissions 
and fuel consumption. At the same time, our vehicles 
also set standards in terms of sporting flair and dynamic 
driving pleasure.

We will continue to work hard in the current year to re-
duce carbon emissions across the entire fleet. Overall, 
we expect fleet emissions to decrease slightly in 2015 
(2014: 130 grams CO2 / km).

Revenues: solid increase expected
The generally positive business trend predicted for the 
BMW Group is also expected to have a positive impact 
on Automotive segment revenues. Accordingly, we fore-
cast solid revenue growth for the forecast period (2014: 
€ 75,173 million).

EBIT margin in target range between 8 and 10 % expected
An EBIT margin within a range of between 8 and 10 % 
(2014: 9.6 %) remains the target for the Automotive 
 segment.

We expect to see a moderate drop in segment RoCE 
(2014: 61.7 %). However, the long-term target RoCE of at 
least 26 % for the Automotive segment will be clearly 
surpassed.

Motorcycles segment in 2015
Deliveries to customers: solid increase  expected
We expect the Motorcycles segment’s upward trend to 
continue, helped by a positive contribution from the 
new models – R 1200 R, R 1200 RS, S 1000 RR, S 1000 XR 
and F 800 R – presented at the autumn trade fairs. Within 
a positive market environment, we forecast a solid in-
crease in BMW motorcycle sales in the forecast period 
(2014: 123,495 units).

* EU-28.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
69   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Return on capital employed in line with last year’s level 
 expected
We expect the impetus provided by the new models 
will help keep segment RoCE in line with last year’s 
level (2014: 21.8 %).

Financial Services segment in 2015
Return on equity in line with last year’s level expected
Based on our assessment, the Financial Services segment 
will continue to perform well in 2015. Despite rising 
 equity capital requirements worldwide, we forecast RoE 
in line with last year’s level (2014: 19.4 %), thus remain-
ing ahead of the target of at least 18 %.

Overall assessment by Group management for 2015
We forecast a continuation of the upward trend in 2015 
and expect to achieve profitable growth on the back 
of a range of factors, including the introduction of new 
models. Despite the aforementioned challenges, Group 
profit before tax is forecast to achieve a solid increase, 

thus reflecting the solid growth in sales volume and 
revenues anticipated by the Automotive segment. At 
the same time, we expect a slight decrease in carbon 
emissions from our fleet of vehicles. We aim to achieve 
profitable growth through a solid increase in the size 
of the workforce across the Group. The Automotive seg-
ment’s EBIT margin will remain within the target range 
of between 8 and 10 %. Based on the planned level of 
capital expenditure, we expect a moderate decrease in 
the Automobile segment’s RoCE. The Financial Services 
segment’s RoE should remain in line with last year’s 
level. Both performance indicators will be nevertheless 
higher than their long-term targets of 26 % and 18 % 
 respectively. For the Motorcycles segment, we forecast 
a solid increase in sales volume and RoCE in line 
with last year’s level. Depending on the political and 
economic situation and the outcome of the risks and 
 opportunities described below, actual business per-
formance could, however, differ from our current ex-
pectations.

Principal performance indicators

BMW Group

Workforce at end of year

Profit before tax

Automotive segment
Sales volume1

Fleet emissions2

Revenues

EBIT margin

Return on capital employed

Motorcycles segment

Sales volume

Return on capital employed

Financial Services segment

Return on equity

 2014

 116,324

 8,707

 2015
Outlook

 solid increase

 solid increase

 € million

 units

 2,117,965

 solid increase

 g  CO2 / km

 € million

 %

 %

 130

 75,173

 slight decrease

 solid increase

 9.6

 unchanged between 8 and 10

 61.7

 moderate decrease

 units

 123,495

 solid increase

 %

 %

 21.8

 in line with last year’s level

 19.4

 in line with last year’s level

1  Including the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd.,  Shenyang (2014: 275,891 units).
2 EU-28.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
70

Report on Outlook, Risks and Opportunities
Report on Risks and Opportunities

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

As a world-leading manufacturer of premium cars and 
motorcycles and provider of premium financing and 
mobility services, the BMW Group is exposed to numer-
ous uncertainties and changes. Making full use of the 
opportunities that present themselves is the basis for its 
corporate success. In order to achieve growth, profita-
bility, efficiency and sustainable levels of business in the 
future, the BMW Group consciously takes certain risks.

The prudent management of opportunities and risks is 
a fundamental prerequisite for the ability to react appro-
priately to changes in political, legal, technical or eco-
nomic conditions. Identified opportunities and risks are 
addressed in the Outlook Report if they are likely to 
materialise. The following sections focus on potential 
future developments or events, which could result in a 
positive variance (opportunities) or a negative variance 
(risks) in the BMW Group’s outlook. The potential im-
pact of risks and opportunities is always presented sepa-
rately and without offset.

The scope of entities covered by the report on risks 
and opportunities corresponds to the scope of consoli-
dated entities included in the BMW Group Financial 
Statements.

Risk management system
The objective of the risk management system and one of 
the key functions of risk reporting is to identify, record 
and actively manage internal and external risks which 
pose a threat to the attainment of corporate targets. The 
risk management system covers all significant risks to 
the Group, or those which could pose a threat to its going-
concern status. With regard to the structure of the risk 
management system, the responsibility for risk reporting 
lies with each individual member of staff and manager – 
in their various roles – and not with that of any central-
ised unit in particular. Each and every employee and 
manager is required to report risks via the available re-
porting channels. This requirement is set out in guide-
lines that apply throughout the Group.

Risks and opportunities are assessed as a general rule 
over a medium-term period of two years. All potential 
risks of losses (individual and accumulated risks) are 
monitored and managed from a risk management per-
spective. As a matter of principle, risks that pose a going-
concern threat are avoided. If there is no specific 
 reference to a segment, opportunities and risks relate 
to the Automotive segment.

The Group risk management system comprises a de-
centralised network covering all parts of the business, 
which is steered by a centralised risk management func-
tion. Each of the BMW Group’s areas of responsibility 
is represented within the risk management network by 
so-called network representatives. The network’s for-
mal organisational structure helps to strengthen its 
 visibility and underline the importance attached to risk 

Risk management in the BMW Group 

Group-wide risk management

Identification

Effectiveness

Reporting

Analysis and 
Measurement

Supervisory Board

Usefulness

Compliance  
Committee

Risk  management

Completeness

Monitoring

Controlling

Risk Management 
Steering Committee

Board of Management

Group Audit

Internal Control System

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
71   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

management within the BMW Group. The duties, re-
sponsibilities, and tasks of the centralised risk manage-
ment unit and network representatives are clearly 
 described, documented and acted on. Group risk manage-
ment is geared towards meeting the following three 
 criteria: effectiveness, usefulness and completeness. In 
view of the dynamic growth of business in recent years, 
in-house thresholds and rules in place for risk reporting 
purposes were reviewed in 2014 for effectiveness and 
usefulness and modified as seen appropriate. In addition, 
the design of the BMW Group’s risk management net-
work was reviewed on the basis of the framework of the 
internationally recognised Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). This 
review was carried out in conjunction with the Com-
pliance Committee, Group Internal Audit, Internal 
Control System and overall Group risk management 
functions. Appropriate measures are in place to ensure 
that these functions are coordinated seamlessly.

Risk management process
The risk management process is applied throughout 
the Group and comprises the early identification and 
penetration of risks, comprehensive analysis and risk 
measurement, the coordinated use of suitable manage-
ment tools and also the monitoring and evaluation of 
measures taken.

Risks reported to the centralised risk management team 
from within the network are firstly presented for review 
to the Risk Management Steering Committee, for which 
Group Controlling is responsible. After review, the risks 
are reported to the Board of Management and to the 
Supervisory Board. Significant and going-concern- 
related risks are classified on the basis of the potential 
scale of impact on the Group’s results of operations, 
finan cial position and net assets. The level of risk is quan-
tified, taking into account the probability of occurrence 
and risk mitigation measures.

The risk management system is tested regularly by 
 Internal Audit. By sharing experiences with other com-
panies on an ongoing basis, the BMW Group ensures 
that new insights are incorporated in the risk manage-
ment system, thus ensuring continual improvement. 
Regular basic and further training as well as information 
events held throughout the BMW Group, and in par-
ticular within the risk management network, are invalu-
able ways of preparing people for new or additional 
challenges with regard to the processes in which they 
are involved.

As a supplement to comprehensive risk management, 
managing the business on a sustainable basis also repre-
sents one of the Group’s core corporate principles. Any 
risks or opportunities related to sustainability issues 
are discussed by the Sustainability Committee. Strategic 
options and measures open to the BMW Group are put 
forward to the Sustainability Board, to which all mem-
bers of the Board of Management belong. Risk aspects 
discussed at this level are integrated in the work of the 
group-wide risk network. The composition of the Risk 
Management Steering Committee on the one hand and 
the Sustainability Committee on the other ensures that 
risk and sustainability management are closely coordi-
nated.

Risk measurement
In order to determine which risks can be considered 
significant in relation to results of operations, financial 
position and net assets and to identify changes in key 
performance indicators used by the BMW Group, risks 
are classified as high, medium or low.

The overall impact on results of operations based on the 
assumption that the risk will materialise is measured 
for the two-year assessment period and allocated to the 
following categories:

Class

Low

Medium

High

 Earnings impact

 > €0 – 500 million

 > €500 – 2,000 million

 > €2,000 million

The significance of risks for the BMW Group is deter-
mined on the basis of risk amounts. The measure-
ment of the amount of a risk takes account of both its 
impact (net of appropriate countermeasures) and the 
likelihood of occurrence in each case. The amount of 
a risk is approximated in the case of risks measured on 
the basis of value­at­risk / cash­flow­at­risk models. In 
this situation, the following assessment criteria are ap-
plied:

Class

Low

Medium

High

 Risk amount

 > €0 – 50 million

 > €50 – 400 million

 > €400 million

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
72

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

Opportunities management system and identification 
of opportunities
New opportunities regularly present themselves in the 
dynamic business environment in which the BMW Group 
operates. General economic trends and sector-specific 
factors – including external regulations, suppliers, cus-
tomers and competitors – are monitored continuously. 
Identifying opportunities is an integral part of the pro-
cess of developing strategies and drawing up forecasts for 
the BMW Group.

Market, competition and scenario analyses are conducted 
and evaluated and forecasts are drawn up as part of 
the process of identifying opportunities. The Group’s 
product and service portfolio is permanently reviewed 
in the light of these analyses and, as appropriate, new 
product projects are presented to the Board of Manage-
ment for consideration.

The continuous optimisation of important business 
 processes and strict cost control are essential to ensure 
good profitability and a high return on capital em-
ployed. The forecast is drawn up on the assumption that 
profitability improvement measures will be imple-
mented. One example is the implementation of modu-
lar-based production and common architectures, which 
enable a greater commonality of features between 
 different models and product lines. This, in turn, con-
tributes to improved profitability by reducing develop-
ment costs and investment on the series  development 
of new vehicles. The new approach has a positive im-
pact on production costs and helps increase production 
flexibility. A more competitive cost basis opens up oppor-
tunities to engage in new market segments.

The implementation of identified opportunities is un-
dertaken on a decentralised basis. The significance of 
opportunities for the BMW Group is classified in the 
categories “material” or “not material”.

Risks and opportunities

Political and global economic risks
and opportunities

Strategic and sector risks and
opportunities

Risks and opportunities relating 
to operations

 Risk
amount

 Change 
compared to
prior year

 High

 Stable

 Medium

 Increased

 Production and technology

 Medium

 Purchasing

 Sales and marketing

 Pension obligations

 High

 High

 High

 Information, data protection and IT

 Medium

Financial risks and opportunities

 Foreign currencies

 Raw materials

 Liquidity

Risks and opportunities relating
to the provision of financial services

 Credit risk

 Residual value

 Interest rate changes

 Liquidity / operational risks

Legal risks

 High

 High

 Low

 High

 High

 Medium

 Medium

 Low

 Stable

 Stable

 Stable

 Stable

 Stable

 Stable

 Stable

 Stable

 Stable

 Stable

 Stable

 Stable

 Stable

Risks and opportunities which could, from today’s per-
spective, have a significant impact on the results of 
 operations, financial position and / or net assets of the 
BMW Group are described in the following sections.

Political and global economic risks and  
opportunities
As one of the world’s leading providers of premium 
products and services, the BMW Group faces a variety 
of major challenges. The world is changing at great 
speed. Resulting situations can give rise to risks on the 
one hand and opportunities on the other.

Risks and opportunities
The following table provides an overview of all risks and 
opportunities and shows their significance for the BMW 
Group.

Neither at the balance sheet date nor at the date on which 
the Group Financial Statements were authorised for 
 issue were any risks identified which could pose a 
threat to the going-concern status of the BMW Group.

Political and global economic risks
Individual mobility remains a key issue in a great many 
countries, in terms of political regulation and national 
industrial policymaking. Changing values in society are 
constantly calling for new solutions in the field of mo-
bility. Unpredictable disturbances in economic interde-
pendencies, together with ever-greater competition, 
may give rise to knock-on reactions that are practically 
impossible to measure.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
73   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

The current high level of volatility prevailing in many 
economies continues to have an unsettling impact on 
markets and consumers. Many emerging economies are 
currently performing below their full potential. The 
euro zone is still having to cope with a range of structural 
problems, such as those evident in Greece.

result in an improved quality of earnings. Changes in 
the legal environment are monitored continuously at a 
centralised level. At present, however, the BMW Group 
does not see any significant political and / or global eco-
nomic opportunities, which could have a positive sus-
tainable impact on its earnings performance.

The slowing of economic growth in China, one of the 
BMW Group’s principal markets, also continues to pose 
a major risk. Upheavals in the property or banking sector 
in this region could result in reduced demand for our 
products and services.

Any escalation of political conflicts (such as in Russia), 
terrorist activities, natural disasters or possible pan-
demics could have a negative impact on the world econ-
omy and international capital markets. The BMW Group 
counters these risks primarily by internationalising its 
sales and production structures, in order to reduce the 
potential impact of risk exposures in individual coun-
tries. Political and global economic risks are determined 
by analysing historical data and applying a cash-flow-at-
risk approach.

If risks from this category were to materialise, they 
could – due to sales volume fluctuations – have a high 
impact on results of operations over the two-year as-
sessment period. Overall, the risk amounts attached 
to political and global economic risks are classified as 
high.

Political and global economic opportunities
Despite the high level of risk involved, the BMW Group 
sees an opportunity for above-average growth in the 
Chinese market. In addition to the impact from eco-
nomic developments, the BMW Group’s earnings can 
also be positively affected in the short to medium term 
by changes in the legal environment. A possible reduc-
tion in tariff barriers, import restrictions or direct ex-
cise duties could lower the cost of materials for the 
BMW Group, also enabling products and services to be 
offered to customers at lower prices. Another factor to 
consider is that regulatory support for forward-looking 
technologies, such as electromobility, help to make 
the total cost of ownership more attractive for customers 
in the form of incentives. Developments of this kind 
open up opportunities to achieve faster market penetra-
tion for these technologies, which could, in turn, lead 
to higher sales volumes and, all other things being equal, 

Strategic and sector risks and opportunities
New regulations and the development of fuel and energy 
prices also influence various aspects of our business, 
 including customer behaviour. Medium- and long-term 
targets have already been put in place in Europe, North 
America, Japan, China and other countries to minimise 
fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Strategic and sector risks
One of the main risks for the automobile industry is 
the possible threat of short-term tightening of laws and 
regulations, including local registration restrictions. In 
some cases, changes in customer behaviour are not only 
brought on by new regulations, but also through changes 
of opinion, values and environmental issues. Among 
other factors, global climate change is having an effect 
on legislation, regulations and consumer behaviour. In 
order to meet structural changes in the demand for 
individual mobility that no longer necessarily entail 
actually owning a vehicle, the BMW Group is offering 
corresponding mobility services, such as the DriveNow 
car-sharing model.

With its Efficient Dynamics concept, the BMW Group 
is playing a pioneering role in the premium segment in 
reducing both fuel consumption and emissions. With 
effect from 2013, our range of products was expanded 
to include electric powertrains in BMW i series vehicles. 
These innovations also make an important contribution 
in our endeavours to fulfil statutory rules and require-
ments in terms of CO2 emissions. The BMW Group is 
investing in the development of sustainable drive tech-
nologies and materials, with the aim of providing highly 
efficient vehicles for individual mobility in the premium 
segment, both now and in the future.

Employees make a vital contribution to sustainable 
growth and improved profitability through their inno-
vative skills. One prerequisite for this is a consistent 
strategic approach to the management of human re-
sources, even in the event of changes in the legal frame-
work. The BMW Group has appropriate measures in 

74

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

place for such eventualities. Risk amounts and earnings 
impact are measured on the basis of extensive scenario 
analyses.

If risks from the strategic and sector category were to 
materialise, they could have a medium impact on results 
of operations over the two-year assessment period. The 
amounts of risk attached to strategic and sector-specific 
risks are classified as medium.

Strategic and sector opportunities
Additions to the product and mobility portfolio and 
 expansion in growth regions are seen as the most im-
portant opportunities for growth in the medium to 
long term for the BMW Group.

Remaining on growth course depends above all else on 
the ability to develop innovative products and bring 
them to market. The launching of the BMW i brand opens 
up new customer target groups for the BMW Group and 
consolidates the position of BMW as a sustainable and 
forward-looking brand. BMW i products can be seen as 
“empowerment projects” for new technologies and pro-
cesses, which will also benefit other vehicle concepts. 
The existing product portfolio has been expanded by the 
addition of mobility services such as DriveNow, Charge-
Now and ParkNow. The general acceptance of, and 
sales volumes generated with, planned future product 
innovations could be better than predicted in the out-
look. In the short term, however, any potential positive 
impact is classified as not material.

The long-term trend towards greater sustainability pro-
vides opportunities to boost sales of sustainable prod-
ucts and, under the right circumstances, achieve better 
selling prices. Innovations – such as the BMW i3 and i8 
in the field of electromobility or Efficient Dynamics 
across the entire BMW Group product portfolio – pro-
vide excellent platforms for future growth. Potential 
is also seen by engaging in new product and market 
categories and by developing new customer target 
groups. New business models and cooperation arrange-
ments with the BMW Group’s growing network of 
business partners often provide the best means to take 
advantage of these opportunities. Good examples of 
this are the implementation of the 360°ELECTRIC port-
folio in the field of electromobility, the partnership with 
SIXT in the field of mobility services and collaboration 
with Toyota on a hydrogen fuel cell system.

The BMW Group is constantly refining the tools it uses 
to recruit employees, encourage career development and 
bind employees to the enterprise. Within this environ-
ment, employees find the optimal situation in which to 
develop their skills. If these measures generate greater 
benefits than currently expected, the BMW Group’s rev-
enues, results of operations and cash flows could be 
positively impacted and forecasted figures surpassed. 
Creating a successful performance culture and the devel-
opment of the expertise and skill sets of both staff and 
managers alike throughout the organisation could also 
have a positive impact on revenue and profitability.

Given the long lead times involved, the BMW Group’s 
earnings performance is unlikely to benefit over the as-
sessment period from efficiency improvements or from 
the implementation of product and process developments 
to a significantly greater extent than that already incor-
porated in the outlook.

Risks and opportunities relating to operations
Production and technology-related risks
Production stoppages and downtimes – in particular 
due to fire, but also those attributable to manufacturing 
equipment breakdowns, logistical disruptions or new 
vehicle production line start­ups – represent risks which 
the BMW Group counters with a broad range of appro-
priate measures. Production structures and processes 
are designed from the outset with a view to reducing 
potential damage and the probability of occurrence. In 
addition to technical fire protection measures, the BMW 
Group has implemented an array of strategies, including 
preventative maintenance, land development measures 
including contingencies against flooding, spare parts 
management on a multi-site basis and backup plans 
for alternative transportation. The level of risk is also 
 reduced by the deployment of flexible work-schedule 
models and employee time accounts, but also by the 
ability to build specific models at additional sites if 
necessary. Moreover, risks arising from business inter-
ruption and loss of production as a consequence of fire 
are also insured up to economically reason able levels 
with insurance companies of good credit  standing.

If risks from the production and technology-related risks 
category were to materialise, they could have a high im-
pact on the results of operations over the two-year as-
sessment period. The level of risk attached to pro uction 
and technology-related issues is classified as  medium.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
75   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Production and technology-related opportunities
In addition to the risks involved, we firmly believe that 
the choice of sites for new production facilities also 
 creates a wealth of opportunities. Selecting a new loca-
tion goes hand in glove with the opportunity to shape 
the local environment in a positive way (e. g. job crea-
tion, training, corporate social responsibility (CSR) pro-
jects). Our aim is to continue our commitment to sus-
tainability whenever a new site is selected. We therefore 
endeavour to incorporate flagship projects at our pro-
duction sites that have a clear focus on sustainability 
(e. g. wind turbines in Leipzig). The option of offsetting 
capacities between BMW Group sites is always kept in 
mind if production technologies can be employed to 
achieve greater efficiency in the use of resources.

Compared to the outlook, efficiency improvements are 
unlikely to have a significantly greater impact over 
the two-year assessment period than that already incor-
porated in the outlook.

Purchasing risks
Close cooperation between carmakers and automotive 
suppliers creates economic benefits on the one hand, 
but also raises levels of dependency on the other. The 
increasing trend towards modular-based production 
with a set of common architectures covering various 
models and product lines exacerbates the consequences 
of the loss of a supplier or failure to supply on time. 
As part of the supplier preselection process, the BMW 
Group is careful to ensure that its future business part-
ners meet the same high ecological, social and corpo-
rate governance standards by which the BMW Group is 
generally measured. Suppliers are assessed on the basis 
of the BMW Group Sustainability Standard, which is 
applied throughout our supplier network worldwide. 
This set of fundamental principles and standards covers 
both production and non-production aspects relevant 
for the goods and services provided by suppliers, which 
also includes compliance with internationally recognised 
human rights and applicable labour and social stand-
ards. The principal tool for ensuring compliance with 
the BMW Group Sustainability Standard is a three-
stage sustainability and risk management approach com-
prising a BMW Group-specific sustainability risk filter, 
a sustainability questionnaire and a sustainability audit. 
In addition, the technical and financial capabilities of 
suppliers – especially those supplying for modular­based 
production – are continuously monitored during both 
the development and production phases of the Group’s 
vehicles. Particular attention is paid to the quality of the 

parts. In order to attain the level of quality required, it 
may become necessary to invest in new technological 
concepts or discontinue planned innovations, with the 
consequence that the cost of materials could exceed 
 levels incorporated in the outlook. Supplier sites are as-
sessed for exposure to natural hazards, such as floods 
or earthquakes, in order to identify supply risks at an 
early stage and implement appropriate countermeasures. 
Production problems incurred by suppliers could have 
adverse consequences for the BMW Group, ranging 
from increased expenditure through to production in-
terruptions and a corresponding reduction in sales 
 volume.

Raw materials management procedures are in place to 
mitigate the risk of a production interruption due to 
shortages of supplies of critical raw materials. In order 
to reduce supply risks, the BMW Group works hard 
to reduce the input of raw materials or to use alternative 
raw materials as a substitute.

If purchasing risks were to materialise, they could have 
a high impact on the BMW Group’s results of opera-
tions over the two-year assessment period. The level 
of risk attached to supply risks is classified as high, 
mainly due to the insufficient availability of raw materials 
in Asia.

Risks relating to sales and marketing
Changes in global economic conditions and increasingly 
protectionist trends are among the factors that could 
 result in lower demand as well as fluctuations in the re-
gional spread and composition of sales in terms of vehi-
cles and mobility services. Risks relating to these 
 developments can be reduced with the aid of flexible 
selling and production processes. At the same time, in-
creased pressure on selling prices and margins caused 
by intense competition on the world’s markets, particu-
larly in Western Europe, the USA and China, requires 
constant analysis, including keeping an eye on develop-
ments in grey market volumes from the USA to China. 
Selling price and margin risks are determined on the 
basis of past experience and changing global economic 
conditions, with risk exposures measured using a cash-
flow-at-risk model.

If sales and marketing risks were to materialise, they 
could have a high impact on the BMW Group’s results 
of operations over the two-year assessment period. The 
level of risk attached to sales and marketing risks is 
classified as high.

76

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

Opportunities relating to sales and marketing
Opportunities may arise due to other technical innova-
tions relating to products and processes and as a result 
of organisational changes. In the field of lightweight 
construction, for example, carbon was being put to use 
in high volumes for the first time in the automobile in-
dustry in the construction of the BMW i3.

Since carbon could also be used in other vehicle projects, 
we see further competitive advantages in terms of fuel 
consumption and driving dynamics, which could, in 
turn, have a positive impact on sales volume growth. The 
opportunities will not have a material impact over the 
 assessment period on the results of operations of the 
BMW Group.

The BMW Group focuses its selling capacities primarily 
on markets with the greatest sales volume and revenue 
potential and fastest growth rates. Investment in existing 
and new marketing concepts is firmly aimed at inten-
sifying relationships with customers. A good example is 
the new marketing concept for BMW i products and 
 services, which will be offered in selected markets in the 
future via an innovative multi-channel model. There 
will be no relaxing of efforts in the active search for new 
opportunities to create even greater added value for 
customers than currently expected, whilst at the same 
time looking for ways to boost sales volumes and achieve 
better selling prices. Developments in the field of digi-
tal communication and networking are also opening 
up opportunities for marketing the BMW Group’s 
 various brands. Consumers can meanwhile be reached 
on a more targeted and individual basis, thus helping to 
strengthen long-term relationships and brand loyalty. 
The BMW Group keeps track of the latest developments 
and trends in communication technology, including 
the use of social media and networks, in order to extend 
customer reach for its brands. Automotive-related busi-
ness activities of technology companies are also closely 
followed (autonomous driving). The BMW Group’s 
brands are present on numerous platforms, such as 
Face book, YouTube and Twitter. Thanks to its intensive 
efforts in this area, the BMW Group is registering faster 
growth rates on the various platforms than its com-
petitors, measured in terms of the number of fans and 
visits. The decisive advantage of digital communication 
is that the brands are able to engage in a direct dia-
logue with customers and thus create a more intense 
product and brand experience.

The BMW Group considers that these opportunities will 
not have a material impact on the results of operations 
over the two-year assessment period compared to the 
assumptions made in the outlook.

Risks relating to pension  obligations
The BMW Group’s pension obligations to its employees 
resulting from defined benefit plans are measured on 
the basis of actuarial reports. Future pension payments 
are discounted by reference to market yields on high-
quality corporate bonds. These yields are subject to mar-
ket fluctuation and therefore influence the level of pen-
sion obligations. Changes in other parameters, such as 
rises in inflation and longer life expectancy, also impact 
pension obligations and payments. Opportunities and 
risks arise depending on the nature and scale of changes 
in these parameters.

Most of the BMW Group’s pension obligations are ad-
ministered in external pension funds or trust arrange-
ments and the related assets are kept separate from Com-
pany assets. The amount of funds required to finance 
pension payments out of operations in the future is 
therefore substantially reduced, since most of the Group’s 
pension obligations are settled out of pension fund as-
sets. The pension assets of the BMW Group comprise 
interest-bearing securities, equities, real estate and other 
investment classes. Pension fund assets are monitored 
continuously and managed on a risk-and-yield basis. 
A broad spread of investments also helps to reduce risk. 
In order to reduce fluctuations in pension funding 
shortfalls, investments are structured to coincide with 
the timing of pension payments and the expected pat-
tern of pension obligations. Remeasurements on the 
 obligations and fund asset sides are recognised, net of 
deferred taxes, in “Other comprehensive income” and 
hence directly in equity (within revenue reserves).

If risks relating to pension obligations were to mate-
rialise, they could have a high impact on the BMW 
Group’s results of operations over the two-year assess-
ment period. The level of risk attached to risks  relating 
to pension obligations is classified as high.

Opportunities relating to pension obligations
Within a favourable capital market environment, the 
 return generated by pension assets may exceed expec-
tations and reduce the deficit of the relevant pension 
plans. This, in turn, could have a materially favourable 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
77   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

impact on the net assets position and earnings perfor-
mance of the BMW Group.

Further information on risks in conjunction with pen-
sion provisions is provided in note 36 to the Group 
 Financial Statements.

Information, data protection and IT risks
The importance of electronically processed data con-
tinues to rise, with information technology (IT) playing 
an increasingly crucial role in every aspect of the 
business. These developments create opportunities on 
the one hand, whilst also posing a source of risk on the 
other.

The BMW Group could incur damage if the confiden-
tiality, integrity and / or availability of sensitive informa-
tion and data are not maintained. Great importance is 
attached to the protection of business information and 
of employee and customer data against unauthorised 
access and / or misuse. Data security, based on Interna-
tional Security Standard ISO / IEC 27001, is an integral 
component of all business processes. Personal data is 
protected in accordance with the stringent requirements 
of the EU Data Protection Directive and the Federal 
Data Protection Act (Bundesdatenschutzgesetz – BDSG).

All employees are required to treat confidential infor-
mation (such as customer and employee data) in an ap-
propriate manner, ensure that information systems are 
properly used and that risks are handled with the ut-
most transparency. Uniform requirements, documented 
in a coordinated and comprehensive set of principles, 
guidelines and work instructions, are applicable group-
wide. Regular communication and sensitisation-rais-
ing activities create a high degree of security and risk 
awareness among the employees involved. Employees 
receive training to ensure compliance with applicable 
requirements and in-house rules.

Risk management procedures include systematic docu-
mentation of all information / data protection and IT 
risks, regular monitoring and the implementation of 
 appropriate measures by the departments responsible. 
Technical data protection procedures include virus scan-
ners, firewall systems, access controls at both operating 
system and application level, regular data backups and 
data encryption. Regular analyses and controls (in-

cluding the testing of data protection requirements) and 
rigorous security management ensure a high level of 
 security.

Responsibility for data protection in each Group entity 
lies with the Board of Management (of BMW AG) or 
the relevant company management team. Local Data 
Privacy Protection Officers are embedded in each of the 
Group’s entities. In the case of cooperation arrange-
ments and business partner relationships, the BMW 
Group protects its intellectual property as well as cus-
tomer and employee data by stipulating clear instruc-
tions with regard to data protection and the use of 
 information technology. Information pertaining to key 
areas of expertise as well as sensitive personal data 
are subject to particularly stringent security measures. 
In a clear signal to employees, customers and Europe’s 
data protection authorities that data protection is taken 
very seriously, the Board of Management of BMW AG 
resolved a set of Binding Corporate Rules (BCR) that 
 ensure the secure transfer of personal data throughout 
the BMW Group’s global organisation. The BMW Group 
has become the first car manufacturer worldwide to 
 successfully complete the relevant BCR recognition pro-
cedures.

The requirements placed on IT facilities – both externally 
and internally – are changing at a breathtaking pace in 
the face of technological developments. Potential risks 
are therefore investigated continuously and appropriate 
measures put in place to prevent or minimise their im-
pact. Despite regular testing and the whole gamut of 
preventative security measures employed, it is neverthe-
less impossible to rule out risks completely in this area.

If information, data protection and IT risks were to ma-
terialise, they are only likely to result in a minor impact 
on the results of operations over the two-year assess-
ment period. The levels of risk attached to information, 
data protection and IT risks are classified as medium.

Information, data protection and IT opportunities
Conversely, the deployment of information technology 
also opens up many opportunities. New approaches 
to production and energy supply systems that are cur-
rently being investigated in the context of “Industrie 
4.0” are generating significant efficiency improvements 
and resulting in greater sustainability. The range of 

78

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

s ervices and apps on offer to customers through BMW 
ConnectedDrive is constantly being expanded and up-
dated.

The opportunities arising from the deployment of infor-
mation technology are not expected to have a material 
positive impact during the two-year assessment period 
compared to the assumptions made in the outlook.

Financial risks and opportunities
Currency risks and opportunities
As an internationally operating enterprise, the BMW 
Group conducts business in a variety of currencies, thus 
giving rise to currency risks and opportunities. Since a 
substantial portion of Group revenues is generated out-
side the eurozone (particularly in China and the USA) 
and the procurement of production material and funding 
is also organised on a worldwide basis, fluctuations in 
exchange rates can play a significant role for Group 
earnings. Cash-flow-at-risk models and scenario analyses 
are used to measure currency risks and opportunities. 
Operational currency management is based on the results 
provided by these tools. In 2014 the Chinese renminbi, 
the US dollar, the British pound, the Russian rouble and 
the Japanese yen constituted approximately 75 % of the 
total foreign currency exposure of the BMW Group, with 
the Chinese renminbi and the US dollar accounting for 
the lion’s share of foreign currency transactions. The 
BMW Group manages currency risks at both strategic 
(medium and long term) and operating level (short 
and medium term). Medium- and long-term measures 
include increasing production volumes in non-euro- 
region countries (natural hedging) and increasing pur-
chase volumes denominated in foreign currencies. 
 Constructing new plants in countries such as the USA, 
China or Brazil have also helped reduce foreign cur-
rency exposures. Currency risks are managed in the 
short to medium term and for operational purposes by 
means of hedging. Hedging transactions are entered 
into only with financial partners of good credit standing. 
Opportunities are also secured through the deployment 
of options. A description of the methods applied for 
risk measurement and hedging is provided in note 43 
to the Group Financial Statements. Counterparty risk 
management procedures are carried out continuously 
in order to monitor the creditworthiness of business 
partners.

If currency risks were to materialise, they could have a 
high impact on the BMW Group’s results of operations 

over the two-year assessment period. A high level of 
risk is attached to currency risks. Significant opportuni-
ties can arise if currency developments are  favourable 
for the BMW Group.

If the relevant recognition criteria are fulfilled, deriva-
tives used by the BMW Group are accounted for as 
hedging relationships. Further information on risks in 
conjunction with financial instruments is provided in 
note 43 to the Group Financial Statements.

Risks and opportunities relating to raw materials
Changes in prices of raw materials are monitored on the 
basis of a set of well-defined management procedures. 
The principal objective of these management processes 
is to increase planning reliability for the BMW Group.

Price risks and opportunities relating to precious metals 
(platinum, palladium, rhodium) and non-ferrous metals 
(aluminium, copper, lead), and, to some extent, to steel 
and steel ingredients (iron ore, coking coal) and energy 
(gas, electricity) are hedged using financial derivatives 
and / or supply contracts with fixed pricing arrangements. 
A description of the methods applied for risk measure-
ment and hedging is provided in note 43 to the Group 
Financial Statements.

If risks relating to raw materials were to materialise, 
they could have a medium impact on the BMW Group’s 
results of operations over the two-year assessment 
 period. A high level of risk is attached to risks relating 
to raw materials.

Conversely, significant opportunities can arise if prices 
of raw materials develop favourably for the BMW Group.

If the relevant recognition criteria are fulfilled, deriva-
tives used by the BMW Group are accounted for as 
hedging relationships. Further information on risks in 
conjunction with financial instruments is provided in 
note 43 to the Group Financial Statements.

Liquidity risks
Based on experience gained during the financial crisis, 
a minimum liquidity concept has been developed and 
is rigorously adhered to. Solvency is assured at all times 
throughout the BMW Group by maintaining a liquidity 
reserve and by the broad diversification of refinancing 
sources. The liquidity position is monitored continu-
ously at a separate entity level and managed by means 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
79   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

of cash flow requirements and sourcing forecast sys-
tem in place throughout the Group. Liquidity risks may 
be reflected in rising refinancing costs. They may also 
manifest themselves in restricted access to funds as a 
consequence of the general market situation or the de-
fault of individual banks. The major part of the Finan-
cial Services segment’s credit financing and lease busi-
ness is refinanced on capital markets. Thanks to its 
excellent creditworthiness, the BMW Group has good 
access to financial markets and, as in previous years, 
was able to raise funds at good conditions in 2014, re-
flecting a diversified refinancing strategy and the solid 
liquidity and earnings base of the BMW Group. Inter-
nationally recognised rating agencies have additionally 
confirmed the BMW Group’s solid creditworthiness.

If liquidity risks were to materialise, they are only likely 
to result in a low impact on the BMW Group’s results 
of operations over the two-year assessment period. 
The risk of incurring liquidity risk is classified as low – 
including the risk of the BMW Group’s rating being 
downgraded and any ensuing deterioration in financing 
conditions.

If the relevant recognition criteria are fulfilled, deriva-
tives used by the BMW Group are accounted for as 
hedging relationships. Further information on risks in 
conjunction with financial instruments is provided in 
note 43 to the Group Financial Statements.

Risks and opportunities relating to Financial  Services
The categories of risk relating to the provision of finan-
cial services are credit and counterparty risk, residual 
value risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk and opera-
tional risk. In order to evaluate and manage these risks, 
a variety of internal methods has been developed 
based on regulatory environment requirements (such 
as Basel III) and which comply with both national and 
international standards. A set of strategic principles 
and rules derived from regulatory requirements serves 
as the basis for risk management within the Financial 
Services segment. At the heart of the risk management 
process is a clear division between front- and back-of-
fice activities and a comprehensive internal control sys-
tem. The key risk management tool employed within 
the Financial Services segment is aimed at ensuring 
that the Group’s risk-bearing capacity is not exceeded. 
In this context, all risks (defined as “unexpected losses”) 

must be covered at all times by an appropriate asset 
cushion in the form of equity capital. Unexpected losses 
are measured using a variety of value-at-risk techniques, 
adapted to each relevant risk category. Risks are aggre-
gated after taking account of correlation effects. The 
 total amount of risks calculated in this way is then com-
pared with the resources available to cover risks (asset 
cushion). The segment’s risk-bearing capacity is moni-
tored continuously with the aid of an integrated limit 
system which also differentiates between the various risk 
categories. The segment’s total risk exposure was 
 covered at all times during the past year by the available 
risk-coverage volumes.

Credit and counterparty risks and opportunities
Credit and counterparty default risk arises within the 
Financial Services segment if a contractual partner (i. e. 
a customer or dealer) either becomes unable or is only 
partially able to fulfil its contractual obligations, such 
that lower income is generated or losses incurred. The 
Financial Services segment uses a variety of rating 
systems in order to assess the creditworthiness of its 
contractual partners. Credit risks are managed at the 
time of the initial credit decision on the basis of a calcu-
lation of the present value of standard risk costs and 
subsequently, during the term of the credit, by using a 
range of risk provisioning techniques to cover risks 
 emanating from changes in customer creditworthiness. 
In this context, individual customers are classified by 
category each month on the basis of their current con-
tractual status, and appropriate levels of allowance 
 recognised in accordance with that classification. If 
economies develop more favourably than assumed in 
the outlook, there is a chance that credit losses may be 
reduced and earnings improved accordingly.

If credit and counterparty risks were to materialise, they 
could have a medium impact on the BMW Group’s 
 results of operations over the two-year assessment pe-
riod. The level of risk attached to credit and counter-
party risks is classified as high. The BMW Group classi-
fies potential opportunities in this area as material.

Residual value risks and opportunities
Risks and opportunities arise at the end of the contrac-
tual term of a lease if the market value of the leased vehi-
cle differs from the residual value calculated at the in-
ception of the lease and factored into the lease payments.

80

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

A residual value risk exists if the expected market value 
of the vehicle at the end of the contractual term is lower 
than its residual value at the date the contract is entered 
into. Each vehicle’s market value is forecast on the basis 
of historical external and internal data and used to pre-
dict the expected market value of the vehicle at the end 
of the contractual period. As part of the process of 
managing residual value risks, a calculation is performed 
at the inception of each contract to determine the pre-
sent value of risk costs. Market developments are ob-
served throughout the contractual period and the risk 
assessment updated appropriately.

If residual value risks were to materialise, they could have 
a high impact on Group earnings over the two-year 
 assessment period. The impact on the segments affected 
would be on a medium scale. The level of risk is classi-
fied as high for the Group as a whole. The BMW Group 
classifies potential residual value opportunities as 
 material.

Interest rate risks and opportunities
Interest rate risks in the Financial Services segment relate 
to potential losses caused by changes in market interest 
rates and can arise when fixed interest rate periods for 
assets and liabilities recognised in the balance sheet do 
not match. Interest rate risks in the Financial Services 
line of business are managed by raising refinancing funds 
with matching maturities and by employing interest rate 
derivatives.

If interest rate risks were to materialise, they are only 
likely to result in a low impact on the BMW Group’s 
 results of operations over the two-year assessment 
 period. The level of risk attached to interest rate risks 
is classified as medium.

The BMW Group classifies potential interest rate oppor-
tunities as material.

Liquidity and operational risks
Use of the “matched funding principle” to finance the 
Financial Services segment’s operations eliminates 
 liquidity risks to a large extent. Regular measurement 
and monitoring ensure that cash inflows and outflows 
from transactions in varying maturity cycles and curren-
cies offset each other. The relevant procedures are in-
corporated in the BMW Group’s target liquidity concept. 
Operational risks are defined in the Financial Services 
segment as the risk of losses arising as a consequence of 

the inappropriateness or failure of internal procedures 
(process risks), people (personnel-related risks), systems 
(infrastructure and IT risks) and external events (exter-
nal risks). These four categories of risk also include re-
lated legal and reputation risks. The comprehensive re-
cording and measurement of risk scenarios, loss events 
and countermeasures in the Operational Risk Manage-
ment Suite (OpRisk-Suite) provides the basis for a system-
atic analysis and management of potential and / or actual 
operational risks. Annual self-assessments are also car-
ried out.

If operational risks were to materialise, they are only 
likely to result in a low impact on the BMW Group’s 
 results of operations over the two-year assessment 
 period. The level of risk attached to operational risks 
is classified as medium.

Legal risks
Compliance with the law is a basic prerequisite for the 
success of the BMW Group. Current law provides the 
binding framework for the BMW Group’s various busi-
ness activities around the world. The growing interna-
tional scale of operations of the BMW Group, the com-
plexity of the business world and the whole gamut of 
complex legal regulations increase the risk of laws not 
being adhered to, simply because they are not known or 
fully understood.

The BMW Group has established a Compliance Organi-
sation aimed at ensuring that its representative bodies, 
managers and staff act in a lawful manner at all times. 
Further information on the BMW Group’s Compliance 
Organisation can be found in the section “Corporate 
Governance”.

Like all internationally operating enterprises, the BMW 
Group is confronted with legal disputes relating, in par-
ticular, to warranty claims, product liability, infringe-
ments of protected rights, and proceedings initiated 
by government agencies. Any of these matters could, 
among other outcomes, have an adverse impact on the 
Group’s reputation. Such proceedings are typical for 
the sector and can arise as a consequence of realigning 
product or purchasing strategies to suit changed market 
conditions. Particularly in the US market, class action 
lawsuits and product liability risks can have substantial 
financial consequences and cause damage to the Group’s 
public image. The BMW Group recognises appropriate 
levels of provision for lawsuits. A part of these risks, 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
81   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

particularly regarding the US market, is insured where 
this makes business sense. Some risks, however, cannot 
be assessed in full or completely defy assessment. It 
cannot be ruled out that losses from damages could 
arise which are either not covered or not fully  covered 
by insurance policies or provisions.

The high quality of the Group’s products, which is en-
sured by regular quality audits and ongoing improvement 
measures, helps to reduce this risk. In comparison with 
competitors, this can give rise to benefits and opportu-
nities for the BMW Group.

If legal risks were to materialise, they are only likely to 
have a low impact on the BMW Group’s results of opera-
tions over the two-year assessment period. The level of 
risk attached to legal risks is classified as low. This assess-
ment also includes consideration of risks arising from 
ongoing court and arbitration proceedings. However, it 
cannot be ruled out that new legal risks, as yet uniden-
tified, could materialise which could have a high impact 
on the BMW Group’s results of operations and financial 
condition.

Overall assessment of the risk and  
opportunities situation
The overall risk assessment is based on a consolidated 
view of all significant individual risks and opportunities. 
In view of the growing level of strategic and sector-spe-
cific risks, the overall risk situation for the BMW Group 
has increased marginally compared to the previous year.

In addition to the risk categories described above, it is 
possible that unforeseeable events could have an ad-
verse impact on the BMW Group’s results of operations, 
financial position and net assets as well as its reputation. 
We have created a comprehensive risk management 
 system that ensures we can master risks. In addition, 
the opportunities described above could potentially 
help the BMW Group to achieve its targets and fore-
casts.

From today’s perspective, management does not see any 
threat to the BMW Group’s going-concern status. As 
in the previous year, identified risks are considered to 
be manageable, but could – just like opportunities – 
have an impact on the BMW Group’s forecasts if they were 
to materialise. The BMW Group’s liquidity is stable and 
all cash requirements are currently covered by available 
funds and accessible credit lines.

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the  
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

82

Internal Control System* and Risk Management System Relevant for the  
Consolidated Financial Reporting Process

The internal control system in place throughout the 
BMW Group is aimed at ensuring the effectiveness of 
operations. It makes an important contribution towards 
ensuring compliance with the laws that apply to the 
BMW Group as well as providing assurance on the pro-
priety and reliability of internal and external financial 
 reporting. The internal control system is therefore a sig-
nificant factor in the management of process risks. The 
principal features of the internal control system and the 
risk management system, as far as they relate to individ-
ual entity and Group financial reporting processes, are 
described below.

Information and communication
One component of the internal control system is that of 
“Information and Communication”. It ensures that all 
the information needed to achieve the objectives set for 
the internal control system is made available to those 
 responsible in an appropriate and timely manner. The 
requirements relating to the provision of information 
relevant for financial reporting at the level of BMW AG, 
other consolidated Group entities and the BMW Group 
are  primarily set out in organisational manuals, in guide-
lines covering internal and external financial reporting 
issues, in accounting manuals and through training. 
These instructions, which can be accessed at all levels 
via the BMW Group’s intranet system, provide the frame-
work for ensuring that the relevant rules are applied 
consistently throughout the Group. The quality and 
relevance of these instructions are ensured by regular 
review as well as by continuous communication between 
the relevant departments.

Organisational measures
All financial reporting processes (including Group finan-
cial reporting processes) are structured in organisational 
terms in accordance with the principle of segregation 
of duties. These structures allow errors to be identified at 
an early stage and prevent potential wrongdoing. Regu-
lar comparison of internal forecasts and external financial 
reports improves the quality of financial reporting. The 
internal audit department serves as a process-inde-
pendent function, testing and assessing the effectiveness 
of the internal control system and proposing improve-
ments when appropriate.

Controls
Extensive controls are carried out by management in all 
financial reporting processes at an individual entity and 

Group level, thus ensuring that legal requirements and 
internal guidelines are complied with and that all busi-
ness transactions are properly executed. Controls are 
also carried out with the aid of IT applications, thus re-
ducing the incidence of process risks.

IT authorisations
All IT applications used in financial reporting processes 
throughout the BMW Group are subject to access restric-
tions, allowing only authorised persons to gain access 
to systems and data in a controlled environment. Access 
authorisations are allocated on the basis of the nature 
of the duties to be performed. In addition, IT processes 
are designed and authorisations allocated using the dual 
control principle, as a result of which, for instance, re-
quests cannot be submitted and approved by the same 
person.

Internal control training for employees 
All employees are appropriately trained to carry out 
their duties and kept informed of any changes in regu-
lations or processes that affect them. Managers and 
staff also have access to detailed best-practice descrip-
tions relating to risks and controls in the various pro-
cesses, thus increasing risk awareness at all levels. 
As a consequence, the internal control system can be 
 evaluated regularly and further improved as necessary. 
 Employees can, at any time and independently, deepen 
their understanding of control methods and design 
 using an information platform that is accessible through-
out the entire Group.

Evaluating the effectiveness of the internal 
control system
Responsibilities for ensuring the effectiveness of the 
 internal control system in relation to individual entity 
and Group financial reporting processes are clearly de-
fined and allocated to the relevant managers and pro-
cess owners. The BMW Group assesses the design and 
effectiveness of the internal control system on the basis 
of internal review procedures (e. g. management self­ 
audits,  internal audit findings). Continuous revision 
and further development of the internal control system 
ensure its continued effectiveness. Group entities are 
required to confirm regularly as part of their reporting 
duties that the internal control system is functioning 
properly. Effective measures are implemented when-
ever weaknesses are identified and reported.
* Disclosures pursuant to § 289 (5) HGB and § 315 (2) no. 5 HGB.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
83   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT
Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers1 and Explanatory Comments

Composition of subscribed capital
The subscribed capital (share capital) of BMW AG 
amounted to € 656,494,740 at 31 December 2014 (2013: 
€ 656,254,983) and, in accordance with Article 4 no. 1 
of the Articles of Incorporation, is sub-divided into 
601,995,196 shares of common stock (91.70 %) (2013: 
601,995,196; 91.73 %) and 54,499,544 shares of non- 
voting preferred stock (8.30 %) (2013: 54,259,787; 8.27 %), 
each with a par value of € 1. The Company’s shares 
are issued to bearer. The rights and duties of share-
holders derive from the German Stock Corporation 
Act (AktG) in conjunction with the Company’s Articles 
of Incorporation, the full text of which is available at 
www.bmwgroup.com. The right of shareholders to have 
their shares evidenced is excluded in accordance with 
the Articles of Incorporation. The voting power at-
tached to each share corresponds to its par value. Each 
€ 1 of par value of share capital represented in a vote 
 entitles the holder to one vote (Article 18 no. 1 of the 
 Articles of Incorporation). The Company’s shares of pre-
ferred stock are shares within the meaning of § 139 et 
seq. AktG, which carry a cumulative preferential right 
in terms of the allocation of profit and for which voting 
rights are normally excluded. These shares only confer 
voting rights in exceptional cases stipulated by law, in 
particular when the preference amount has not been 
paid or has not been fully paid in one year and the ar-
rears are not paid in the subsequent year alongside the 
full preference amount due for that year. With the ex-
ception of voting rights, holders of shares of preferred 
stock are entitled to the same rights as holders of shares 
of common stock. Article 24 of the Articles of Incorpo-
ration confers preferential treatment to the non-voting 
shares of preferred stock with regard to the appropria-
tion of the Company’s unappropriated profit. Accord-
ingly, the unappropriated profit is required to be appro-
priated in the following order:
1 Disclosures pursuant to § 289 (4) HGB and § 315 (4) HGB.

(a)  subsequent payment of any arrears on dividends on 
non-voting preferred shares in the order of accrue-
ment,

(b)  payment of an additional dividend of € 0.02 per € 1 
par value on non-voting preferred shares and

(c)  uniform payment of any other dividends on shares 
on common and preferred stock, provided the 
 shareholders do not resolve otherwise at the Annual 
General Meeting.

Restrictions on voting rights or the transfer of shares
As well as shares of common stock, the Company has 
also issued non-voting shares of preferred stock. Fur-
ther information relating to this can be found above in 
the section “Composition of subscribed capital”.

When the Company issues non-voting shares of pre-
ferred stock to employees in conjunction with its 
 Employee Share Programme, these shares are subject 
as a general rule to a Company-imposed vesting period 
of four years, measured from the beginning of the 
 calendar year in which the shares are issued.

Contractual holding period arrangements also apply to 
shares of common stock required to be acquired by 
Board of Management members and certain senior de-
partment heads in conjunction with the share-based 
 remuneration programmes (Compensation Report of 
the Corporate Governance section; note 20 to the Group 
Financial Statements).

Direct or indirect investments in capital exceeding  
10 % of voting rights
Based on the information available to the Company, the 
following direct or indirect holdings exceeding 10 % of 
the voting rights at the end of the reporting period were 
held at the date stated2:

AQTON SE, Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe, Germany

Stefan Quandt, Germany

Johanna Quandt, Germany

Johanna Quandt GmbH, Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe, Germany

Johanna Quandt GmbH & Co. KG für Automobilwerte, Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe, Germany

Susanne Klatten, Germany

Susanne Klatten Beteiligungs GmbH, Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe, Germany

2 Based on voluntary balance notifications provided by the listed shareholders at 31 December 2014.

Direct share of
voting rights (%)

Indirect share of
voting rights (%)

 17.4

 0.4

 16.4

 12.6

 17.4

 16.4

 16.4

 12.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
84

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

The voting power percentages disclosed above may have 
changed subsequent to the stated date if these changes 
were not required to be reported to the Company. Due to 
the fact that the Company’s shares are issued to bearer, 
the Company is generally only aware of changes in 
shareholdings if such changes are subject to mandatory 
notification rules.

Shares with special rights which confer control rights
There are no shares with special rights which confer 
control rights.

System of control over voting rights when employees 
participate in capital and do not exercise their control 
rights directly
Like all other shareholders, employees exercise their 
control rights pertaining to shares they have acquired 
in conjunction with the Employee Share Programme 
and / or the share­based remuneration programme 
 directly on the basis of relevant legal provisions and the 
Company’s Articles of Incorporation.

Statutory regulations and Articles of Incorporation 
 provisions with regard to the appointment and removal 
of members of the Board of Management and changes 
to the Articles of Incorporation
The appointment or removal of members of the Board 
of Management is based on the rules contained in 
§ 84 et seq. AktG in conjunction with § 31 of the German 
Co-Determination Act (MitbestG).

Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation must 
comply with § 179 et seq. AktG. All amendments must 
be decided upon by the shareholders at the Annual 
General Meeting (§ 119 (1) no. 5, § 179 (1) AktG). The 
Supervisory Board is authorised to approve amend-
ments to the Articles of Incorporation which only affect 
its wording (Article 14 no. 3 of the Articles of Incorpora-
tion). Resolutions are passed at the Annual General 
Meeting by simple majority of shares unless otherwise 
explicitly required by binding provisions of law or, 
when a majority of share capital is required, by simple 
majority of shares represented in the vote (Article 20 
no. 1 of the Articles of Incorporation).

Authorisations given to the Board of Management in 
particular with respect to the issuing or buying back of 
shares
The Board of Management is authorised to buy back 
shares and sell repurchased shares in situations specified 
in § 71 AktG, e. g. to avert serious and imminent damage 
to the Company and / or to offer shares to persons em-
ployed or previously employed by BMW AG or one of its 
affiliated companies.

In accordance with the resolution passed at the Annual 
General Meeting on 15 May 2014, the Board of Manage-
ment is also authorised – up to 14 May 2019 – to acquire 
shares of non-voting preferred stock of the Company 
via the stock exchange, up to a maximum of 1 % of the 
share capital existing at the date of the resolution. The 
consideration paid by the Company per share of non-
voting preferred stock (excluding transaction costs) may 
not be more than 10 % above or below the market price 
determined by the opening auction on the date of trad-
ing of the stock in the XETRA trading system (or a suc-
cessor system having a comparable function). Moreover, 
the Board of Management is authorised to use the ac-
quired Company’s own shares of non-voting preferred 
stock for all legally admissible purposes, specifically in-
cluding the right to offer and transfer shares to persons 
employed by the Company or one of its affiliated com-
panies up to a proportionate amount of € 5 million of 
share capital. The subscription rights of existing share-
holders to the new shares of preferred stock used for 
the purpose stated above are excluded. The authorisa-
tions may also be exercised in parts on more than one 
occasion.

In accordance with Article 4 no. 5 of the Articles of 
 Incorporation, the Board of Management is authorised – 
with the approval of the Supervisory Board – to in-
crease BMW AG’s share capital during the period until 
14 May 2019 by up to € 4,760,243 for the purposes of an 
Employee Share Programme by issuing new non-voting 
shares of preferred stock, which carry the same rights 
as existing non-voting preferred stock, in return for 
cash contributions (Authorised Capital 2014). Existing 
shareholders may not subscribe to the new shares. No 
conditional capital is in place at the reporting date.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
85   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Significant agreements entered into by the Company 
subject to control change clauses in the event of  
a takeover bid
The BMW AG is party to the following major agreements 
which contain provisions for the event of a change in 
control or the acquisition of control as a result of a take-
over bid:
–   An agreement concluded with an international con-
sortium of banks relating to a syndicated credit line 
(which was not being utilised at the balance sheet 
date) entitles the lending banks to give extraordinary 
notice to terminate the credit line (such that all out-
standing amounts, including interest, would fall due 
immediately) if one or more parties jointly acquire 
 direct or indirect control of BMW AG. The term “con-
trol” is defined as the acquisition of more than 50 % 
of the share capital of BMW AG, the right to receive 
more than 50 % of the dividend or the right to direct 
the affairs of the Company or appoint the majority of 
members of the Supervisory Board.

–   A cooperation agreement concluded with Peugeot SA 
relating to the joint development and production of 
a new family of small (1 to 1.6 litre) petrol-driven en-
gines entitles each of the cooperation partners to give 
extraordinary notification of termination in the event 
of a competitor acquiring control over the other con-
tractual party and if any concerns of the other con-
tractual party concerning the impact of the change 
of control on the cooperation arrangements are not 
allayed during the subsequent discussion process.
–   BMW AG acts as guarantor for all obligations arising 
from the joint venture agreement relating to BMW 
Brilliance Automotive Ltd. in China. This agreement 
grants an extraordinary right of termination to either 
joint venture partner in the event that, either directly 
or indirectly, more than 25 % of the shares of the 
other party are acquired by a third party or the other 
party is merged with another legal entity. The termi-
nation of the joint venture agreement may result in 
the sale of the shares to the other joint venture part-
ner or in the liquidation of the joint venture entity.
–   Framework agreements are in place with financial in-
stitutions and banks (ISDA Master Agreements) with 
respect to trading activities with derivative financial 
instruments. Each of these agreements includes an 

extraordinary right of termination which triggers the 
immediate settlement of all current transactions in 
the event that the creditworthiness of the party in-
volved is materially weaker following a direct or indi-
rect acquisition of beneficially owned equity capital 
which confers the power to elect a majority of the 
 Supervisory Board of a contractual party or any other 
ownership interest that enables the acquirer to exer-
cise control over a contractual party or which consti-
tutes a merger or a transfer of net assets.

–   Financing agreements in place with the European 

 Investment Bank (EIB) entitle the EIB to request early 
repayment of the loan in the event of an imminent 
or actual change in control at the level of BMW AG 
(partially in the capacity of guarantor and partially in 
the capacity of borrower), if the EIB has reason to as-
sume – after the change of control has taken place or 
30 days after it has requested to discuss the situation – 
that the change in control could have a significant 
 adverse impact, or, in all but one case, as an additional 
alternative, if the borrower refuses to hold such dis-
cussions. A change in control of BMW AG arises if 
one or more individuals take over or lose control of 
BMW AG, with control being defined in the above-
mentioned financing agreements as (i) holding or 
having control over more than 50 % of the voting 
rights, (ii) the right to stipulate the majority of the 
members of the Board of Management or Supervisory 
Board, (iii) the right to receive more than 50 % of 
dividends payable, and, in all but one case, as an ad-
ditional alternative (iv) other comparable controlling 
influence over BMW AG.

–   BMW AG is party to an agreement with SGL Carbon 
SE, Wiesbaden, relating to the joint operations SGL 
 Automotive Carbon Fibers LLC, Delaware, USA and 
SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers GmbH & Co. KG, 
Munich. The agreement includes call and put rights 
in case – either directly or indirectly – 50 % or more of 
the voting rights relating to the relevant other share-
holder of the joint operations are acquired by a third 
party, or if 25 % of such voting rights have been ac-
quired by a third party if that third party is a com-
petitor of the party that has not been affected by the 
acquisition of the voting rights. In the event of such 
acquisitions of voting rights by a third party, the non-

86

affected shareholder has the right to purchase the 
shares of the joint operations from the affected share-
holder or to require the affected party to acquire the 
other shareholder’s shares.

–   An engine supply agreement between BMW AG and 

Toyota Motor Europe SA relating to the sale of diesel 
engine entitles each of the contractual parties to give 
extraordinary notification of termination in the event 
that one of the contractual parties merges with an-
other company or is taken over by another company.

Compensation agreements with members of the  
Board of Management or with employees in the event  
of a takeover bid
The BMW Group has not concluded any compensation 
agreements with members of the Board of Management 
or with employees for situations involving a takeover 
 offer.

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
87   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

BMW Stock and Capital Markets in 2014

BMW stocks rose to a new all­time high of € 95.51 per 
share of common stock in 2014. The BMW Group 
 continues to have the best ratings in the European 
 automobile sector, enabling it to continue benefiting 
from excellent access to international capital markets.

Turbulent year for stock markets
International stock markets experienced broad fluctua-
tions in 2014, attributable primarily to the expansionary 
monetary policies of the ECB and to political instability 
in a number of countries.

At the beginning of the year, stock markets were bur-
dened by uncertainties surrounding the Ukraine crisis 
and its likely negative economic impact. At the same 
time, favourable economic data from Europe, the USA’s 
improved employment market and the US Reserve 
Bank’s continued policy of monetary expansion pro-
vided some positive momentum. Over the course of 
the second and third quarters, the ECB’s expansionary 
monetary policies provided an additional boost. The in-
terest rate for the Eurosystem’s main refinancing opera-
tions was reduced by 10 basis points in June to 0.15 % 
and by a further 10 basis points to 0.05 % in September 
and has remained at its new historical low since that 
time. A state of nervousness prevailed on the world’s 
finan cial centres during the third quarter 2014. The 
sharp loss in value of the rouble and the threat of state 
bankruptcy in Ukraine caused the mood of investors 
to deteriorate. In October the DAX fell to its low for the 
year of 8,572 points. By the end of the year, however, 
the more stable situation in the Ukraine crisis brought 
about by agreement in the gas dispute with Russia, 
combined with the fall in oil prices, helped markets to 
steady and gather momentum. The DAX recorded a 

Development of BMW stock compared to stock exchange indices
(Index: December 2009 = 100)

Development of BMW stock compared to stock exchange 
 indices since 30 December 2009
in %

300 

250 

200 

150 

100 

  50 

 BMW 
preferred stock 

 BMW 
 common stock 

 Prime 
  Automobile

 DAX 

 295.0 

282.3 

274.4 

164.6 

new all-time high of 10,087 points on 5 December, 
 before closing on the last day of trading below its high 
level for the year at 9,806 points, thus achieving a gain of 
254 points (+ 2.7 %) over the volatile twelve-month period.

The EURO STOXX 50 recorded a gain of 1.2 % in 2014 
and closed on 31 December at 3,146 points.

The Prime Automobile Index performed even better, 
gaining 7.0 % over the year under report to reach 
1,490 points.

After a weak start to the year, BMW common stock sub-
sequently climbed to a new high of € 95.51 in June. After 
falling back to a low for the year of € 77.41 in October, 
it returned to an upward trend in the fourth quarter and 
finished the year at € 89.77, 5.3 % higher than one year 
earlier. BMW preferred stock gained 9.3 % in value com-

325 

300 

275 

250 

225 

200 

175 

150 

125 

100 

BMW preferred stock
BMW common stock
Prime Automobile

DAX

 10 

 11 

 12 

 13 

 14 

BMW preferred stock

BMW common stock

Prime Automobile

DAX

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
88

pared to its closing price at the end of the previous year. 
Its price at the end of the stock market year was € 67.84. 
A new all­time high of € 74.60 was recorded in July. At 
the end of 2014, the BMW Group had a market capitali-
sation of approximately € 58 billion, making it one of the 
Top 10 of the most valuable stock corporations listed in 
Germany.

Employee Share Programme
BMW AG has enabled its employees to participate in its 
success for more than 40 years. Since 1989, this participa-
tion has taken the form of an Employee Share Programme. 
In total, 239,777 shares of preferred stock were issued to 
employees in 2014 as part of this Programme.

In this context, and with the approval of the Supervisory 
Board, BMW AG’s share capital was increased by the 
Board of Management by € 239,757 from € 656,254,983 
to € 656,494,740 by the issue of 239,757 new non-voting 

shares of preferred stock. This increase was executed on 
the basis of Authorised Capital 2014 in Article 4 (5) of 
the Articles of Incorporation. The new shares of pre-
ferred stock carry the same rights as existing shares of 
preferred stock and were issued to enable employees 
to obtain an equity participation in the company. In ad-
dition, 20 shares of preferred stock were bought back 
via the stock market in order to service the Employee 
Share Programme.

Dividend increase
In view of the strong earnings performance for the year, 
the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board 
will propose to the Annual General Meeting to use 
BMW AG’s unappropriated profit of € 1,904 million to 
pay a dividend of € 2.90 for each share of common stock 
(2013: € 2.60) and a dividend of € 2.92 for each share of 
preferred stock (2013: € 2.62), giving a distribution rate 
of 32.7 % for 2014 (2013: 32.0 %).

18    COMBINED  MANAGEMENT  REPORT
18    General Information on the BMW Group

18    Business Model
20    Management System
23    Report on Economic Position

23     General and Sector-specific 

 Environment

26    Overall Assessment by Management
26     Financial and Non-financial 
 Performance Indicators

29    Review of Operations
49     Results of Operations, Financial 

 Position and Net Assets

61     Comments on Financial Statements 

of BMW AG

64     Events after the End of the  

Reporting Period
65     Report on Outlook, Risks and 

 Opportunities
65    Outlook
70    Report on Risks and Opportunities

82     Internal Control System and Risk 

 Management System Relevant for the 
Consolidated Financial Reporting  Process

83     Disclosures Relevant for Takeovers  

and Explanatory Comments
87    BMW Stock and Capital Markets

BMW stock

Common stock

Number of shares in 1,000
Stock exchange price in €1

 Year-end closing price

 High

 Low

Preferred stock

Number of shares in 1,000
Stock exchange price in €1

 Year-end closing price

 High

 Low

Key data per share in €

Dividend

 Common stock

 Preferred stock

Earnings per share of common stock 3
Earnings per share of preferred stock 4
Cash flow 5

Equity

 2014

 2013

 2012

 2011

 2010

 601,995

 601,995

 601,995

 601,995

 601,995

 89.77

 95.51

 77.41

 85.22

 85.42

 63.93

 72.93

 73.76

 53.16

 51.76

 73.52

 45.04

 58.85

 64.80

 28.65

 54,500

 54,260

 53,994

 53,571

 53,163

 67.84

 74.60

 59.08

 2.90 2
 2.92 2

 8.83

 8.85

 14.36

 57.03

 62.09

 64.65

 48.69

 2.60

 2.62
 8.08 6
 8.10 6
 15.19 6
 54.25 6

 48.76

 49.23

 35.70

 2.50

 2.52

 7.77

 7.79

 13.98

 46.35

 36.55

 45.98

 32.01

 2.30

 2.32

 7.45

 7.47

 12.38

 41.34

 38.50

 41.90

 21.45

 1.30

 1.32

 4.91

 4.93

 12.45

 36.53

1 Xetra closing prices.
2 Proposed by management.
3 Annual average weighted amount.
4 Stock weighted according to dividend entitlements.
5 Cash inflow from operating activities of the Automotive segment.
6 Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
89   COMBINED MANAGEMENT  REPORT

Ratings remain at top level
The BMW Group continues to have the best ratings in 
the European automobile sector. Since December 2013, 
BMW AG has a long-term rating of A+ (stable outlook) 
and a short-term rating of A-1 from the rating agency 
Standard & Poor’s. The equivalent ratings from the 
 rating agency Moody’s were A2 (stable outlook) and P-1. 
These rating assessments underline the BMW Group’s 
robust financial profile and solid creditworthiness. 
Thanks to these attributes, the company not only has 
good access to international capital markets, it also bene-
fits from  attractive refinancing conditions, which are 
particularly helpful for the BMW Group’s financial ser-
vices business.

Intensive communication with capital markets
The BMW Group continued to keep analysts, private 
and institutional investors, and rating agencies up to 
date throughout 2014 by means of its regular quarterly 
and year-end financial reports. In addition, numerous 
one-to-one discussions, group discussions and road-
shows addressed a broad range of capital market partici-
pants. These activities also included roadshows for in-
vestors interested in socially responsible investment 
(SRI) and wishing to incorporate sustainability criteria 
in their investment decisions as well as a series of events 
for debt capital investors and credit analysts. Communi-
cation focused primarily on the launch of numerous 
new models, BMW i and alternative drive systems, and 
developments on the Chinese market. In addition to 
presenting new models (including the BMW i8 and the 
2 Series Active Tourer) and arranging various events 
and test drives in the USA and Europe, we also organised 
a Capital Markets Day in China for analysts and investors.

90

GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

BMW Group
Income Statements for Group and Segments
Statement of Comprehensive Income for Group

Income Statements for Group and Segments
in € million

Revenues

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Selling and administrative expenses

Other operating income

Other operating expenses

Profit / loss before financial result

 Result from equity accounted investments

 Interest and similar income

 Interest and similar expenses

 Other financial result

Financial result

Profit / loss before tax

Income taxes

Net profit / loss

Attributable to minority interest

Attributable to shareholders of BMW AG

Basic earnings per share of common stock in €

Basic earnings per share of preferred stock in €

Dilutive effects

Diluted earnings per share of common stock in €

Diluted earnings per share of preferred stock in €

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

Statement of Comprehensive Income for Group
in € million

Net profit

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 Note

Group

Automotive

Motorcycles

Financial Services

Other Entities

Eliminations

 2014

 2013*

(unaudited supplementary information)
 2013*

 2014

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013*

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013*  

  10

  11

  12

  13

  13

  14

  15

  15

  16

 80,401

 76,059

 75,173

 70,630

 1,679

 1,504

 20,599

 19,874

  – 63,396

  – 60,791

  – 61,221

  – 57,778

  – 1,365

  – 1,253

  – 17,783

  – 17,270

17,005

15,268

13,952

12,852

314

251

2,816

  – 17,057

  – 15,955  

 Revenues

 16,973

 15,510  

 Cost of sales

– 445

 Gross profit

  – 7,892

  – 7,257

  – 6,645

  – 6,114

  – 201

  – 177

  – 1,035

 877

  – 872

9,118

 655

 200

  – 519

  – 747

– 411

8,707

 842

  – 875

7,978

 407

 183

  – 469

  – 206

– 85

7,893

 749

  – 812

7,244

 655

 331

  – 620

  – 724

– 358

6,886

 742

  – 831

6,649

 407

 303

  – 535

  – 263

– 88

6,561

  17

  – 2,890

  – 2,564

  – 2,365

  – 2,153

  35

  35  

  18

  18

  18

  18

5,817

 19

5,798

 8.83

 8.85

   –

 8.83

 8.85

5,329

 26

5,303

 8.08   

 8.10   

   –   

 8.08   

 8.10   

 Note

4,521

 7

4,514

4,408

 17

4,391

 2014

 2013*

5,817

5,329

 7

  –

      7

  – 28

 136

  – 44

   71

  –

 1,295

  – 15

   83

154

  – 49

105

 1

104

 6

  –

      6

  – 23

 115

  – 54

   44

  –

 1,340

 59

120

164

  – 68

   96

 1

   95

 2,604

  – 953

 57

  – 65

 1,643

  –

 5

  – 27

  – 2

– 24

1,619

  – 518

1,101

 8

1,093

– 84

 17

  – 81

 83

– 65

  –

  –

– 98

 83

– 80

  –

– 80

  –

  – 1

112

  –

  –

  – 5

  –

   – 5

107

  – 34

   73

  –

   73

 7

  – 2

   79

  –

  –

  – 3

  –

   – 3

   76

  – 25

   51

  –

   51

 73

  – 98

1,756

  –

 4

  – 29

  – 8

– 33

1,723

  – 525

1,198

 11

1,187

 10  

 Selling and administrative expenses

  – 79  

 Other operating income

 77  

 Other operating expenses

– 437

 Profit / loss before financial result

  –  

 Result from equity accounted investments

  – 1,430

  – 1,465  

 Interest and similar income

  – 1,197

  – 1,279

 1,332

 1,375  

 Interest and similar expenses

  –  

 Other financial result

– 90

 Financial result

– 163

– 527

 Profit / loss before tax

 200  

 Income taxes

– 327

 Net profit / loss

  –  

 Attributable to minority interest

– 327

 Attributable to shareholders of BMW AG

 Basic earnings per share of common stock in €

 Basic earnings per share of preferred stock in €

 Dilutive effects

 Diluted earnings per share of common stock in €

 Diluted earnings per share of preferred stock in €

Remeasurement of the net defined benefit liability for pension plans

  36  

  – 2,298

Deferred taxes

Items not expected to be reclassified to the income statement in the future

Available-for-sale securities

Financial instruments used for hedging purposes

Other comprehensive income from equity accounted investments

Deferred taxes

Currency translation foreign operations

Items expected to be reclassified to the income statement in the future

 706

– 1,592

 40

  – 2,194

  – 48

 732

 764

– 706

Other comprehensive income for the period after tax

  21  

– 2,298

Total comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income attributable to minority interests

Total comprehensive income attributable to shareholders of BMW AG

  35  

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

3,519

 19

3,500

 1,308  

  – 372  

936

 8  

 1,357  

  – 7  

  – 407  

  – 633  

318

1,254

6,583

 26  

6,557

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
91   Group Financial StatementS

Income Statements for Group and Segments

in € million

Revenues

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Selling and administrative expenses

Other operating income

Other operating expenses

Profit / loss before financial result

 Result from equity accounted investments

 Interest and similar income

 Interest and similar expenses

 Other financial result

Financial result

Profit / loss before tax

Income taxes

Net profit / loss

Attributable to minority interest

Attributable to shareholders of BMW AG

Basic earnings per share of common stock in €

Basic earnings per share of preferred stock in €

Dilutive effects

Diluted earnings per share of common stock in €

Diluted earnings per share of preferred stock in €

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

  10

  11

  12

  13

  13

  14

  15

  15

  16

  35

  35  

  18

  18

  18

  18

  17

  – 2,890

  – 2,564

  – 2,365

  – 2,153

 749

  – 812

7,244

 655

 331

  – 620

  – 724

– 358

6,886

4,521

 7

4,514

 742

  – 831

6,649

 407

 303

  – 535

  – 263

– 88

6,561

4,408

 17

4,391

 877

  – 872

9,118

 655

 200

  – 519

  – 747

– 411

8,707

5,817

 19

5,798

 8.83

 8.85

   –

 8.83

 8.85

 842

  – 875

7,978

 407

 183

  – 469

  – 206

– 85

7,893

5,329

 26

5,303

 8.08   

 8.10   

   –   

 8.08   

 8.10   

 Note

Group

Automotive

Motorcycles

Financial Services

Other Entities

Eliminations

 2014

 2013*

 2014

 2013*

 2014

 2013

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)
 2013*

 2014

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013*  

 80,401

 76,059

 75,173

 70,630

 1,679

 1,504

 20,599

 19,874

  – 63,396

  – 60,791

  – 61,221

  – 57,778

  – 1,365

  – 1,253

  – 17,783

  – 17,270

17,005

15,268

13,952

12,852

314

251

2,816

  – 7,892

  – 7,257

  – 6,645

  – 6,114

  – 201

  – 177

  – 1,035

  –

  – 1

112

  –

  –

  – 5

  –

   – 5

107

  – 34

   73

  –

   73

 7

  – 2

   79

  –

  –

  – 3

  –

   – 3

   76

  – 25

   51

  –

   51

 73

  – 98

1,756

  –

 4

  – 29

  – 8

– 33

1,723

  – 525

1,198

 11

1,187

 2,604

  – 953

 57

  – 65

 1,643

  –

 5

  – 27

  – 2

– 24

1,619

  – 518

1,101

 8

1,093

 7

  –

      7

  – 28

 136

  – 44

   71

  –

 1,295

 6

  –

      6

  – 23

 115

  – 54

   44

  –

 1,340

  – 17,057

  – 15,955  

 Revenues

 16,973

 15,510  

 Cost of sales

– 84

 17

  – 81

 83

– 65

  –

– 445

 Gross profit

 10  

 Selling and administrative expenses

  – 79  

 Other operating income

 77  

 Other operating expenses

– 437

 Profit / loss before financial result

  –  

 Result from equity accounted investments

  – 1,430

  – 1,465  

 Interest and similar income

  – 1,197

  – 1,279

 1,332

 1,375  

 Interest and similar expenses

  – 15

   83

154

  – 49

105

 1

104

 59

120

164

  – 68

   96

 1

   95

  –

– 98

  –  

 Other financial result

– 90

 Financial result

– 163

– 527

 Profit / loss before tax

 83

– 80

  –

– 80

 200  

 Income taxes

– 327

 Net profit / loss

  –  

 Attributable to minority interest

– 327

 Attributable to shareholders of BMW AG

 Basic earnings per share of common stock in €

 Basic earnings per share of preferred stock in €

 Dilutive effects

 Diluted earnings per share of common stock in €

 Diluted earnings per share of preferred stock in €

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
92

BMW Group
Balance Sheets for Group and Segments at 31 December

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

Assets

in € million

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Leased products

Investments accounted for using the equity method

Other investments

Receivables from sales financing

Financial assets

Deferred tax

Other assets

Non-current assets

Inventories

Trade receivables

Receivables from sales financing

Financial assets

Current tax

Other assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Assets held for sale

Current assets

Total assets

Equity and liabilities

in € million

Subscribed capital

Capital reserves

Revenue reserves

Accumulated other equity

Equity attributable to shareholders of BMW AG

Minority interest

Equity

Pension provisions

Other provisions

Deferred tax

Financial liabilities

Other liabilities

Non-current provisions and liabilities

Other provisions

Current tax

Financial liabilities

Trade payables

Other liabilities

Liabilities in conjunction with assets held for sale

Current provisions and liabilities

 Note

Group

  23

  24

  25

  26

  27

  28

  29

  17

  31

  32

  33

  28

  29

  30

  31

  34

 2014

 31.12. 2013*

 1.1. 2013*

 6,499

 17,182

 30,165

 1,088

 408

 6,179

 15,168

 25,914

 638

 553

 5,207

 13,376

 24,468

 505

 548

 37,438

 32,616

 32,309

 2,024

 2,061

 1,094

 2,593

 1,620

 912

 2,148

 1,967

 770

97,959

86,193

81,298

 11,089

 2,153

 23,586

 5,384

 1,906

 5,038

 7,688

  –

 9,595

 2,449

 21,501

 5,559

 1,151

 4,258

 7,671

  –

 9,732

 2,543

 20,605

 4,612

 966

 3,664

 8,374

 45

Automotive

(unaudited supplementary information)
 2013*

 2014

Motorcycles

Financial Services

Other Entities

Eliminations

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013*

 2014

 2013*  

   Assets

 5,999

 16,863

 3

 1,088

 5,110

  –

 447

 3,253

 3,662

36,425

 10,698

 1,887

  –

 3,952

 1,186

 19,231

 5,752

  –

 5,646

 14,863

 19

 638

 5,253

  –

 1,183

 2,226

 3,847

33,675

 9,269

 2,184

  –

 4,479

 1,002

 15,480

 6,775

  –

 35,366

 30,230

  – 5,204

  – 4,335  

 Leased products

 37,438

 32,616

  –  

 Receivables from sales financing

 5,808

 5,754

  – 10,516

  – 10,460  

 Other investments

  –  

 Intangible assets

  –  

 Property, plant and equipment

  –  

 Investments accounted for using the equity method

 1

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

 1

  –

 898

 618

 153

  –

 1

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

 936

 60

 17

  –

 1,751

 367

 21,895

29,822

 1,779

 290

 19,677

27,501

  – 384

  – 1,846

  – 645  

 Financial assets

  – 1,181  

 Deferred tax

  – 26,396

  – 24,048  

 Other assets

– 44,346

– 40,669

 Non-current assets

 36,682

 32,775

  – 54,828

  – 47,527  

 Other assets

  – 514

  – 682  

 Financial assets

  –  

 Current tax

  –  

 Inventories

  –  

 Trade receivables

  –  

 Receivables from sales financing

  –  

 Cash and cash equivalents

  –  

 Assets held for sale

 445

 34

  –

 6

 210

 287

 1,913

75,699

 8

 137

 1,048

 102

 3,953

 1,783

  –

 469

 34

  –

 6

 276

 285

 1,436

65,352

 8

 145

 826

 89

 3,530

 879

  –

 23,586

 21,501

56,844

52,184

50,541

42,706

39,189

30,617

26,978

38,352

33,788

– 55,342

– 48,209

 Current assets

154,803

138,377

131,839

79,131

72,864

106,316

92,330

68,174

61,289

– 99,688

– 88,878

 Total assets

 Note

Group

 2014

 31.12. 2013*

 1.1. 2013*

Automotive

(unaudited supplementary information)
 2013*

 2014

Motorcycles

Financial Services

Other Entities

Eliminations

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013*

 2014

 2013*

 2014

 2013*  

  35

  35

  35

  35

  35  

  35

  36

  37

  17

  39

  40

  37

  38

  39

  41

  40

 656

 2,005

 35,621

  – 1,062

37,220

 217

37,437

 4,604

 4,268

 1,974

 43,167

 4,275

58,288

 4,522

 1,590

 37,482

 7,709

 7,775

  –

 656

 1,990

 33,122

  – 356

35,412

 188

35,600

 2,303

 3,828

 2,459

 39,450

 3,603

51,643

 3,412

 2,319

 30,854

 7,485

 7,064

  –

 656

 1,973

 28,510

  – 674

30,465

 107

30,572

 3,813

 3,481

 2,094

 39,095

 3,404

51,887

 3,246

 2,463

 30,412

 6,437

 6,792

 30

31,045

30,909

9,357

8,388

12,031

10,781

– 14,996

– 14,478

 Equity

 2,741

 3,777

 421

 1,933

 5,445

 938

 3,075

 1,072

 1,604

 4,677

14,317

11,366

 3,746

 1,050

 3,250

 6,929

 18,794

  –

 3,040

 1,021

 725

 6,774

 19,029

  –

 75

 273

 5,078

 14,695

 23,680

43,801

 432

 162

 19,122

 571

 32,871

  –

 40

 289

 4,171

 14,376

 21,134

40,010

 309

 155

 16,006

 502

 26,960

  –

 1,710

 58

 13

 51

 282

 378

 15,624

 17

  –

 1,296

 323

 6

 1,143

 14,805

 3

 5

  –

 26,923

 24,115

  – 3,538

  – 384

  – 2,790  

 Deferred tax

  – 645  

 Financial liabilities

 68

  – 25,258

  – 22,594  

 Other liabilities

28,755

25,808

– 29,180

– 26,029

 Non-current provisions and liabilities

 3  

 Other provisions

  –  

 Current tax

  – 514

  – 682  

 Financial liabilities

  –  

 Trade payables

 11,087

 8,744

  – 54,998

  – 47,692  

 Other liabilities

  –  

 Liabilities in conjunction with assets held for sale

59,078

51,134

49,380

33,769

30,589

53,158

43,932

27,388

24,700

– 55,512

– 48,371

 Current provisions and liabilities

   Equity and liabilities

 Subscribed capital

 Capital reserves

 Revenue reserves

 Accumulated other equity

 Minority interest

  –  

 Pension provisions

  –  

 Other provisions

 Equity attributable to shareholders of BMW AG

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

Total equity and liabilities

154,803

138,377

131,839

79,131

72,864

106,316

92,330

68,174

61,289

– 99,688

– 88,878

 Total equity and liabilities

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 54

 285

 20

359

 383

 128

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

511

870

      –

 78

 160

  –

  –

 357

595

 62

  –

  –

 192

 21

  –

275

870

 63

 271

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

 334

 318

 120

 438

 772

      –

 29

 141

  –

  –

 318

488

 57

  –

  –

 204

 23

  –

284

772

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
93   Group Financial StatementS

 Note

Group

Automotive

Motorcycles

Financial Services

Other Entities

Eliminations

 2014

 31.12. 2013*

 1.1. 2013*

 2014

 2013*

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)
 2013*

 2014

(unaudited supplementary information)

 2014

 2013*  

   Assets

 54

 285

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

 20

359

 383

 128

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

511

870

 63

 271

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

 334

 318

 120

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

 438

 772

 445

 34

 469

 34

 35,366

 30,230

  –

 6

  –

 6

 37,438

 32,616

 210

 287

 1,913

75,699

 8

 137

 276

 285

 1,436

65,352

 8

 145

 23,586

 21,501

 1,048

 102

 3,953

 1,783

  –

 826

 89

 3,530

 879

  –

 1

  –

  –

  –

 5,808

  –

 1,751

 367

 21,895

29,822

  –

 1

  –

 898

 618

 1

  –

  –

  –

 5,754

  –

 1,779

 290

 19,677

27,501

  –

  –

  –

 936

 60

  –

  –

  –  

 Intangible assets

  –  

 Property, plant and equipment

  – 5,204

  – 4,335  

 Leased products

  –

  –  

 Investments accounted for using the equity method

  – 10,516

  – 10,460  

 Other investments

  –

  – 384

  – 1,846

  –  

 Receivables from sales financing

  – 645  

 Financial assets

  – 1,181  

 Deferred tax

  – 26,396

  – 24,048  

 Other assets

– 44,346

– 40,669

 Non-current assets

  –

  –

  –

  – 514

  –

  –  

 Inventories

  –  

 Trade receivables

  –  

 Receivables from sales financing

  – 682  

 Financial assets

  –  

 Current tax

 36,682

 32,775

  – 54,828

  – 47,527  

 Other assets

 153

  –

 17

  –

  –

  –

  –  

 Cash and cash equivalents

  –  

 Assets held for sale

30,617

26,978

38,352

33,788

– 55,342

– 48,209

 Current assets

106,316

92,330

68,174

61,289

– 99,688

– 88,878

 Total assets

 Note

Group

Automotive

Motorcycles

Financial Services

Other Entities

Eliminations

 2014

 31.12. 2013*

 1.1. 2013*

 2014

 2013*

 2014

 2013

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)
 2013*

 2014

(unaudited supplementary information)
 2013*

 2014

(unaudited supplementary information)

 2014

 2013*  

   Equity and liabilities

 Subscribed capital

 Capital reserves

 Revenue reserves

 Accumulated other equity

 Equity attributable to shareholders of BMW AG

 Minority interest

      –

 78

 160

  –

  –

 357

595

 62

  –

  –

 192

 21

  –

275

870

      –

 29

 141

  –

  –

 318

488

 57

  –

  –

 204

 23

  –

284

772

9,357

8,388

12,031

10,781

– 14,996

– 14,478

 Equity

 75

 273

 5,078

 14,695

 23,680

43,801

 432

 162

 19,122

 571

 32,871

  –

 40

 289

 4,171

 14,376

 21,134

40,010

 309

 155

 16,006

 502

 26,960

  –

 1,710

 58

 13

 1,296

 323

 6

 26,923

 24,115

  –

  –

  – 3,538

  – 384

  –  

 Pension provisions

  –  

 Other provisions

  – 2,790  

 Deferred tax

  – 645  

 Financial liabilities

 51

 68

  – 25,258

  – 22,594  

 Other liabilities

28,755

25,808

– 29,180

– 26,029

 Non-current provisions and liabilities

 282

 378

 15,624

 17

 11,087

  –

 3

 1,143

 14,805

 5

  –

  –

  – 514

  –

 3  

 Other provisions

  –  

 Current tax

  – 682  

 Financial liabilities

  –  

 Trade payables

 8,744

  – 54,998

  – 47,692  

 Other liabilities

  –

  –

  –  

 Liabilities in conjunction with assets held for sale

53,158

43,932

27,388

24,700

– 55,512

– 48,371

 Current provisions and liabilities

106,316

92,330

68,174

61,289

– 99,688

– 88,878

 Total equity and liabilities

Assets

in € million

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Leased products

Investments accounted for using the equity method

Other investments

Receivables from sales financing

Financial assets

Deferred tax

Other assets

Non-current assets

Inventories

Trade receivables

Receivables from sales financing

Financial assets

Current tax

Other assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Assets held for sale

Current assets

Total assets

Equity and liabilities

in € million

Subscribed capital

Capital reserves

Revenue reserves

Minority interest

Equity

Pension provisions

Other provisions

Deferred tax

Financial liabilities

Other liabilities

Other provisions

Current tax

Financial liabilities

Trade payables

Other liabilities

Accumulated other equity

Equity attributable to shareholders of BMW AG

  23

  24

  25

  26

  27

  28

  29

  17

  31

  32

  33

  28

  29

  30

  31

  34

  35

  35

  35

  35

  35  

  35

  36

  37

  17

  39

  40

  37

  38

  39

  41

  40

56,844

52,184

50,541

42,706

39,189

154,803

138,377

131,839

79,131

72,864

 37,438

 32,616

 32,309

97,959

86,193

81,298

 6,499

 17,182

 30,165

 1,088

 408

 2,024

 2,061

 1,094

 11,089

 2,153

 23,586

 5,384

 1,906

 5,038

 7,688

  –

 656

 2,005

 35,621

  – 1,062

37,220

 217

37,437

 4,604

 4,268

 1,974

 43,167

 4,275

58,288

 4,522

 1,590

 37,482

 7,709

 7,775

  –

 6,179

 15,168

 25,914

 638

 553

 2,593

 1,620

 912

 9,595

 2,449

 21,501

 5,559

 1,151

 4,258

 7,671

  –

 656

 1,990

 33,122

  – 356

35,412

 188

35,600

 2,303

 3,828

 2,459

 39,450

 3,603

51,643

 3,412

 2,319

 30,854

 7,485

 7,064

  –

 5,207

 13,376

 24,468

 505

 548

 2,148

 1,967

 770

 9,732

 2,543

 20,605

 4,612

 966

 3,664

 8,374

 45

 656

 1,973

 28,510

  – 674

30,465

 107

30,572

 3,813

 3,481

 2,094

 39,095

 3,404

51,887

 3,246

 2,463

 30,412

 6,437

 6,792

 30

 5,999

 16,863

 3

 1,088

 5,110

  –

 447

 3,253

 3,662

36,425

 10,698

 1,887

  –

 3,952

 1,186

 19,231

 5,752

  –

 5,646

 14,863

 19

 638

 5,253

  –

 1,183

 2,226

 3,847

33,675

 9,269

 2,184

  –

 4,479

 1,002

 15,480

 6,775

  –

31,045

30,909

 2,741

 3,777

 421

 1,933

 5,445

 3,746

 1,050

 3,250

 6,929

 18,794

  –

 938

 3,075

 1,072

 1,604

 4,677

 3,040

 1,021

 725

 6,774

 19,029

  –

Non-current provisions and liabilities

14,317

11,366

Liabilities in conjunction with assets held for sale

Current provisions and liabilities

59,078

51,134

49,380

33,769

30,589

Total equity and liabilities

154,803

138,377

131,839

79,131

72,864

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
94

BMW Group
Cash Flow Statements for Group and Segments

in € million

Net profit

Reconciliation between net profit and cash inflow / outflow from operating activities

Current tax

Other interest and similar income / expenses

Depreciation and amortisation of other tangible, intangible and investment assets

Change in provisions

Change in leased products

Change in receivables from sales financing

Change in deferred taxes

Other non-cash income and expense items

Gain / loss on disposal of tangible and intangible assets and marketable securities

Result from equity accounted investments

Changes in working capital

 Change in inventories

 Change in trade receivables

 Change in trade payables

Change in other operating assets and liabilities

Income taxes paid

Interest received

Cash inflow / outflow from operating activities

Investment in intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from the disposal of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

Expenditure for investments

Proceeds from the disposal of investments

Investments in marketable securities and term deposits

Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities and from matured term deposits

Cash inflow / outflow from investing activities

Issue / buy-back of treasury shares

Payments into equity

Payment of dividend for the previous year

Intragroup financing and equity transactions

Interest paid

Proceeds from the issue of bonds

Repayment of bonds

Proceeds from new non-current other financial liabilities

Repayment of non-current other financial liabilities

Change in current other financial liabilities

Change in commercial paper

Cash inflow / outflow from financing activities

Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents

Effect of changes in composition of Group on cash and cash equivalents

Change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents as at 1 January

Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December

1 Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.
2 Interest relating to financial services business is classified as revenues / cost of sales.

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 Note

Group

Automotive

Financial Services

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)

 2014

 20131

 2014

 20131

 2014

 20131  

 5,817

 5,329

 4,521

 4,408

 1,198

 1,101  

 Net profit

 2,774

 127

 4,323

 1,103

  – 2,720

  – 3,898

 116

 331

  – 63

  – 655

  – 551

  – 971

 379

 41

 323

 2,581

 147

 3,832

 480

  – 2,048

  – 4,501

  – 17

  – 552

  – 21

  – 407

 986

  – 195

 22

 1,159

 969

  – 4,252

  – 2,787

 137

2,912

 136

4,127

  – 6,099

  – 6,693

  – 6,021

  – 6,599

  – 9  

 Investment in intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

 36

  – 99

 190

  – 4,216

 4,072

– 6,116

  –

 15

 22

  – 76

 137

  – 4,131

 3,250

– 7,491

  –

 17

  – 1,715

  – 1,653

  –

  – 133

 10,892

  – 7,249

 5,900

  – 5,697

 2,132

  – 1,012

3,133

   86

      2

   17

 7,671

7,688

  –

  – 122

 8,982

  – 7,242

 6,626

  – 4,996

  – 721

 1,812

2,703

– 89

   47

– 703

 8,374

7,671

  – 2,531

  – 2,487

 269  

 Change in other operating assets and liabilities

  – 132  

 Income taxes paid

  –2  

 Interest received

– 4,715

– 5,358

 Cash inflow / outflow from operating activities

 Reconciliation between net profit and cash inflow / outflow from operating activities

 Current tax

 Other interest and similar income / expenses

 Depreciation and amortisation of other tangible, intangible and investment assets

 153  

 Change in provisions

  – 2,895  

 Change in leased products

  – 4,501  

 Change in receivables from sales financing

 523  

 Change in deferred taxes

 54  

 Other non-cash income and expense items

 Result from equity accounted investments

 Changes in working capital

 Change in inventories

 Change in trade receivables

 Change in trade payables

 Gain / loss on disposal of tangible and intangible assets and marketable securities

 9  

 172  

 20  

  –  

  –  

 24  

 4  

  – 25  

 45  

 7  

  –  

  –  

  –  

  –  

  –2  

 2,786

 159

 4,230

 1,034

 15

  –

  – 124

  – 5

  – 54

  – 655

  – 552

  – 907

 371

  – 16

 419

 180

9,423

 36

  – 134

 177

  – 3,775

 3,881

– 5,836

  – 1,715

  – 4,299

  – 136

  –

 15

  –

  –

 452

  – 41

 1,042

  –

– 4,682

   70

      2

 2,516

 154

 3,747

 374

 109

  –

  – 239

  – 56

  – 21

  – 407

 1,018

  – 229

 53

 1,194

 657

 191

9,964

 15

  – 514

 137

  – 3,945

 2,908

– 7,998

  – 1,653

  – 582

  – 150

  –

 17

  –

  –

 85

  – 26

 125

  – 489

– 2,673

– 53

   47

  – 40

 242

 29

 109

  – 3,309

  – 3,898

 383

 14

 8

  –

 70

  –

 14

 56

 858

  – 161

  –2

  – 9

  –

  –

  –

  – 458

170

– 297

  –

  –

  –

 4,094

  –2

 1,009

  – 733

 5,298

 1,073

  –

5,927

– 11

      –

904

 879

1,783

 Proceeds from the disposal of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

 Expenditure for investments

 163  

 Proceeds from the disposal of investments

  – 179  

 Investments in marketable securities and term deposits

 342  

 Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities and from matured term deposits

324

 Cash inflow / outflow from investing activities

 Issue / buy-back of treasury shares

 Payments into equity

 Payment of dividend for the previous year

 3,844  

 Intragroup financing and equity transactions

 Interest paid

 1,099  

 Proceeds from the issue of bonds

  – 1,383  

 Repayment of bonds

 6,015  

 Proceeds from new non-current other financial liabilities

  – 4,814

  – 4,940  

 Repayment of non-current other financial liabilities

 517  

 Change in current other financial liabilities

  –  

 Change in commercial paper

5,152

 Cash inflow / outflow from financing activities

– 36

 Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents

      –

 Effect of changes in composition of Group on cash and cash equivalents

– 1,023

– 713

   82

 Change in cash and cash equivalents

 6,775

5,752

 7,488

6,775

 797  

 Cash and cash equivalents as at 1 January

879

 Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December

  44  

  44  

  44  

  44  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
 
95   Group Financial StatementS

 Note

Group

Automotive

Financial Services

(unaudited supplementary information)

(unaudited supplementary information)

 2014

 20131

 2014

 20131

 2014

 20131  

 5,817

 5,329

 4,521

 4,408

 1,198

 1,101  

 Net profit

 2,786

 159

 4,230

 1,034

 15

  –

  – 124

  – 5

  – 54

  – 655

  – 552

  – 907

 371

  – 16

 419

 2,516

 154

 3,747

 374

 109

  –

  – 239

  – 56

  – 21

  – 407

 1,018

  – 229

 53

 1,194

 657

Investment in intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

  – 6,099

  – 6,693

  – 6,021

  – 6,599

  – 4,252

  – 2,787

  – 2,531

  – 2,487

 180

9,423

 191

9,964

 36

  – 134

 177

  – 3,775

 3,881

– 5,836

  –

 15

  – 1,715

  – 4,299

  – 136

  –

  –

 452

  – 41

 1,042

  –

– 4,682

   70

      2

 15

  – 514

 137

  – 3,945

 2,908

– 7,998

  –

 17

  – 1,653

  – 582

  – 150

  –

  –

 85

  – 26

 125

  – 489

– 2,673

– 53

   47

– 1,023

– 713

 6,775

5,752

 7,488

6,775

  – 40
 242

 29

 109

  – 3,309

  – 3,898

 383

 14

 8

  –

 70

  –

 14

 56

 858

  – 161
  –2

 Reconciliation between net profit and cash inflow / outflow from operating activities

 9  
 172  

 20  

 Current tax

 Other interest and similar income / expenses

 Depreciation and amortisation of other tangible, intangible and investment assets

 153  

 Change in provisions

  – 2,895  

 Change in leased products

  – 4,501  

 Change in receivables from sales financing

 523  

 Change in deferred taxes

 54  

 Other non-cash income and expense items

  –  

  –  

 24  

 4  

  – 25  

 45  

 Gain / loss on disposal of tangible and intangible assets and marketable securities

 Result from equity accounted investments

 Changes in working capital

 Change in inventories

 Change in trade receivables

 Change in trade payables

 269  

 Change in other operating assets and liabilities

  – 132  
  –2  

 Income taxes paid

 Interest received

– 4,715

– 5,358

 Cash inflow / outflow from operating activities

  – 9

  –

  –

  –

  – 458

170

– 297

  –

  –

  –

 4,094
  –2

 1,009

  – 733

 5,298

  – 9  

 Investment in intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

 7  

  –  

 Proceeds from the disposal of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

 Expenditure for investments

 163  

 Proceeds from the disposal of investments

  – 179  

 Investments in marketable securities and term deposits

 342  

 Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities and from matured term deposits

324

 Cash inflow / outflow from investing activities

  –  

  –  

  –  

 3,844  
  –2  

 Issue / buy-back of treasury shares

 Payments into equity

 Payment of dividend for the previous year

 Intragroup financing and equity transactions

 Interest paid

 1,099  

 Proceeds from the issue of bonds

  – 1,383  

 Repayment of bonds

 6,015  

 Proceeds from new non-current other financial liabilities

  – 4,814

  – 4,940  

 Repayment of non-current other financial liabilities

 1,073

  –

5,927

– 11

      –

904

 879

1,783

 517  

 Change in current other financial liabilities

  –  

 Change in commercial paper

5,152

 Cash inflow / outflow from financing activities

– 36

 Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents

      –

 Effect of changes in composition of Group on cash and cash equivalents

   82

 Change in cash and cash equivalents

 797  

 Cash and cash equivalents as at 1 January

879

 Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December

in € million

Net profit

Current tax

Reconciliation between net profit and cash inflow / outflow from operating activities

Other interest and similar income / expenses

Depreciation and amortisation of other tangible, intangible and investment assets

Gain / loss on disposal of tangible and intangible assets and marketable securities

Change in provisions

Change in leased products

Change in receivables from sales financing

Change in deferred taxes

Other non-cash income and expense items

Result from equity accounted investments

Changes in working capital

 Change in inventories

 Change in trade receivables

 Change in trade payables

Change in other operating assets and liabilities

Income taxes paid

Interest received

Cash inflow / outflow from operating activities

Proceeds from the disposal of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

Expenditure for investments

Proceeds from the disposal of investments

Investments in marketable securities and term deposits

Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities and from matured term deposits

Cash inflow / outflow from investing activities

Issue / buy-back of treasury shares

Payments into equity

Payment of dividend for the previous year

Intragroup financing and equity transactions

Interest paid

Proceeds from the issue of bonds

Repayment of bonds

Proceeds from new non-current other financial liabilities

Repayment of non-current other financial liabilities

Change in current other financial liabilities

Change in commercial paper

Cash inflow / outflow from financing activities

Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents

Effect of changes in composition of Group on cash and cash equivalents

Change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents as at 1 January

Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December

1 Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

2 Interest relating to financial services business is classified as revenues / cost of sales.

 2,774

 127

 4,323

 1,103

  – 2,720

  – 3,898

 116

 331

  – 63

  – 655

  – 551

  – 971

 379

 41

 323

 137

2,912

 36

  – 99

 190

  – 4,216

 4,072

– 6,116

  –

 15

  –

  – 133

 10,892

  – 7,249

 5,900

  – 5,697

 2,132

  – 1,012

3,133

   86

      2

   17

 7,671

7,688

 2,581

 147

 3,832

 480

  – 2,048

  – 4,501

  – 17

  – 552

  – 21

  – 407

 986

  – 195

 22

 1,159

 969

 136

4,127

 22

  – 76

 137

  – 4,131

 3,250

– 7,491

  –

 17

  –

  – 122

 8,982

  – 7,242

 6,626

  – 4,996

  – 721

 1,812

2,703

– 89

   47

– 703

 8,374

7,671

  – 1,715

  – 1,653

  44  

  44  

  44  

  44  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
 
96

BMW Group
Group Statement of Changes in Equity

in € million

 Note

 Subscribed 
capital

 Capital
reserves

 Revenue reserves*

Accumulated other equity

 Equity

attributable to

shareholders

of BMW AG

 Minority

interest

 Total

  Translation

differences*

  Securities

  Derivative  

financial

instruments

1 January 2013, as originally reported

Adjustment IAS 8*

1 January 2013 (adjusted)

Dividends paid

Net profit

Other comprehensive income for the period after tax

Comprehensive income 31 December 2013

Subscribed share capital increase out of Authorised Capital

Premium arising on capital increase relating to preferred stock

Other changes

31 December 2013

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

  35  

  35  

  35  

656

  –

656

  –

  –

  –

      –

  –

  –

  –

656

1,973

  –

1,973

  –

  –

  –

      –

  –

 17

  –

28,544

  – 34

28,510

  – 1,640

 5,303

 936

6,239

  –

  –

 13

1,990

33,122

– 1,627

1,136

35,412

35,600

 31 December 2013

in € million

 Note

 Subscribed 
capital

 Capital
reserves

 Revenue reserves

Accumulated other equity

 Minority

interest

 Total

1 January 2014

Dividends paid

Net profit

Other comprehensive income for the period after tax

Comprehensive income 31 December 2014

Subscribed share capital increase out of Authorised Capital

Premium arising on capital increase relating to preferred stock

Other changes

31 December 2014

  35  

  35  

656

  –

  –

  –

      –

  –

  –

  –

656

1,990

  –

  –

  –

      –

  –

 15

  –

33,122

  – 1,707

 5,798

  – 1,592

4,206

  –

  –

  –

2,005

35,621

– 723

141

– 480

37,220

37,437

 31 December 2014

– 984

  –

– 984

  – 643

– 643

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

 904

904

  –

  –

  –

108

  –

108

  –

  –

 27

   27

  –

  –

  –

135

  –

  –

 6

  –

  –

  –

      6

202

  –

202

  –

  –

 934

934

  –

  –

  –

30,499

  – 34

30,465

  – 1,640

 5,303

 1,254

6,557

  –

 17

 13

 Equity

attributable to

shareholders

of BMW AG

  – 1,616

– 1,616

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  – 1,707

 5,798

  – 2,298

3,500

  –

 15

  –

107

  –

107

  –

 26

  –

   26

  –

  –

 55

188

188

  –

 19

  –

   19

  –

  –

 10

217

30,606

 1 January 2013, as originally reported

  – 34  

 Adjustment IAS 8*

30,572

 1 January 2013 (adjusted)

  –1,640  

 Dividends paid

 5,329  

 Net profit

 1,254  

 Other comprehensive income for the period after tax

6,583

 Comprehensive income 31 December 2013

  –  

 Subscribed share capital increase out of Authorised Capital

 Premium arising on capital increase relating to preferred stock

 17  

 68  

 Other changes

  – 1,707  

 Dividends paid

 5,817  

 Net profit

  – 2,298  

 Other comprehensive income for the period after tax

3,519

 Comprehensive income 31 December 2014

 Subscribed share capital increase out of Authorised Capital

 Premium arising on capital increase relating to preferred stock

  –  

 15  

 10  

 Other changes

  Translation

differences

  Securities

  Derivative  

financial

instruments

– 1,627

135

1,136

35,412

35,600

 1 January 2014

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
97   Group Financial StatementS

in € million

 Note

 Subscribed 

capital

 Capital

reserves

 Revenue reserves*

Accumulated other equity

 Equity
attributable to
shareholders
of BMW AG

 Minority
interest

 Total

  Translation
differences*

  Securities

  Derivative  
financial
instruments

– 984

  –

– 984

  –

  –

  – 643

– 643

  –

  –

  –

– 1,627

108

  –

108

  –

  –

 27

   27

  –

  –

  –

135

202

  –

202

  –

  –

 934

934

  –

  –

  –

30,499

  – 34

30,465

  – 1,640

 5,303

 1,254

6,557

  –

 17

 13

1,136

35,412

107

  –

107

  –

 26

  –

   26

  –

  –

 55

188

30,606

 1 January 2013, as originally reported

  – 34  

 Adjustment IAS 8*

30,572

 1 January 2013 (adjusted)

  –1,640  

 Dividends paid

 5,329  

 Net profit

 1,254  

 Other comprehensive income for the period after tax

6,583

 Comprehensive income 31 December 2013

  –  

 Subscribed share capital increase out of Authorised Capital

 17  

 68  

 Premium arising on capital increase relating to preferred stock

 Other changes

35,600

 31 December 2013

in € million

 Note

 Subscribed 

capital

 Capital

reserves

 Revenue reserves

Accumulated other equity

 Equity
attributable to
shareholders
of BMW AG

 Minority
interest

 Total

  35  

656

1,990

– 1,627

135

1,136

35,412

  Translation
differences

  Securities

  Derivative  
financial
instruments

  –

  –

 904

904

  –

  –

  –

– 723

  –

  –

 6

      6

  –

  –

  –

141

  –

  –

  – 1,616

– 1,616

  –

  –

  –

  – 1,707

 5,798

  – 2,298

3,500

  –

 15

  –

– 480

37,220

188

  –

 19

  –

   19

  –

  –

 10

217

35,600

 1 January 2014

  – 1,707  

 Dividends paid

 5,817  

 Net profit

  – 2,298  

 Other comprehensive income for the period after tax

3,519

 Comprehensive income 31 December 2014

  –  

 15  

 10  

 Subscribed share capital increase out of Authorised Capital

 Premium arising on capital increase relating to preferred stock

 Other changes

37,437

 31 December 2014

  35  

  35  

1 January 2013, as originally reported

Adjustment IAS 8*

1 January 2013 (adjusted)

Dividends paid

Net profit

Other comprehensive income for the period after tax

Comprehensive income 31 December 2013

Subscribed share capital increase out of Authorised Capital

Premium arising on capital increase relating to preferred stock

Other changes

31 December 2013

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

1 January 2014

Dividends paid

Net profit

Other comprehensive income for the period after tax

Comprehensive income 31 December 2014

Subscribed share capital increase out of Authorised Capital

Premium arising on capital increase relating to preferred stock

Other changes

31 December 2014

  35  

656

1,990

33,122

656

  –

656

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

      –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

      –

1,973

  –

1,973

  –

  –

  –

      –

  –

 17

  –

  –

  –

  –

      –

  –

 15

  –

28,544

  – 34

28,510

  – 1,640

 5,303

 936

6,239

  –

  –

 13

33,122

  – 1,707

 5,798

  – 1,592

4,206

  –

  –

  –

  35  

656

2,005

35,621

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
98

BMW Group
Notes to the Group Financial Statements
Accounting Principles and Policies

  1  

Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of Bayerische 
 Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (BMW Group Finan­
cial Statements or Group Financial Statements) at 31 De­
cember 2014 have been drawn up in accordance with 
 International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as 
endorsed by the EU. The designation “IFRSs” also in­
cludes all valid International Accounting Standards (IASs). 
All Interpretations of the IFRS Interpretations Commit­
tee (IFRICs) mandatory for the financial year 2014 are 
also applied.

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

The Group Financial Statements comply with § 315 a of 
the German Commercial Code (HGB). This provision, 
in conjunction with the Regulation (EC) No. 1606 / 2002 
of the European Parliament and Council of 19 July 
2002, relating to the application of International Finan­
cial Reporting Standards, provides the legal basis for 
preparing consolidated financial statements in accord­
ance with international standards in Germany and 
 applies to financial years beginning on or after 1 January 
2005.

The BMW Group and segment income statements are 
presented using the cost of sales method. The Group 
and segment balance sheets correspond to the classi­
fication provisions contained in IAS 1 (Presentation of 
Financial Statements).

In order to improve clarity, various items are aggregated 
in the income statements and balance sheets presented. 
These items are disclosed and analysed separately in the 
notes.

A Statement of Comprehensive Income is presented at 
Group level reconciling the net profit to comprehensive 
income for the year.

In order to provide a better insight into the net assets, 
financial position and performance of the BMW Group 
and going beyond the requirements of IFRS 8 (Operat­
ing Segments), the Group Financial Statements also 
 include balance sheets and income statements for the 
Automotive, Motorcycles, Financial Services and Other 
Entities segments. The Group Cash Flow Statement is 
supplemented by statements of cash flows for the Auto­
motive and Financial Services segments. This supple­
mentary information is unaudited.

In order to facilitate the sale of its products, the BMW 
Group provides various financial services – mainly loan 
and lease financing – to both retail customers and dealers. 

The inclusion of the financial services activities of the 
Group therefore has an impact on the Group Financial 
Statements.

Inter­segment transactions – relating primarily to inter­
nal sales of products, the provision of funds and the 
 related interest – are eliminated in the “Eliminations” 
column. Further information regarding the allocation 
of activities of the BMW Group to segments and a 
 description of the segments is provided in note 50.

In conjunction with the refinancing of financial services 
business, a significant volume of receivables arising 
from retail customer and dealer financing is sold. Simi­
larly, rights and obligations relating to leases are sold. 
The sale of receivables is a well­established instrument 
used by industrial companies. These transactions usu­
ally take the form of asset­backed financing transac­
tions involving the sale of a portfolio of receivables to a 
trust which, in turn, issues marketable securities to re­
finance the purchase price. The BMW Group continues 
to “service” the receivables and receives an appropriate 
fee for these services. In accordance with IFRS 10 (Con­
solidated Financial Statements) such assets remain in 
the Group Financial Statements although they have been 
legally sold, since all the conditions relevant for control 
are met. Gains and losses relating to the sale of such 
 assets are not recognised until the assets are removed 
from the Group balance sheet. The balance sheet value of 
the assets sold at 31 December 2014 totalled € 10.9 bil­
lion (31 December 2013: € 10.1 billion).

In addition to credit financing and leasing contracts, the 
Financial Services segment also brokers insurance busi­
ness via cooperation arrangements entered into with 
 local insurance companies. These activities are not ma­
terial to the BMW Group as a whole.

The Group currency is the euro. All amounts are dis­
closed in millions of euros (€ million) unless stated 
otherwise.

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft has its 
seat in Munich, Petuelring 130, and is registered in the 
Commercial Register of the District Court of Munich 
under the number HRB 42243.

All consolidated subsidiaries have the same year end as 
BMW AG with the exception of BMW India Private 
Ltd., Gurgaon, and BMW India Financial Services Private 
Ltd., Gurgaon, both of whose year­ends are 31 March in 
accordance with local legal requirements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
99   Group Financial StatementS

The Group Financial Statements, drawn up in accord­
ance with § 315a HGB, and the Combined Management 
Report for the financial year ended 31 December 2014 
will be submitted to the operator of the electronic version 
of the German Federal Gazette and can be obtained via 
the Company Register website. Printed copies will also 
be made available on request. In addition the Group 

 Financial Statements and the Combined Management 
Report can be downloaded from the BMW Group web­
site at www.bmwgroup.com / ir.

The Board of Management authorised the Group Finan­
cial Statements for issue on 19 February 2015.

  2  

Consolidated companies
The scope of the consolidated financial statements is 
based on the application of IFRS 10 (Consolidated 
 Financial Statements) and IFRS 11 (Joint Arrangements).

The BMW Group Financial Statements include, besides 
BMW AG, all material subsidiaries, including one 
 special purpose securities fund and 30 special purpose  

trusts, almost all of which are used for asset­backed 
 financing transactions.

The number of subsidiaries, including the special pur­
pose securities fund and the special purpose trusts, 
 consolidated in the Group Financial Statements 
changed in 2014 as follows:

 Germany

 Foreign

 Total

Included at 31 December 2013

Included for the first time in 2014

No longer included in 2014

Included at 31 December 2014

 20

 2

  –

   22

 167

 13

 13

167

 187

 15

 13

189

43 subsidiaries (2013: 48), either dormant or generating 
a negligible volume of business, and four joint opera­
tions (2013: 1) are not consolidated on the grounds 
that their inclusion would not influence the economic 
decisions of users of the Group Financial Statements. 
Non­inclusion of operating subsidiaries and joint oper­
ations reduces total Group revenues by 0.3 % (2013: 
1.0 %).

The joint operations – SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers 
GmbH & Co. KG, Munich, SGL Automotive Carbon 
Fibers Verwaltungs GmbH, Munich, and SGL Automo­
tive Carbon Fibers LLC, Dover, DE – are consolidated 
proportionately for the first time in the financial year 
2014 on the basis of the BMW Group’s 49 % sharehold­
ing. These entities supply carbon fibre and carbon fibre 
fabrics for vehicle production. Further information is 
provided in note 9.

The joint ventures – BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., 
Shenyang, DriveNow GmbH & Co. KG, Munich, and 
DriveNow Verwaltungs GmbH, Munich – are accounted 
for using the equity method. As in the previous year, 
five participations are not consolidated using the equity 
method on the grounds of immateriality. They are in­
cluded in the Group balance sheet in the line “Other in­

vestments”, measured at cost less – where applicable – 
accumulated impairment losses.

A “List of Group Investments” pursuant to § 313 (2) 
HGB will be submitted to the operator of the electronic 
version of the German Federal Gazette. This list, along 
with the “List of Third Party Companies which are not 
of Minor Importance for the Group”, will also be posted 
on the BMW Group website at www.bmwgroup.com / ir. 
The List of Group Investments, the List of Third Party 
Companies which are not of Minor Importance for the 
Group and the full list of consolidated companies are 
also posted as appendices on the BMW Group website.

BMW Madrid S. L., Madrid, BMW Amsterdam B. V., 
Amsterdam, BMW Den Haag B. V., The Hague, BMW 
Retail Nederland B. V., The Hague, BMW Milano 
S. r. l., Milan, BMW Distribution S. A. S., Montigny­le­
Bretonneux, BMW Vermögensverwaltungs GmbH, 
 Munich, BMW Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG, Munich, 
and BMW International Holding B. V., The Hague, were 
consolidated for the first time in the financial year 2014.

BMW Österreich Finanzierungs GmbH, Steyr, was 
merged with BMW Motoren GmbH, Steyr, and there­
fore ceased to be a consolidated company. Noord Lease 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
100

B. V., Groningen, was sold and therefore ceased to be a 
consolidated company. In addition, Alphabet Belgium 
N. V., Bornem, and Bavaria NTTBL Company Ltd., 
 Dublin, were liquidated and ceased to be consolidated 
companies. The British Motor Corporation Ltd., 
Bracknell, was wound up and ceased to be a consolidated 
company.

The Group reporting entity also changed by comparison 
to the previous year as a result of the first­time consoli­
dation of six special purpose trusts and the deconsolida­
tion of eight special purpose entities.

The changes to the composition of the Group do not have 
a material impact on the results of operations, financial 
position or net assets of the Group.

  3  

Sale of business
With the purchase of the ING Car Lease Group in 
2011, the BMW Group also acquired Noord Lease B. V., 
Groningen. This entity was managed alongside Alphabet 
Nederland B. V., Breda, as a second fleet leasing com­
pany in the Netherlands, with a strong regional focus 
and a high proportion of private leasing. As part of an 
evaluation of the strategic direction of fleet business 
in the Netherlands, it was decided to focus on only one 
company in this region. Accordingly, BMW AG’s Board 

of Management put up Noord Lease B. V., Groningen 
for sale during the financial year 2014. At the end of 
a bidding process, Noord Lease B. V., Groningen, was 
sold to Noordlease Midco B. V., Groningen. The pur­
chase agreement was signed in June 2014 and the 
shares transferred in August 2014. The deconsolidation 
of Noord Lease B. V., Groningen, gave rise in the third 
quarter to a gain of € 7.4 million, which is included in 
other operating income and expenses of the Financial 
Services segment.

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

  4  

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

Consolidation principles
The equity of subsidiaries is consolidated in accordance 
with IFRS 3 (Business Combinations). IFRS 3 requires 
that all business combinations are accounted for using 
the acquisition method, whereby identifiable assets and 
liabilities acquired are measured at their fair value at 
 acquisition date. An excess of acquisition cost over the 
Group’s share of the net fair value of identifiable assets, 
liabilities and contingent liabilities is recognised as good­
will as a separate balance sheet line item and allocated 
to the relevant cash­generating unit (CGU). Goodwill of 
€ 91 million which arose prior to 1 January 1995 remains 
netted against reserves.

Receivables, payables, provisions, income and expenses 
and profits between consolidated companies (intra­group 
profits) are eliminated on consolidation.

Joint operations and joint ventures are forms of joint 
 arrangements. Such an arrangement exists when the 
BMW Group jointly carries out activities on the basis of 
a contractual agreement with a third party that requires 
the unanimous consent of both parties with respect to 
all significant activities of the joint arrangement.

In the case of a joint operation, the parties that have joint 
control of the arrangement have rights to the assets, 
and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrange­
ment. Assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of a 
joint operation are recognised proportionately in the 
Group Financial Statements on the basis of the BMW 
Group’s rights and obligations.

Investments accounted for using the equity method 
(joint ventures and associated companies) are measured 
at the BMW Group’s share of equity taking account of 
fair value adjustments. Any difference between the cost 
of investment and the Group’s share of equity is ac­
counted for in accordance with the acquisition method. 
Investments in other companies are accounted for as 
a general rule using the equity method when significant 
influence can be exercised (IAS 28 Investments in Asso­
ciates and Joint Ventures). As a general rule, there is a 
rebuttable assumption that the Group has significant in­
fluence if it holds between 20 % and 50 % of the associated 
company’s or joint venture’s voting power.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101   Group Financial StatementS

  5  

Foreign currency translation
The financial statements of consolidated companies 
which are drawn up in a foreign currency are translated 
using the functional currency concept (IAS 21 The 
 Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates) and the 
modified closing rate method. The functional currency 
of a subsidiary is determined as a general rule on the 
basis of the primary economic environment in which it 
operates and corresponds therefore usually to the rele­
vant local currency. Income and expenses of foreign 
subsidiaries are translated in the Group Financial State­
ments at the average exchange rate for the year and 
 assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rate. 
Exchange differences arising from the translation of 
shareholders’ equity are recognised directly in accumu­
lated other equity. Exchange differences arising from 
the use of different exchange rates to translate the in­

US Dollar

British Pound

Chinese Renminbi

Japanese Yen

Russian Rouble

come statement are also recognised directly in accumu­
lated other equity.

Foreign currency receivables and payables in the single 
entity accounts of BMW AG and subsidiaries are re­
corded, at the date of the transaction, at cost. At the end 
of the reporting period, foreign currency receivables 
and payables are translated at the closing exchange rate. 
The resulting unrealised gains and losses as well as the 
subsequent realised gains and losses arising on settle­
ment are recognised in the income statement in accord­
ance with the underlying substance of the relevant 
transactions.

The exchange rates of those currencies which have a ma­
terial impact on the Group Financial Statements were as 
follows:

 Closing rate

 Average rate

 31.12. 2014

 31.12. 2013

 2014

 2013

 1.21

 0.78

 7.53

 144.95

 70.98

 1.38

 0.83

 8.34

 144.55

 45.29

 1.33

 0.81

 8.19

 140.38

 51.03

 1.33

 0.85

 8.16

 129.70

 42.34

  6  

Accounting policies
The financial statements of BMW AG and of its subsidi­
aries in Germany and elsewhere have been prepared for 
consolidation purposes using uniform accounting poli­
cies in accordance with IFRS 10 (Consolidated Financial 
Statements).

Revenues from the sale of products are recognised when 
the risks and rewards of ownership of the goods are 
transferred to the dealer or customer, provided that the 
amount of revenue can be measured reliably, it is 
probable that the economic benefits associated with the 
transaction will flow to the entity and costs incurred 
or to be incurred in respect of the sale can be measured 
reliably. Revenues are stated net of settlement discount, 
bonuses and rebates. Revenues also include lease rentals 
and interest income earned in conjunction with finan­
cial services. Revenues from leasing instalments relate to 
operating leases and are recognised in the income state­
ment on a straight line basis over the relevant term of 
the lease. Interest income from finance leases and from 
customer and dealer financing are recognised using 

the effective interest method and reported as revenues 
within the line item “Interest income on loan financing”. 
If the sale of products includes a determinable amount 
for subsequent services (multiple­component contracts), 
the related revenues are deferred and recognised as 
 income over the relevant service period. Amounts are 
normally recognised as income by reference to the pat­
tern of related expenditure. Profits arising on the sale 
of vehicles for which a Group company retains a repur­
chase commitment (buy­back contracts) are not recog­
nised until such profits have been realised. The differ­
ence between the sales and buy­back price is accounted 
for as deferred income and recognised in instalments as 
revenue over the contract term.

Cost of sales comprises the cost of products sold and the 
acquisition cost of purchased goods sold. In addition 
to directly attributable material and production costs, it 
also includes research costs and development costs not 
recognised as assets, the amortisation of capitalised 
 development costs as well as overheads (including depre­
ciation of property, plant and equipment and amortisation 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
102

of other intangible assets relating to production), write­
downs on inventories, freight and insurance costs re­
lating to deliveries to dealers and agency fees on direct 
sales. Expenses which are directly attributable to finan­
cial services business (including depreciation on leased 
products), the interest expense from refinancing the 
 entire financial services business as well as the expense 
of risk provisions and write­downs relating to such busi­
ness are also reported in cost of sales.

In accordance with IAS 20 (Accounting for Government 
Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance), pub-
lic sector grants are not recognised until there is reason­
able assurance that the conditions attaching to them 
have been complied with and the grants will be received. 
They are recognised as income over the periods neces­
sary to match them with the related costs which they are 
intended to compensate.

Basic earnings per share are computed in accordance with 
IAS 33 (Earnings per Share). Basic earnings per share 
are calculated for common and preferred stock by di­
viding the Group net profit after minority interests, as 
attributable to each category of stock, by the average 
number of outstanding shares. The net profit is accord­
ingly allocated to the different categories of stock. The 
portion of the Group net profit for the year which is not 
being distributed is allocated to each category of stock 
based on the number of outstanding shares. Profits 
available for distribution are determined directly on the 
basis of the dividend resolutions passed for common 
and preferred stock. Diluted earnings per share are dis­
closed separately.

Share-based remuneration programmes which are ex­
pected to be settled in shares are, in accordance with 
IFRS 2 (Share­based Payments), measured at their fair 
value at grant date. The related expense is recognised 
in the income statement (as personnel expense) over 
the vesting period, with a contra (credit) entry recorded 
against capital reserves.

Share­based remuneration programmes expected to be 
settled in cash are revalued to their fair value at each 
balance sheet date between the grant date and the settle­
ment date and on the settlement date itself. The ex­
pense for such programmes is recognised in the income 

statement (as personnel expense) over the vesting period 
of the programmes and recognised in the balance sheet 
as a provision.

The share­based remuneration programme for Board 
of Management members and senior heads of depart­
ment entitles BMW AG to elect whether to settle its 
commitments in cash or with shares of BMW AG com­
mon stock. Following the decision to settle in cash, 
this programme is accounted for as a cash­settled 
share­based transaction. Further information on 
share­based remuneration programmes is provided 
in note 20.

Purchased and internally­generated intangible assets are 
recognised as assets in accordance with IAS 38 (Intan­
gible Assets), where it is probable that the use of the asset 
will generate future economic benefits and where the 
costs of the asset can be determined reliably. Such assets 
are measured at acquisition and / or manufacturing cost 
and, to the extent that they have a finite useful life, 
amortised over their estimated useful lives. With the ex­
ception of capitalised development costs, intangible 
 assets are generally amortised over their estimated use­
ful lives of between three and ten years.

Development costs for vehicle and engine projects are 
capitalised at manufacturing cost, to the extent that 
 attributable costs can be measured reliably and both 
technical feasibility and successful marketing are as­
sured. It must also be probable that the development 
expenditure will generate future economic benefits. 
Capitalised development costs comprise all expenditure 
that can be attributed directly to the development pro­
cess, including development­related overheads. Capi­
talised development costs are amortised systematically 
over the estimated product life (usually four to eleven 
years) following start of production.

Goodwill arises on first­time consolidation of an acquired 
business when the cost of acquisition exceeds the 
Group’s share of the fair value of the individually iden­
tifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent 
 liabilities assumed.

All items of property, plant and equipment are considered 
to have finite useful lives. They are recognised at acqui­

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
103   Group Financial StatementS

sition or manufacturing cost less scheduled depreciation 
based on the estimated useful lives of the assets. De­
preciation on property, plant and equipment reflects 
the pattern of their usage and is generally computed us­
ing the straight­line method. Components of items of 

property, plant and equipment with different useful 
lives are depreciated separately.

Systematic depreciation is based on the following useful 
lives, applied throughout the BMW Group:

in years

Factory and office buildings, residential buildings, fixed installations in buildings and outside facilities

Plant and machinery

Other equipment, factory and office equipment

 8 to 50

 3 to 21

 2 to 25

For machinery used in multiple­shift operations, depre­
ciation rates are increased to account for the additional 
utilisation.

The cost of internally constructed plant and equipment 
comprises all costs which are directly attributable to 
the manufacturing process as well as an appropriate 
proportion of production­related overheads. This in­
cludes production­related depreciation and an appro­
priate proportion of administrative and social costs.

As a general rule, borrowing costs are not included in 
acquisition or manufacturing cost. Borrowing costs that 
are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction 
or production of a qualifying asset are recognised as a 
part of the cost of that asset in accordance with IAS 23 
(Borrowing Costs).

Non­current assets also include assets relating to leases. 
The BMW Group uses property, plant and equipment as 
lessee on the one hand and leases out vehicles produced 
by the Group and other brands as lessor on the other. 
IAS 17 (Leases) contains rules for determining, on the 
basis of risks and rewards, the economic owner of the 
assets. In the case of finance leases, the assets are at­
tributed to the lessee and in the case of operating leases 
the assets are attributed to the lessor.

In accordance with IAS 17, assets leased under finance 
leases are measured at their fair value at the inception 
of the lease or at the present value of the lease payments, 
if lower. The assets are depreciated using the straight­
line method over their estimated useful lives or over the 
lease period, if shorter. The obligations for future lease 
instalments are recognised as other financial liabilities.

Where Group products are recognised by BMW Group 
entities as leased products under operating leases, they 

are measured at manufacturing cost. All other leased 
products are measured at acquisition cost. All leased 
products are depreciated over the period of the lease 
using the straight­line method down to their expected 
residual value. Changes in residual value expectations 
are recognised – in situations where the recoverable 
amount of the lease exceeds the carrying amount of the 
asset – by adjusting scheduled depreciation prospec­
tively over the remaining term of the lease contract. If 
the recoverable amount is lower than the expected 
 residual value, an impairment loss is recognised for the 
shortfall. A test is carried out at each balance sheet 
date to determine whether an impairment loss recog­
nised in prior years no longer exists or has decreased. 
In these cases, the carrying amount of the asset is in­
creased to the recoverable amount. The higher carrying 
amount resulting from the reversal may not, however, 
exceed the rolled­forward amortised cost of the asset.

If there is any evidence of impairment of non-financial 
assets (except inventories and deferred taxes), or if an 
annual impairment test is required to be carried out – 
i. e. for intangible assets not yet available for use, intan­
gible assets with an indefinite useful life and goodwill 
acquired as part of a business combination – an impair­
ment test pursuant to IAS 36 (Impairment of Assets) is 
performed. Each individual asset is tested separately 
unless the asset generates cash flows that are largely in­
dependent of the cash flows from other assets or groups 
of assets (cash­generating units / CGUs). For the purposes 
of the impairment test, the asset’s carrying amount is 
compared with its recoverable amount, the latter defined 
as the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and 
its value in use. An impairment loss is recognised when 
the recoverable amount is lower than the asset’s carrying 
amount. Fair value is the price that would be received 
to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between mar­
ket participants at the measurement date. The value in 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
104

use corresponds to the present value of future cash 
flows expected to be derived from an asset or group of 
assets.

The first step of the impairment test is to determine the 
value in use of an asset. If the calculated value in use is 
lower than the carrying amount of the asset, then its fair 
value less costs to sell are also determined. If the latter 
is also lower than the carrying amount of the asset, then 
an impairment loss is recorded, reducing the carrying 
amount to the higher of the asset’s value in use or fair 
value less costs to sell. The value in use is determined 
on the basis of a present value computation. Cash flows 
used for the purposes of this calculation are derived 
from long­term forecasts approved by management. The 
long­term forecasts themselves are based on detailed 
forecasts drawn up at an operational level and, based on 
a planning period of six years, correspond roughly to 
a typical product’s life­cycle. For the purposes of calcu­
lating cash flows beyond the planning period, the as­
set’s assumed residual value does not take growth into 
account. Forecasting assumptions are continually 
brought up to date and regularly compared with exter­
nal sources of information. The assumptions used take 
account in particular of expectations of the profitability 
of the product portfolio, future market share develop­
ments, macro­economic developments (such as currency, 
interest rate and raw materials prices) as well as the le­
gal environment and past experience. Cash flows of the 
Automotive and Motorcycles CGUs are discounted us­
ing a risk­adjusted pre­tax weighted average cost of cap­
ital (WACC) of 12.0 % (2013: 12.0 %). In the case of the 
Financial Services CGU, a sector­compatible pre­tax cost 
of equity capital of 13.4 % (2013: 13.4 %) is applied. In 
conjunction with the impairment tests for CGUs, sensi­
tivity analyses are performed for the main assumptions. 
Analyses performed in the year under report confirmed, 
as in the previous year, that no impairment loss was re­
quired to be recognised.

If the reason for a previously recognised impairment loss 
no longer exists, the impairment loss is reversed up to 
the level of the recoverable amount, capped at the level 
of rolled­forward amortised cost. This does not apply 
to goodwill: previously recognised impairment losses on 
goodwill are not reversed.

Investments accounted for using the equity method are 
(except when the investment is impaired) measured at 
the Group’s share of equity taking account of fair value 
adjustments on acquisition. Investments accounted for 
using the equity method comprise joint ventures and 
significant associated companies.

Investments in non­consolidated Group companies and 
interests in associated companies not accounted for using 
the equity method are reported as Other investments and 
measured at cost or, if lower, at their fair value.

Participations are measured at their fair value. If this 
value is not available or cannot be determined reliably, 
participations are measured at cost.

Non­current marketable securities are measured ac­
cording to the category of financial asset to which they 
are classified. No held­for­trading financial assets are 
 included under this heading.

A financial instrument is a contract that gives rise to a 
finan cial asset of one entity and a financial liability 
or equity instrument of another entity. Once a BMW 
Group entity becomes party to such to a contract, the 
 financial instrument is recognised either as a financial 
asset or as a financial liability.

Financial assets are accounted for on the basis of the 
settlement date. On initial recognition, they are meas­
ured at their fair value. Transaction costs are included 
in the fair value unless the financial assets are allocated 
to the category “financial assets measured at fair value 
through profit or loss”.

Subsequent to initial recognition, available­for­sale and 
held­for­trading financial assets are measured at their 
fair value. When market prices are not available, the fair 
value of available­for­sale financial assets is measured 
using appropriate valuation techniques e. g. discounted 
cash flow analysis based on market information available 
at the balance sheet date.

Available­for­sale assets include non­current investments, 
securities and investment fund shares. This category 
includes all non­derivative financial assets which are 

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
105   Group Financial StatementS

not classified as “loans and receivables” or “held­to­ 
maturity investments” or as items measured “at fair 
value through profit and loss”.

Loans and receivables which are not held for trading 
and held­to­maturity financial investments with a fixed 
term are measured at amortised cost using the effec­
tive interest method. All financial assets for which pub­
lished price quotations in an active market are not avail­
able and whose fair value cannot be determined reliably 
are required to be measured at cost.

In accordance with IAS 39 (Financial Instruments: Recog­
nition and Measurement), assessments are made regu­
larly as to whether there is any objective evidence that a 
financial asset or group of assets may be impaired. Im­
pairment losses identified after carrying out an impair­
ment test are recognised as an expense. Gains and losses 
on available­for­sale financial assets are recognised di­
rectly in accumulated other equity until the financial as­
set is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, at 
which time the cumulative loss previously recognised in 
other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or 
loss for the period.

With the exception of derivative financial instruments, 
all receivables and other current assets relate to loans 
and receivables which are not held for trading. All such 
items are measured at amortised cost. Receivables with 
maturities of over one year which bear no or a lower­
than­market interest rate are discounted. Appropriate 
impairment losses are recognised to take account of all 
identifiable risks.

Receivables from sales financing comprise receivables 
from retail customer, dealer and lease financing.

balances or the incidence of similar events in the past 
are examples of such objective evidence. In the event of 
overdue receivables, impairment losses are always recog­
nised individually based on the length of period of the 
arrears. In the case of dealer financing receivables, the 
allocation of the dealer to a corresponding rating cate­
gory is also deemed to represent objective evidence of 
impairment. If there is no objective evidence of impair­
ment, impairment losses are recognised on financial as­
sets using a portfolio approach based on similar groups 
of assets. Company­specific loss probabilities and loss 
ratios, derived from historical data, are used to measure 
impairment losses on similar groups of assets.

The recognition of impairment losses on receivables 
 relating to industrial business is also, as far as possible, 
based on the same procedures applied to financial ser­
vices business. Impairment losses (write­downs and 
 allowances) on receivables are always recorded on sepa­
rate accounts and derecognised at the same time the 
corresponding receivables are derecognised.

Items are presented as financial assets to the extent that 
they relate to financing transactions.

Derivative financial instruments are only used within the 
BMW Group for hedging purposes in order to reduce cur­
rency, interest rate, fair value and market price risks from 
operating activities and related financing requirements.

All derivative financial instruments (such as interest, cur­
rency and combined interest / currency swaps, forward 
currency and forward commodity contracts) are meas­
ured in accordance with IAS 39 at their fair value, irre­
spective of their purpose or the intention for which they 
are held.

Impairment losses on receivables relating to financial ser­
vices business are recognised using a uniform method­
ology that is applied throughout the Group and meets 
the requirements of IAS 39. This methodology results in 
the recognition of impairment losses both on individual 
assets and on groups of assets. If there is objective evi­
dence of impairment, the BMW Group recognises im­
pairment losses on the basis of individual assets. Within 
the retail customer business, the existence of overdue 

If there are no quoted prices on active markets for de­
rivative financial instruments, credit risk is taken into 
account as an adjustment to the fair value of the finan­
cial instrument. The BMW Group applies the option of 
measuring the credit risk for a group of financial assets 
and financial liabilities on the basis of its net exposure. 
Portfolio­based value adjustments to the individual 
finan cial assets and financial liabilities are allocated using 
the relative fair value approach (net method).

106

Derivative financial instruments are measured using 
market information and recognised valuation tech­
niques. In those cases where hedge accounting is ap­
plied, changes in fair value are recognised either in 
profit or loss or in other comprehensive income as a 
component of accumulated other equity, depending 
on whether the transactions are classified as fair value 
hedges or cash flow hedges. In the case of fair value 
hedges, the results of the fair value measurement of 
the derivative financial instruments and the related 
hedged items are recognised in the income statement. 
In the case of fair value changes in cash flow hedges 
which are used to mitigate the future cash flow risk 
on a recognised asset or liability or on forecast trans­
actions, unrealised gains and losses on the hedging 
 instrument are recognised initially directly in accumu­
lated other equity. Any such gains or losses are recog­
nised subsequently in the income statement when the 
hedged item (usually external revenue) is recognised 
in the income statement. The portion of the gains or 
losses from fair value measurement not relating to the 
hedged item is recognised immediately in the income 
statement. If, contrary to the normal case within the 
BMW Group, hedge accounting cannot be applied, the 
gains or losses from the fair value measurement of 
 derivative financial instruments are recognised imme­
diately in the income statement.

In accordance with IAS 12 (Income Taxes), deferred taxes 
are recognised on all temporary differences between 
the tax and accounting bases of assets and liabilities and 
on consolidation procedures. Deferred tax assets also 
include claims to future tax reductions which arise from 
the expected usage of existing tax losses available for 
carryforward to the extent that future usage is probable. 
Deferred taxes are computed using enacted or planned 
tax rates which are expected to apply in the relevant 
 national jurisdictions when the amounts are recovered.

Inventories of raw materials, supplies and goods for re­
sale are stated at the lower of average acquisition cost 
and net realisable value.

Work in progress and finished goods are stated at the 
lower of average manufacturing cost and net realisable 

value. Manufacturing cost comprises all costs which 
are directly attributable to the manufacturing process 
and an appropriate proportion of production­related 
overheads. This includes production­related deprecia­
tion and an appropriate proportion of administrative and 
social costs.

Borrowing costs are not included in the acquisition or 
manufacturing cost of inventories.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise mainly cash on hand 
and cash at bank with an original term of up to three 
months.

Assets held for sale and disposal groups held for sale 
are presented separately in the balance sheet in ac­
cordance with IFRS 5, if the carrying amount of the 
relevant assets will be recovered principally through a 
sale transaction rather than through continuing use. 
This situation only arises if the assets can be sold imme­
diately in their present condition, the sale is expected 
to be completed within one year from the date of classi­
fication and the sale is highly probable. At the date of 
classification, property, plant and equipment, intangible 
assets and disposal groups which are being held for 
sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount 
and their fair value less costs to sell and scheduled de­
preciation / amortisation ceases. This does not apply, 
however, to items within the disposal group which are 
not covered by the measurement rules contained in 
IFRS 5. Simultaneously, liabilities directly related to the 
sale are presented separately on the equity and liabili­
ties side of the balance sheet as “Liabilities in conjunction 
with assets held for sale”.

Provisions for pensions are recognised using the pro­
jected unit credit method in accordance with IAS 19 
(Employee Benefits). Under this method, not only obli­
gations relating to known vested benefits at the re­
porting date are recognised, but also the effect of future 
increases in pensions and salaries. This involves taking 
account of various input factors which are evaluated 
on a prudent basis. The calculation is based on an inde­
pendent actuarial valuation which takes into account 
all relevant biometric factors.

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
107   Group Financial StatementS

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability 
for pension plans are recognised, net of deferred tax, 
 directly in equity (revenue reserves).

period. Non­current provisions with a remaining period 
of more than one year are discounted to the present 
value of the expenditures expected to settle the obligation 
at the end of the reporting period.

Net interest expense on the net defined benefit liability 
and / or net interest income on the net defined benefit 
asset are presented separately within the financial result. 
All other costs relating to allocations to pension pro­
visions are allocated to costs by function in the income 
statement.

Other provisions are recognised when the BMW Group 
has a present obligation (legal or constructive) arising 
from past events, the settlement of which is probable 
and when a reliable estimate can be made of the amount 
of the obligation. Measurement of provisions is based 
on the best estimate of the expenditure required to 
settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting 

Financial liabilities are measured on first­time recogni­
tion at cost which corresponds to the fair value of the 
consideration given. Transaction costs are also taken 
into account except for financial liabilities allocated to 
the category “financial liabilities measured at fair value 
through profit or loss”. Subsequent to initial recogni­
tion, liabilities are – with the exception of derivative 
finan cial instruments – measured at amortised cost 
 using the effective interest method. The BMW Group 
has no liabilities which are held for trading. Liabilities 
from finance leases are stated at the present value of 
the future lease payments and disclosed under other 
finan cial liabilities.

  7  

Assumptions, judgements and estimations
The preparation of the Group Financial Statements in 
accordance with IFRSs requires management to make 
certain assumptions and judgements and to use estima-
tions that can affect the reported amounts of assets and 
liabilities, revenues and expenses and contingent lia­
bilities. Major items requiring assumptions and estima­
tions are described below. The assumptions used are 
continuously checked for their validity. Actual amounts 
could differ from the assumptions and estimations used 
if business conditions develop differently to the Group’s 
expectations.

Estimations are required to assess the recoverability of 
a cash-generating unit (CGU). If the recoverability of an 
asset is being tested at the level of a CGU, assumptions 
must be made with regard to future cash inflows and out­
flows, involving in particular an assessment of the fore­
casting period to be used and of developments after that 
period. For the purposes of determining future cash 
inflows and outflows, management applies forecasting 
assumptions which are continually brought up to date 
and regularly compared with external sources of in­
formation. The assumptions used take account in par­
ticular of expectations of the profitability of the product  

portfolio, future market share developments, macro­
economic developments (such as currency, interest rate 
and raw materials) as well as the legal environment and 
past experience.

The BMW Group regularly checks the recoverability of 
its leased products. One of the main assumptions re­
quired for leased products relates to their residual value 
since this represents a significant portion of future cash 
inflows. In order to estimate the level of prices likely 
to be achieved in the future, the BMW Group incorpo­
rates internally available historical data, current market 
data and forecasts of external institutions into its cal­
culations. Internal back­testing is applied to validate the 
estimations made. Further information is provided in 
note 25.

The bad debt risk relating to receivables from sales financ-
ing is assessed regularly by the BMW Group. For these 
purposes, the main factors taken into consideration are 
past experience, current market data (such as the level 
of financing business arrears), rating classes and 
 scoring information. Further information is provided 
in note 28.

 
108

The calculation of deferred tax assets requires assump­
tions to be made with regard to the level of future tax­
able income and the timing of recovery of deferred tax 
assets. These assumptions take account of forecast oper­
ating results and the impact on earnings of the reversal 
of taxable temporary differences. Since future business 
developments cannot be predicted with certainty and to 
some extent cannot be influenced by the BMW Group, 
the measurement of deferred tax assets is subject to un­
certainty. Further information is provided in note 17.

Current income taxes are computed throughout the 
BMW Group in accordance with tax legislation appli­
cable in each relevant country. In situations where a 
permissible element of discretion has been applied in 
determining the amount of a tax exposure to be recog­
nised in the financial statements, there is always a pos­
sibility that local tax authorities may reach a different 
conclusion.

The calculation of pension provisions requires assump­
tions to be made with regard to discount factors, salary 
trends, employee fluctuation and the life expectancy 
of employees. As in previous years, discount factors are 
determined by reference to market yields at the end of 
the reporting period on high quality corporate bonds. 
The salary level trend refers to the expected rate of 
salary increase which is estimated annually depending 
on inflation and the career development of employees 
within the Group. Further information is provided in 
note 36.

Estimations are required for the purposes of recognis­
ing and measuring provisions for warranty obligations 
(statutory, contractual and voluntary). In addition to 
statutorily prescribed manufacturer warranties, the 
BMW Group also offers various categories of warranty 
depending on the product and sales market concerned. 
Warranty provisions are recognised when the risks 
and rewards of ownership of the goods are transferred 
to the dealer or retail customer or when a new category 
of warranty is introduced. In order to determine the 
level of the provision, various factors are taken into 
consideration, including estimations based on past ex­
perience with the nature and amount of claims. These 

estimations also involve assessing the future level of 
 potential repair costs and price increases per product 
and market. Provisions for warranties are adjusted 
 regularly to take account of new circumstances and the 
impact of any changes recognised in the income state­
ment. Further information is provided in note 37. 
Similar estimates are also made in conjunction with the 
measurement of expected reimbursement claims.

In the event of involvement in legal proceedings or 
when claims are brought against a Group entity, provi-
sions for litigation and liability risks are recognised 
when an outflow of resources is probable and a reliable 
estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. 
Management is required to make assumptions with re­
spect to the probability of occurrence, the amount in­
volved and the duration of the legal dispute. For these 
reasons, the recognition and measurement of provi­
sions for litigation and liability risks are subject to un­
certainty. Further information is provided in note 37.

In addition, judgement is required in particular when 
assessing whether the risks and rewards incidental to 
ownership of a leased asset have been transferred for 
the purposes of determining the classification of leasing 
arrangements.

Determining the scope of consolidated companies to 
be included in the Group Financial Statements may 
 involve the use of judgement. In particular when the 
BMW Group holds 50 % or less of the voting rights, a 
detailed assessment must be made as to whether sole 
control, joint control or significant influence applies. 
For instance, other contractual rights and / or other mat­
ters and circumstances could result in the conclusion 
that the BMW entity concerned controls or jointly con­
trols an entity in which it has a participation. In the 
latter case, it must then be decided whether the joint 
arrangement is a joint operation or a joint venture. In 
making its judgement, the BMW Group must take all 
contractual arrangements and other circumstances into 
account, and not just the structure and legal form of 
the entity. A new assessment is made in the event of 
any indication of changes in the previous assessment of 
(joint) control. Further information is provided in note 2.

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
109   Group Financial StatementS

  8  

New financial reporting rules
(a) Financial reporting rules applied for the first time in the financial year 2014
The following Standards, Revised Standards, Amendments and Interpretations were applied for the first time in 
the financial year 2014:

Standard / Interpretation

 Date of
issue by IASB

 Date of
mandatory 
application
IASB

 Date of
mandatory 
application
EU

 Impact
on BMW Group

IFRS 10

Consolidated Financial Statements

 12. 5. 2011

 1. 1. 2013

 1. 1. 2014

 Significant in principle  

IFRS 11

Joint Arrangements

 12. 5. 2011

 1. 1. 2013

 1. 1. 2014

 Significant in principle  

IFRS 12

Disclosure of Interest in Other Entities

 12. 5. 2011

 1. 1. 2013

 1. 1. 2014

 Significant in principle  

Changes in Transitional Regulations

 28. 6. 2012

 1. 1. 2013

 1. 1. 2014

 Significant in principle  

(IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12)

Investment Entities (Amendments to

 31. 10. 2012

 1. 1. 2014

 1. 1. 2014

 Insignificant

IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27)

IAS 27

IAS 28

Separate Financial Statements

 12. 5. 2011

 1. 1. 2013

 1. 1. 2014

Investments in Associates and

 12. 5. 2011

 1. 1. 2013

 1. 1. 2014

 None  

 None  

Joint Ventures

IAS 32

Presentation – Offsetting of Financial Assets

 16. 12. 2011

 1. 1. 2014

 1. 1. 2014

 Insignificant

and Financial Liabilities

IAS 39

Novation of Derivatives and Continuation

 27. 6. 2013

 1. 1. 2014

 1. 1. 2014

 Insignificant

of Hedge Accounting 

(Amendments to IAS 39)

Information regarding the introduction and impact of the consolidation­related Standards IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and 
IFRS 12 is provided note 9.

(b) Financial reporting pronouncements issued by the IASB, but not yet applied

Standard / Interpretation

 Date of
issue by IASB

 Date of
mandatory 
application
IASB

 Date of
mandatory 
application
EU

 Expected impact
on BMW Group

IFRS 9

Financial Instruments

 12. 11. 2009
 /

 1. 1. 2018

 No

 Significant in principle 

28. 10. 2010
 /

16. 12. 2011
 /

19. 11. 2013
 /

24. 7. 2014

IFRS 10 /

Sale or Contribution of Assets between an 

 11. 9. 2014

 1. 1. 2016

IAS 28

Investor and an Associate or Joint Venture 

(Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28)

IFRS 10 /

IFRS 12 /

IAS 28

Investment Entities: Applying the 

 18. 12. 2014

 1. 1. 2016

Consolidation Exception (Amendments to 

IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 28)

IFRS 11

Acquisition of an Interest in a Joint Operation

 6. 5. 2014

 1. 1. 2016

(Amendments to IFRS 11)

IFRS 14

Regulatory Deferral Accounts

 30. 1. 2014

 1. 1. 2016

IFRS 15

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

 28. 5. 2014

 1. 1. 2017

 No

 No

 No

 No

 No

 Insignificant

 Insignificant

 Insignificant

 Insignificant

 Significant in principle 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
110

Standard / Interpretation

 Date of
issue by IASB

 Date of
mandatory 
application
IASB

 Date of
mandatory 
application
EU

 Expected impact
on BMW Group

IAS 1

Presentation of Financial Statements 

 18. 12. 2014

 1. 1. 2016

 No

 Significant in principle  

(Initiative to Improve Disclosure Require-

ments – Amendments to IAS 1)

IAS 16 /
IAS 38

IAS 16 /
IAS 41

Clarification of Acceptable Methods of

 12. 5. 2014

 1. 1. 2016

 No

 Insignificant

Depreciation and Amortisation  

(Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38)

Agriculture: Bearer Plants 

(Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 41)

 30. 6. 2014

 1. 1. 2016

 No

 None  

IAS 19

Employment Benefits:

 21. 11. 2013

 1. 7. 2014

 1. 2. 20151

 Insignificant

Employee Contributions (Amendments to 

IAS 19)

IAS 27

Equity Method in Separate Financial 

 12. 8. 2014

 1. 1. 2016

 No

 None  

Statements (Amendments to IAS 27)

IFRIC 21

Levies

Annual Improvements to IFRS 2010 – 2012

Annual Improvements to IFRS 2011 – 2013

 20. 5. 2013

 12. 12. 2013

 12. 12. 2013

 1. 1. 2014

 1. 7. 2014

 1. 7. 2014

 17. 6. 20142

 1. 2. 20151

 1. 1. 2015

 Insignificant

 Insignificant

 Insignificant

Annual Improvements to IFRS 2012 – 2014

 25. 9. 2014

 1. 1. 2016

 No

 Insignificant

1 Mandatory application in annual periods beginning on or after 1 February 2015.
2 Mandatory application in annual periods beginning on or after 17 June 2014.

In November 2009 the IASB issued IFRS 9 (Financial 
 Instruments) as part of a project to revise the accounting 
for financial instruments. This Standard marks the 
first of three phases of the IASB project to replace the 
existing IAS 39 (Financial Instruments: Recognition and 
Measurement). The first phase deals initially only with 
financial assets. IFRS 9 amends the recognition and 
measurement requirements for financial assets, includ­
ing various hybrid contracts.

Financial assets are measured at either amortised cost 
or fair value. IFRS 9 harmonises the various rules con­
tained in IAS 39 and reduces the number of valuation 
categories for financial instruments on the assets side 
of the balance sheet.

The new categorisation is based partly on the entity’s 
business model and partly on the contractual cash flow 
characteristics.

In October 2010, additional rules for financial liabilities 
were added to IFRS 9. The requirements for financial 
 liabilities contained in IAS 39 remain unchanged with 
the exception of new requirements relating to the 
measurement of an entity’s own credit risk at fair value. 
A package of amendments to IFRS 9 was announced 

on 19 November 2013. On the one hand, the amend­
ments overhaul the requirements for hedge accounting 
by introducing a new hedge accounting model. They 
also enable entities to change the accounting for lia­
bilities they have elected to measure at fair value, before 
applying any other requirement in IFRS 9, such that fair 
value changes due to changes in “own credit risk” would 
not require to be recognised in profit or loss. The man­
datory effective date of 1 January 2015 was removed and 
a new application date of 1 January 2018 set. The impact 
of adoption of the Standard on the Group Financial 
Statements is currently being assessed.

In May 2014 the IASB issued IFRS 15 (Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers) together with the Financial 
Accounting Standards Board. The objective of the new 
Standard is to assimilate all the various existing require­
ments and Interpretations relating to revenue recogni­
tion (IAS 11 Construction Contracts, IAS 18 Revenue, 
IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes, IFRIC 15 Agree­
ments for the Construction of Real Estate, IFRIC 18 
Transfers of Assets from Customers, SIC­31 Revenue – 
Barter Transactions involving Advertising Services) in a 
single Standard. The new Standard also stipulates uni­
form revenue recognition principles for all sectors and 
all categories.

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
111   Group Financial StatementS

The new Standard is based on a five­step model, which 
sets out the rules for revenue from contracts with cus­
tomers, with the exception – among other things – of 
lease arrangements, insurance contracts, financial in­
struments and specified contractual rights and obliga­
tions relating to non­monetary transactions between 
entities within the same sector. Revenue can be recog­
nised either over time or at a specific point in time. The 
five­step model describes the five steps necessary to 
recognise revenue on the basis of the transfer of control:
1.  Identify the contract with the customer
2.  Identify the performance obligations in the contract
3.  Determine the transaction price
4.  Allocate the transaction price to separate performance 

obligations

5.  Recognise revenue when a performance obligation is 

satisfied.

In the case of multi­component transactions or trans­
actions with variable consideration, it is possible that 
revenue may have to be recognised earlier or later un­
der IFRS 15 compared with the previous Standard.

A major difference to the previous Standard is the in­
creased scope of discretion for estimates and the intro­
duction of thresholds that could influence the amount 
and timing of revenue recognition.

The Standard is mandatory for the first time for annual 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017. Early 
adoption is permitted under IFRS. The impact of adoption 

of the new requirements on the Group Financial State­
ments is currently being assessed.

In December 2014, the IASB issued Amendments to 
IAS 1 as part of its disclosure initiative. The amend­
ments relate primarily to clarifications relating to the 
presentation of financial reports.

Firstly, disclosures are only required to be made in the 
notes if their inclusion is material for users of the 
finan cial statements. This also applies when an IFRS 
Standard explicitly specifies a minimum list of disclo­
sures. Secondly, items to be presented in the balance 
sheet, income statement and comprehensive income 
can be aggregated or disaggregated by using subtotals. 
Thirdly, it clarifies that an entity’s share of other com­
prehensive income of equity­accounted entities is re­
quired to be analysed – within the Statement of Com­
prehensive Income – to show “components, which 
will be subsequently reclassified to profit and loss” and 
“components, which will be not subsequently reclassi­
fied to profit and loss”. Fourthly, it is stressed that there 
is no standard template for the notes and that the em­
phasis should be on structuring the notes based on the 
relevance for the specific reporting entity.

The Standard is mandatory for the first time for annual 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016. Early 
adoption is permitted. The potential impact of adoption 
of the new requirements on the Group Financial State­
ments is currently being assessed.

  9  

Adjustments in accordance with IAS 8
Adjustments as a result of consolidation-related Standards
In May 2011, the IASB issued three new Standards – 
IFRS 10 (Consolidated Financial Statements), IFRS 11 
(Joint Arrangements), IFRS 12 (Disclosure of Interests 
in Other Entities) – as well as amendments to IAS 27 
(Separate Financial Statements) and to IAS 28 (Invest­
ments in Associates and Joint Ventures), all relating 
to accounting for business combinations. The three new 
Standards, which were endorsed by the EU in Decem­
ber 2012, are mandatory for the first time for annual 
 periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014 and are re­
quired to be applied retrospectively.

IFRS 10 replaces the consolidation guidelines contained 
in IAS 27 and SIC­12 (Consolidation – Special Purpose 
Entities). The requirements for separate financial state­
ments remain unchanged in the revised version of 
IAS 27.

IFRS 10 introduces a uniform consolidation model which 
establishes control as the basis for consolidation – con­
trol of a subsidiary entity by a parent entity – and which 
can be applied to all entities. The control concept must 
therefore be applied both to parent­subsidiary relation­
ships based on voting rights as well as to parent­sub­
sidiary relationships arising from other contractual ar­
rangements. Under the control concept established in 
IFRS 10, an investor controls another entity when it is 
exposed to or has rights to variable returns from its in­
volvement with the investee and has the ability to affect 
those returns through its power over the investee.

IFRS 11 supersedes IAS 31 (Interests in Joint Ventures) 
and SIC­13 (Jointly Controlled Entities – Non­Monetary 
Contributions by Venturers). This Standard sets out the 
requirements for accounting for joint arrangements and 
places the emphasis on the rights and obligations that 
arise from such arrangements. IFRS 11 distinguishes 

112

between two types of joint arrangements, namely joint 
operations and joint ventures, and therefore results in 
a change in the classification of joint arrangements. A 
joint operation is a joint arrangement whereby the par­
ties that have joint control of the arrangement have 
rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities, re­
lating to the arrangement. A joint venture is a joint ar­
rangement whereby the parties that have joint control 
of the arrangement have rights to the net assets result­
ing from the arrangement. IFRS 11 requires joint opera­
tors to account for their share of assets and liabilities in 
the joint operation (and their share of income and ex­
penses). Joint venturers are required to account for their 
investment using the equity method. The withdrawal 
of IAS 31 means the removal of the option to account 
for joint ventures using either the proportionate consoli­
dation or the equity method. The equity method must 
be applied in accordance with amended IAS 28.

IFRS 12 sets out the requirements for disclosures relating 
to all types of interests in other entities, including joint 
arrangements, associated companies, structured entities 
and unconsolidated entities.

Application of IFRS 10 has no impact on the scope of 
entities included in the Group Financial Statements. 
The removal of the option for accounting for joint ven­
tures (as stipulated by IFRS 11) does not have any im­
pact since the BMW Group already accounted for joint 
ventures using the equity method. By contrast, the 
 classification of joint arrangements in accordance with 
IFRS 11 has changed. The investments in SGL Automo­
tive Carbon Fibers GmbH & Co. KG, Munich, SGL 
 Automotive Carbon Fibers Verwaltungs GmbH, Munich, 
and SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers LLC, Dover, DE – 
previously accounted for at equity – have been classi­
fied with effect from the first quarter of the financial 
year 2014 as joint operations and consolidated propor­
tionately on the basis of the BMW Group’s 49 % share­
holding. This change in classification reflects the fact 
that the arrangement is primarily designed to provide 
the joint operators with an output (i. e. production) as 
well as the fact that settlement of the liabilities relating 
to the activities conducted through the arrangement 
 depends on both parties on a continuous basis. Appli­
cation of IFRS 12 impacts the scope of disclosures 
 required to be made in the notes to the BMW Group 
Financial Statements, in particular the requirement to 
disclose more detailed financial information with re­
spect to significant joint ventures. Further details can be 
found in note 26.

The new requirements pertaining to IFRS 10, IFRS 11 
and IFRS 12 are required to be applied retrospectively. 

In accordance with IAS 8.14, the resulting adjustments 
relating to the financial year 2013 are presented in the 
tables at the end of this section. The transition require­
ments contained in these new Standards were com­
plied with and, accordingly, the impact on the Group’s 
Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow State­
ment is not presented separately for the financial year 
2014.

Restatement of income taxes in conjunction with leased 
products in the USA
In previous years, there had been a misallocation between 
current and deferred income taxes for leased products 
in the USA. The figures have been restated in accordance 
with IAS 8.41 et seq., involving a reclassification from 
deferred tax liabilities to current tax payables. The re­
lated interest and penalty charges up to 31 December 
2012 were recorded directly in equity (in revenue re­
serves). Interest relating to the financial year 2013 is 
reported as an expense for that period (in financial 
 result).

Prior year figures in the Balance Sheet, Income State­
ment, Statement of Comprehensive Income, Statement 
of Changes in Equity, Cash Flow Statement and Notes 
to the Group Financial Statements have been restated 
retrospectively. The restatements also impacted the 
 figures reported for the Financial Services and Other 
Entities segments. The Financial Service’s segment re­
sult for 2013 was reduced by € 20 million and amounted 
to € 1,619 million after restatement, while segment as­
sets were reduced by € 19 million to € 8,388 million. Seg­
ment assets reported for the Other Entities segment 
amounted to € 55,300 million at the end of the financial 
year 2013, correcting the previously reported amount 
by € 1,050 million. The tables at the end of this section 
show the impact for the Group.

Change in presentation of term deposits within the Cash 
Flow Statement
The BMW Group uses a broad range of instruments on 
international capital markets to manage its liquidity. 
Due to the situation on the financial markets, the BMW 
Group is increasingly investing in term deposits with 
longer terms (i. e. money deposits that mature after more 
than three months). Term deposits were previously re­
ported in the Cash Flow Statement on the line “Change 
in other operating assets and liabilities” within operating 
cash flows. Since the payments related to these money 
deposits qualify as instruments pursuant to IAS 7.16 c – d, 
they are required to be presented as cash flows from 
 investing activities. In accordance with IAS 8.41 et seq., 
these amounts have been reclassified to the line items 
“Investments in marketable securities and term deposits” 

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
113   Group Financial StatementS

and “Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities and 
from matured term deposits”. As a result of the reclassi­
fication, the net cash inflow from operating activities 

in the previous year increased by € 500 million, whereas 
the net cash outflow for investing activities was in­
creased by the same amount.

Changes in Group Balance Sheet presentation

1 January 2013
in € million

Total assets

Total non-current assets

 thereof property, plant and equipment

 thereof investments accounted for using the equity method

 thereof non-current other assets

Total current assets

 thereof inventories

 thereof cash and cash equivalents

Total equity

 thereof equity attributable to shareholders of BMW AG

 thereof revenue reserves

Total non-current provisions and liabilities

 thereof other provisions

 thereof deferred tax

Total current provisions and liabilities

 thereof current tax

 thereof trade payables

31 December 2013
in € million

Total assets

Total non-current assets

 thereof property, plant and equipment

 thereof investments accounted for using the equity method

 thereof non-current other assets

Total current assets

 thereof inventories

 thereof current other assets

 thereof cash and cash equivalents

Total equity

 thereof equity attributable to shareholders of BMW AG

 thereof revenue reserves

 thereof accumulated other equity

Total non-current provisions and liabilities

 thereof other provisions

 thereof deferred tax

Total current provisions and liabilities

 thereof other provisions

 thereof current tax

 thereof trade payables

 thereof other liabilities

 As originally  

reported

 Adjustments in  
accordance with
IAS 8.14

 Restatements in 
accordance with
IAS 8.41 et seq.

 As reported  

 131,835

 81,305

 13,341

 514

 803

 50,530

 9,725

 8,370

 30,606

 30,499

 28,544

 52,834

 3,441

 3,081

 48,395

 1,482

 6,433

 4

  – 7

 35

  – 9

  – 33

 11

 7

 4

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

 4

  –

 4

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  – 34

  – 34

  – 34

  – 947

 40

  – 987

 981

 981

  –

 131,839

 81,298

 13,376

 505

 770

 50,541

 9,732

 8,374

 30,572

 30,465

 28,510

 51,887

 3,481

 2,094

 49,380

 2,463

 6,437

 As originally  

reported

 Adjustments in  
accordance with
IAS 8.14

 Restatements in 
accordance with
IAS 8.41 et seq.

 As reported  

 138,368

 86,194

 15,113

 652

 954

 52,174

 9,585

 4,265

 7,664

 35,643

 35,455

 33,167

  – 358

 52,682

 3,772

 3,554

 50,043

 3,411

 1,237

 7,475

 7,066

 9

  – 1

 55

  – 14

  – 42

 10

 10

  – 7

 7

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

 9

 1

  –

 10

  – 2

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  – 43

  – 43

  – 45

 2

  – 1,039

 56

  – 1,095

 1,082

  –

 1,082

  –

  –

 138,377

 86,193

 15,168

 638

 912

 52,184

 9,595

 4,258

 7,671

 35,600

 35,412

 33,122

  – 356

 51,643

 3,828

 2,459

 51,134

 3,412

 2,319

 7,485

 7,064

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
114

Changes in Group Income Statement presentation

2013
in € million

Revenues

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Selling and administrative expenses

Other operating income

Other operating expenses

Profit / loss before financial result

 Result from equity accounted investments

 Interest and similar income

 Interest and similar expenses

Financial result

Profit / loss before tax

Income taxes

Net profit

Attributable to shareholders of BMW AG

Basic earnings per share of common stock in €

Basic earnings per share of preferred stock in €

Diluted earnings per share of common stock in €

Diluted earnings per share of preferred stock in €

 As originally  

reported

 Adjustments in  
accordance with
IAS 8.14

 Restatements in 
accordance with
IAS 8.41 et seq.

 As reported  

 76,058

  – 60,784

 15,274

  – 7,255

 841

  – 874

 7,986

 398

 184

  – 449

  – 73

 7,913

  – 2,573

 5,340

 5,314

 8.10

 8.12

 8.10

 8.12

 1

  – 7

  – 6

  – 2

 1

  – 1

  – 8

 9

  – 1

  –

 8

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  – 20

  – 20

  – 20

 9

  – 11

  – 11

  – 0.02

  – 0.02

  – 0.02

  – 0.02

 76,059

  – 60,791

 15,268

  – 7,257

 842

  – 875

 7,978

 407

 183

  – 469

  – 85

 7,893

  – 2,564

 5,329

 5,303

 8.08

 8.10

 8.08

 8.10

Changes in presentation of the Statement of Comprehensive Income

2013
in € million

Net profit

 Currency translation foreign operations

Items expected to be reclassified to the income statement
in the future

Other comprehensive income for the period after tax

Total comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income attributable to shareholders of BMW AG

 As originally  

reported

 Restatements in  
accordance with
IAS 8.41 et seq.

 As reported  

 5,340

  – 635

 316

 1,252

 6,592

 6,566

  – 11

 2

 2

 2

  – 9

  – 9

 5,329

  – 633

 318

 1,254

 6,583

 6,557

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
115   Group Financial StatementS

Changes in Group Cash Flow Statement presentation

2013
in € million

 As originally  

reported

 Adjustments in  
accordance with
IAS 8.14

Restatements in 
accordance
with IAS 8.41 et seq.

 As reported  

USA

Term
deposits

Cash inflow from operating activities

 Net profit

 Current tax

 Other interest and similar income / expenses

 Depreciation and amortisation of other tangible, intangible
 and investment assets

 Change in provisions

 Change in deferred taxes

 Other non-cash income and expense items

 Gain / loss on disposal of tangible and intangible assets
 and marketable securities

 Result from equity accounted investments

 Changes in working capital

 Change in inventories

 Change in trade payables

  Change in other operating assets and liabilities

 Interest received

Cash outflow from investing activities

 Investment in intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

 Expenditure for investments

Investments in marketable securities and time deposits

Change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents as at 1 January

Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December

 3,614

 5,340

 2,435

 126

 3,830

 479

 138

  – 551

  – 22

  – 398

 983

  – 192

 1,153

 453

 137

  – 6,981

  – 6,669

  – 90

  – 3,631

  – 706

 8,370

 7,664

 13

  –

  –

 1

 2

 1

  –

  – 1

 1

  – 9

 3

  – 3

 6

 16

  – 1

  – 10

  – 24

 14

  –

 3

 4

 7

  –

  – 11

 146

 20

  –

  –

  – 155

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

 500 

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

 500

  –

  – 500

  –

  –

  – 500

  –

  –

  –

 4,127

 5,329

 2,581

 147

 3,832

 480

  – 17

  – 552

  – 21

  – 407

 986

  – 195

 1,159

 969

 136

  – 7,491

  – 6,693

  – 76

  – 4,131

  – 703

 8,374

 7,671

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
116

BMW Group
Notes to the Group Financial Statements
Notes to the Income Statement

10  

Revenues
Revenues by activity comprise the following:

in € million

Sales of products and related goods

Income from lease instalments

Sale of products previously leased to customers

Interest income on loan financing

Other income

Revenues

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 2014

 2013*

 60,280

 56,812

 7,748

 6,716

 2,881

 2,776

 7,296

 6,412

 2,868

 2,671

80,401

76,059

An analysis of revenues by business segment and geographical region is shown in the segment information in 
note 50.

11  

Cost of sales
Cost of sales comprises:

in € million

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

Manufacturing costs

Research and development expenses

Warranty expenditure

Cost of sales directly attributable to financial services

Interest expense relating to financial services business

Expense for risk provisions and write-downs for financial services business

Other cost of sales

Cost of sales

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 2014

 2013*

 38,253

 4,135

 1,451

 14,716

 1,407

 362

 3,072

63,396

 36,578

 4,118

 1,243

 14,044

 1,483

 435

 2,890

60,791

Group cost of sales include € 16,485 million (2013: 
€ 15,962 million) relating to Financial Services business.

on assets and reduced consumption­based taxes amount­
ing to € 54 million (2013: € 45 million).

As in the previous year, manufacturing costs do not con­
tain any impairment losses on intangible assets and 
property, plant and equipment. Cost of sales is reduced 
by public­sector subsidies in the form of reduced taxes 

Total research and development expenditure comprises 
research costs, non­capitalised development costs and 
capitalised development costs (excluding scheduled 
 amortisation). Total research and development expendi­
ture was as follows:

in € million

Research and development expenses

Amortisation

New expenditure for capitalised development costs

Total research and development expenditure

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 2014

 2013*

 4,135

  – 1,068

 1,499

4,566

 4,118

  – 1,069

 1,744

4,793

12  

Selling and administrative expenses
Selling expenses amounted to € 5,344 million (2013*: 
€ 4,886 million) and comprise mainly marketing, adver­
tising and sales personnel costs.

Administrative expenses amounted to € 2,548 million 
(2013*: € 2,371 million) and comprise expenses for ad­
ministration not attributable to development, produc­
tion or sales functions.
*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
117   Group Financial StatementS

13  

Other operating income and expenses

in € million

Exchange gains

Income from the reversal of provisions

Income from the reversal of impairment losses and write-downs

Gains on the disposal of assets

Sundry operating income

Other operating income

Exchange losses

Expense for additions to provisions

Expense for impairment losses and write-downs

Losses on the disposal of assets

Sundry operating expenses

Other operating expenses

 2014

 2013*

 311

 184

 30

 101

 251

877

  – 334

  – 225

  – 86

  – 25

  – 202

– 872

 346

 183

 13

 53

 247

842

  – 324

  – 265

  – 37

  – 27

  – 222

– 875

Other operating income and expenses

      5

 – 33

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

14  

Result from equity accounted investments
The profit from equity accounted investments amounted 
to € 655 million (2013*: € 407 million) and includes pri­

marily the Group’s share of the result of the joint 
 venture, BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., Shenyang.
*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

15  

Net interest result

in € million

Other interest and similar income

 thereof from subsidiaries: € 18 million (2013*: € 17 million)

Interest and similar income

Net interest expense on the net defined benefit liability for pension plans

Expense relating to interest impact on other long-term provisions

Write-downs on current marketable securities

Other interest and similar expenses

 thereof to subsidiaries: € – 6 million (2013: € – 6 million)

Interest and similar expenses

Net interest result

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 2014

 2013*

 200

200

  – 88

  – 105

  –

  – 326

 183

183

  – 127

  – 5

  – 7

  – 330

– 519

– 469

– 319

– 286

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
118

16   Other financial result

in € million

Income from investments in subsidiaries and participations
 thereof from subsidiaries: € 2 million (2013: € 8 million)

Impairment losses on investments in subsidiaries and participations

Expenses from investments in subsidiaries

Result on investments

Losses and gains relating to financial instruments

Sundry other financial result

 2014

 2013

 3

  – 153

  –

– 150

  – 597

– 597

 12

  – 91

  – 2

– 81

  – 125

– 125

Other financial result

– 747

– 206

The result from investments in 2014 was negatively 
 impacted by an impairment loss on other investments 
amounting to € 152 million (2013: € 73 million).

The deterioration in other financial result was primarily 
due to the negative impact of currency and commodity 
derivatives.

17  

Income taxes
Taxes on income comprise the following:

in € million

Current tax expense

Deferred tax expense / income

Income taxes

 2014

 2,774

 116

2,890

 2013*

 2,581

  – 17

2,564

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

Current tax expense includes € 275 million (2013: € 222 mil­
lion) relating to prior periods.

A deferred tax expense of € 83 million (2013*: income of 
€ 42 million) is attributable to new temporary differences 
and the reversal of temporary differences brought for­
ward.

The tax expense was reduced by € 27 million (2013: € 5 mil­
lion) as a result of utilising tax losses / tax credits brought 
forward, for which deferred assets had not previously 
been recognised.

The change in the valuation allowance on deferred tax 
assets relating to tax losses available for carryforward 
and temporary differences resulted in a tax expense of 
€ 49 million (2013: € 7 million).

Deferred taxes are computed using enacted or planned 
tax rates which are expected to apply in the relevant 
 national jurisdictions when the amounts are recovered. 
A uniform corporation tax rate of 15.0 % plus solidarity 

surcharge of 5.5 % applies in Germany, giving a tax rate 
of 15.8 %, unchanged from the previous year. After taking 
account of an average municipal trade tax multiplier 
rate (Hebesatz) of 425.0 % (2013: 420.0 %), the municipal 
trade tax rate for German entities is 14.9 % (2013: 14.7 %). 
The overall income tax rate in Germany is therefore 
30.7 % (2013: 30.5 %). Deferred taxes for non­German 
entities are calculated on the basis of the relevant country­
specific tax rates and remained in a range of between 
12.5 % and 46.9 % once again in the financial year 2014. 
Changes in tax rates resulted in a deferred tax expense 
of € 22 million (2013: € 2 million).

The actual tax expense for the financial year 2014 of 
€ 2,890 million (2013*: € 2,564 million) is € 217 million 
(2013*: € 157 million) higher than the expected tax ex­
pense of € 2,673 million (2013*: € 2,407 million) which 
would theoretically arise if the tax rate of 30.7 % (2013: 
30.5 %), applicable for German companies, was applied 
across the Group.

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
119   Group Financial StatementS

The difference between the expected and actual tax expense is explained in the following reconciliation:

in € million

Profit before tax

Tax rate applicable in Germany

Expected tax expense

Variances due to different tax rates

Tax increases (+) / tax reductions (–) as a result of non-deductible expenses and tax-exempt income

 2014

 2013*

 8,707

 30.7 %

2,673

  – 55

 150

 275

  – 153

2,890

 33.2 %

 7,893

 30.5 %

2,407

  – 134

 164

 222

  – 95

2,564

 32.5 %

Tax expense (+) / benefits (–) for prior years

Other variances

Actual tax expense

Effective tax rate

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

Tax increases as a result of non­deductible expenses 
and tax reductions due to tax­exempt income remained 
more or less at a similar level to the previous year. As 
in the previous year, tax increases as a result of non­tax­
deductible expenses were attributable primarily to the 
impact of non­recoverable withholding taxes and trans­
fer price issues.

in € million

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Leased products

Investments

Other assets

Tax loss carryforwards

Provisions

Liabilities

Eliminations

Valuation allowance

Netting

Deferred taxes

Net

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

Deferred tax assets on tax loss carryforwards and capi­
tal losses before allowances totalled € 566 million (2013*: 
€ 512 million). After valuation allowances of € 496 mil­
lion (2013: € 409 million), their carrying amount stood at 
€ 70 million (2013*: € 103 million).

The line “Other variances” comprises primarily recon­
ciling items relating to the Group’s share of results of 
equity accounted investments.

The allocation of deferred tax assets and liabilities to 
balance sheet line items at 31 December is shown in the 
following table:

 Deferred tax assets

 Deferred tax liabilities

 2014

 11

 50

 393

 5

 1,289

 566

 4,175

 2,827

 2,945

 2013*

 2014

 2013*

 9

 26

 436

 6

 1,078

 512

 3,220

 2,955

 2,570

 1,706

 400

 5,486

 12

 2,687

  –

 95

 602

 690

 1,571

 264

 4,498

 5

 3,747

  –

 47

 449

 661

12,261

10,812

11,678

11,242

  – 496

  – 9,704

2,061

 87

  – 409

  – 8,783

1,620

  –

  – 9,704

1,974

  –

  – 8,783

2,459

 839

(2013*: € 402 million). This includes an amount of € 228 mil­
lion (2013: € 42 million), for which a valuation allowance 
of € 74 million (2013: € 14 million) was recognised on 
the related deferred tax asset. For entities with tax losses 
available for carryforward, a net surplus of deferred 
tax assets over deferred tax liabilities is reported at 

Tax losses available for carryforward – for the most part 
usable without restriction – amounted to € 469 million 

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
120

31 December 2014 amounting to € 140 million (2013: 
€ 192 million). Deferred tax assets are recognised on 
the basis of management’s assessment of whether it is 
probable that the relevant entities will generate suffi­
cient  future taxable profits, against which deductible 
temporary differences can be offset.

Capital losses available for carryforward in the United 
Kingdom which do not relate to ongoing operations in­
creased to € 2,112 million due to exchange rate factors 
(2013: € 1,975 million). As in previous years, deferred 
tax assets recognised on these tax losses – amounting to 
€ 422 million at the end of the reporting period (2013: 
€ 395 million) – were fully written down since they can 
only be utilised against future capital gains.

in € million

Deferred taxes at 1 January (assets (–) / liabilities (+))

Deferred tax expense (+) / income (–) recognised through income statement

Change in deferred taxes recognised directly in equity

Exchange rate impact and other changes

Deferred taxes at 31 December (assets (–) / liabilities (+))

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

Changes in deferred taxes include changes relating to 
items recognised either through the income statement 
or directly in equity as well as the impact of exchange 
rate fluctuations, first­time consolidations and decon­
solidations. Deferred taxes recognised directly in equity 
increased in total by € 1,429 million (2013: decrease of 
€ 770 million). Of this amount, € 759 million (2013: 
€ 421 million) related to the fair value measurement of 
derivative financial instruments and marketable securi­
ties (recognised directly in equity), shown in the sum­
mary above in the line items “Other assets” and “Liabili­
ties”. A further € 670 million (2013: decrease of € 349 mil­
lion) related to the remeasurements of the net defined 
benefit liability for pension plans, shown in the sum­
mary above in the line item “Provisions”.

Netting relates to the offset of deferred tax assets and 
 liabilities within individual separate entities or tax 
groups to the extent that they relate to the same tax 
 authorities.

Deferred taxes recognised directly in equity amounted 
to € 1,889 million (2013: € 451 million), an increase of 
€ 1,438 million (2013: decrease of € 771 million) com­
pared to the previous year. The change includes an 
 increase in deferred taxes recognised in conjunction 
with currency translation amounting to € 9 million 
(2013: reduction of € 1 million).

Changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the 
reporting period can be summarised as follows:

 2014

 2013*

 839

 116

  – 1,429

 387

– 87

 128

  – 17

 770

  – 42

839

Deferred taxes are not recognised on retained profits 
of € 30.7 billion (2013: € 28.0 billion) of foreign subsidi­
aries, as it is intended to invest these profits to maintain 
and expand the business volume of the relevant com­
panies. A computation was not made of the potential im­
pact of income taxes on the grounds of disproportionate 
expense.

The tax returns of BMW Group entities are checked reg­
ularly by German and foreign tax authorities. Taking ac­
count of a variety of factors – including existing interpre­
tations, commentaries and legal decisions taken relating 
to the various tax jurisdictions and the BMW Group’s 
past experience – adequate provision has, as far as identi­
fiable, been made for potential future tax obligations.

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
121   Group Financial StatementS

18  

Earnings per share

 2014

 2013*

Net profit for the year after minority interest

 € million

 5,798.1

 5,302.8

Profit attributable to common stock

Profit attributable to preferred stock

Average number of common stock shares in circulation

Average number of preferred stock shares in circulation

Basic earnings per share of common stock

Basic earnings per share of preferred stock

Dividend per share of common stock

Dividend per share of preferred stock

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 € million

 € million

 5,317.7

 480.4

 4,865.3

 437.5

 number

 601,995,196

 601,995,196

 number

 54,259,767

 53,993,635

 €

 €

 €

 €

 8.83

 8.85

 2.90

 2.92

 8.08

 8.10

 2.60

 2.62

Basic earnings per share of preferred stock are com­
puted on the basis of the number of preferred stock 
shares entitled to receive a dividend in each of the rele­

vant financial years. As in the previous year, diluted 
earnings per share correspond to basic earnings per 
share.

19  

Other disclosures relating to the income statement
Personnel expenses
The income statement includes personnel expenses as follows:

in € million

Wages and salaries

Social security, retirement and welfare costs

 thereof pension costs: € 991 million (2013: € 958 million)

Personnel expenses

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 2014

 8,094

 1,670

 2013*

 7,401

 1,591

9,764

8,992

Personnel expenses include € 42 million (2013: € 48 mil­
lion) of expenditure incurred to adjust the workforce size.

The average number of employees during the year  
was:

Employees

 thereof 186 (2013: 96) at proportionately-consolidated entities

Apprentices and students gaining work experience

 thereof 2 (2013: 3) at proportionately-consolidated entities

Average number of employees

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 2014

 2013*

 105,743

 100,057  

 7,560

 7,165  

113,303

107,222

The number of employees at the end of the reporting period is disclosed in the Combined Management Report.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
122

Fee expense
The fee expense pursuant to § 314 (1) no. 9 HGB recog­
nised in the financial year 2014 for the Group auditors  

amounted to € 23 million (2013: € 26 million) and consists 
of the following:

in € million

 2014

 2013

Audit of financial statements

 thereof KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

Other attestation services

 thereof KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

Tax advisory services

 thereof KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

Other services

 thereof KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

Fee expense

 thereof KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

 15

 3

 2

 1

 4

 1

 2

 1

   23

 6

 14  

 3  

 3  

 2  

 7  

 3  

 2  

 1  

   26

 9  

The total fee comprises expenses recorded by BMW AG, 
Munich, and all consolidated subsidiaries.

The fee expense shown for KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprü­
fungsgesellschaft, Berlin, relates only to services pro­
vided on behalf of BMW AG, Munich, and its German 
subsidiaries.

Government grants and government assistance
Income from asset­related and performance­related 
grants, amounting to € 30 million (2013*: € 25 million) 
and € 73 million (2013: € 73 million) respectively, were 
recognised in the income statement in 2014.

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

20   Share-based remuneration

The BMW Group operates three share­based remunera­
tion schemes, namely the Employee Share Programme 
(for entitled employees), share­based commitments to 
members of the Board of Management and share­based 
commitments to senior heads of department.

In the case of the Employee Share Programme, non­vot­
ing shares of preferred stock in BMW AG were granted 
to qualifying employees during the financial year 2014 
at favourable conditions (see note 35 for the number 
and price of issued shares). The holding period for these 
shares is up to 31 December 2017. The BMW Group re­
corded a personnel expense of € 6 million (2013: € 5 mil­
lion) for the Employee Share Programme in 2014, cor­
responding to the difference between the market price 
and the reduced price of the shares of preferred stock 
purchased by employees. The Board of Management re­
serves the right to decide anew each year with respect 
to an Employee Share Programme.

For financial years beginning after 1 January 2011, 
BMW AG has added a share­based remuneration com­
ponent to the existing compensation system for Board 
of Management members.

Each Board of Management member is required to 
 invest 20 % of his / her total bonus (after tax) in shares 
of BMW AG common stock, which are recorded in a 

separate custodian account for each member concerned 
(annual tranche). Each annual tranche is subject to a 
holding period of four years (vesting period). Once the 
holding period is fulfilled, BMW AG grants one addi­
tional share of BMW AG common stock for each three 
held or, at its discretion, pays the equivalent amount in 
cash (share­based remuneration component) provided 
that the term of office has not been terminated before 
the end of the agreed contract period (except in the case 
of death or invalidity).

With effect from the financial year 2012, qualifying de­
partment heads are also entitled to opt for a share­based 
remuneration component, which, in most respects, is 
comparable to the share­based remuneration arrange­
ments for Board of Management members.

The share­based remuneration component is measured 
at its fair value at each balance sheet date between grant 
and settlement date, and on the settlement date itself. 
The appropriate amounts are recognised as personnel 
expense on a straight­line basis over the vesting period 
and reported in the balance sheet as a provision.

The cash­settlement obligation for the share­based re­
muneration component is measured at its fair value at 
the balance sheet date (based on the closing price of 
BMW AG common stock in Xetra trading at 31 Decem­
ber 2014).

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
123   Group Financial StatementS

BMW Group
Notes to the Group Financial Statements
Notes to the Statement of Comprehensive Income

The total carrying amount of the provision for the share­
based remuneration component of eligible current and 
former Board of Management members and depart­
ment heads at 31 December 2014 was € 3,096,674 (2013: 
€ 1,647,188).

The total expense recognised in 2014 for the share­based 
remuneration component of eligible current and former 
Board of Management members and department heads 
was € 1,449,486 (2013: € 989,912).

The fair value of the programmes for Board of Manage­
ment members and department heads at the date of 

grant of the share­based remuneration components 
was € 1,479,939 (2013: € 1,453,500), based on a total of 
17,712 shares (2013: 19,196 shares) of BMW AG com­
mon stock or a corresponding cash­based settlement 
measured at the relevant market share price prevailing 
on the grant date.

Further details on the remuneration of the Board of 
Management are provided in the 2014 Compensation 
Report, which is part of the Combined Management 
 Report.

21   Disclosures relating to total comprehensive income

Other comprehensive income for the period after tax comprises the following:

in € million

 2014

 2013*

Remeasurement of the net defined benefit liability for pension plans

Deferred taxes

Items not expected to be reclassified to the income statement in the future

Available-for-sale securities

 thereof gains / losses arising in the period under report

 thereof reclassifications to the income statement

Financial instruments used for hedging purposes

 thereof gains / losses arising in the period under report

 thereof reclassifications to the income statement

Other comprehensive income from equity accounted investments

Deferred taxes

Currency translation foreign operations

Items expected to be reclassified to the income statement in the future

Other comprehensive income for the period after tax

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

  – 2,298

 706

– 1,592

 40

 109

  – 69

  – 2,194

  – 1,939

  – 255

  – 48

 732

 764

– 706

– 2,298

 1,308

  – 372

936

 8

 48

  – 40

 1,357

 1,536

  – 179

  – 7

  – 407

  – 633

318

1,254

Deferred taxes on components of other comprehensive income are as follows:

in € million

 2014

 2013*

 Before
tax

 Deferred
taxes

 After
tax

 Before
tax

 Deferred
taxes

 After
tax

Remeasurement of the net defined benefit liability for pension plans

  – 2,298

 706

  – 1,592

 1,308

  – 372

Available-for-sale securities

 40

  – 34

 6

 8

 19

Financial instruments used for hedging purposes

  – 2,194

 719

  – 1,475

 1,357

  – 425

Other comprehensive income from equity accounted investments

Currency translation foreign operations

Other comprehensive income

  – 48

 764

 47

  –

  – 1

 764

– 3,736

1,438

– 2,298

  – 7

  – 633

2,033

  – 1

  –

– 779

 936

 27

 932

  – 8

  – 633

1,254

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

Other comprehensive income arising at the level of 
 equity accounted investments is reported in the 
 Statement of Changes in Equity within “Translation 
differences” with a positive amount of € 140 million 

(2013: negative amount of € 10 million) and within 
“Derivative financial instruments” with a negative 
amount of € 141 million (2013: positive amount of 
€ 2 million).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
124

BMW Group
Notes to the Group Financial Statements
Notes to the Balance Sheet

22   Analysis of changes in Group tangible, intangible and investment assets 2014

in € million

Development costs

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

Intangible assets

Acquisition and manufacturing cost

 1. 1. 20141

 Translation
differences

 Additions

 Reclassi-
fications

 Disposals

 31. 12.
2014

 9,667

 374

 1,459

  –

  –

 15

 1,499

  –

 62

  –

  –

  –

 1,825

 5

 93

 9,341

 369

 1,443

 1. 1. 20141

Depreciation and amortisation

 Trans-

lation

differ-

ences

 Current

year

 Changes

not effect-

ing net

income

 Dis-

posals

 31. 12.

2014

Carrying amount

 31. 12.

2014

 31. 12.

2

2013

11,500

   15

1,561

      –

1,923

11,153

5,315

   10

1,246

      –

1,917

4,654

6,499

6,179

 Intangible assets

Land, titles to land, buildings, including buildings on 
third party land

Plant and machinery

Other facilities, factory and office equipment

Advance payments made and construction in progress

Property, plant and equipment

 8,812

 28,843

 2,355

 2,972

42,982

 207

 607

 65

 37

916

 407

 2,436

 207

 1,489

4,539

Leased products

32,486

1,954

14,576

Investments accounted for using the equity method

Investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries

Participations

Non-current marketable securities

Other investments

638

 240

 575

  –

815

      –

 2

  –

  –

      2

600

 41

 66

  –

107

 428

 2,023

 32

  – 2,483

      –

      –

      –

  –

  –

  –

      –

1 Including first-time consolidations.
2  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.
3 Including assets under construction of € 1,679 million.

 51

 9,803

 1,145

 32,764

 149

 1

 2,510

 2,014

1,346

47,091

12,047

36,969

6,572

293

3,401

3,462

6,804

30,165

25,914

 Leased products

150

 57

  –

  –

   57

1,088

 226

 641

  –

867

Analysis of changes in Group tangible, intangible and investment assets 20131

Acquisition and manufacturing cost

in € million

 1. 1. 20132

 Adjust-
ment

3

 Translation
differences

 Additions

 Reclassi-
fications

 Disposals

 31. 12.
2013

 1. 1. 20132

 Adjust-

3

ment

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income

124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 1,825

 3,888

 5,453

 5,022  

 Development costs

  –

 92

 5

 761

 364

 682

 369  

 Goodwill

 788  

 Other intangible assets

 38

 4,178

 1,129

 23,834

 145

  –

 1,897

  –

1,312

29,909

      –

 16

  –

  –

   16

      –

 62

 397

  –

459

 Land, titles to land, buildings, including buildings on 

 4,890  

 third party land

 6,771  

 Plant and machinery

 536  

 Other facilities, factory and office equipment

 2,971  

 Advance payments made and construction in progress

17,182

15,168

 Property, plant and equipment

1,088

638

 Investments accounted for using the equity method

 166  

 Investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries

 387  

 Participations

  –  

 Non-current marketable securities

553

 Other investments

Development costs

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

Intangible assets

Land, titles to land, buildings, including buildings on 
third party land

Plant and machinery

Other facilities, factory and office equipment

Advance payments made and construction in progress

Property, plant and equipment

Leased products4

 8,488

 374

 1,008

9,870

 8,182

 26,823

 2,314

 2,617

39,936

31,412

Investments accounted for using the equity method

514

Investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries

Participations

Non-current marketable securities

Other investments

 205

 571

  –

776

  –

  –

  –

      –

  –

  –

  –

  –

      –

– 46

      –

  –

  –

  –

      –

  –

  –

  – 6

   – 6

  – 125

  – 212

  – 55

  – 37

– 429

 1,744

  –

 473

2,217

 489

 2,210

 178

 1,617

4,494

– 734

13,192

      –

  – 1

  –

  –

   – 1

361

 66

 6

  –

   72

  –

  –

  –

      –

 226

 982

 15

  – 1,223

      –

      –

      –

  –

  –

  –

      –

1  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.
2 Including mergers.
3 Amended for the effect of refining the accounting policy for leased products as described in note 6 to the Group Financial Statements 2013.
4 This line includes the adjustments described in note 24 to the Group Financial Statements 2013.
5 Including assets under construction of € 2,570 million.

 565

  –

 22

587

 51

 961

 121

 3

 9,667

 374

 1,453

11,494

 8,721

 28,842

 2,331

 2,971

1,136

42,865

26,551

      –

– 259

2,494

1,089

27,697

15,168

13,341

 Property, plant and equipment

11,338

32,486

6,944

– 175

– 132

3,215

3,280

6,572

25,914

24,468

 Leased products4

237

 30

 2

  –

   32

638

 240

 575

  –

815

  –

  –

  –

 16

 75

  –

      –

      –

   91

  –

  –

 10

 85

 431

 52

  –

568

      –

 1

  –

  –

      1

 Trans-

lation

differ-

ences

  –

  –

  – 11

– 11

  – 53

  – 166

  – 40

  –

 1,068

  –

 178

 282

 2,461

 181

  –

2,924

      –

 1

 152

  –

153

 1,069

  –

 178

1,247

 251

 2,084

 159

  –

 4,645

 5

 665

 3,849

 22,071

 1,809

  –

27,729

      –

 76

 188

  –

264

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

      –

      –

      –

  –

 57

  –

   57

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

      –

      –

      –

  –

  – 57

  –

– 57

 4,141

 5

 516

 3,667

 21,099

 1,785

  –

      –

 58

 170

  –

228

Depreciation and amortisation

 Current

year

 Changes

not effect-

ing net

income

 Dis-

posals

 31. 12.

2013

Carrying amount

 31. 12.

2013

 31. 12.

2012

4,662

      –

      –

583

5,315

6,179

5,207

 Intangible assets

 565

 4,645

 5,022

 4,347  

 Development costs

  –

 18

 5

 665

 369

 788

 369  

 Goodwill

 491  

 Other intangible assets

      –

      –

      –

638

514

 Investments accounted for using the equity method

 34

 946

 109

  –

 3,831

 22,071

 1,795

  –

      –

  –

  –

  –

      –

      –

 74

 188

  –

262

 Land, titles to land, buildings, including buildings on 

 4,502  

 third party land

 5,705  

 Plant and machinery

 530  

 Other facilities, factory and office equipment

 2,604  

 Advance payments made and construction in progress

 147  

 Investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries

 401  

 Participations

  –  

 Non-current marketable securities

548

 Other investments

 5,625

 8,930

 613

 2,0143

 164

 244

  –

408

 4,890

 6,771

 536

2,9715

 166

 387

  –

553

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
125   Group Financial StatementS

11,500

   15

1,561

      –

1,923

11,153

5,315

   10

1,246

      –

1,917

4,654

6,499

6,179

 Intangible assets

 1. 1. 20141

 4,645

 5

 665

Depreciation and amortisation

 Trans-
lation
differ-
ences

  –

  –

 10

 Current
year

 Changes
not effect-
ing net
income

 1,068

  –

 178

  –

  –

  –

 Dis-
posals

 31. 12.
2014

Carrying amount

 31. 12.
2014

 31. 12.
2
2013

 1,825

 3,888

 5,453

 5,022  

 Development costs

  –

 92

 5

 761

 364

 682

 369  

 Goodwill

 788  

 Other intangible assets

Leased products

32,486

1,954

14,576

12,047

36,969

6,572

293

3,401

 3,849

 22,071

 1,809

  –

27,729

 85

 431

 52

  –

568

 282

 2,461

 181

  –

2,924

      –

 76

 188

  –

264

      –

 1

  –

  –

      1

      –

 1

 152

  –

153

  –

  –

  –

  –

      –

      –

      –

  –

 57

  –

   57

 38

 4,178

 1,129

 23,834

 145

  –

 1,897

  –

1,312

29,909

 5,625

 8,930

 613
 2,0143

 4,890  

 Land, titles to land, buildings, including buildings on 
 third party land

 6,771  

 Plant and machinery

 536  

 Other facilities, factory and office equipment

 2,971  

 Advance payments made and construction in progress

17,182

15,168

 Property, plant and equipment

3,462

6,804

30,165

25,914

 Leased products

      –

 16

  –

  –

   16

      –

 62

 397

  –

459

1,088

638

 Investments accounted for using the equity method

 164

 244

  –

408

 166  

 Investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries

 387  

 Participations

  –  

 Non-current marketable securities

553

 Other investments

Acquisition and manufacturing cost

Depreciation and amortisation

in € million

 1. 1. 20132

 Adjust-

3

ment

 Translation

differences

 Additions

 Disposals

 Reclassi-

fications

 31. 12.

2013

 1. 1. 20132

 Adjust-
ment

3

 4,141

 5

 516

  –

  –

  –

4,662

      –

 3,667

 21,099

 1,785

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

 Trans-
lation
differ-
ences

  –

  –

  – 11

– 11

  – 53

  – 166

  – 40

  –

 1,069

  –

 178

1,247

 251

 2,084

 159

  –

 Current
year

 Changes
not effect-
ing net
income

 Dis-
posals

 31. 12.
2013

Carrying amount

 31. 12.
2013

 31. 12.
2012

– 734

13,192

11,338

32,486

6,944

– 175

– 132

3,215

1,136

42,865

26,551

      –

– 259

2,494

      –

 58

 170

  –

228

      –

      –

      –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

 16

 75

  –

      –

      –

   91

  –

  –

  –

 565

 4,645

 5,022

 4,347  

 Development costs

  –

 18

 5

 665

 369

 788

 369  

 Goodwill

 491  

 Other intangible assets

      –

583

5,315

6,179

5,207

 Intangible assets

  –

  –

  –

  –

      –

      –

      –

  –

  – 57

  –

– 57

 34

 946

 109

  –

 3,831

 22,071

 1,795

  –

 4,890

 6,771

 536
2,9715

 4,502  

 Land, titles to land, buildings, including buildings on 
 third party land

 5,705  

 Plant and machinery

 530  

 Other facilities, factory and office equipment

 2,604  

 Advance payments made and construction in progress

1,089

27,697

15,168

13,341

 Property, plant and equipment

3,280

6,572

25,914

24,468

 Leased products4

      –

  –

  –

  –

      –

      –

 74

 188

  –

262

638

514

 Investments accounted for using the equity method

 166

 387

  –

553

 147  

 Investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries

 401  

 Participations

  –  

 Non-current marketable securities

548

 Other investments

Acquisition and manufacturing cost

 1. 1. 20141

 Translation

differences

 Additions

 Disposals

 Reclassi-

fications

 31. 12.

2014

in € million

Development costs

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

Intangible assets

third party land

Plant and machinery

Land, titles to land, buildings, including buildings on 

Other facilities, factory and office equipment

Advance payments made and construction in progress

Property, plant and equipment

Investments accounted for using the equity method

Investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries

Participations

Non-current marketable securities

Other investments

1 Including first-time consolidations.

2  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

3 Including assets under construction of € 1,679 million.

Development costs

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

Intangible assets

third party land

Plant and machinery

Land, titles to land, buildings, including buildings on 

Other facilities, factory and office equipment

Advance payments made and construction in progress

Property, plant and equipment

Leased products4

Investments accounted for using the equity method

514

Investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries

Participations

Non-current marketable securities

Other investments

 8,488

 374

 1,008

9,870

 8,182

 26,823

 2,314

 2,617

39,936

31,412

 205

 571

  –

776

 9,667

 374

 1,459

 8,812

 28,843

 2,355

 2,972

42,982

638

 240

 575

  –

815

  –

  –

  –

      –

  –

  –

  –

  –

      –

– 46

      –

  –

  –

  –

      –

  –

  –

 15

 207

 607

 65

 37

916

      –

 2

  –

  –

      2

  –

  –

  – 6

   – 6

  – 125

  – 212

  – 55

  – 37

– 429

      –

  – 1

  –

  –

   – 1

 1,499

  –

 62

 407

 2,436

 207

 1,489

4,539

600

 41

 66

  –

107

 1,744

  –

 473

2,217

 489

 2,210

 178

 1,617

4,494

361

 66

 6

  –

   72

 428

 2,023

 32

  – 2,483

      –

      –

      –

  –

  –

  –

      –

  – 1,223

  –

  –

  –

      –

 226

 982

 15

      –

      –

      –

  –

  –

  –

      –

1  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

2 Including mergers.

3 Amended for the effect of refining the accounting policy for leased products as described in note 6 to the Group Financial Statements 2013.

4 This line includes the adjustments described in note 24 to the Group Financial Statements 2013.

5 Including assets under construction of € 2,570 million.

  –

  –

  –

 1,825

 5

 93

 9,341

 369

 1,443

 51

 9,803

 1,145

 32,764

 149

 1

 2,510

 2,014

1,346

47,091

150

 57

  –

  –

   57

1,088

 226

 641

  –

867

 565

  –

 22

587

 51

 961

 121

 3

237

 30

 2

  –

   32

 9,667

 374

 1,453

11,494

 8,721

 28,842

 2,331

 2,971

638

 240

 575

  –

815

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
126

23  

Intangible assets
Intangible assets mainly comprise capitalised develop­
ment costs on vehicle and engine projects as well as 
subsidies for tool costs, licences, purchased development 
projects, software and purchased customer bases. 
 Amortisation on intangible assets is presented in cost of 
sales, selling expenses and administrative expenses.

Intangible assets amounting to € 46 million (2013: 
€ 43 million) are subject to restrictions on title.

As in the previous year, there was no requirement to 
recognise impairment losses or reversals of impair­
ment losses on intangible assets in 2014.

Other intangible assets include a brand­name right 
amounting to € 46 million (2013: € 43 million). This 
line item also includes goodwill of € 33 million (2013: 
€ 33 million) allocated to the Automotive cash­gener­
ating unit (CGU) and goodwill of € 331 million (2013: 
€ 336 million) allocated to the Financial Services CGU, 
whereby the decrease compared to 31 December 2013 
related to the sale of Noord Lease B. V., Groningen.

As in the previous year no borrowing costs were recog­
nised as a cost component of intangible assets during 
the year under report.

An analysis of changes in intangible assets is provided 
in note 22.

24  

Property, plant and equipment
A break­down of the different classes of property, plant 
and equipment disclosed in the balance sheet and 
changes during the year are shown in the analysis of 
changes in Group tangible, intangible and investment 
assets in note 22.

As in the previous year, there was no requirement to 
recognise impairment losses in 2014.

No borrowing costs were recognised as a cost compo­
nent of property, plant and equipment during the year 
under report.

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income

124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

buildings, for which economic ownership is attributable 
to the BMW Group due to the nature of the lease ar­
rangements (finance leases). Leases to which BMW AG 
is party, with a carrying amount of € 64 million (2013: 
€ 37 million), run for periods up to 2028 at the latest and 
contain price adjustment clauses as well as extension 
and purchase options. The asset leased by BMW Tokyo 
Corp., Tokyo, has a carrying amount of € 2 million (2013: 
€ 2 million) under a lease with a remaining term of 
17 years. BMW Osaka Corp., Osaka, is party to finance 
leases running until 2022 for operational buildings with 
a carrying amount of € 1 million at 31 December 2014 
(2013: € 2 million).

Property, plant and equipment include a total of € 67 mil­
lion (2013: € 42 million) relating to land and operational 

Minimum lease payments of the relevant leases are as 
follows:

in € million

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

Total of future minimum lease payments

 due within one year

 due between one and five years

 due later than five years

Interest portion of the future minimum lease payments

 due within one year

 due between one and five years

 due later than five years

Present value of future minimum lease payments

 due within one year

 due between one and five years

 due later than five years

 13

 53

 53

119

 8

 25

 12

   45

 5

 28

 41

   74

 14

 13

 44

   71

 3

 7

 13

   23

 11

 6

 31

   48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
127   Group Financial StatementS

25  

Leased products
The BMW Group, as lessor, leases out its own products 
and those of other manufacturers as part of its finan­

cial services business. Minimum lease payments of 
€ 14,712 million (2013: € 12,906 million) from non­can­
cellable operating leases fall due as follows:

in € million

within one year

between one and five years

later than five years

Minimum lease payments

Contingent rents of € 56 million (2013: € 171 million), 
based principally on the distance driven, were recog­
nised in income. Some of the agreements contain price 
adjustment clauses as well as extension and purchase 
options.

Impairment losses recognised on leased products 
 totalled € 137 million (2013: € 139 million), while rever­

26  

Investments accounted for using the equity method
Investments accounted for using the equity method re­
late to the joint ventures BMW Brilliance Automotive 
Ltd., Shenyang (BMW Brilliance) on the one hand and 
DriveNow GmbH & Co. KG, Munich, and DriveNow 
Verwaltungs GmbH, Munich, (DriveNow) on the other.

The BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., Shenyang, joint 
venture (in which BMW has a 50 % shareholding) 
 produces various BMW brand models for the Chinese 
market and also has engine manufacturing facilities, 
which supply the joint venture’s two plants with petrol 
engines.

in € million

Disclosures relating to the income statement

Revenues

Scheduled depreciation

Profit / loss before financial result

Interest income 

Interest expenses

Income taxes 

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

Dividends received by the Group

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 7,267

 7,442

 3

14,712

 6,314

 6,587

 5

12,906

sals of impairment losses totalled € 44 million (2013: 
€ 104 million).

An analysis of changes in leased products is provided in 
note 22.

The DriveNow joint venture – comprising DriveNow 
GmbH & Co. KG, Munich, and DriveNow Verwaltungs 
GmbH, Munich, (both 50 % shareholdings) – is a car 
sharing provider which currently offers individual mo­
bility services in major German cities and, going for­
ward, increasingly outside Germany.

The accounting treatment applied to investments 
 accounted for using the equity method is described in 
note 6. Financial information relating to equity ac­
counted investments is aggregated in the following 
 table:

 BMW Brilliance

 DriveNow

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

  11,550

  247

  1,702

  24

  –

 449

  –

 1,339

 147

 8,963

 157

 1,096

 16

  –

 285

  –

 834

 127

 32

  –

  – 5

  –

  –

  –

  –

  – 5

  –

 18

  –

  – 6

  –

  –

  –

  –

  – 7

  –

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
128

in € million

Disclosures relating to the balance sheet

Non-current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Current assets

Equity

Non-current financial liabilities

Non-current provisions and liabilities

Current financial liabilities

Current provisions and liabilities

Reconciliation of aggregated financial information

Assets

Equity and liabilities

Net assets

Group’s interest in net assets (50 %)

Eliminations

Carrying amount

 BMW Brilliance

 DriveNow

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

 4,171

 976

 3,404

 2,910

  –

 450

 236

 4,215

 7,575

 4,665

 2,910

 1,455

  – 373

 1,082

 2,741

 593

 2,727

 1,868

  –

 237

  –

 3,363

 5,468

 3,600

 1,868

 934

  – 299

 635

 1

 13

 19

 12

  –

  –

  –

 8

 20

 8

 12

 6

  –

 6

 1

 4

 10

 6

  –

  –

  –

 5

 11

 5

 6

 3

  –

 3

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

27  

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income

124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

If the Group’s share of the at­equity result of BMW 
 Brilliance Automotive Ltd., Shenyang, were reported 
as part of the Automotive segment’s EBIT, the EBIT 

 margin would increase by 0.9 percentage points (2013: 
0.6 percentage points) to 10.5 % (2013: 10.0 %).

Other investments
Other investments relate to investments in non­con­
solidated subsidiaries, interests in associated com­
panies not accounted for using the equity method 
and joint operations,  par ticipations and non­current 
marketable securities.

The additions to investments in subsidiaries relate 
 primarily to a share capital increase at the level of 
BMW iVentures B. V., Rijswijk.

Additions to participations mainly reflect the purchase 
of available­for­sale marketable securities.

Disposals of investments in subsidiaries result from the 
first­time consolidation of six European branches.

Impairment losses on participations – recognised with 
income statement effect – related mainly to the invest­
ment in SGL Carbon SE, Wiesbaden, which was written 
down on the basis of objective criteria.

A break­down of the different classes of other invest­
ments disclosed in the balance sheet and changes 
 during the year are shown in the analysis of changes in 
Group tangible, intangible and investment assets in 
note 22.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
129   Group Financial StatementS

28   Receivables from sales financing

Receivables from sales financing, totalling € 61,024 mil­
lion (2013: € 54,117 million), comprise € 45,849 million 
(2013: € 40,841 million) for credit financing for retail  

customers and dealers and € 15,175 million (2013: 
€ 13,276 million) for finance leases. Finance leases are 
analysed as follows:

in € million

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

Gross investment in finance leases

 due within one year

 due between one and five years

 due later than five years

Present value of future minimum lease payments

 due within one year

 due between one and five years

 due later than five years

 5,366

 11,231

 109

16,706

 4,898

 10,175

 102

15,175

 4,816

 9,748

 98

14,662

 4,378

 8,813

 85

13,276

Unrealised interest income

1,531

1,386

Contingent rents recognised as income (generally re­
lating to the distance driven) amounted to € 2 million 
(2013: € 3 million). Write­downs on finance leases 
amounting to € 183 million (2013: € 159 million) were 
measured and recognised on the basis of specific credit 
risks. Non­guaranteed residual values that fall to the 

benefit of the lessor amounted to € 140 million (2013: 
€ 120 million).

Receivables from sales financing include € 37,438 mil­
lion (2013: € 32,616 million) with a remaining term of 
more than one year.

Allowances for impairment and credit risk

in € million

Gross carrying amount

Allowance for impairment

Net carrying amount

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 62,539

  – 1,515

61,024

 55,697

  – 1,580

54,117

Allowances on receivables from sales financing – which only arise within the Financial Services segment – developed 
as follows:

2014
in € million

Balance at 1 January*

Allocated / reversed

Utilised

Exchange rate impact and other changes

Balance at 31 December

* Balance at 1 January adjusted due to deconsolidation of entities.

Allowance for impairment recognised on a
group basis

specific item basis

 1,098

 239

  – 371

 34

1,000

 482

 41

  – 20

 12

515

Total

 1,580

 280

  – 391

 46

1,515

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
130

2013
in € million

Balance at 1 January

Allocated / reversed

Utilised

Exchange rate impact and other changes

Balance at 31 December

Allowance for impairment recognised on a
group basis

specific item basis

 1,268

 194

  – 302

  – 61

1,099

 411

104

  – 15

  – 19

481

Total

 1,679

 298

  – 317

  – 80

1,580

At the end of the reporting period, impairment allow­
ances of € 515 million (2013: € 481 million) were recog­
nised on a group basis on gross receivables from sales 
financing totalling € 38,780 million (2013*: € 33,740 mil­
lion). Impairment allowances of € 1,000 million (2013: 
€ 1,099 million) were recognised at 31 December 2014 
on a specific item basis on gross receivables from sales 
financing totalling € 12,951 million (2013: € 12,211 mil­
lion).

€ 10,808 million (2013*: € 9,746 million). No impairment 
losses were recognised for these balances.

The estimated fair value of collateral received for receiv­
ables on which impairment losses were recognised to­
talled € 25,443 million (2013: € 23,689 million) at the end 
of the reporting period. This collateral related primarily 
to vehicles. The carrying amount of assets held as col­
lateral and taken back as a result of payment default 
amounted to € 41 million (2013: € 30 million).

Receivables from sales financing which were not over­
due at the end of the reporting period amounted to 

*  Prior year figures amended.

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

29   Financial assets

Financial assets comprise:

in € million

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income

124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

Derivative instruments

Marketable securities and investment funds

Loans to third parties

Credit card receivables

Other

Financial assets

thereof non-current

thereof current

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 2,888

 3,972

 12

 239

 297

7,408

 2,024

 5,384

 4,013

 3,060

 32

 222

 825

8,152

 2,593

 5,559

The decrease in derivative instruments was primarily 
 attributable to negative market price developments of 
currency derivatives.

The rise in marketable securities and investment funds 
mainly reflects an increase in the BMW Group’s strate­
gic liquidity reserve.

(€ 48 million; 2013: € 44 million) is reported under “Other 
financial assets”. Investment funds are held to secure 
these obligations. These funds are managed by BMW 
Trust e. V., Munich, as part of a Contractual Trust 
Arrange ment (CTA) and are therefore netted against 
the corresponding settlement arrears for pre­retirement 
part­time work arrangements.

The amount by which the value of the investment funds 
exceeds obligations for part­time working arrangements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
131   Group Financial StatementS

Marketable securities and investment funds relate to available­for­sale financial assets and comprise:

in € million

Stocks

Fixed income securities

Other debt securities

Marketable securities and investment funds

The contracted maturities of debt securities are as follows:

in € million

Fixed income securities

 due within three months

 due later than three months

Other debt securities

 due within three months

 due later than three months

Debt securities

Allowances for impairment and credit risk
Receivables relating to credit card business comprise the following:

in € million

Gross carrying amount

Allowance for impairment

Net carrying amount

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 100

 3,340

 532

3,972

 87

 2,551

 422

3,060

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 595

 2,745

 532

  –

3,872

 73

 2,478

 422

  –

2,973

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 247

  – 8

239

 231

  – 9

222

Allowances for impairment losses on receivables relating to credit card business developed as follows during the 
year under report:

2014
in € million

Balance at 1 January

Allocated / reversed

Utilised

Exchange rate impact and other changes

Balance at 31 December

2013
in € million

Balance at 1 January

Allocated / reversed

Utilised

Exchange rate impact and other changes

Balance at 31 December

Allowance for impairment recognised on a
group basis

specific item basis

 9

 6

  – 8

 1

      8

  –

  –

  –

  –

      –

Allowance for impairment recognised on a
group basis

specific item basis

 13

 6

  – 10

  –

      9

  –

  –

  –

  –

      –

Total

 9

 6

  – 8

 1

      8

Total

 13

 6

  – 10

  –

      9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
132

30  

Income tax assets
Income tax assets totalling € 1,906 million (2013: 
€ 1,151 million) include claims amounting to € 653 mil­
lion (2013: € 530 million) which are expected to be  

 settled after more than twelve months. Some of the 
claims may be settled earlier than this depending on 
the timing of proceedings.

31   Other assets

Other assets comprise:

in € million

Other taxes

Receivables from subsidiaries

Receivables from other companies in which an investment is held

Prepayments

Collateral receivables

Sundry other assets

Other assets

thereof non-current

thereof current

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013*

 1,078

 721

 1,055

 1,323

 412

 1,543

6,132

 1,094

 5,038

 867

 779

 950

 1,074

 706

 794

5,170

 912

 4,258

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income

124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

Receivables from subsidiaries include trade receivables 
of € 41 million (2013: € 102 million) and financial receiva­
bles of € 680 million (2013: € 677 million). They include 
€ 293 million (2013: € 253 million) with a remaining term 
of more than one year.

Receivables from other companies in which an invest­
ment is held include € 1,054 million (2013*: € 905 mil­
lion) due within one year.

Prepayments of € 1,323 million (2013*: € 1,074 million) 
relate mainly to prepaid interest, insurance premiums 
and commission paid to dealers. Prepayments of 

€ 674 million (2013: € 565 million) have a maturity of less 
than one year.

Collateral receivables comprise mainly customary 
 collateral (banking deposits) arising on the sale of re­
ceivables.

In the financial year 2014, expected reimbursement 
claims totalling € 641 million arising in connection with 
warranty arrangements with suppliers were reclassified 
from other provisions to sundry other assets.

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

32  

Inventories
Inventories comprise the following:

in € million

Raw materials and supplies

Work in progress, unbilled contracts

Finished goods and goods for resale

Inventories

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013*

 918

 944

 9,227

11,089

 851

 851

 7,893

9,595

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
133   Group Financial StatementS

At 31 December 2014, inventories measured at their 
net realisable value amounted to € 723 million (2013: 
€ 592 million) and are included in total inventories of 
€ 11,089 million (2013*: € 9,595 million). Write­downs 

to net realisable value amounting to € 29 million (2013: 
€ 28 million) were recognised in 2014. Reversals of 
 write­downs amounted to € 3 million (2013: € 4 million).
*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

33   Trade receivables

Trade receivables totalling € 2,153 million (2013: € 2,449 million) include an unchanged amount of € 47 million which 
is due later than one year.

Allowances for impairment and credit risk

in € million

Gross carrying amount

Allowance for impairment

Net carrying amount

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 2,236

  – 83

2,153

 2,555

  – 106

2,449

Allowances on trade receivables developed as following during the year under report:

2014
in € million

Balance at 1 January*

Allocated / reversed

Utilised

Exchange rate impact and other changes

Balance at 31 December

* Including entities consolidated for the first time during the financial year.

2013
in € million

Balance at 1 January

Allocated / reversed

Utilised

Exchange rate impact and other changes

Balance at 31 December

Allowance for impairment recognised on a
group basis

specific item basis

 98

  – 6

  – 15

  – 1

   76

 9

  – 2

  – 

  – 

      7

Allowance for impairment recognised on a
group basis

specific item basis

 105

 2

  – 8

  – 2

   97

 6

 4

  – 

  – 1

      9

Total

 107

  – 8

  – 15

  – 1

   83

Total

 111

 6

  – 8

  – 3

 106

Some trade receivables were overdue for which an impairment loss was not recognised. Overdue balances are 
analysed into the following time windows:

in € million

1 – 30 days overdue

31 – 60 days overdue

61 – 90 days overdue

91 – 120 days overdue

More than 120 days overdue

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 100

 73

 26

 30

 52

281

 80

 30

 8

 13

 17

148

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
134

Receivables that are overdue by between one and 
30 days do not normally result in bad debt losses since 
the overdue nature of the receivables is primarily at­
tributable to the timing of receipts around the month­

end. In the case of trade receivables, collateral is gen­
erally held in the form of vehicle documents and 
bank guarantees so that the risk of bad debt loss is ex­
tremely low.

34  

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents of € 7,688 million (2013*: 
€ 7,671 million) comprise cash on hand and at bank, all 

with an original term of up to three months.
*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

35   Equity

Number of shares issued

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income

124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 Preferred stock

 Common stock

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

Shares issued  /  in circulation at 1 January

 54,259,787

 53,994,217

 601,995,196

 601,995,196

Shares issued in conjunction with Employee Share Scheme

 239,777

 266,152

Less: shares repurchased and re-issued

 20

 582

  –

  –

  –

  –

Shares issued  /  in circulation at 31 December 

 54,499,544

 54,259,787

 601,995,196

 601,995,196

At 31 December 2014 common stock issued by BMW AG 
was divided, as at the end of the previous year, into 
601,995,196 shares of common stock with a par­value of 
€ 1. Preferred stock issued by BMW AG was divided into 
54,499,544 shares (2013: 54,259,787 shares) with a par­
value of € 1. Unlike the common stock, no voting rights 
are attached to the preferred stock. All of the Company’s 
stock is issued to bearer. Preferred stock bears an addi­
tional dividend of € 0.02 per share.

In 2014, a total of 239,777 shares of preferred stock was 
sold to employees at a reduced price of € 37.08 per share 
in conjunction with the Company’s Employee Share 
Programme. These shares are entitled to receive divi­
dends with effect from the financial year 2015. 20 shares 
of preferred stock were bought back via the stock ex­
change in conjunction with the Company’s Employee 
Share Programme.

Further information on share­based remuneration is 
provided in note 20.

4.8 million shares and € 4.8 million respectively at the 
end of the reporting period. The Company is authorised 
to issue 5 million shares of non­voting preferred stock 
amounting to nominal € 5.0 million prior to 14 May 2019. 
The share premium of € 14.6 million arising on the share 
capital increase was transferred to capital reserves.

Capital reserves
Capital reserves include premiums arising from the issue 
of shares and totalled € 2,005 million (2013: € 1,990 mil­
lion). The change related to the share capital increase in 
conjunction with the issue of shares of preferred stock 
to employees.

Revenue reserves
Revenue reserves comprise the post­acquisition and non­
distributed earnings of consolidated companies. In 
 addition, remeasurements of the net defined benefit lia­
bility for pension plans are also presented in revenue 
 reserves along with positive and negative goodwill aris­
ing on the consolidation of Group companies prior to 
31 December 1994.

Issued share capital increased by € 0.2 million as a re­
sult of the issue to employees of 239,757 shares of non­
voting preferred stock. The number of authorised shares 
and the Authorised Capital of BMW AG amounted to 

Revenue reserves increased during the financial year 
2014 to € 35,621 million. They were increased by the 
amount of the net profit attributable to shareholders of 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
135   Group Financial StatementS

BMW AG amounting to € 5,798 million (2013*: € 5,303 
million) and reduced by the payment of the dividend for 
2013 amounting to € 1,707 million (for 2012: € 1,640 mil­
lion). Revenue reserves decreased by € 1,592 million 
(2013: increased by € 936 million) as a result of remeasure­
ments of the net defined benefit liability for pension 
plans (net of deferred tax recognised directly in equity).

The unappropriated profit of BMW AG at 31 December 
2014 amounts to € 1,904 million and will be proposed 
to the Annual General Meeting for distribution. This 
amount includes € 158 million relating to preferred stock. 
The amount proposed for distribution represents an 
amount of € 2.92 per share of preferred stock and € 2.90 
per share of common stock. The proposed distribution 
must be authorised by the shareholders at the Annual 
General Meeting of BMW AG. It is therefore not recog­
nised as a liability in the Group Financial Statements.

Accumulated other equity
Accumulated other equity comprises all amounts recog­
nised directly in equity resulting from the translation 
of the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries, the 
effects of recognising changes in the fair value of deriva­
tive financial instruments and marketable securities 
 directly in equity and the related deferred taxes recog­
nised directly in equity.

Minority interests
Equity attributable to minority interests amounted to 
€ 217 million (2013: € 188 million). This includes a mi­
nority interest of € 19 million in the results for the year 
(2013: € 26 million).
*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

Capital management disclosures
The BMW Group’s objectives when managing capital 
are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as 
a  going concern in the long­term and to provide an 
 adequate return to shareholders.

The BMW Group manages the capital structure and 
makes adjustments to it in the light of changes in eco­
nomic conditions and the risk profile of the underlying 
assets.

The BMW Group is not subject to any external minimum 
equity capital requirements. Within the Financial Ser­
vices segment, however, there are a number of indi­
vidual entities which are subject to equity capital require­
ments set by regulatory banking agencies.

In order to manage its capital structure, the BMW Group 
uses various instruments including the amount of divi­
dends paid to shareholders and share buy­backs.

Moreover, the BMW Group pro­actively manages debt 
capital, determining levels of debt capital transactions 
with a target debt structure in mind. An important 
 aspect of the selection of financial instruments is the 
objective to achieve matching maturities for the Group’s 
financing requirements. In order to reduce non­sys­
tematic risk, the BMW Group uses a variety of financial 
 instruments available on the world’s capital markets to 
achieve optimal diversification.

The capital structure at the end of the reporting period 
was as follows:

in € million

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013*

Equity attributable to shareholders of BMW AG

 Proportion of total capital

 Non-current financial liabilities

 Current financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities

 Proportion of total capital

Total capital

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 37,220

 31.6 %

 43,167

 37,482

 80,649

 68.4 %

 35,412

 33.5 %

 39,450

 30,854

 70,304

 66.5 %

117,869

105,716

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
136

Equity attributable to shareholders of BMW AG decreased 
during the financial year by 1.9 percentage points, 
 primarily reflecting the increase in financial liabilities.

Since December 2013, the BMW AG has a long­term 
 rating of A+ (with stable outlook) and a short­term rating 
of A­1 from the rating agency Standard & Poor’s, cur­
rently the highest rating given by Standard & Poor’s to 

a European car manufacturer. Since July 2011, the 
BMW AG has a long­term rating of A2 (with stable out­
look) and a short­term rating of P­1 from the rating 
agency Moody’s. This means that BMW AG continues 
to enjoy the best ratings of all European car manufac­
turers, clearly reflecting the financial strength of the 
BMW Group.

Company rating

Non-current financial liabilities

Current financial liabilities

Outlook

 Moody’s

 Standard & Poor’s

 A2

 P-1

 stable

 A + 

 A-1

 stable

With their current long­term ratings of A+ (Standard & 
Poor’s) and A2 (Moody’s), the agencies continue to con­
firm BMW AG’s robust creditworthiness for debt with a 
term of more than one year. BMW AG’s creditworthiness 

for short­term debt is also classified by the rating agen­
cies as very good, thus enabling it to obtain refinancing 
funds on competitive conditions.

Pension provisions
Pension provisions are recognised as a result of commit­
ments to pay future vested pension benefits and cur­
rent pensions to present and former employees of the 
BMW Group and their dependants. Depending on the 
legal, economic and tax circumstances prevailing in each 
country, various pension plans are used, based generally 
on the length of service, salary and remuneration struc­
ture of the employees involved. Due to similarity of na­
ture, the obligations of BMW Group companies in the 
USA and of BMW (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd., Pretoria, for 
post­retirement medical care are also accounted for as 
pension provisions in accordance with IAS 19.

Post­employment benefit plans are classified as either 
defined contribution or defined benefit plans. Under 
defined contribution plans an enterprise pays fixed con­
tributions into a separate entity or fund and does not 
 assume any other obligations. The total pension expense 
for defined contribution plans of the BMW Group 
amounted to € 60 million (2013: € 51 million). Employer 
contributions paid to state pension insurance plans to­
talled € 517 million (2013: € 470 million).

Under defined benefit plans the enterprise is required to 
pay the benefits granted to present and past employees. 
Defined benefit plans may be funded or unfunded, 
the latter sometimes covered by accounting provisions. 

Pension commitments in Germany are mostly covered 
by assets contributed to BMW Trust e. V. , Munich, 
in conjunction with a contractual trust arrangement 
(CTA). The main other countries with funded plans 
are the UK, the USA, Switzerland, the Netherlands, 
 Belgium and Japan.

In the case of externally funded plans, the defined bene­
fit obligation is offset against plan assets measured at 
their fair value. Where the plan assets exceed the pen­
sion obligations and the BMW Group has a right of re­
imbursement or a right to reduce future contributions, 
it reports an asset (within “Other financial assets”) at 
an amount equivalent to the present value of the future 
economic benefits attached to the plan assets. If the 
plan is externally funded, a liability is recognised under 
pension provisions where the benefit obligation exceeds 
fund assets.

Remeasurements of the net liability arise from changes 
in the present value of the defined benefit obligation, 
the fair value of the plan assets or the asset ceiling. Rea­
sons for remeasurements include changes in financial 
and demographic assumptions as well as changes in the 
detailed composition of beneficiaries. Remeasurements 
are recognised immediately in “Other comprehensive 
income” and hence directly in equity (within revenue 
reserves).

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

36  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income

124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
137   Group Financial StatementS

Past service cost arises where a BMW Group entity in­
troduces a defined benefit plan or changes the benefits 
payable under an existing plan. These costs are recog­
nised immediately in the income statement. Similarly, 
gains and losses arising on the settlement of a defined 
benefit plan are recognised immediately in the income 
statement.

The defined benefit obligation is calculated on an actu­
arial basis. The actuarial computation requires the use 
of estimates and assumptions, which depend on the 
economic situation in each particular country. The most 
important assumptions applied by the BMW Group are 
shown below. The following weighted average values 
have been used for Germany, the United Kingdom and 
other countries:

31 December

in %

Discount rate

Pension level trend

 Germany

 2014

 2013

 United Kingdom

 2014

 2013

Other

 2014

 2013

 2.10

 1.60

 3.50

 2.00

 3.40

 2.43

 4.40

 3.32

 3.48

 0.03

 4.46

 0.05

The following mortality tables are applied in countries, in which the BMW Group has significant defined benefit plans:

Germany

 Mortality Table 2005 G issued by Prof. K. Heubeck (with invalidity rates reduced by 50 %)

United Kingdom  S1PA tables weighted accordingly, and S1NA tables minus 2 years, both with a minimum long term annual improvement allowance

USA

 RP2014 Mortality Table with collar adjustments projected with MP2014

In Germany, the so­called “pension entitlement trend” 
(Festbetragstrend) also represents a significant actuarial 
assumption for the purposes of determining benefits 
payable at retirement and was left unchanged at 2.0 %. 
By contrast, the salary level trend assumption is subject 
to a comparatively low level of sensitivity within the 
BMW Group. The calculation of the salary level trend in 

the UK also takes account of restrictions due to caps 
and floors.

Based on the measurement principles contained in 
IAS 19, the following balance sheet carrying amounts 
apply to the Group’s pension plans:

31 December

in € million

 Germany

 United Kingdom

 Other

 Total

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

Present value of defined benefit obligations

 9,636

 7,400

 9,499

 7,409

 1,327

 949 20,462

15,758

Fair value of plan assets

 7,323

 6,749

 7,734

 6,076

Effect of limiting net defined benefit asset to asset ceiling

  –

  –

  –

  –

Carrying amounts at 31 December

2,313

651

1,765

1,333

thereof pension provision

thereof assets

 2,313

 652

 1,765

 1,333

  –

  – 1

  –

  –

 804

 2

525

 526

  – 1

 636 15,861

13,461

 4

 2

 4

317

4,603

2,301

 318

 4,604

 2,303

  – 1

  – 1

  – 2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
138

The increase in defined benefit obligations results mainly 
from the change in the discount rate used for the ac­
tuarial computation in Germany, the UK and the USA.

The provision for pension­like obligations for post­em­
ployment medical care in the USA and South Africa 
amounts to € 57 million (2013: € 45 million) and is deter­
mined on a similar basis to the measurement of pension 
obligations in accordance with IAS 19. Increased costs 
do not have a direct impact on medical care obligations 
relating to pensioners in the USA. In the case of South 
Africa, however, it was assumed that costs would in­
crease in the long term by 8.3 % (2013: 8.1 %) p. a. The 
expense recognised for obligations relating to post­em­
ployment medical care amounted to € 8 million (2013: 
income of € 40 million).

Numerous defined benefit plans are in place through­
out the BMW Group, the most significant of which are 
described below.

Germany
Both employer­ and employee­funded benefit plans are 
in place in Germany. Benefits paid in conjunction with 
these plans comprise old­age retirement pensions as 
well as invalidity and surviving dependents’ benefits.

The Deferred Remuneration Retirement Plan is an em­
ployee­financed defined contribution plan with a mini­
mum rate of return. The fact that the plan involves a 
minimum rate of return means that it is classified as a 
defined benefit plan. Employees have the option to 
waive payment of certain remuneration components in 
return for a future benefit. Any employer social security 
contributions saved are credited in the following year 
to the individual’s benefits account. The converted re­
muneration components and the social security contri­
butions saved are invested on capital markets. When 
the benefit falls due, it is paid on the basis of the higher 
of the value of the depot account or a guaranteed mini­
mum amount.

Defined benefit obligations also remain in Germany, for 
which benefits are determined either by multiplying 
a fixed amount by the number of years of service or on 
the basis of an employee’s final salary. The defined bene­
fit plans have been closed to new entrants. With effect 
from 1 January 2014, new employees receive a defined 
contribution entitlement with minimum rate of return.

The assets of the German pension plans are administered 
by BMW Trust e. V. , Munich, (German registered asso­
ciation) in accordance with a CTA. The representative 
bodies of this entity are the Board of Directors and the 
Members’ General Meeting. BMW Trust e.V., Munich, 
currently has seven members and three Board of Direc­
tors members elected by the Members’ General Meeting. 
The Board of Directors is responsible for investments, 
drawing up and deciding on investment guidelines as 
well as monitoring compliance with those guidelines. 
The members of the association can be employees, senior 
executives and members of the Board of Directors. An 
ordinary Members’ General Meeting takes place once 
every calendar year and deals with a range of matters, 
including receiving and approving the association’s an­
nual report, ratifying the activities of the Board of Direc­
tors and adopting changes to the association’s statutes.

United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the BMW Group has defined 
benefit plans, which are primarily employer­funded 
combined with employee­funded components based 
on the conversion of employee remuneration. These 
plans are subject to statutory minimum recovery require­
ments. Benefits paid in conjunction with these plans 
comprise old­age retirement pensions as well as inva­
lidity and surviving dependants’ benefits. These de­
fined benefit plans have been closed to new entrants, 
who, since 1 January 2014, are covered by a defined 
contribution plan.

The pension plans are administered by BMW Pension 
Trustees Limited, Hams Hall, and BMW (UK) Trustees 
Limited, Hams Hall, both trustee companies which act 
independently of the BMW Group. BMW (UK) Trustees 
Limited, Hams Hall, is represented by 14 trustees and 
BMW Pension Trustees Limited, Hams Hall, by five 
trustees. A minimum of one third of the trustees must 
be elected by plan participants. The trustees represent 
the interests of plan participants and decide on invest­
ment strategies and plan amendments. Recovery con­
tributions to the funds are determined in agreement 
with the BMW Group.

USA
The BMW Group’s defined benefit plans in the USA are 
primarily employer­funded and include final salary 
 pension plans and a post­retirement medical care plan. 
Benefits paid in conjunction with these plans comprise 

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income

124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
139   Group Financial StatementS

old­age retirement pensions, early retirement benefits, 
surviving dependants’ benefits as well as post­retire­
ment medical care benefits.

Statutory minimum funding requirements apply to the 
final salary pension plans. Plan participants are repre­
sented by a committee consisting of six members, which 
is authorised to take all decisions pertaining to the rele­
vant pension plan, including plan structure, investments 

and selection of investment managers as well as regular 
allocations and retrospective allocations to the plan. 
The committee members are nominated by the manage­
ment of the relevant participating US entities. Plan 
committees act in a fiduciary capacity and are subject to 
statutory framework conditions.

The change in the net defined benefit liability for pen-
sion plans can be derived as follows:

in € million

 Defined benefit 
obligation 

 Plan assets

 Total

 Limitation of
the net defined
benefit asset to
the asset ceiling

 Net defined
benefit liability

1 January 2014

 15,758

  – 13,461

 2,297

Expense / income

Current service cost

Interest expense (+) / income (–)

Past service cost

Gains (–) or losses (+) arising from settlements

Remeasurements

Gains (–) or losses (+) on plan assets, excluding 
amounts included in interest income

Gains (–) or losses (+) arising from changes in
demographic assumptions

Gains (–) or losses (+) arising from changes in 
financial assumptions

Changes in the limitation of the net defined benefit
asset to the asset ceiling 

Gains (–) or losses (+) arising from 
experience adjustments

Transfers to fund

Employee contributions

Pensions and other benefits paid

Translation differences and other changes

31 December 2014

thereof pension provision

thereof assets

 337

 628

  – 3

  – 8

  –

 53

 3,490

  –

  – 24

  –

 71

  – 519

 679

20,462

  –

  – 540

  –

  –

 337

 88

  – 3

  – 8

  – 1,394

  – 1,394

  –

  –

  –

  –

  – 383

  – 71

 522

  – 534

– 15,861

 53

 3,490

  –

  – 24

  – 383

  –

 3

 145

4,601

 4

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  – 1

  –

  –

  –

  –

  – 1

      2

 2,301

 337

 88

  – 3

  – 8

  – 1,394

 53

 3,490

  – 1

  – 24

  – 383

  –

 3

 144

4,603

 4,604

  – 1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
140

in € million

 Defined benefit 
obligation 

 Plan assets

 Total

 Limitation of
the net defined
benefit asset to
the asset ceiling

 Net defined
benefit liability

1 January 2013

 16,255

  – 12,447

 3,808

Expense / income

Current service cost

Interest expense (+) / income (–)

Past service cost

Gains (–) or losses (+) arising from settlements

Remeasurements

Gains (–) or losses (+) on plan assets, excluding 
amounts included in interest income

Gains (–) or losses (+) arising from changes in
demographic assumptions

Gains (–) or losses (+) arising from changes in 
financial assumptions

Changes in the limitation of the net defined benefit
asset to the asset ceiling 

Gains (–) or losses (+) arising from 
experience adjustments

Transfers to fund

Employee contributions

Pensions and other benefits paid

Translation differences and other changes

31 December 2013

thereof pension provision

thereof assets

 362

 565

  – 53

 2

  –

 4

  – 818

  –

 34

  –

 64

  – 460

  – 197

 15,758

  –

  – 438

  –

  –

 362

 127

  – 53

 2

  – 481

  – 481

  –

  –

  –

  –

  – 509

  – 64

 324

 154

– 13,461

 4

  – 818

  – 

 34

  – 509

  – 

  – 136

  – 43

 2,297

 4

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

 1

  –

  –

  –

  –

  – 1

       4

 3,812

 362

 127

  – 53

 2

  – 481

 4

  – 818

 1

 34

  – 509

  –

  – 136

  – 44

 2,301

 2,303

  – 2

Net interest expense on the net defined benefit liability 
is presented within the financial result. All other com­
ponents of pension expense are presented in the income 
statement under cost of sales, selling and administrative 
expenses.

Remeasurements on the obligations side gave rise 
to a positive amount of € 3,519 million (2013: negative 
amount of € 780 million) and related mainly to the 
lower discount rates used in Germany, the UK and 
the USA.

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income

124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
141   Group Financial StatementS

The net defined benefit liability for pension plans in Germany, the UK and other countries changed as follows:

Germany

in € million

1 January

Expense(+) / income (–)

Remeasurements

Payments to external funds

Employee contributions

Payments on account and pension payments

Other changes

31 December

United Kingdom

in € million

1 January

Expense(+) / income (–)

Remeasurements

Payments to external funds

Employee contributions

Payments on account and pension payments

Translation differences and other changes

31 December

Other

in € million

1 January

Effect of first-time consolidation

Expense(+) / income (–)

Remeasurements

Payments to external funds

Employee contributions

Payments on account and pension payments

Translation differences and other changes

31 December

 Defined benefit obligation

 Plan assets

 Net liability

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

 7,400

 7,974

  – 6,749

  – 6,064

 475

 483

 1,872

  – 946

  –

 48

  – 

 42

  – 159

  – 154

  –

 1

  – 237

  – 351

  – 97

  – 48

 159

  –

  – 183

  – 174

  – 301

  – 42

 15

  – 

 651

 238

 1,910

 300

 1,521

  – 1,120

  – 97

  – 301

  –

  –

  –

  – 

  – 139

 1

 651

9,636

7,400

– 7,323

– 6,749

2,313

 Defined benefit obligation

 Plan assets

 Net liability

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

 7,409

 7,137

  – 6,076

  – 5,782

 1,333

 1,355

 405

 1,390

  –

 20

 345

 330

  – 

 18

  – 294

  – 261

 569

9,499

  – 160

7,409

  – 275

  – 990

  – 212

  – 20

 302

  – 463

  – 233

  – 305

  – 135

  – 18

 269

 128

– 7,734

– 6,076

 130

 400

 112

 25

  – 212

  – 135

  –

 8

  – 

 8

 106

  – 32

1,765

1,333

 Defined benefit
obligation

 Plan assets

 Effect of limiting the
net defined benefit 
asset to the asset ceiling

 Net liability

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

 949

 1,144

  – 636

  – 601

  –

 74

  – 

 48

 257

  – 164

  –

 3

  – 66

 110

1,327

  – 

 4

  – 45

  – 38

949

  –

  – 28

  – 53

  – 74

  – 3

 61

  – 71

– 804

  – 

  – 22

  – 2

  – 73

  – 4

 40

 26

– 636

 4

  –

  –

  – 1

  –

  –

  –

  – 1

      2

 4

  – 

  – 

 1

  – 

  – 

  – 

  – 1

      4

 317

 547

  –

 46

 203

  – 74

  –

  – 5

 38

525

  – 

 26

  – 165

  – 73

  – 

  – 5

  – 13

317

Depending on the cash flow profile and risk structure of the pension obligations involved, pension plan assets are 
invested in various investment classes.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
142

Plan assets in Germany, the UK and other countries comprised the following:

Components of plan assets

in € million

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013

 Germany

 United Kingdom

 Other

 Total

Equity instruments

Debt instruments

 thereof investment grade

 thereof non-investment grade

Real estate

Money market funds

Absolute return funds

Other

 1,865

 4,509

 3,271

 1,238

  –

  –

  –

  –

 1,718

 4,143

 2,987

 1,156

  – 

 89

  – 

  – 

 1,230

 4,562

 4,331

 231

 3

 100

 26

 5

 1,030

 3,333

 3,160

 173

 3

 113

 21

 26

 203

 379

 334

 45

  –

 12

  –

  –

 133

 263

 243

 20

 19

 43

  – 

 1

 3,298

 9,450

 7,936

 1,514

 3

 112

 26

 5

 2,881

 7,739

 6,390

 1,349

 22

 245

 21

 27

Total with quoted market price

6,374

5,950

5,926

4,526

594

459

12,894

10,935

Debt instruments

 thereof investment grade

 thereof non-investment grade

Real estate

Cash and cash equivalents

Absolute return funds

Other

Total without quoted market price

 183

 183

  –

 107

 11

 424

 224

949

 177

 177

  – 

 99

 1

 361

 161

799

 298

 111

 187

 683

 9

 557

 261

 310

 136

 174

 570

  – 

 454

 216

1,808

1,550

31 December

7,323

6,749

7,734

6,076

 12

 12

  –

 105

  –

  –

 93

210

804

 12

 9

 3

 64

 1

  – 

 100

177

636

 493

 306

 187

 895

 20

 981

 578

 499

 322

 177

 733

 2

 815

 477

2,967

2,526

15,861

13,461

Employer contributions to plan assets are expected to 
amount to € 652 million in the coming year. Plan assets 
of the BMW Group include own transferable financial 
instruments amounting to € 5 million (2013: € 4 million).

 account in the actuarial assumptions applied. The finan­
cial risk of longer­than­assumed life expectancy is hedged 
for the BMW Group’s largest pension plan in the UK by 
means of a so­called “longevity hedge”.

The BMW Group is exposed to risks arising from de­
fined benefit plans on the one hand and defined contri­
bution plans with a minimum return guarantee on the 
other. Pension obligations to employees under such plans 
are measured on the basis of actuarial reports. Future 
pension payments are discounted by reference to mar­
ket yields on high quality corporate bonds. These yields 
are subject to market fluctuation and influence the level 
of pension obligations. Furthermore, changes in other 
actuarial parameters, such as expected rates of inflation, 
also have an impact on pension obligations.

In order to reduce currency exposures, a substantial 
portion of plan assets are either invested in the same 
currency as the underlying plan or hedged by means of 
currency derivatives.

Pension fund assets are monitored continuously and 
managed from a risk­and­yield perspective. Risk is 
 reduced by ensuring a broad spread of investments. In 
this context, the BMW Group continuously monitors 
the degree of coverage of pension plans as well as adher­
ence to the stipulated investment strategy.

A substantial portion of plan assets is invested in debt 
instruments in order to minimise the effect of capital 
market fluctuations on the net liability. The asset port­
folio also includes equity instruments, property and 
 alternative investments – asset classes capable of gener­
ating the higher rates of return necessary to cover risks 
(such as changes in mortality tables) not taken into 

As part of the internal reporting procedures and for in­
ternal management purposes, financial risks relating 
to the pension plans are reported on using a deficit­
value­at­risk approach. The investment strategy is also 
subjected to regular review together with external con­
sultants, with the aim of ensuring that investments 
are structured to coincide with the timing of pension 

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income

124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
143   Group Financial StatementS

payments and the expected pattern of pension obliga­
tions. In their own way, each of these measures helps to 
reduce fluctuations in pension funding shortfalls.

payments out of operations will be substantially re­
duced in the future, since most of the Group’s pension 
obligations are settled out of the assets of pension 
funds / trust fund arrangements.

Most of the BMW Group’s pension assets are adminis­
tered separately and kept legally segregated from com­
pany assets using trust fund arrangements. As a conse­
quence, the level of funds required to finance pension 

The defined benefit obligation relates to current em­
ployees, former employees with vested benefits and 
pensioners as follows:

31 December

in € million

Current employees

Pensioners

Former employees with vested benefits

Defined benefit obligation

 Germany

 2014

 2013

 United Kingdom

 2014

 2013

 Other

 2014

 2013

 6,495

 2,650

 491

 4,715

 2,297

 388

9,636

7,400

 2,295

 4,208

 2,996

9,499

 1,604

 3,651

 2,154

7,409

 1,003

 212

 112

1,327

 723

 141

 85

949

The sensitivity analysis provided below shows the ex­
tent to which – based on an appropriate review – the 
defined benefit obligation would have been affected by 
changes in the relevant assumptions that were possible 

at the end of the reporting period, if the other assump­
tions used in the calculation were kept constant. The 
defined benefit obligation amounted to € 20,462 million 
at 31 December 2014.

31 December

 Change in defined benefit obligation

2014

2013

in € million

in %

in € million

in %

Discount rate

 increase of 0.75 %

  – 2,888

  – 14.1

  – 2,028

  – 12.9

Pension level trend

Average life expectancy

Pension entitlement trend

 decrease of 0.75 %

 increase of 0.25 %

 decrease of 0.25 %

 increase of 1 year

 decrease of 1 year

 increase of 0.25 %

 decrease of 0.25 %

 3,675

 727

  – 679

 703

  – 700

 152

  – 146

 18.0

 3.6

  – 3.3

 3.4

  – 3.4

 0.7

  – 0.7

 2,528

 506

  – 479

 510

  – 514

 101

  – 97

 16.0

 3.2

  – 3.0

 3.2

  – 3.3

 0.6

  – 0.6

In the UK, the sensitivity analysis for the pension level 
trend also takes account of restrictions due to caps and 
floors.

The weighted duration of all pension obligations in 
 Germany, the UK and other countries (based on present 
values of the defined benefit obligation) developed as 
follows:

31 December

in years

 Germany

 2014

 2013

 United Kingdom

 2014

 2013

 Other

 2014

 2013

Weighted duration of all pension obligations

 21.4

 19.6

 19.9

 18.3

 19.2

 14.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
144

Statutory minimum funding and recovery requirements 
apply in the UK and the USA which may have an effect 
on future amounts. Valuations are performed regularly 

to measure the level of funding. In conjunction with 
these valuations, funding plans are drawn up and the 
amount of any special allocations determined.

37   Other provisions

Other provisions comprise the following items:

in € million

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013*

Obligations for personnel and social expenses

Obligations for ongoing operational expenses

Other obligations

Other provisions

 Total

 1,871

 4,887

 2,032

8,790

 thereof
due within
one year

 1,442

 1,786

 1,294

4,522

 Total

 1,698

 3,468

 2,074

7,240

 thereof
due within
one year

 1,300  

 1,076  

 1,036  

3,412

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income

124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

Provisions for obligations for personnel and social ex­
penses comprise mainly performance­related remunera­
tion components, early retirement part­time working 
arrangements and employee long­service awards. Obli­
gations for performance­related remuneration compo­
nents are normally settled in the following financial year. 
Provisions for obligations for on­going operational ex­
penses relate primarily to warranty obligations and com­
prise both statutorily prescribed manufacturer warranties 

and other guaranties offered by the BMW Group. De­
pending on when claims are made, it is possible that 
the BMW Group may be called upon to fulfil obligations 
over the whole period of the warranty or guarantee. 
Provisions for other obligations cover numerous specific 
risks and obligations of uncertain timing and amount, 
in particular for litigation and liability risks.

Other provisions changed during the year as follows:

in € million

 1.1. 2014

Translation
differences

 Additions

 Reversal of
discounting

 Utilised

 Reversed

 31. 12. 2014

Obligations for personnel and social expenses

Obligations for ongoing operational expenses

Other obligations

Other provisions

 1,698

 3,468

 2,074

7,240

 13

 304

 62

379

 1,438
 2,435*

 602

4,475

 9

 70

 23

  – 1,271

  – 1,304

  – 449

102

– 3,024

  – 16

  – 86

  – 280

– 382

 1,871

 4,887

 2,032

8,790

* Including the reclassification described in note 31 amounting to € 641 million.

Income from the reversal of other provisions amounting to € 198 million (2013: € 134 million) is recorded in cost of 
sales and in selling and administrative expenses.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
145   Group Financial StatementS

38  

Income tax liabilities
Current income tax liabilities totalling € 1,590 million 
(2013*: € 2,319 million) include obligations amounting to 
€ 956 million (2013: € 823 million) which are expected to 
be settled after more than twelve months. Some of the 
liabilities may be settled earlier than this depending on 
the timing of proceedings.

Current tax liabilities of € 1,590 million (2013*: € 2,319 mil­
lion) comprise € 151 million (2013: € 197 million) for 
taxes payable and € 1,439 million (2013*: € 2,122 million) 
for tax provisions. Tax provisions totalling € 1 million were 
reversed in the year under report (2013: € 44 million).

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

39   Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities include all liabilities of the BMW 
Group at the relevant balance sheet dates relating to  

financing activities. Financial liabilities comprise the 
following:

31 December 2014
in € million

Bonds

Liabilities to banks

Liabilities from customer deposits (banking)

Commercial paper

Asset backed financing transactions

Derivative instruments

Other

Financial liabilities

31 December 2013
in € million

Bonds

Liabilities to banks

Liabilities from customer deposits (banking)

Commercial paper

Asset backed financing transactions

Derivative instruments

Other

Financial liabilities

 Maturity
within
one year

 Maturity
between one
and five years

 Maturity
later than
five years

 8,561

 7,784

 9,157

 5,599

 3,825

 1,930

 626

 22,817

 3,281

 3,309

  –

 6,990

 1,190

 387

37,482

37,974

 4,111

 489

  –

  –

 69

 23

 501

5,193

 Maturity
within
one year

 Maturity
between one
and five years

 Maturity
later than
five years

 7,166

 4,326

 9,342

 6,292

 2,579

 426

 723

 20,329

 4,146

 3,115

  – 

 7,517

 632

 307

30,854

36,046

 2,875

 118

  – 

  – 

 32

 45

 334

3,404

 Total

 35,489

 11,554

 12,466

 5,599

 10,884

 3,143

 1,514

80,649

 Total

 30,370

 8,590

 12,457

 6,292

 10,128

 1,103

 1,364

70,304

The increase in liabilities relating to derivatives results 
from the fair value measurement of currency and com­
modity derivative instruments.

The main instruments used are corporate bonds, asset­
backed financing transactions, liabilities to banks and 
liabilities from customer deposits (banking).

The BMW Group uses various short­term and long­term 
refinancing instruments on money and capital markets 
to finance its operations. This diversification enables it to 
obtain attractive market conditions.

Customer deposit liabilities arise in the BMW Group’s 
banks in Germany and the USA, both of which offer a 
range of investment products.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
146

Bonds comprise:

Issuer

BMW Finance N. V., The Hague

BMW (UK) Capital plc, Farnborough

BMW US Capital, LLC, Wilmington, DE

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income

124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

BMW Australia Finance Ltd., Melbourne, Victoria

Other

 Issue volume
in relevant currency
(ISO-Code)

 Weighted
average maturity
period (in years)

 Weighted
average nominal
interest rate (in %)

 Interest

 variable

 variable

 variable

 variable

 fixed

 fixed

 fixed

 fixed

 fixed

 fixed

 fixed

 fixed

 variable

 variable

 variable

 fixed

 fixed

 fixed

 fixed

 fixed

 fixed

 fixed

 fixed

 fixed

 variable

 variable

 variable

 fixed

 EUR 4,835 million 

 GBP 380 million 

 SEK 6,500 million 

 USD 540 million 

 AUD 700 million 

 CHF 300 million 

 EUR 13,564 million 

 GBP 1,050 million 

 JPY 31,000 million 

 NOK 3,500 million 

 CHF 500 million 

 GBP 300 million 

 EUR 100 million 

 SEK 1,000 million 

 USD 1,710 million 

 AUD 200 million 

 CHF 325 million 

 EUR 3,590 million 

 GBP 300 million 

 HKD 500 million 

 JPY 6,000 million 

 NOK 1,500 million 

 NZD 100 million 

 USD 2,245 million 

 AUD 200 million 

 EUR 150 million

 USD 330 million 

 JPY 6,500 million 

 variable

 JPY 10,000 million 

 fixed

 fixed

 fixed

 fixed

 INR 6,000 million 

 CAD 2,275 million 

 JPY 53,000 million 

 KRW 370,000 million 

  2.3

 1.2

 2.3

 1.8

 3.9

 6.0

 6.6

 6.1

 2.8

 3.7

 5.0

 8.0

 3.0

 2.7

 2.8

 3.2

 7.0

 5.5

 5.0

 3.0

 2.0

 3.0

 3.0

 8.0

 3.0

 2.3

 2.3

 2.0

 3.0

 4.2

 3.9

 3.8

 3.2

 0.3

 0.2

 0.3

 0.3

 4.6

 1.8

 3.0

 3.0

 0.3

 3.2

 2.1

 5.0

 0.1

 0.3

 0.3

 4.0

 3.6

 3.0

 2.0

 1.4

 0.3

 2.4

 4.4

 3.5

 3.3

 0.3

 0.7

 0.3

 0.3

 10.2

 2.3

 0.5

 3.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
147   Group Financial StatementS

The following details apply to the commercial paper:

Issuer

 Issue volume
in relevant currency
(ISO-Code)

 Weighted
average maturity
period (in days)

 Weighted
average nominal
interest rate (in %)

BMW Finance N. V., The Hague

BMW Malta Finance Ltd., Floriana

BMW US Capital, LLC, Wilmington, DE

 EUR 1,007 million 

 GBP 825 million 

 USD 725 million 

 EUR 250 million 

 USD 3,260 million 

 30

 56

 73

 12

 33

40  

Other liabilities
Other liabilities comprise the following items:

31 December 2014
in € million

Other taxes

Social security

Advance payments from customers

Deposits received

Payables to subsidiaries

Payables to other companies in which an investment is held

Deferred income

Other

Other liabilities

31 December 2013*
in € million

Other taxes

Social security

Advance payments from customers

Deposits received

Payables to subsidiaries

Payables to other companies in which an investment is held

Deferred income

Other

Other liabilities

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 Maturity
within
one year

 Maturity
between one
and five years

 Maturity
later than
five years

 929

 69

 460

 415

 162

 5

 1,894

 3,841

7,775

  –

 7

 105

 348

  –

  –

 3,373

 193

4,026

 14

 2

  –

 5

  –

  –

 221

 7

249

 Maturity
within
one year

 Maturity
between one
and five years

 Maturity
later than
five years

 729

 60

 528

 274

 157

 70

 1,666

 3,580

7,064

 1

 11

 77

 93

  – 

  – 

 3,069

 121

3,372

 15

 3

  – 

 14

  – 

  – 

 191

 8

231

 0.03

 0.5

 0.2

 0.03

 0.1

 Total

 943

 78

 565

 768

 162

 5

 5,488

 4,041

12,050

 Total

 745

 74

 605

 381

 157

 70

 4,926

 3,709

10,667

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
148

Deferred income comprises the following items:

in € million

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

Deferred income from lease financing

Deferred income relating to service contracts

Grants

Other deferred income

Deferred income

 Total

 1,685

 3,370

 306

 127

5,488

 thereof
due within
one year

 780

 1,027

 31

 56

1,894

 Total

 1,774

 2,855

 193

 104

4,926

 thereof
due within
one year

 761

 837

 20

 48

1,666

Deferred income relating to service contracts relates to 
service and repair work to be provided under commit­
ments given at the time of the sale of a vehicle (multi­
component arrangements). Grants comprise primarily 
public sector funds to promote regional structures and 
which have been invested in the production plants in 
Brazil, Leipzig and Berlin. The grants in Leipzig and 

Berlin are subject to holding periods for the assets con­
cerned of up to five years and minimum employment 
figures. All conditions attached to the grants were com­
plied with at 31 December 2014. In accordance with 
IAS 20, grant income is recognised over the useful lives 
of the assets to which they relate.

41   Trade payables

31 December 2014
in € million

 Maturity
within
one year

 Maturity
between one
and five years

 Maturity
later than
five years

 Total

Trade payables

 7,580

 129

  –

 7,709

31 December 2013*
in € million

 Maturity
within
one year

 Maturity
between one
and five years

 Maturity
later than
five years

 Total

Trade payables

 7,293

 192

  –

 7,485

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

The total amount of financial liabilities, other liabilities and trade payables with a maturity later than five years 
amounts to € 5,442 million (2013: € 3,635 million).

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income

124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
149   Group Financial StatementS

BMW Group
Notes to the Group Financial Statements
Other Disclosures

42   Contingent liabilities and other financial commitments

Contingent liabilities
No provisions were recognised for the following contingent liabilities (stated at estimated amounts), since an out­
flow of resources is not considered to be probable:

in € million

Guarantees

Performance guarantees

Other

Contingent liabilities

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 33

 4

 84

121

 33

 4

 39

   76  

Contingent liabilities relate entirely to non­group 
 entities.

Other financial commitments
In addition to liabilities, provisions and contingent lia­
bilities, the BMW Group also has other financial com­
mitments, primarily under lease contracts for land, 
buildings, plant and machinery, tools, office and other 
facilities. The leases run for periods of one to 50 years 
and in some cases contain extension and / or purchase 

options (also including compensation for inflation). In 
2014 an amount of € 350 million (2013: € 320 million) 
was recognised as expense in conjunction with operating 
leases. All of these amounts relate to minimum lease 
payments.

The total of future minimum lease payments under non­
cancellable and other operating leases can be analysed 
by maturity as follows:

in € million

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 due within one year

 due between one and five years

 due later than five years

Other financial obligations

 299

 888

 603

1,790

 335

 852

 587

1,774

Other financial commitments include € 7 million (2013: 
€ 10 million) in respect of obligations to non­consoli­
dated subsidiaries and, as in the previous year, € 1 mil­
lion for back­to­back operating leases.

Purchase commitments amounted to € 2,247 million 
(2013: € 2,661 million) for property, plant and equipment 
and € 750 million (2013: € 446 million) for intangible 
 assets.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
150

43   Financial instruments

The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments are assigned to IAS 39 categories and cash funds as 
follows:1, 2

31 December 2014
in € million

Cash funds

Loans
and receivables

Held-to-maturity
investments

 Fair value

 Carrying
amount

 Fair value

 Carrying
amount

 Fair value

 Carrying
amount

Assets

Other investments

Receivables from sales financing

Financial assets

 Derivative instruments

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Other derivative instruments

 Marketable securities and investment funds

 Loans to third parties

 Credit card receivables

 Other

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

Cash and cash equivalents

 7,688

 7,688

   –

   –

 62,642

 61,024

   –

   –

   –

 200

 12

 239

 297

   –

   –

   –

   –

 200

 12

 239

 297

   –

   –

   –

   –

 412

   –

   –

   –

   –

 412

   –

 2,153

 2,153

 721

 721

 1,055

   –

 971

 1,055

   –

 971

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

Trade receivables

Other assets

 Receivables from subsidiaries

 Receivables from companies in which
 an investment is held

 Collateral receivables

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 Other

Total

31 December 2014
in € million

8,100

8,100

68,290

66,672

      –

      –

      –

      –

4,180

      –

2,888

 Total

Cash funds

Loans
and receivables

Held-to-maturity
investments

 Fair value

 Carrying
amount

 Fair value

 Carrying
amount

 Fair value

 Carrying
amount

Other liabilities

 Fair value

 Carrying

amount

 Available-

for-sale

 Carrying

amount 3

 Fair value

option

 Carrying

amount 3

 Held for

trading

 Carrying  

amount1, 3

Liabilities

Financial liabilities

 Bonds

 Liabilities to banks

 Liabilities from customer deposits (banking)

 Commercial paper

 Asset backed financing transactions

 Derivative instruments

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Other derivative instruments

 Other

Trade payables

Other liabilities

 Payables to subsidiaries

 Payables to other companies in which 
 an investment is held

 Other

Total

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

1 The carrying amounts of cash flow and fair value hedges are allocated to the category “Held for trading” for the sake of clarity.
2 Based on the fact that maturities are generally short, it is assumed for some items that fair value corresponds to the carrying amount.
3 Carrying amount corresponds to market value.

Other liabilities

 Fair value

 Carrying

amount

 Available-

for-sale

 Carrying

amount 3

 Fair value

option

 Carrying

amount 3

 Held for

trading

 Carrying  

amount 3

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

 36,083

 11,636 

 12,487 

 5,599

 10,886

   –

   –

   –

 1,514

 7,709

 162

 5

 4,281

90,362

 35,489

 11,554

 12,466

 5,599

 10,884

   –

   –

   –

 1,514

 7,709

 162

 5

 4,281

89,663

 3,772

 408

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –  

   –  

 708  

 1,294  

 886  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

 1,302  

 721  

 1,120  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   Assets

 Other investments

 Receivables from sales financing

 Financial assets

 Derivative instruments

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Loans to third parties

 Credit card receivables

 Other

 Cash and cash equivalents

 Trade receivables

 Other assets

 Other derivative instruments

 Marketable securities and investment funds

 Receivables from subsidiaries

 Receivables from companies in which

 an investment is held

 Collateral receivables

 Other

   Liabilities

Financial liabilities

 Bonds

 Liabilities to banks

 Liabilities from customer deposits (banking)

 Commercial paper

 Asset backed financing transactions

 Derivative instruments

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Other derivative instruments

 Other

 Trade payables

 Other liabilities

 Payables to subsidiaries

 Payables to other companies in which 

 an investment is held

 Other

3,143

 Total

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
151   Group Financial StatementS

31 December 2014

in € million

Cash funds

Loans

and receivables

Held-to-maturity

investments

 Fair value

 Fair value

 Fair value

 Carrying

amount

 Carrying

amount

 Carrying

amount

Other liabilities

 Fair value

 Carrying
amount

 Available-
for-sale

 Carrying
amount 3

 Fair value
option

 Carrying
amount 3

 Held for
trading

 Carrying  
amount 3

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

 408

   –

   –

   –

   –

 3,772

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –  

   –  

 708  

 1,294  

 886  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   Assets

 Other investments

 Receivables from sales financing

 Financial assets

 Derivative instruments

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Other derivative instruments

 Marketable securities and investment funds

 Loans to third parties

 Credit card receivables

 Other

 Cash and cash equivalents

 Trade receivables

 Other assets

 Receivables from subsidiaries

 Receivables from companies in which
 an investment is held

 Collateral receivables

 Other

8,100

8,100

68,290

66,672

      –

      –

      –

      –

4,180

      –

2,888

 Total

Cash funds

Loans

and receivables

Held-to-maturity

investments

 Fair value

 Fair value

 Fair value

 Carrying

amount

 Carrying

amount

 Carrying

amount

Other liabilities

 Fair value

 Carrying
amount

 Available-
for-sale

 Carrying
amount 3

 Fair value
option

 Carrying
amount 3

 Held for
trading

 Carrying  
amount1, 3

 36,083

 11,636 

 12,487 

 5,599

 10,886

   –

   –

   –

 1,514

 7,709

 162

 5

 4,281

90,362

 35,489

 11,554

 12,466

 5,599

 10,884

   –

   –

   –

 1,514

 7,709

 162

 5

 4,281

89,663

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   Liabilities

Financial liabilities

 Bonds

 Liabilities to banks

 Liabilities from customer deposits (banking)

 Commercial paper

 Asset backed financing transactions

 Derivative instruments

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Other derivative instruments

 Other

 Trade payables

 Other liabilities

 Payables to subsidiaries

 Payables to other companies in which 
 an investment is held

 Other

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

 1,302  

 721  

 1,120  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

3,143

 Total

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

Cash and cash equivalents

 7,688

 7,688

Assets

Other investments

Receivables from sales financing

Financial assets

 Derivative instruments

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Loans to third parties

 Credit card receivables

 Other

Trade receivables

Other assets

 Other derivative instruments

 Marketable securities and investment funds

 Receivables from subsidiaries

 Receivables from companies in which

 an investment is held

 Collateral receivables

 Other

Total

31 December 2014

in € million

Liabilities

Financial liabilities

 Bonds

 Liabilities to banks

 Liabilities from customer deposits (banking)

 Commercial paper

 Asset backed financing transactions

 Derivative instruments

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Other derivative instruments

 Other

Trade payables

Other liabilities

 Other

Total

 Payables to subsidiaries

 Payables to other companies in which 

 an investment is held

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

 412

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

 412

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

 62,642

 61,024

 2,153

 2,153

 721

 721

 1,055

   –

 971

 1,055

   –

 971

   –

   –

   –

 200

 12

 239

 297

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

 200

 12

 239

 297

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

1 The carrying amounts of cash flow and fair value hedges are allocated to the category “Held for trading” for the sake of clarity.

2 Based on the fact that maturities are generally short, it is assumed for some items that fair value corresponds to the carrying amount.

3 Carrying amount corresponds to market value.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
152

31 December 20131, 2
in € million

Cash funds

Loans
and receivables

Held-to-maturity
investments

 Fair value

 Carrying
amount

 Fair value

 Carrying
amount

 Fair value

 Carrying
amount

Other liabilities

 Fair value

 Carrying

amount

 Available-

for-sale

 Carrying

amount 3

 Fair value

option

 Carrying

amount 3

 Held for

trading

 Carrying  

amount 3 , 4

Assets

Other investments

Receivables from sales financing

Financial assets

 Derivative instruments

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Other derivative instruments

 Marketable securities and investment funds

 Loans to third parties

 Credit card receivables

 Other

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

Cash and cash equivalents

 7,671

 7,671

   –

   –

 55,536

 54,117

   –

   –

   –

 250

 32

 222

 825

   –

   –

   –

   –

 250

 32

 222

 825

   –

   –

   –

   –

  382

   –

8,053

   –

   –

   –

  382

   –

 2,449

 2,449

 779

 950

   –

 172

 779

 950

   –

 172

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

 30,860

 8,671

 12,471 

 6,292

 10,173

   –

   –

   –

 1,364

 7,485

 157

 70

 4,126

81,669

 30,370

 8,590

 12,457

 6,292

 10,128

   –

   –

   –

 1,364

 7,485

 157

 70

 4,126

81,039

 2,810

 553

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

 324

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –  

   –  

 1,914  

 1,050  

 1,049  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

 317  

 321  

 465  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   Assets

 Other investments

 Receivables from sales financing

 Financial assets

 Derivative instruments

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Loans to third parties

 Credit card receivables

 Other

 Cash and cash equivalents

 Trade receivables

 Other assets

 Other derivative instruments

 Marketable securities and investment funds

 Receivables from subsidiaries

 Receivables from companies in which

 an investment is held

 Collateral receivables

 Other

   Liabilities

Financial liabilities

 Bonds

 Liabilities to banks

 Liabilities from customer deposits (banking)

 Commercial paper

 Asset backed financing transactions

 Derivative instruments

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Other derivative instruments

 Other

 Trade payables

 Other liabilities

 Payables to subsidiaries

 Payables to other companies in which 

 an investment is held

 Other

1,103

 Total

8,053

61,215

59,796

      –

      –

      –

      –

3,687

      –

4,013

 Total

Cash funds

Loans
and receivables

Held-to-maturity
investments

 Fair value

 Carrying
amount

 Fair value

 Carrying
amount

 Fair value

 Carrying
amount

Other liabilities

 Fair value 2

 Carrying

amount

 Available-

for-sale

 Carrying

amount 3

 Fair value

option

 Carrying

amount 3

 Held for

trading

 Carrying  

amount 3 , 4

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

Trade receivables

Other assets

 Receivables from subsidiaries

 Receivables from companies in which
 an investment is held

 Collateral receivables

 Other

Total

31 December 2013
in € million

Liabilities

Financial liabilities

 Bonds

 Liabilities to banks

 Liabilities from customer deposits (banking)

 Commercial paper

 Asset backed financing transactions

 Derivative instruments

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Other derivative instruments

 Other

Trade payables

Other liabilities

 Payables to subsidiaries

 Payables to other companies in which 
 an investment is held

 Other

Total

1  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.
2 Based on the fact that maturities are generally short, it is assumed for some items that fair value corresponds to the carrying amount.
3 Carrying amount corresponds to market value.
4 The carrying amounts of cash flow and fair value hedges are allocated to the category “Held for trading” for the sake of clarity.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
153   Group Financial StatementS

31 December 20131, 2

in € million

Cash funds

Loans

and receivables

Held-to-maturity

investments

 Fair value

 Fair value

 Fair value

 Carrying

amount

 Carrying

amount

 Carrying

amount

Other liabilities

 Available-
for-sale

 Fair value
option

 Held for
trading

 Fair value

 Carrying
amount

 Carrying
amount 3

 Carrying
amount 3

 Carrying  
amount 3 , 4

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

 553

   –

   –

   –

   –

 2,810

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

 324

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –  

   –  

 1,914  

 1,050  

 1,049  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   Assets

 Other investments

 Receivables from sales financing

 Financial assets

 Derivative instruments

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Other derivative instruments

 Marketable securities and investment funds

 Loans to third parties

 Credit card receivables

 Other

 Cash and cash equivalents

 Trade receivables

 Other assets

 Receivables from subsidiaries

 Receivables from companies in which
 an investment is held

 Collateral receivables

 Other

8,053

61,215

59,796

      –

      –

      –

      –

3,687

      –

4,013

 Total

Cash funds

Loans

and receivables

Held-to-maturity

investments

 Fair value

 Fair value

 Fair value

 Carrying

amount

 Carrying

amount

 Carrying

amount

Other liabilities

 Available-
for-sale

 Fair value
option

 Held for
trading

 Fair value 2

 Carrying
amount

 Carrying
amount 3

 Carrying
amount 3

 Carrying  
amount 3 , 4

 30,860

 8,671

 12,471 

 6,292

 10,173

   –

   –

   –

 1,364

 7,485

 157

 70

 4,126

81,669

 30,370

 8,590

 12,457

 6,292

 10,128

   –

   –

   –

 1,364

 7,485

 157

 70

 4,126

81,039

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   Liabilities

Financial liabilities

 Bonds

 Liabilities to banks

 Liabilities from customer deposits (banking)

 Commercial paper

 Asset backed financing transactions

 Derivative instruments

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Other derivative instruments

 Other

 Trade payables

 Other liabilities

 Payables to subsidiaries

 Payables to other companies in which 
 an investment is held

 Other

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

 317  

 321  

 465  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

   –  

1,103

 Total

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

Cash and cash equivalents

 7,671

 7,671

 2,449

 2,449

Assets

Other investments

Receivables from sales financing

Financial assets

 Derivative instruments

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Loans to third parties

 Credit card receivables

 Other

Trade receivables

Other assets

 Other derivative instruments

 Marketable securities and investment funds

 Receivables from subsidiaries

 Receivables from companies in which

 an investment is held

 Collateral receivables

 Other

Total

31 December 2013

in € million

Liabilities

Financial liabilities

 Bonds

 Liabilities to banks

 Liabilities from customer deposits (banking)

 Commercial paper

 Asset backed financing transactions

 Derivative instruments

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Other derivative instruments

 Other

Trade payables

Other liabilities

 Other

Total

 Payables to subsidiaries

 Payables to other companies in which 

 an investment is held

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

  382

   –

8,053

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

  382

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

 55,536

 54,117

   –

   –

   –

 250

 32

 222

 825

   –

 779

 950

   –

 172

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

 250

 32

 222

 825

   –

 779

 950

   –

 172

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

   –

      –

1  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

2 Based on the fact that maturities are generally short, it is assumed for some items that fair value corresponds to the carrying amount.

3 Carrying amount corresponds to market value.

4 The carrying amounts of cash flow and fair value hedges are allocated to the category “Held for trading” for the sake of clarity.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
154

Fair value measurement of financial instruments
The fair values shown are computed using market in­
formation available at the balance sheet date, on the 
 basis of prices quoted by the contract partners or using 

appropriate measurement methods, e. g. discounted cash 
flow models. In the latter case, amounts were discounted 
at 31 December 2014 on the basis of the following inter­
est rates:

ISO Code
in %

Interest rate for six months

Interest rate for one year

Interest rate for five years

Interest rate for ten years

 EUR

 USD

 GBP

 JPY

 CNY  

 0.13

 0.16

 0.36

 0.82

 0.31

 0.43

 1.78

 2.31

 0.68

 0.74

 1.45

 1.87

 0.07

 0.14

 0.22

 0.52

 4.91  

 4.44  

 4.16  

 4.22  

Interest rates taken from interest rate curves were ad­
justed, where necessary, to take account of the credit 
quality and risk of the underlying financial instrument.

tracts which have matching terms and which can be ob­
served on the market.

Derivative financial instruments are measured at their 
fair value. The fair values of derivative financial instru­
ments are determined using measurement models, as a 
consequence of which there is a risk that the amounts 
calculated could differ from realisable market prices on 
disposal. Observable financial market price spreads are 
taken into account in the measurement of derivative 
 financial instruments. The supply of data to the model 
used to calculate fair values also takes account of tenor 
and currency basis spreads, thus helping to minimise 
differences between the carrying amounts of the instru­
ments and the amounts that can be realised on the finan­
cial markets on their disposal. In addition, the Group’s 
own default risk and that of counterparties is taken into 
account in the form of credit default swap (CDS) con­

Financial instruments measured at fair value are allo­
cated to different measurement levels in accordance 
with IFRS 13. This includes financial instruments that 
are
1.   measured at their fair values in an active market for 

identical financial instruments (Level 1),

2.   measured at their fair values in an active market for 
comparable financial instruments or using measure­
ment models whose main input factors are based on 
observable market data (Level 2), or

3.   using input factors not based on observable market 

data (Level 3).

The following table shows the amounts allocated to 
each measurement level at the end of the reporting 
 period:

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

31 December 2014
in € million

Marketable securities, investment fund shares and collateral assets – available-for-sale

Other investments – available-for-sale

Derivative instruments (assets)

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Other derivative instruments

Derivative instruments (liabilities)

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Other derivative instruments

Level hierarchy in accordance with IFRS 13
 Level 2

 Level 3

 Level 1

 3,772

 231

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

 708

 1,294

 886

 1,302

 721

 1,120

  –  

  –  

  –  

  –  

  –  

  –  

  –  

  –  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
155   Group Financial StatementS

31 December 2013
in € million

Marketable securities, investment fund shares and collateral assets – available-for-sale

Other investments – available-for-sale

Derivative instruments (assets)

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Other derivative instruments

Derivative instruments (liabilities)

 Cash flow hedges

 Fair value hedges

 Other derivative instruments

Level hierarchy in accordance with IFRS 13
 Level 2

 Level 3

 Level 1

 3,134

 379

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

 1,914

 1,050

 1,049

 317

 321

 465

  –  

  –  

  –  

  –  

  –  

  –  

  –  

  –  

Other investments (available­for­sale) amounting to 
€ 177 million (2013: € 174 million) are measured at amor­
tised cost since quoted market prices are not available 
or cannot be determined reliably. These are therefore 
not included in the level hierarchy shown above. In 
 addition, other investments amounting to € 231 million 
(2013: € 379 million) are measured at fair value since 
quoted market prices are available. These items are in­
cluded in Level 1.

As in the previous year, there were no reclassifications 
within the level hierarchy during the financial year 2014.

In situations where a fair value was required to be meas­
ured for a financial instrument only for disclosure pur­

in € million

poses, this was achieved using the discounted cash flow 
method and taking account of the BMW Group’s own 
default risk; for this reason, the fair values calculated can 
be allocated to Level 2.

Offsetting of financial instruments
In the BMW Group, financial assets and liabilities relat­
ing to derivative financial instruments would normally 
be required to be offset. No offsetting takes place for ac­
counting purposes, however, since the necessary crite­
ria are not met. Since legally enforceable master netting 
agreements or similar contracts are in place, actual off­
setting would be possible in principle, for instance in 
the case of insolvency. Offsetting would have the follow­
ing impact on the carrying amounts of derivatives:

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 Reported on
assets side

 Reported on
equity and
liabilities side

 Reported on
assets side

 Reported on  
equity and
liabilities side

Balance sheet amounts as reported

Gross amount of derivatives which can be offset in case of insolvency

Net amount after offsetting

 2,888

  – 1,228

 1,660

 3,143

  – 1,228

 1,915

 4,013

  – 710

 3,303

 1,103

  – 710

 393

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
156

Gains and losses on financial instruments
The following table shows the net gains and losses arising for each of the categories of financial instrument defined 
by IAS 39:

in € million

Held for trading

 2014

 2013

 Gains / losses from the use of derivative instruments

   – 971

 571

Available-for-sale

 Gains and losses on sale and fair value measurement of marketable securities held for sale 
 (including investments in subsidiaries and participations measured at cost)

 Net income from participations and investments

 Accumulated other equity

 Balance at 1 January

 Total change during the year

 thereof recognised in the income statement during the period under report

 Balance at 31 December

Loans and receivables

 Impairment losses / reversals of impairment losses

 Other income / expenses

Other liabilities

 Income / expenses

   – 65

 3

 135

 6

  – 69

 141

  – 278

  – 506

  – 57

 10

 108

 27

  – 40

 135

  – 310

 126

 238

  – 235

Gains / losses from the use of derivatives relate pri­
marily to fair value gains or losses arising on stand­alone 
derivatives.

Net interest income from interest rate and interest 
rate / currency swaps amounted to € 101 million (2013: 
€ 126 million).

Impairment losses of € 152 million (2013: € 73 million) 
were recognised in the income statement in 2014 on 
available­for­sale securities accounted for as participa­
tions, for which fair value changes had previously been 
recognised directly in equity. Reversals of impairment 
losses on marketable securities amounting to € 7 million 
(2013: € 70 million) were recognised directly in equity.

The disclosure of interest income resulting from the un­
winding of interest on future expected receipts would 
normally only be relevant for the BMW Group where as­
sets have been discounted as part of the process of de­
termining impairment losses. However, as a result of the 
assumption that most of the income that is subsequently 
recovered is received within one year and the fact that 
the impact is not material, the BMW Group does not dis­
count assets for the purposes of determining impairment 
losses.

Cash flow hedges
The effect of cash flow hedges on accumulated other 
equity was as follows:

in € million

Balance at 1 January

Total changes during the year

 thereof reclassified to the income statement

Balance at 31 December

 2014

 2013

 1,136

  – 1,616

  – 255

– 480

 202

 934

  – 179

1,136

Fair value gains and losses recognised on derivatives and 
recorded initially in accumulated other equity are re­
classified to cost of sales when the derivatives mature.

As in the previous year, no gains / losses were recognised 
in “Financial Result” in 2014 in connection with fore­
casting errors and the resulting over­hedging of currency 
exposures. Losses attributable to the ineffective portion 

of cash flow hedges amounting to € 27 million were rec­
ognised in “Financial Result” (2013: gains of € 8 million). 
Losses of € 6 million (2013: € – million) arising in con­
nection with forecasting errors relating to cash flow 
hedges for commodities and gains of € 6 million (2013: 
loss of € 8 million) attributable to the ineffective portion 
of commodity hedges were recognised in “Financial 
Result” in 2014.

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
157   Group Financial StatementS

At 31 December 2014 the BMW Group held derivative 
financial instruments (mainly forward currency and op­
tion contracts) with terms of up to 60 months (2013: 
60 months) in order to hedge currency risks attached to 
future transactions. These derivative instruments are 
 intended to hedge forecast sales denominated in a for­
eign currency over the coming 60 months. The income 
statement impact of the hedged cash flows will be rec­
ognised as a general rule in the same periods in which 
external revenues are recognised. It is expected that 
€ 278 million of net losses, recognised in equity at the 
end of the reporting period, will be reclassified to profit 
and loss in the new financial year (2013: net gains of 
€ 162 million).

At 31 December 2014 the BMW Group held derivative 
financial instruments (mostly interest rate swaps) with 
terms of up to one month (2013: 13 months) to hedge 
interest rate risks. These derivative instruments are in­
tended to hedge interest­rate risks arising on financial 
instruments with variable interest payments within 
the coming month. The income statement impact of the 
hedged cash flows will be recognised as a general rule 

in the same periods over which the relevant interest 
rates are fixed. It is expected that € 1 million of net 
losses, recognised in equity at the end of the reporting 
period, will be reclassified to profit and loss in the new 
financial year (2013: € – million).

At 31 December 2014 the BMW Group held derivative 
financial instruments (mostly commodity swaps) with 
terms of up to 59 months (2013: 60 months) to hedge 
raw materials price risks attached to future transactions 
over the coming 59 months. The income statement im­
pact of the hedged cash flows will be recognised as a 
general rule in the same period in which the derivative 
instruments mature. It is expected that € 54 million of 
net losses, recognised in equity at the end of the report­
ing period, will be reclassified to profit and loss in the 
new financial year (2013: € 60 million).

Fair value hedges
The following table shows gains and losses on hedging 
instruments and hedged items which are deemed to be 
part of a fair value hedge relationship:

in € million

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

Gains / losses on hedging instruments designated as part of a fair value hedge relationship

Gains / losses from hedged items

Ineffectiveness of fair value hedges

 369

  – 359

   10

  – 525  

 503  

– 22

The difference between the gains / losses on hedging 
 instruments (mostly interest rate swaps) and the results 
recognised on hedged items represents the ineffective 
portion of fair value hedges.

Fair value hedges are mainly used to hedge the market 
prices of bonds, other financial liabilities and receivables 
from sales financing.

Bad debt risk
Notwithstanding the existence of collateral accepted, 
the carrying amounts of financial assets generally take 
account of the maximum credit risk arising from the 
possibility that the counterparties will not be able to ful­
fil their contractual obligations. The maximum credit risk 
for irrevocable credit commitments relating to credit 
card business amounts to € 1,181 million (2013: € 943 mil­
lion). The equivalent figure for dealer financing is 
€ 22,025 million (2013: € 19,856 million).

counterparty obtained or historical data based on the 
existing business relationship (i. e. payment patterns to 
date) reviewed in order to minimise the credit risk, all 
depending on the nature and amount of the exposure 
that the BMW Group is proposing to enter into.

Within the financial services business, the financed 
items (e. g. vehicles, equipment and property) in the re­
tail customer and dealer lines of business serve as first­
ranking collateral with a recoverable value. Security is 
also put up by customers in the form of collateral asset 
pledges, asset assignment and first­ranking mortgages, 
supplemented where appropriate by warranties and 
guarantees. If an item previously accepted as collateral 
is acquired, it undergoes a multi­stage process of repos­
session and disposal in accordance with the legal situa­
tion prevailing in the relevant market. The assets in­
volved are generally vehicles which can be converted 
into cash at any time via the dealer organisation.

In the case of performance relationships underlying 
non­derivative financial instruments, collateral will be 
required, information on the credit­standing of the 

Impairment losses are recorded as soon as credit risks 
are identified on individual financial assets, using a 
methodology specifically designed by the BMW Group. 

 
 
 
158

More detailed information regarding this methodology 
is provided in the section on accounting policies (note 6).

Creditworthiness testing is an important aspect of the 
BMW Group’s credit risk management. Every borrower’s 
creditworthiness is tested for all credit financing and 
lease contracts entered into by the BMW Group. In the 
case of retail customers, creditworthiness is assessed 
 using validated scoring systems integrated into the pur­
chasing process. In the area of dealer financing, credit­
worthiness is assessed by means of ongoing credit 
monitoring and an internal rating system that takes ac­
count not only of the tangible situation of the borrower 
but also of qualitative factors such as past reliability in 
business relations.

The credit risk relating to derivative financial instru­
ments is minimised by the fact that the Group only 

enters into such contracts with parties of first­class 
credit standing. The general credit risk on derivative 
 financial instruments utilised by the BMW Group is 
therefore not considered to be significant.

A concentration of credit risk with particular borrowers 
or groups of borrowers has not been identified in con­
junction with financial instruments.

Further disclosures relating to credit risk – in particular 
with regard to the amounts of impairment losses recog­
nised – are provided in the explanatory notes to the 
 relevant categories of receivables in notes 28, 29 and 33.

Liquidity risk
The following table shows the maturity structure of ex­
pected contractual cash flows (undiscounted) for finan­
cial liabilities:

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

31 December 2014
in € million

Bonds

Liabilities to banks

Liabilities from customer deposits (banking)

Commercial paper

Asset backed financing transactions

Derivative instruments

Trade payables

Other financial liabilities

Total

31 December 2013
in € million

Bonds

Liabilities to banks

Liabilities from customer deposits (banking)

Commercial paper

Asset backed financing transactions

Derivative instruments

Trade payables

Other financial liabilities

Total

 Maturity
within
one year

 Maturity
between one
and five years

 9,266

 8,110

 9,225

 5,601

 3,882

 2,100

 7,581

 177

 23,786

 3,432

 3,461

  –

 7,226

 1,317

 129

 434

45,942

39,785

 Maturity
later than
five years

 4,232

 489

  –

  –

 77

 1

  –

 500

5,299

 Maturity
within
one year

 Maturity
between one
and five years

 Maturity
later than
five years

 7,933

 4,686

 9,405

 6,294

 2,814

 426

 7,283

 210

 21,434

 4,328

 3,243

  –

 7,614

 659

 195

 361

39,051

37,834

 3,043

 126

  –

  –

 32

 80

  –

 367

3,648

 Total

 37,284  

 12,031  

 12,686  

 5,601  

 11,185  

 3,418  

 7,710  

 1,111  

91,026

 Total

 32,410  

 9,140  

 12,648  

 6,294  

 10,460  

 1,165  

 7,478  

 938  

80,533

The cash flows shown comprise principal repayments 
and the related interest. The amounts disclosed for de­
rivatives comprise only cash flows relating to derivatives 

that have a negative fair value at the balance sheet date. 
At 31 December 2014 irrevocable credit commitments 
to dealers which had not been called upon at the end of 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
159   Group Financial StatementS

the reporting period amounted to € 7,247 million (2013: 
€ 6,760 million).

maining after netting. Financial instruments are only 
used to hedge underlying positions or forecast trans­
actions.

Solvency is assured at all times by managing and moni­
toring the liquidity situation on the basis of a rolling 
cash flow forecast. The resulting funding requirements 
are secured by a variety of instruments placed on the 
world’s financial markets. The objective is to minimise 
risk by matching maturities for the Group’s financing 
requirements within the framework of the target debt 
structure. The BMW Group has good access to capital 
markets as a result of its solid financial position and a 
diversified refinancing strategy. This is underpinned by 
the longstanding long­ and short­term ratings issued 
by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s.

The scope of permitted transactions, responsibilities, 
 financial reporting procedures and control mechanisms 
used for financial instruments are set out in internal 
guidelines. This includes, above all, a clear separation of 
duties between trading and processing. Currency, inter­
est rate and raw materials price risks of the BMW Group 
are managed at a corporate level.

Further information is provided in the “Report on out­
look, risks and opportunities” section of the Combined 
Management Report.

Short­term liquidity is managed primarily by issuing 
money market instruments (commercial paper). In this 
area too, competitive refinancing conditions can be 
achieved thanks to Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s short­
term ratings of P­1 and A­1 respectively.

Also reducing liquidity risk, additional secured and 
 unsecured lines of credit are in place with first­class in­
ternational banks, including a syndicated credit line 
 totalling € 6 billion (2013: € 6 billion). Intra­group cash 
flow fluctuations are evened out by the use of daily cash 
pooling arrangements.

Currency risks
As an enterprise with worldwide operations, business 
is conducted in a variety of currencies, from which cur­
rency risks arise. Since a significant portion of Group 
revenues is generated outside the euro currency region 
and the procurement of production material and fund­
ing is also organised on a worldwide basis, the currency 
risk is an extremely important factor for Group earnings.

At 31 December 2014 derivative financial instruments, 
mostly in the form of forward currency and option con­
tracts, were in place to hedge the main currencies.

Market risks
The principal market risks to which the BMW Group 
is exposed are currency risk, interest rate risk and raw 
 materials price risk.

A description of the management of this risk is pro­
vided in the Combined Management Report. The BMW 
Group measures currency risk using a cash­flow­at­risk 
model.

Protection against such risks is provided in the first in­
stance through natural hedging which arises when 
the values of non­derivative financial instruments have 
matching maturities and amounts (netting). Derivative 
financial instruments are used to reduce the risk re­

The starting point for analysing currency risk with this 
model is the identification of forecast foreign currency 
transactions or “exposures”. At the end of the reporting 
period, the principal exposures for the relevant coming 
year were as follows:

in € million

Euro / Chinese Renminbi

Euro / US Dollar

Euro / British Pound

Euro / Russian Rouble

Euro / Japanese Yen

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 10,937

 10,691  

 4,743

 4,818

 758

 1,004

 4,401  

 3,852  

 1,738  

 1,469

 
 
 
 
160

In the next stage, these exposures are compared to all 
hedges that are in place. The net cash flow surplus rep­
resents an uncovered risk position. The cash­flow­at­
risk approach involves allocating the impact of potential 
exchange rate fluctuations to operating cash flows on 
the basis of probability distributions. Volatilities and 
correlations serve as input factors to assess the relevant 
probability distributions.

The potential negative impact on earnings is computed 
for each currency for the following financial year on the 
basis of current market prices and exposures to a confi­

dence level of 95 % and a holding period of up to one 
year. Correlations between the various currencies are 
taken into account when the risks are aggregated, thus 
reducing the overall risk.

The following table shows the potential negative impact 
for the BMW Group – measured on the basis of the 
cash­flow­at­risk approach – attributable to unfavoura­
ble changes in exchange rates. The impact for the prin­
cipal currencies, in each case for the following financial 
year, is as follows:

in € million

Euro / Chinese Renminbi

Euro / US Dollar

Euro / British Pound

Euro / Russian Rouble

Euro / Japanese Yen

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 173

 73

 66

 160

 6

 197  

 65  

 80  

 109  

 44  

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

Currency risk for the BMW Group is concentrated on 
the currencies referred to above.

Interest rate risks
The BMW Group’s financial management system involves 
the use of standard financial instruments such as short­
term deposits, investments in variable and fixed­income 
securities as well as securities funds. The BMW Group 
is therefore exposed to risks resulting from changes in 
interest rates.

These risks arise when funds with differing fixed­rate 
periods or differing terms are borrowed and invested. All 
items subject to, or bearing, interest are exposed to in­
terest rate risk. Interest rate risks can affect either side 
of the balance sheet.

The fair values of the Group’s interest rate portfolios for 
the five main currencies were as follows at the end of the 
reporting period:

in € million

Euro*

US Dollar

British Pound

Chinese Renminbi

Japanese Yen

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 17,535

 12,087

 5,091

 574

 113

 16,495

 11,931

 3,960

 1,787

 189

* Prior year figures amended for one additional interest-bearing exposure.

Interest rate risks can be managed by the use of interest 
rate derivatives. The interest rate contracts used for 
hedging purposes comprise mainly swaps which are ac­
counted for on the basis of whether they are designated 
as a fair value hedge or as a cash flow hedge. A descrip­
tion of the management of interest rate risks is provided 
in the Combined Management Report.

As stated there, the BMW Group applies a group­wide 
value­at­risk approach for internal reporting purposes 

and to manage interest rate risks. This is based on a 
state­of­the­art historical simulation, in which the 
 potential future fair value losses of the interest rate 
portfolios are compared across the Group with ex­
pected amounts measured on the basis of a holding 
 period of 250 days and a confidence level of 99.98 %. 
Aggregation of these results creates a risk reduction 
 effect due to correlations between the various port­
folios.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
161   Group Financial StatementS

In the following table the potential volumes of fair value 
fluctuations – measured on the basis of the value­at­risk 

approach – are compared with the expected value for 
the interest­rate­sensitive exposures of the BMW Group:

in € million

Euro*

US Dollar

British Pound

Chinese Renminbi

Japanese Yen

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 398

 347

 108

 44

 11

 363

 246

 62

 11

 6

* Prior year figures amended for the value-at-risk of one additional interest-bearing exposure.

Raw materials price risk
The BMW Group is exposed to the risk of price fluctua­
tions for raw materials. A description of the management 
of these risks is provided in the Combined Management 
Report.

The first step in the analysis of the raw materials price 
risk is to determine the volume of planned purchases 
of raw materials (and components containing those raw 
materials). These amounts, which represent the gross 
exposure, were as follows at each reporting date for the 
following financial year:

in € million

Raw materials price exposures

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 3,770

 4,550  

In the next stage, these exposures are compared to all 
hedges that are in place. The net cash flow surplus 
 represents an uncovered risk position. The cash­flow­at­
risk approach involves allocating the impact of potential 
raw materials fluctuations to operating cash flows on 
the basis of probability distributions. Volatilities and cor­
relations serve as input factors to assess the relevant 
probability distributions.

The potential negative impact on earnings is com­
puted for each raw material category for the following 
financial year on the basis of current market prices 

and exposure to a confidence level of 95 % and a hold­
ing period of up to one year. Correlations between the 
various categories of raw materials are taken into ac­
count when the risks are aggregated, thus reducing the 
overall risk.

The following table shows the potential negative impact 
for the BMW Group – measured on the basis of the cash­
flow­at­risk approach – attributable to fluctuations in 
prices across all categories of raw materials. The risk at 
each reporting date for the following financial year was 
as follows:

in € million

Cash flow at risk

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 230

 405  

44  

Explanatory notes to the cash flow statements
The cash flow statements show how the cash and cash 
equivalents of the BMW Group and of the Automotive 
and Financial Services segments have changed in the 
course of the year as a result of cash inflows and cash 
outflows. In accordance with IAS 7 (Statement of Cash 
Flows), cash flows are classified into cash flows from 
 operating, investing and financing activities.

Cash and cash equivalents included in the cash flow 
statement comprise cash in hand, cheques, and cash at 

bank, to the extent that they are available within three 
months from the end of the reporting period and are 
subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

The cash flows from investing and financing activities 
are based on actual payments and receipts. By con­
trast, the cash flow from operating activities is derived 
indirectly from the net profit for the year. Under this 
method, changes in assets and liabilities relating to 
 operating activities are adjusted for currency translation 
effects and changes in the composition of the Group. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
162

The changes in balance sheet positions shown in the 
cash flow statement do not therefore agree directly with 
the amounts shown in the Group and segment balance 
sheets.

Cash inflows and outflows relating to operating leases, 
where the BMW Group is the lessor, are aggregated and 
shown on the line “Change in leased products” within 
cash flows from operating activities.

The net change in receivables from sales financing (in­
cluding finance leases, where the BMW Group is the 

lessor) is also reported within cash flows from operating 
activities.

Income taxes paid and interest received are classified 
as cash flows from operating activities in accordance 
with IAS 7.31 and IAS 7.35. Interest paid is presented 
on a separate line within cash flows from financing ac­
tivities. Dividends received in the financial year 2014 
amounted to € 1 million (2013: € 4 million).

45   Related party relationships

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

In accordance with IAS 24 (Related Party Disclosures), 
related individuals or entities which have the ability to 
control the BMW Group or which are controlled by the 
BMW Group, must be disclosed unless such parties are 
already included in the Group Financial Statements of 
BMW AG as consolidated companies. Under the con­
trol concept established in IFRS 10, an investor controls 
another entity when it is exposed to or has rights to 
variable returns from its involvement with the investee 
and has the ability to affect those returns through its 
power over the investee.

In addition, the disclosure requirements of IAS 24 also 
cover transactions with associated companies, joint 
 ventures, joint operations and individuals that have the 
ability to exercise significant influence over the finan­
cial and operating policies of the BMW Group. This also 
includes close relatives and intermediary entities. Sig­
nificant influence over the financial and operating poli­
cies of the BMW Group is presumed when a party holds 
20 % or more of the voting power of BMW AG. In addi­
tion, the requirements contained in IAS 24 relating to 
key management personnel and close members of their 
families or intermediary entities are also applied. In the 
case of the BMW Group, this applies to members of the 
Board of Management and Supervisory Board.

with these companies are small in scale, arise in the 
normal course of business and are conducted on the 
basis of arm’s length principles.

Transactions of BMW Group companies with the joint 
venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., Shenyang, 
all arise in the normal course of business and are con­
ducted on the basis of arm’s length principles. Group 
companies sold goods and services to BMW Brilliance 
Automotive Ltd., Shenyang, during the financial year 
under report for an amount of € 4,417 million (2013: 
€ 3,588 million). At 31 December 2014, receivables of 
Group companies from BMW Brilliance Automotive 
Ltd., Shenyang, totalled € 943 million (2013: € 898 mil­
lion). Group companies had no payables to BMW 
 Brilliance Automotive Ltd., Shenyang, at the end of 
the reporting period (2013: € 66 million). Group compa­
nies received goods and services from BMW Brilliance 
 Automotive Ltd., Shenyang, in 2014 for an amount of 
€ 34 million (2013: € 31 million).

All relationships of BMW Group entities with the joint 
ventures DriveNow GmbH & Co. KG, Munich, and 
DriveNow Verwaltungs GmbH, Munich, are conducted 
on the basis of arm’s length principles. Transactions 
with these entities arise in the normal course of business 
and are small in scale.

In the financial year 2014, the disclosure requirements 
contained in IAS 24 affect the BMW Group with re­
gard to business relationships with non­consolidated 
subsidiaries, joint ventures, joint operations and asso­
ciated companies as well as with members of the Board 
of Management and Supervisory Board of BMW AG.

The BMW Group maintains normal business relation­
ships with non-consolidated subsidiaries. Transactions 

Transactions of Group companies with SGL Automotive 
Carbon Fibers GmbH & Co. KG, Munich, SGL Auto­
motive Carbon Fibers Verwaltungs GmbH, Munich, and 
SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers LLC, Dover, DE, were 
reported in their entirety in the Group Financial State­
ments until 1 January 2014. As a result of the first­time 
application of IFRS 11 (Joint Arrangements) in the finan­
cial year 2014, these entities are now consolidated, as 
joint operations, on a proportionate basis (49 %) and 

 
 
 
 
 
 
163   Group Financial StatementS

the appropriate portion of transactions eliminated on 
consolidation. The remaining 51 % of the transactions 
continue to be reported in the Group Financial State­
ments (non­consolidated portion) and are described be­
low. Prior year figures have been adjusted accordingly. 
All relationships with the joint operations are attributa­
ble to the ordinary activities of the entities concerned. 
All transactions were conducted on the basis of arm’s 
length principles. At 31 December 2014, loans receiva­
ble from the joint operations amounted to € 111 million 
(2013*: € 52 million). Interest income recognised on 
these loans amounted to € 2.4 million (2013*: € 1.4 mil­
lion) in the financial year 2014. Goods and services re­
ceived by Group companies from the joint operations 
during the twelve­month period totalled € 62 million 
(2013*: € 18 million). Amounts payable to the joint oper­
ations at the end of the reporting period totalled € 5 mil­
lion (2013*: € 4 million).

The BMW Group maintains normal business relation­
ships with associated companies. Transactions with 
these companies are small in scale, arise in the normal 
course of business and are conducted on the basis of 
arm’s length principles.

Stefan Quandt is a shareholder and Deputy Chairman 
of the Supervisory Board of BMW AG. He is also the 
sole shareholder and Chairman of the Supervisory 
Board of DELTON AG, Bad Homburg v. d. H., which, via 
its subsidiaries, performed logistic­related services for 
the BMW Group during the financial year 2014. In addi­
tion, companies of the DELTON Group used vehicles 
provided by the BMW Group, mostly in the form of 
leasing contracts. Stefan Quandt is also the indirect ma­
jority shareholder of Solarwatt GmbH, Dresden. Co­
operation arrangements are in place between BMW AG 
and  Solarwatt GmbH, Dresden, within the field of 

electromobility. The focus of this collaboration is on 
providing complete photovoltaic solutions for rooftop 
systems and carports to BMW i customers. Solarwatt 
GmbH, Dresden, leased vehicles from the BMW Group 
in 2014. The service, cooperation and lease contracts 
 referred to above are not material for the BMW Group. 
They all arise in the normal course of business and are 
conducted on the basis of arm’s length principles.

Susanne Klatten is a shareholder and member of the 
Supervisory Board of BMW AG and also a shareholder 
and Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of 
 Altana AG, Wesel. Altana AG, Wesel, acquired vehicles 
from the BMW Group during the financial year 2014, 
mostly in the form of lease contracts. These contracts 
are not material for the BMW Group, arise in the course 
of ordinary activities and are made, without exception, 
on the basis of arm’s length principles.

Apart from vehicle lease contracts concluded on an 
arm’s length basis, companies of the BMW Group have 
not entered into any contracts with members of the 
Board of Management or Supervisory Board of BMW 
AG. The same applies to close members of the families 
of those persons.

BMW Trust e.V., Munich, administers assets on a trustee 
basis to secure obligations relating to pensions and 
 pre­retirement part­time work arrangements in Germany 
and is therefore a related party of the BMW Group in 
accordance with IAS 24. This entity, which is a registered 
association (eingetragener Verein) under German law, 
does not have any assets of its own. It did not have any 
income or expenses during the period under report. 
BMW AG bears expenses on a minor scale and renders 
services on behalf of BMW Trust e. V., Munich.
*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

46   Declaration with respect to the Corporate  

Governance Code
The Board of Management and the Supervisory Board 
of Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft 
have issued the prescribed Declaration of Compliance 

pursuant to § 161 of the German Stock Corporation 
Act. It is reproduced in the Annual Report 2014 of the 
BMW Group and is also available to shareholders on 
the BMW Group website at www.bmwgroup.com / ir.

47   Shareholdings of members of the Board of  Management 

and Supervisory Board
The members of the Supervisory Board of BMW AG hold 
in total 27.61 % (2013: 27.62 %) of the issued common 
and preferred stock shares, of which 16.06 % (2013: 

16.07 %) relates to Stefan Quandt, Germany, and 11.54 % 
(2013: 11.55 %) to Susanne Klatten, Germany. As at 
the end of the previous financial year, shareholdings of 
members of the BMW AG Board of Management account, 
in total, for less than 1 % of issued shares.

164

48   Compensation of members of the Board of 
 Management and Supervisory Board
The total compensation of the current members of the 
Board of Management and the Supervisory Board of  

BMW AG for the financial year 2014 amounted to € 46.1 
million (2013: € 43.4 million) and comprised the following:

in € million

Short-term employment benefits

Share-based remuneration component

Post-employment benefits

Benefits in conjunction with the termination of an employment relationship

Compensation

 2014

 2013

 39.5

 1.0

 2.1

 3.5

46.1

 38.4

 0.7

 2.2

 2.1

43.4

The total compensation of the current Board of Manage­
ment members for 2014 amounted to € 35.7 million (2013: 
€ 34.5 million). This comprised fixed components of 
€ 7.7 million (2013: € 7.9 million), variable components of 
€ 27.0 million (2013: € 25.9 million) and a share­based 
compensation component totalling € 1.0 million (2013: 
€ 0.7 million). Pension obligations to current members of 
the Board of Management are covered by provisions 
amounting to € 31.3 million (2013: € 24.8 million), com­
puted in accordance with IAS 19 (Employee Benefits).

The compensation of the members of the Supervisory 
Board for the financial year 2014 amounted to € 4.8 mil­
lion (2013: € 4.6 million). This comprised fixed compo­
nents of € 2.0 million (2013: € 2.0 million) and variable 
components of € 2.8 million (2013: € 2.6 million).

The remuneration of former members of the Board 
of Management and their dependants amounted to 
€ 5.8 million (2013: € 4.7 million).

Pension obligations to former members of the Board 
of Management and their surviving dependants are 
 covered by pension provisions amounting to € 68.4 mil­
lion (2013: € 58.0 million), computed in accordance with 
IAS 19.

The compensation systems for members of the Super­
visory Board do not include any stock options, value 
appreciation rights comparable to stock options or any 
other stock­based compensation components. Apart 
from vehicle lease contracts entered into on customary 
market conditions, no advances or loans were granted to 
members of the Board of Management and the Super­
visory Board, nor were any contingent liabilities entered 
into on their behalf.

Further details about the remuneration of current mem­
bers of the Board of Management and the Supervisory 
Board can be found in the Compensation Report, which 
is part of the Combined Management Report.

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

49  

Application of exemption provisions
A number of companies and incorporated partnerships 
(as defined by § 264 a HGB) which are consolidated sub­
sidiaries of BMW AG and for which the Group Financial 
Statements of BMW AG represent exempting consoli­
dated financial statements, apply the exemptions available 
in § 264 (3) and § 264b HGB with regard to the drawing 
up of a management report. The exemptions have been 
applied by:
–   Bavaria Wirtschaftsagentur GmbH, Munich
–   BMW Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH, Eisenach
–   BMW Hams Hall Motoren GmbH, Munich
–   BMW M GmbH Gesellschaft für individuelle 

 Automobile, Munich

–   Rolls­Royce Motor Cars GmbH, Munich

The following German entities apply the exemption 
available in § 264 (3) and § 264 b HGB with regard to 
publication:
–   Bavaria Wirtschaftsagentur GmbH, Munich
–   Alphabet International GmbH, Munich
–   BMW Hams Hall Motoren GmbH, Munich
–   BMW M GmbH Gesellschaft für individuelle 

 Automobile, Munich

–   BMW INTEC Beteiligungs GmbH, Munich
–   BMW Verwaltungs GmbH, Munich
–   Rolls­Royce Motor Cars GmbH, Munich
–   BMW Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG, Munich

In addition, the Dutch entity, BMW International 
 Holding B. V., The Hague, applies the exemption pro­
vision contained in Article 2:403 of the Civil Code 
of the Netherlands.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
165   Group Financial StatementS

BMW Group
Notes to the Group Financial Statements
Segment Information

50  

Explanatory notes to segment information
Information on reportable segments
For the purposes of presenting segment information, 
the activities of the BMW Group are divided into oper­
ating segments in accordance with IFRS 8 (Operating 
Segments). Operating segments are identified on the 
same basis that is used internally to manage and report 
on performance and takes account of the organisational 
structure of the BMW Group based on the various prod­
ucts and services of the reportable segments.

The activities of the BMW Group are broken down into 
the operating segments Automotive, Motorcycles, Finan­
cial Services and Other Entities.

The Automotive segment develops, manufactures, as­
sembles and sells cars and off­road vehicles, under the 
brands BMW, MINI and Rolls­Royce as well as spare 
parts and accessories. BMW and MINI brand products 
are sold in Germany through branches of BMW AG 
and by independent, authorised dealers. Sales outside 
Germany are handled primarily by subsidiary com­
panies and, in a number of markets, by independent 
import companies. Rolls­Royce brand vehicles are sold 
in the USA, China and Russia via subsidiary companies 
and elsewhere by independent, authorised dealers.

The BMW Motorcycles segment develops, manufac­
tures, assembles and sells motorcycles as well as spare 
parts and accessories.

The principal lines of business of the Financial Services 
segment are car leasing, fleet business, multi­brand busi­
ness, retail customer and dealer financing, customer de­
posit business and insurance activities.

Holding and Group financing companies are included in 
the Other Entities segment. This segment also includes 
operating companies – BMW Services Ltd., Farnborough, 
BMW (UK) Investments Ltd., Farnborough, Bavaria Lloyd 
Reisebüro GmbH, Munich, and MITEC Mikroelektronik 
Mikrotechnik Informatik GmbH, Munich, – which are 
not allocated to one of the other segments.

Internal management and reporting
Segment information is prepared in conformity with 
the accounting policies adopted for preparing and 
 presenting the Group Financial Statements. Excep­
tions to this general principle is the treatment of inter­
segment warranties (the earnings impact of which 
is allocated to the Automotive and Financial Services 
segments on the basis used internally to  manage the 
business) and cross­segment impairment losses on 
 investments in subsidiaries. Inter­segment receivables 
and payables, provisions, income, expenses and profits 
are eliminated in the column “Eliminations”. Inter­ 
segment sales take place at arm’s length prices.

The role of “chief operating decision maker” with respect 
to resource allocation and performance assessment of 
the reportable segment is embodied in the full Board of 
Management. In order to assist the decision­taking pro­
cess, various measures of segment performance as well 
as segment assets have been set for the various operat­
ing segments.

The performance of the Automotive and Motorcycles 
segments is managed on the basis of return on capital 
employed (RoCE). The relevant measure of segment 
 results used is therefore profit before financial result. 
Capital employed is the corresponding measure of seg­
ment assets used to determine how to allocate resources 
and comprises all current and non­current operational 
assets after deduction of liabilities used operationally 
which are not subject to interest (e. g. trade payables).

The performance of the Financial Services segment is 
measured on the basis of return on equity (RoE), with 
profit before tax therefore representing the measure of 
segment result used. For this reason, the measure of 
segment assets in the Financial Services segment corre­
sponds to net assets, defined as total assets less total 
 liabilities.

The performance of the Other Entities segment is as­
sessed on the basis of profit or loss before tax. The 
 corresponding measure of segment assets used to 
 manage the Other Entities segment is total assets less 
tax assets and intragroup investments.

166

Segment information by operating segment is as follows:

Segment information by operating segment

in € million

External revenues

Inter-segment revenues

Total revenues

Segment result

Income from equity accounted investments

Capital expenditure on non-current assets

Depreciation and amortisation on non-current assets

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

in € million

Segment assets

Investments accounted for using the equity method

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

Automotive

Motorcycles

Financial

Services

Other Entities

Reconciliation to

Group figures

Group

 2014

 2013*

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013*

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013*

 2014

 2013*  

 59,654

 15,519

75,173

 7,244

 655

 6,022

 4,080

 56,286

 14,344

70,630

 6,649

 407

 6,659

 3,657

 1,671

 8

1,679

 112

  –

 69

 64

 1,495

 9

1,504

 79

  –

 85

 65

 19,073

 1,526

20,599

 1,723

  –

 19,206

 7,539

 18,276

 1,598

19,874

 1,619

  –

 17,484

 7,021

 3

 4

      7

 154

  –

  –

  –

 2

 4

 164

  –

  –

  –

  –

  –

 80,401

 76,059  

 External revenues

  – 17,057

  – 15,955

  –

  –  

 Inter-segment revenues

      6

– 17,057

– 15,955

80,401

76,059

 Total revenues

  – 526

  –

  – 4,621

  – 4,112

  – 618

  –

  – 4,325

  – 3,787

 8,707

 655

 20,676

 7,571

 7,893  

 Segment result

 407  

 Income from equity accounted investments

 19,903  

 Capital expenditure on non-current assets

 6,956  

 Depreciation and amortisation on non-current assets

Automotive

Motorcycles

Financial

Services

Other Entities

Reconciliation to

Group figures

Group

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013*

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013*

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013*

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013*

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013*  

 11,489

 1,088

 10,318

 638

 575

  –

 488

  –

 9,357

  –

 8,388

  –

 61,516

 55,300

 71,866

 63,883

 154,803

 138,377  

 Segment assets

  –

  –

  –

  –

 1,088

 638  

 Investments accounted for using the equity method

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
167   Group Financial StatementS

Segment information by operating segment

in € million

External revenues

Inter-segment revenues

Total revenues

Segment result

Income from equity accounted investments

Capital expenditure on non-current assets

Depreciation and amortisation on non-current assets

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

in € million

Segment assets

Investments accounted for using the equity method

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

Automotive

Motorcycles

Financial
Services

Other Entities

Reconciliation to
Group figures

Group

 2014

 2013*

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013*

 2014

 2013

 2014

 2013*

 2014

 2013*  

 59,654

 15,519

75,173

 7,244

 655

 6,022

 4,080

 56,286

 14,344

70,630

 6,649

 407

 6,659

 3,657

 1,671

 8

1,679

 112

  –

 69

 64

 1,495

 9

1,504

 79

  –

 85

 65

 19,073

 1,526

20,599

 1,723

  –

 19,206

 7,539

 18,276

 1,598

19,874

 1,619

  –

 17,484

 7,021

 3

 4

      7

 154

  –

  –

  –

 2

 4

  –

  –

 80,401

 76,059  

 External revenues

  – 17,057

  – 15,955

  –

  –  

 Inter-segment revenues

      6

– 17,057

– 15,955

80,401

76,059

 Total revenues

 164

  –

  –

  –

  – 526

  –

  – 4,621

  – 4,112

  – 618

  –

  – 4,325

  – 3,787

 8,707

 655

 20,676

 7,571

 7,893  

 Segment result

 407  
 19,903  

 Income from equity accounted investments

 Capital expenditure on non-current assets

 6,956  

 Depreciation and amortisation on non-current assets

Automotive

Motorcycles

Financial
Services

Other Entities

Reconciliation to
Group figures

Group

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013*

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013*

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013*

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013*

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013*  

 11,489

 1,088

 10,318

 638

 575

  –

 488

  –

 9,357

  –

 8,388

  –

 61,516

 55,300

 71,866

 63,883

 154,803

 138,377  

 Segment assets

  –

  –

  –

  –

 1,088

 638  

 Investments accounted for using the equity method

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
168

Write­downs on inventories to their net realisable value 
amounting to € 29 million (2013: € 28 million) were recog­
nised by the Automotive segment in the financial year 
2014. Reversals of write­downs during the same period 
amounted to € 3 million (2013: € 4 million).

Impairment losses on other investments amounting to 
€ 153 million (2013: € 84 million) relating to the Automo­
tive segment were recognised as part of the financial 
 result and are therefore not included in segment result.

Interest and similar income of the Financial Services 
segment is a component of segment result and totalled 
€ 4 million (2013: € 5 million). Interest and similar ex­
penses of the Financial Services segment amounted to 
€ 29 million (2013*: € 27 million).

Financial Services segment result was negatively im­
pacted by impairment losses totalling € 268 million 

in € million

Reconciliation of segment result

 Total for reportable segments

 Financial result of Automotive segment and Motorcycles segment

 Elimination of inter-segment items

Group profit before tax

Reconciliation of capital expenditure on non-current assets

 Total for reportable segments

 Elimination of inter-segment items

Total Group capital expenditure on non-current assets

Reconciliation of depreciation and amortisation on non-current assets

 Total for reportable segments

 Elimination of inter-segment items

Total Group depreciation and amortisation on non-current assets

 recognised on leased products. Reversals of impair­
ment losses amounted to € 169 million.

The Other Entities segment result includes interest 
and similar income amounting to € 1,295 million (2013: 
€ 1,340 million) and interest and similar expenses 
amounting to € 1,197 million (2013: € 1,279 million). The 
segment result was not impacted by any impairment 
losses in the financial year 2014 (2013: € 7 million).

The information disclosed for capital expenditure and 
depreciation and amortisation relates to non­current 
property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and 
leased products.

Segment figures can be reconciled to the corresponding 
Group figures as follows:

 2014

 2013*

 9,233

  – 363

  – 163

8,707

 25,297

  – 4,621

20,676

 11,683

  – 4,112

7,571

 8,511

  – 91

  – 527

7,893

 24,228

  – 4,325

19,903

 10,743

  – 3,787

6,956

in € million

 31. 12. 2014

 31. 12. 2013*

Reconciliation of segment assets

 Total for reportable segments

 Non-operating assets – Other Entities segment

 Operating liabilities – Financial Services segment

 Interest-bearing assets – Automotive and Motorcycles segments

 Liabilities of Automotive and Motorcycles segments not subject to interest

 Elimination of inter-segment items

Total Group assets

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

 82,937

 6,658

 96,959

 39,449

 28,488

  – 99,688

154,803

 74,494

 5,989

 83,942

 37,357

 25,473

  – 88,878

138,377

90    GROUP FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
90    Income Statements
90     Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

92    Balance Sheets
94    Cash Flow Statements
96     Group Statement of Changes in  

Equity
98     Notes

   98     Accounting Principles and  

Policies

116     Notes to the Income  Statement
123     Notes to the Statement  

of Comprehensive Income
124    Notes to the Balance Sheet
149    Other Disclosures
165    Segment Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
169   Group Financial StatementS

In the case of information by geographical region, exter­
nal sales are based on the location of the customer’s 
 registered office. Revenues with major customers were 
not material overall. The information disclosed for non­

current assets relates to property, plant and equip­
ment, intangible assets and leased products. Elimina­
tions disclosed for non­current assets relate to leased 
products.

 External
revenues

 Non-current
assets

 2014

 2013*

 2014

 2013*

 12,992

 13,666

 15,002

 24,635

 2,961

 11,145

  –

 11,797

 12,691

 15,348

 22,552

 3,103

 10,568

  –

80,401

76,059

 27,137

 17,093

 25

 11,643

 2,050

 1,102

  – 5,204

53,846

 25,320

 12,911

 21

 10,651

 1,668

 1,025

  – 4,335

47,261

Information by region

in € million

Germany

USA

China

Rest of Europe

Rest of the Americas

Other

Eliminations

Group

*  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

Munich, 19 February 2015

Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft

The Board of Management

Dr.­Ing. Dr.­Ing. E. h. Norbert Reithofer

Milagros Caiña Carreiro­Andree

Dr.­Ing. Klaus Draeger

Dr. Friedrich Eichiner

Klaus Fröhlich

Harald Krüger

Dr. Ian Robertson (HonDSc)

Peter Schwarzenbauer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
170

STATEMENT ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Good corporate governance – acting in accordance with 
the principles of responsible management aimed at in­
creasing the value of the business on a sustainable basis – 
is an essential requirement for the BMW Group em­
bracing all areas of the business. Corporate culture within 
the BMW Group is founded on transparent reporting 
and internal communication, a policy of corporate 
governance aimed at the interests of stakeholders, fair 
and open dealings between the Board of Management 
and the Supervisory Board as well as among employees 
and compliance with the law. The Board of Management 
and Supervisory Board report in this statement on 
 important aspects of corporate governance pursuant to 
§ 289 a HGB and section 3.10 of the German Corporate 
Governance Code (GCGC).

Information on the Company’s Governing Constitution
The designation “BMW Group” comprises Bayerische 
Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (BMW AG) and its 
group entities. BMW AG is a stock corporation (Aktien­
gesellschaft) based on the German Stock Corporation 
Act (Aktiengesetz) and has its registered office in 
 Munich, Germany. It has three representative bodies: 
the Annual General Meeting, the Supervisory Board 
and the Board of Management. The duties and authori­
ties of those bodies derive from the Stock Corporation 
Act and the Articles of Incorporation of BMW AG. 
Shareholders, as the owners of the business, exercise 
their rights at the Annual General Meeting. The Annual 
General Meeting decides in particular on the utilisation 
of unappropriated profit, the ratification of the acts 
of the members of the Board of Management and of the 
Supervisory Board, the appointment of the external 
 auditor, changes to the Articles of Incorporation, speci­
fied capital measures and elects the shareholders’ 
 representatives to the Supervisory Board. The Board of 
Management manages the enterprise under its own 
 responsibility. Within this framework, it is monitored 
and advised by the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory 
Board appoints the members of the Board of Manage­
ment and can, at any time, revoke an appointment if 
there is an important reason. The Board of Manage­
ment keeps the Supervisory Board informed of all sig­
nificant matters regularly, promptly and comprehen­
sively, following the principles of conscientious and 
faithful  accountability and in accordance with prevailing 
law and the reporting duties allocated to it by the Super­
visory Board. The Board of Management requires 
the approval of the Supervisory Board for certain major 
transactions. The Supervisory Board is not, however, 
authorised to undertake management measures itself.

In accordance with the requirements of the German 
 Co­determination Act for companies that generally em­
ploy more than 20,000 people, the Supervisory Board 
of BMW AG is required to comprise ten shareholder 
 representatives elected at the Annual General Meeting 
(Supervisory Board members representing equity or 
shareholders) and ten employees elected in accordance 
with the provisions of the Co­determination Act (Super­
visory Board members representing employees). The 
ten Supervisory Board members representing employees 
comprise seven Company employees, including one 
 executive staff representative, and three members elected 
following nomination by unions.

The close interaction between Board of Management 
and Supervisory Board in the interests of the enterprise 
as described above is also known as a “two­tier board 
structure”.

Declaration of Compliance and the BMW Group 
 Corporate Governance Code
Management and supervisory boards of companies listed 
in Germany are required by law (§ 161 German Stock 
Corporation Act) to report once a year whether the offi­
cially published and relevant recommendations issued 
by the “German Government Corporate Governance 
Code Commission”, as valid at the date of the declara­
tion, have been, and are being, complied with. Com­
panies affected are also required to state which of the 
recommendations of the Code have not been or are not 
being applied, stating the reason or reasons. The full 
text of the declaration, together with explanatory com­
ments, is shown on the following page of this Annual 
Report.

The Board of Management and the Supervisory Board 
approved the Group’s own Corporate Governance Code 
based on the GCGC in previous years in order to pro­
vide interested parties with a comprehensive and stand­
alone document covering the corporate governance 
practices applied by the BMW Group. A coordinator 
 responsible for all corporate governance issues reports 
directly and on a regular basis to the Board of Manage­
ment and Supervisory Board.

The Corporate Governance Code for the BMW Group, 
together with the Declaration of Compliance, Articles 
of Incorporation and other information, can be viewed 
and / or downloaded from the BMW Group’s website at 
www.bmwgroup.com/ir under the menu items “Corpo­
rate Facts” and “Corporate Governance”.

170     STATEMENT ON  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
(Part of Management Report)

170     Information on the Company’s 
 Governing Constitution
171     Declaration of the Board of  

Management and of the  
Supervisory Board pursuant to 
§ 161 AktG

172     Members of the Board of  

Management

173     Members of the Supervisory  

Board

176     Work Procedures of the  

Board of  Management

178     Work Procedures of the  
Supervisory Board
183     Information on Corporate  
Governance Practices

184    Compliance in the BMW Group
189    Compensation Report

171   Statement on corporate Governance

Declaration by the Board of Management and the 
 Supervisory Board of Bayerische Motoren Werke 
 Aktiengesellschaft with respect to the recommen dations 
of the “Government Commission on the German 
 Corporate Governance Code” pursuant to § 161 German 
Stock Corporation Act
The Board of Management and Supervisory Board 
of Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft 
(“BMW AG”) declare the following regarding the recom­
mendations of the “Government Commission on the 
German Corporate Governance Code”:

1.   Since issuance of the last Declaration in December 

2013, BMW AG has complied with all of the recommen­
dations published officially on 10 June 2013 (Code 
 version dated 13 May 2013), to the extent that they were 
already applicable.

2.   BMW AG will in future comply with all of the recom­
mendations published on 30 September 2014 in the 
electronic Federal Gazette (Code version dated 24 June 
2014), with the following exception: 

It is recommended in section 4.2.5 sentences 5 and 6 
of the Code that specified information pertaining to 
management board compensation be disclosed in the 
Compensation Report. These recommendations will 
not be complied with, due to uncertainties with respect 
to their interpretation and doubts as to whether the 
supplementary use of model tables would be instru­
mental in making the BMW Group’s Compensation 
 Report transparent and generally understandable in ac­
cordance with generally applicable  financial reporting 
requirements (see section 4.2.5 sentence 3 of the Code).

Munich, December 2014

Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft

On behalf of the 
Supervisory Board 

On behalf of the 
Board of Management

Prof. Dr.­Ing. Dr. h. c. 
Dr.­Ing. E. h. Joachim Milberg 
Chairman

Dr.­Ing. Dr.­Ing. E. h. 
Norbert Reithofer 
Chairman

 
172

Members of the Board of Management

  Dr.-Ing. Dr.-Ing. E. h. Norbert Reithofer (born 1956)
  Chairman

  Dr. Friedrich Eichiner (born 1955)
  Finance

  Mandates

  Mandates

   Siemens Aktiengesellschaft  
(since 27. 01. 2015)
  Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Shareholders’ Committee)

  Allianz Deutschland AG
   FESTO Aktiengesellschaft
  BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (Deputy Chairman)
    FESTO Management Aktiengesellschaft

  Milagros Caiña Carreiro-Andree (born 1962)
  Human Resources, Industrial Relations Director

  Dr.-Ing. Herbert Diess (born 1958)

 Development 
(until 09. 12. 2014)

  Klaus Fröhlich (born 1960)

 Development 
(since 09. 12. 2014)

  Harald Krüger (born 1965)
  Production

  Mandates

  Dr.-Ing. Klaus Draeger (born 1956)
  Purchasing and Supplier Network

   BMW (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd. (Chairman)
   BMW Motoren GmbH (Chairman)

  Dr. Ian Robertson (HonDSc) (born 1958)

 Sales and Marketing BMW,  
Sales Channels BMW Group

  Mandates

   Dyson James Group Limited

  Peter Schwarzenbauer (born 1959)
 MINI, Motorcycles, Rolls­Royce,  
Aftersales BMW Group

  Mandates

   Rolls­Royce Motor Cars Limited (Chairman)

  General Counsel:
  Dr. Jürgen Reul

170     STATEMENT ON  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
(Part of Management Report)

170     Information on the Company’s 
 Governing Constitution
171     Declaration of the Board of  

Management and of the  
Supervisory Board pursuant to 
§ 161 AktG

172     Members of the Board of  

Management

173     Members of the Supervisory  

Board

176     Work Procedures of the  

Board of  Management

178     Work Procedures of the  
Supervisory Board
183     Information on Corporate  
Governance Practices

184    Compliance in the BMW Group
189    Compensation Report

 Membership of other statutory supervisory boards.
 Membership of equivalent national or foreign boards of business enterprises.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
173   Statement on corporate Governance

Members of the Supervisory Board

  Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h. c. Dr.-Ing. E. h.  
Joachim Milberg (born 1943)

  Chairman

 Former Chairman of the Board of  
Management of BMW AG

 Chairman of the Presiding Board, Personnel Committee  
and Nomination Committee; member of Audit Committee 
and the Mediation Committee

  Mandates

   Bertelsmann Management SE (Deputy Chairman)
  Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA (Deputy Chairman)
   FESTO Aktiengesellschaft (Deputy Chairman)  
(until 25. 04. 2014)
  Deere & Company
   FESTO Management Aktiengesellschaft (Deputy Chairman)  
(until 25. 04. 2014)

  Manfred Schoch1 (born 1955)
  Deputy Chairman

 Chairman of the European and  
General Works Council
Industrial Engineer

 Member of the Presiding Board, Personnel Committee,  
Audit Committee and Mediation Committee

  Stefan Quandt (born 1966)
  Deputy Chairman
  Entrepreneur

 Member of the Presiding Board, Personnel Committee,  
Audit Committee, Nomination Committee and Mediation 
Committee

  Mandates

  DELTON AG (Chairman)
  AQTON SE (Chairman)
  DataCard Corp. (until 11. 11. 2014)
  Entrust Datacard Corp. (since 12. 11. 2014)

  Stefan Schmid1 (born 1965)
  Deputy Chairman
  Chairman of the Works Council, Dingolfing

 Member of the Presiding Board, Personnel Committee,  
Audit Committee and Mediation Committee

  Dr. jur. Karl-Ludwig Kley (born 1951)
  Deputy Chairman

 Chairman of the Executive Management of  
Merck KGaA

 Chairman of the Audit Committee and Independent  
Finance Expert; member of the Presiding Board,  
Personnel Committee and Nomination Committee

  Mandates

   Bertelsmann Management SE
  Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA
   Deutsche Lufthansa Aktiengesellschaft

  Christiane Benner 2 (born 1968)

 (since 15. 05. 2014) 
Executive Member of the  
Executive Board of IG Metall

  Mandates

   Robert Bosch GmbH
   T­Systems International GmbH (until 31. 07. 2014)

  Bertin Eichler 2 (born 1952)

 (until 15. 05. 2014) 
 Former Executive Member of the  
Executive Board of IG Metall

  Mandates

  C. + H. Winter GmbH (since 01. 05. 2014)
   Luitpoldhütte AG
   ThyssenKrupp AG (Deputy Chairman)  
(until 17. 01. 2014)
  BGAG Beteiligungsgesellschaft der 

  Gewerkschaften GmbH (Chairman Advisory Board)

 1 Employee representatives (company employees).
 2 Employee representatives (union representatives).
 3 Employee representatives (members of senior management).
 Membership of other statutory supervisory boards.
 Membership of equivalent national or foreign boards of business enterprises.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
174

  Franz Haniel (born 1955)
  Engineer, MBA

  Mandates

  DELTON AG (Deputy Chairman)
  Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH (Chairman)
  Heraeus Holding GmbH
  Metro AG (Chairman)
  secunet Security Networks AG (until 14. 05. 2014)
  Giesecke & Devrient GmbH (until 08. 04. 2014)
  TBG Limited

  Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dr. h. c. Reinhard Hüttl (born 1957)

 Chairman of the Executive Board of  
Helmholtz­Zentrum Potsdam Deutsches  
GeoForschungsZentrum – GFZ

  University Professor

  Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Renate Köcher (born 1952)

 Director of Institut für Demoskopie Allensbach  
Gesellschaft zum Studium der öffentlichen  
Meinung mbH

  Mandates

  Allianz SE
  Infineon Technologies AG
  Nestlé Deutschland AG
  Robert Bosch GmbH

  Ulrich Kranz3 (born 1958)
 (since 15. 05. 2014) 
Head of Product Line BMW i

  Dr. h. c. Robert W. Lane (born 1949)

 Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of  
Deere & Company

   Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dr.-Ing. E. h.  
  Henning Kagermann (born 1947)

 President of acatech – Deutsche Akademie der 
 Technikwissenschaften e. V.

  Mandates

  General Electric Company
  Northern Trust Corporation
  Verizon Communications Inc.

  Mandates

  Deutsche Bank AG
  Deutsche Post AG
  Franz Haniel & Cie GmbH
   Münchener Rückversicherungs­Gesellschaft  
Aktiengesellschaft in München
  Nokia Corporation (until 17. 06. 2014)
  Wipro Limited (until 30. 06. 2014)

  Horst Lischka2 (born 1963)
  General Representative of IG Metall Munich

  Mandates

  KraussMaffei Group GmbH
  KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH
  MAN Truck & Bus AG

  Susanne Klatten (born 1962)
  Entrepreneur

  Willibald Löw1 (born 1956)
  Chairman of the Works Council, Landshut

  Member of the Nomination Committee

  Mandates

  ALTANA AG (Deputy Chairman)
  SGL Carbon SE (Chairman)
  UnternehmerTUM GmbH (Chairman)

  Wolfgang Mayrhuber (born 1947)
  Chairman of the Supervisory Board of 
  Deutsche Lufthansa Aktiengesellschaft

  Mandates

   Deutsche Lufthansa Aktiengesellschaft (Chairman)
  Infineon Technologies AG (Chairman)
   Münchener Rückversicherungs­Gesellschaft 
 Aktiengesellschaft in München
  HEICO Corporation

 1 Employee representatives (company employees).
 2 Employee representatives (union representatives).
 3 Employee representatives (members of senior management).
 Membership of other statutory supervisory boards.
 Membership of equivalent national or foreign boards of business enterprises.

170     STATEMENT ON  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
(Part of Management Report)

170     Information on the Company’s 
 Governing Constitution
171     Declaration of the Board of  

Management and of the  
Supervisory Board pursuant to 
§ 161 AktG

172     Members of the Board of  

Management

173     Members of the Supervisory  

Board

176     Work Procedures of the  

Board of  Management

178     Work Procedures of the  
Supervisory Board
183     Information on Corporate  
Governance Practices

184    Compliance in the BMW Group
189    Compensation Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
175   Statement on corporate Governance

  Dr. Dominique Mohabeer1 (born 1963)
  Member of the Works Council, Munich

  Brigitte Rödig1 (born 1963)

 Member of the Works Council, Dingolfing

  Dr. Markus Schramm3 (born 1963)

(until 15. 05. 2014)
 Head of Development Aftersales  
Business Management and  
Mobility Services BMW Group

  Jürgen Wechsler 2 (born 1955)

 Regional Head of IG Metall Bavaria

  Mandates

  Schaeffler AG (Deputy Chairman)

  Werner Zierer1 (born 1959)
  Chairman of the Works Council, Regensburg

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
176

Composition and work procedures of the Board of 
 Management of BMW AG and its committees
The Board of Management governs the enterprise under 
its own responsibility, acting in the interests of the BMW 
Group with the aim of achieving sustainable growth 
in value. The interests of shareholders, employees and 
other stakeholders are also taken into account in the 
pursuit of this aim.

The Board of Management determines the strategic 
 orientation of the enterprise, agrees upon it with the 
Supervisory Board and ensures its implementation. 
The Board of Management is responsible for ensuring 
that all provisions of law and internal regulations are 
complied with. Further details about compliance within 
the BMW Group can be found in the “Corporate 
 Governance” section of the Annual Report. The Board 
of Management is also responsible for ensuring that 
 appropriate risk management and risk controlling sys­
tems are in place throughout the Group.

During their period of employment for BMW AG, mem­
bers of the Board of Management are bound by a com­
prehensive non­competition clause. They are required 
to act in the enterprise’s best interests and may not 
 pursue personal interests in their decisions or take ad­
vantage of business opportunities intended for the 
 enterprise. They may only undertake ancillary activities, 
in particular supervisory board mandates outside 
the BMW Group, with the approval of the Supervisory 
Board’s Personnel Committee. Each member of the 
Board of Management of BMW AG is obliged to disclose 
conflicts of interest to the Supervisory Board without 
delay and inform the other members of the Board of 
Management accordingly.

Following the appointment of a new member to the 
Board of Management, the BMW Corporate Governance 
Officer informs the new member of the framework 
 conditions under which the board member’s duties are 
to be carried out – in particular those enshrined in the 
BMW Group’s Corporate Governance Code – as well 
as the duty to cooperate when a transaction or event 
triggers reporting requirements or requires the approval 
of the Supervisory Board.

The Board of Management consults and takes decisions 
as a collegiate body in meetings of the Board of Manage­
ment, the Sustainability Board, the Operations Com­
mittee and the Committee for Executive Management 
Matters. At its meetings, the Board of Management 
 defines the overall framework for business strategies 
and the use of resources, takes decisions regarding the 
 implementation of strategies and deals with issues of 
 particular importance to the BMW Group. The full board 

also takes decisions at a basic policy level relating to 
the Group’s automobile product strategies and product 
projects inasmuch as these are relevant for all brands. 
The Board of Management and its committees may, as 
required and depending on the subject matters being 
discussed, invite non­voting advisers to participate at 
meetings.

Terms of reference approved by the Board of Manage­
ment contain a planned allocation of divisional respon­
sibilities between the individual board members. These 
terms of reference also incorporate the principle that 
the full Board of Management bears joint responsibility 
for all matters of particular importance and scope. In 
addition, members of the Board of Management man­
age the relevant portfolio of duties under their responsi­
bility, whereby case­by­case rules can be put in place 
for cross­divisional projects. Board members continually 
provide the Chairman of the Board of Management 
with all information regarding major transactions and 
developments within their area of responsibility. The 
Chairman of the Board of Management coordinates 
cross­divisional matters with the overall targets and plans 
of the BMW Group, involving other board members to 
the extent that divisions within their area of responsi­
bility are affected.

The Board of Management takes its decisions at meetings 
generally held on a weekly basis which are convened, 
coordinated and headed by the Chairman of the Board 
of Management. At the request of the Chairman, de­
cisions can also be taken outside of board meetings if 
none of the board members object to this procedure. A 
meeting is quorate if all Board of Management members 
are invited to the meeting in good time. Members unable 
to attend any meeting are entitled to vote in writing, 
by fax or by telephone. Votes cast by phone must be sub­
sequently confirmed in writing. Except in urgent cases, 
matters relating to a division for which the responsible 
board member is not present will only be discussed and 
decided upon with that member’s consent.

Unless stipulated otherwise by law or in BMW AG’s 
 statutes, the Board of Management makes decisions on 
the basis of a simple majority of votes cast at meetings. 
Outside of board meetings, decisions are taken on 
the basis of a simple majority of board members. In the 
event of a tied vote, the Chairman of the Board of 
Management has the casting vote. Any changes to the 
board’s terms of reference must be passed unanimously. 
A board meeting may only be held if more than half of 
the board members are present.

In the event that the Chairman of the Board of Manage­
ment is not present or is unable to attend a meeting, the 

170     STATEMENT ON  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
(Part of Management Report)

170     Information on the Company’s 
 Governing Constitution
171     Declaration of the Board of  

Management and of the  
Supervisory Board pursuant to 
§ 161 AktG

172     Members of the Board of  

Management

173     Members of the Supervisory  

Board

176     Work Procedures of the  

Board of  Management

178     Work Procedures of the  
Supervisory Board
183     Information on Corporate  
Governance Practices

184    Compliance in the BMW Group
189    Compensation Report

177   Statement on corporate Governance

Member of the Board responsible for Finance will 
represent him.

Minutes are taken of all meetings and the Board of 
Management’s resolutions and signed by the Chairman. 
Decisions taken by the Board of Management are 
binding for all employees.

The rules relating to meetings and resolutions taken 
by the full Board of Management are also applicable for 
its committees.

Members of the Board of Management not represented 
in a committee are provided with the agendas and 
 minutes of committee meetings. Committee matters are 
dealt with in full board meetings if the committee con­
siders it necessary or at the request of a member of the 
Board of Management.

A secretariat for Board of Management matters has been 
established to assist the Chairman and other board 
members with the preparation and follow­up work con­
nected with board meetings.

At meetings of the Operations Committee (generally held 
three times a month), decisions are reached in connec­
tion with automobile product projects, based on the 
strategic orientation and decision framework stipulated 
at Board of Management meetings. The Operations 
Committee comprises the Board of Management mem­
ber responsible for Development (who also chairs the 
meetings), together with the board members responsible 
for the following areas: Purchasing and Supplier Network; 
Production; Sales and Marketing BMW, Sales Channels 
BMW Group; and MINI, Motorcycles, Rolls­Royce, 
 Aftersales BMW Group. If the committee chairman is 
not present or unable to attend a meeting, the Member 
of the Board responsible for Production represents 
him. Resolutions taken at meetings of the Operations 
Committee are made online.

The full board usually convenes twice a year in its func­
tion as Sustainability Board in order to define strategy 
with regard to sustainability and decide upon measures 
to implement that strategy. The Head of Corporate 
 Affairs and the Representative for Sustainability and 
Environmental Protection participate in these meetings 
in an advisory capacity.

The Board’s Committee for Executive Management 
 Matters deals with enterprise­wide issues affecting ex­
ecutive managers of the BMW Group, either in their 
 entirety or individually (such as the executive manage­
ment structure, potential candidates for executive 
 management, nominations for or promotions to senior 

management positions). This committee has, on the 
one hand, an advisory and preparatory role (e. g. 
 making suggestions for promotions to the two remu­
neration groups below board level and preparing 
 decisions to be taken at board meetings with regard 
to human resources principles with the emphasis on 
executive management issues) and a decision­taking 
function on the other (e. g. deciding on appointments 
to senior management positions and promotions to 
higher remuneration groups or the wording of human 
resources principles decided on by the full board). 
The Committee has two members who are entitled to 
vote at meetings, namely the Chairman of the Board 
of Management (who also chairs the meetings) and 
the board member responsible for Human Resources 
and Social Affairs. The Head of Human Resources, 
Personnel Network and Human Resources Interna­
tional and the Head of Human Resources Executive 
Management also participate in an advisory function. 
At the request of the Chairman, resolutions may also 
be passed outside of committee meetings by casting 
votes in writing, by fax or by telephone if the other 
member entitled to vote does not object immediately. 
As a general rule,  between five and ten meetings are 
held each year.

The Board of Management is represented by its Chair­
man in its dealings with the Supervisory Board. The 
Chairman of the Board of Management maintains 
 regular contact with the Chairman of the Supervisory 
Board and keeps him informed of all important mat­
ters. The Supervisory Board has passed a resolution 
specifying the information and reporting duties of the 
Board of Management. As a general rule, in the case 
of reports required by dint of law, the Board of Manage­
ment submits its reports to the Supervisory Board in 
writing. To the extent possible, documents required as 
a basis for taking decisions are sent to the members of 
the Supervisory Board in good time before the relevant 
meeting. Regarding transactions of fundamental im­
portance, the Supervisory Board has stipulated specific 
transactions which require the approval of the Super­
visory Board. Whenever necessary, the Chairman of 
the Board of Management obtains the approval of the 
Supervisory Board and ensures that reporting duties 
to the Supervisory Board are complied with. In order 
to fulfil these tasks, the Chairman is supported by all 
members of the Board of Management. The fundamen­
tal principle followed when reporting to the Supervi­
sory Board is that the latter should be kept informed 
regularly, without delay and comprehensively of all 
 significant matters relating to planning, business per­
formance, risk exposures, risk management and com­
pliance, as well as any major variances between actual 
and budgeted figures.

178

Composition and work procedures of the Supervisory 
Board of BMW AG and its committees
BMW AG’s Supervisory Board, comprising ten share­
holder representatives (elected by the Annual General 
Meeting) and ten employee representatives (elected 
by employees in accordance with the German Co­deter­
mination Act), has the task of advising and supervising 
the Board of Management in its governance of the 
BMW Group. It is involved in all decisions of fundamen­
tal importance for the BMW Group. The Supervisory 
Board appoints the members of the Board of Manage­
ment and decides upon the level of compensation 
they are to receive. The Supervisory Board can revoke 
appointments for important reasons.

Together with the Personnel Committee and the Board 
of Management, the Supervisory Board ensures that 
long­term successor planning is in place. In their assess­
ment of candidates for a post on the Board of Manage­
ment, the underlying criteria applied by the Supervisory 
Board for determining the suitability of candidates are 
their expertise in the relevant area of board responsi­
bility, outstanding leadership qualities, a proven track 
record and an understanding of the BMW Group’s busi­
ness. The Supervisory Board takes diversity into ac­
count when assessing, on balance, which individual will 
best complement the Board of Management as a repre­
sentative body of the Company. “Diversity” in the con­
text of the decision process is understood by the Super­
visory Board to encompass different, complementary 
individual profiles, work and life experiences, at both a 
national and international level, as well as appropriate 
representation of both genders. The Supervisory Board 
strives to ensure appropriate female representation 
on the Board of Management. The Board of Manage­
ment reports accordingly to the Personnel Committee 
and the Supervisory Board at regular intervals on the 
proportion of, and changes in, management positions 
held by women, in particular below senior executive 
level and at uppermost management level. When actu­
ally selecting an individual for a post on the Board of 
Management, the Supervisory Board decides in the 
best interests of the Company and after taking account 
of all relevant circumstances.

The Supervisory Board holds a minimum of two meet­
ings in each of the first and second six­month periods of 
the calendar year. Normally, five plenary meetings are 
held per calendar year. One meeting each year is planned 
to cover a number of days and is used, amongst other 
things, to enable an in­depth exchange on stra tegic and 
technological matters. The main emphases of meetings in 
the period under report are described in the Report of 
the  Supervisory Board. As a general rule, the shareholder 

representatives and employee representatives prepare the 
Supervisory Board meetings separately and, if  necessary, 
together with members of the Board of Management. 
Members of the Supervisory Board are in particular le­
gally bound to maintain confidentiality with respect to 
any confidential reports they receive and any confiden­
tial discussions in which they partake.

The Chairman of the Supervisory Board coordinates 
work within the Supervisory Board, chairs its meet­
ings, handles the external affairs of the Supervisory 
Board and represents it in its dealings with the Board 
of  Management.

The Supervisory Board is quorate if all members have 
been invited to the meeting and at least half of its 
 members participate in the vote on a particular resolu­
tion. A resolution relating to an agenda item not in­
cluded in the invitation is only valid if none of the mem­
bers of the Supervisory Board who were not present 
at the meeting object to the resolution and a minimum 
of two­thirds of the members are present.

As a basic rule, resolutions are passed by the Super­
visory Board by simple majority. The German Co­de­
termination Act contains specific requirements with 
 regard to majority voting and technical procedures, 
particularly with regard to the appointment and revoca­
tion of appointment of management board members 
and the election of a supervisory board chairman or 
deputy chairman. In the event of a tied vote in the 
 Supervisory Board, the Chairman of the Supervisory 
Board has two votes in a renewed vote, if it also results 
in a tie.

In practice, resolutions are taken by the Supervisory 
Board and its committees at the relevant meetings. A 
Supervisory Board member who is not present at a 
meeting can have his / her vote cast by another Super­
visory Board member if an appropriate request has 
been made in writing, by fax or in electronic form. This 
rule also applies to the casting of the second vote by 
the Chairman of the Supervisory Board. The Chairman 
of the Supervisory Board can also accept the retrospec­
tive casting of votes by any members not present at a 
meeting if this is done within the time limit previously 
set. In special cases, resolutions may also be taken 
 outside of meetings, i. e. in writing, by fax or by elec­
tronic means. Minutes are taken of all resolutions and 
meetings.

After its meetings, the Supervisory Board is generally 
provided information on new vehicle models in the 
form of a short presentation.

170     STATEMENT ON  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
(Part of Management Report)

170     Information on the Company’s 
 Governing Constitution
171     Declaration of the Board of  

Management and of the  
Supervisory Board pursuant to 
§ 161 AktG

172     Members of the Board of  

Management

173     Members of the Supervisory  

Board

176     Work Procedures of the  

Board of  Management

178     Work Procedures of the  
Supervisory Board
183     Information on Corporate  
Governance Practices

184    Compliance in the BMW Group
189    Compensation Report

179   Statement on corporate Governance

Following the election of a new Supervisory Board mem­
ber, the BMW Corporate Governance Officer informs 
the new member of the principal issues affecting his or 
her duties – in particular those enshrined in the BMW 
Group Corporate Governance Code – including the 
duty to cooperate when a transaction or event triggers 
reporting requirements or is subject to the approval of 
the Supervisory Board.

All members of the Supervisory Board of BMW AG are 
required to ensure that they have sufficient time to 
 perform their mandate. If members of the Supervisory 
Board of BMW AG are also members of the management 
board of a listed company, they may not accept more 
than a total of three mandates on non­BMW Group super­
visory boards of listed companies or in other bodies 
with comparable requirements.

The Supervisory Board examines the efficiency of its 
 activities on a regular basis. Joint discussions are also 
held at plenum meetings, prepared on the basis of a 
questionnaire previously devised by and distributed to 
the members of the Supervisory Board. The Chairman 
of the Supervisory Board is open to suggestions for 
 improvement at all times.

Each member of the Supervisory Board of BMW AG is 
bound to act in the enterprise’s best interests. Members 
of the Supervisory Board may not pursue personal in­
terests in their decisions or take advantage of business 
opportunities intended for the benefit of the enterprise.

Members of the Supervisory Board are obliged to in­
form the full Supervisory Board of any conflicts of inter­
est which may result from a consultant or directorship 
function with clients, suppliers, lenders or other busi­
ness partners, enabling the Supervisory Board to report 
to the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 
how it has dealt with such issues. Material conflicts of 
interest and those which are not merely temporary in 
nature result in the termination of the mandate of the 
relevant Supervisory Board member.

With regard to nominations for the election of members 
of the Supervisory Board, care is taken that the Super­
visory Board in its entirety has the required knowledge, 
skills and expert experience to perform its tasks in a 
proper manner.

The Supervisory Board has set out specific targets for its 
own composition (see section “Composition targets for 
the Supervisory Board”).

The members of the Supervisory Board are responsible 
for undertaking appropriate basic and further training 

measures such as that may be necessary to carry out 
the tasks assigned to them. The Company provides 
 appropriate assistance to members of the Supervisory 
Board in this respect.

The ability of the Supervisory Board to supervise and 
 advise the Board of Management independently is also 
assisted by the fact that the Supervisory Board is required, 
based on its own assessment, to have an appropriate 
number of independent members. Prof. Dr.­Ing. Dr. h. c. 
Dr.­Ing. E. h. Joachim Milberg is the only person on the 
Supervisory Board to have previously served on the 
Board of Management, of which he ceased to be a mem­
ber in 2002. Supervisory Board members do not exercise 
directorships or similar positions or undertake advisory 
tasks for important competitors of the BMW Group.

Taking into account the specific circumstances of the 
BMW Group and the number of board members, the 
Supervisory Board has set up a Presiding Board and 
four committees, namely the Personnel Committee, the 
Audit Committee, the Nomination Committee and 
the Mediation Committee (see “Overview of Supervisory 
Board Committees, Meetings”). Such committees serve 
to raise the efficiency of the Supervisory Board’s work 
and facilitate the handling of complex issues. The estab­
lishment and function of a mediation committee is pre­
scribed by law. The person chairing a committee reports 
in detail on its work at each plenum meeting.

The composition of the Presiding Board and the various 
committees is based on legal requirements, BMW AG’s 
Articles of Incorporation, terms of reference and corpo­
rate governance principles. The expertise and technical 
skills of its members are also taken into account.

According to the relevant terms of reference, the Chair­
man of the Supervisory Board is, in this capacity, auto­
matically a member of the Presiding Board, the Personnel 
Committee and the Nomination Committee, and also 
chairs these committees.

The number of meetings held by the Presiding Board 
and the committees depends on current requirements. 
The Presiding Board, the Personnel Committee and 
the Audit Committee normally hold several meetings in 
the course of the year (see “Overview of Supervisory 
Board Committees, Meetings” for details of the number 
of meetings held in 2014).

In line with the terms of reference for the activities of 
the plenum, the Supervisory Board has also set terms of 
reference for the Presiding Board and the various com­
mittees. The committees are only quorate if all members 
are present. Resolutions taken by the committees are 

180

passed by simple majority unless stipulated otherwise 
by law. Minutes are also taken at the meetings and for 
the resolutions of the committees and the Presiding 
Board, and signed by the person chairing the particular 
meeting. This person also represents the committee in 
any dealings it may have with the Board of Management 
or third parties.

Members of the Supervisory Board may not delegate their 
duties. The Supervisory Board, the Presiding Board 
and committees may call on experts and other suitably 
informed persons to attend meetings to give advice on 
specific matters.

The Supervisory Board, the Presiding Board and the 
committees also meet without the Board of Management 
if necessary.

BMW AG ensures that the Supervisory Board and its 
committees are sufficiently equipped to carry out their 
duties. This includes the services provided by a cen­
tralised secretariat to support the chairmen in coordi­
nating the work of the Supervisory Board.

In accordance with the relevant terms of reference, the 
Presiding Board comprises the Chairman of the Super­
visory Board and board deputies. The Presiding Board 
prepares Supervisory Board meetings to the extent that 
the subject matter to be discussed does not fall within 
the remit of a committee. This includes, for example, 
preparing the annual Declaration of Compliance with 
the German Corporate Governance Code and the Super­
visory Board’s efficiency examination.

The Personnel Committee prepares the decisions of the 
Supervisory Board with regard to the appointment and 
revocation of appointment of members of the Board 
of Management and, together with the full Supervisory 
Board and the Board of Management, ensures that long­
term successor planning is in place. The Personnel 
Committee also prepares the decisions of the Super­
visory Board with regard to the Board of Management’s 
compensation and the Supervisory Board’s regular 
 review of the Board of Management’s compensation 
system. In conjunction with the resolutions taken by 
the Supervisory Board regarding the compensation of 
the Board of Management, the Personnel Committee 
is responsible for drawing up, amending and revoking 
service / employment contracts or, when necessary, 
other relevant contracts with members of the Board of 
Management. In specified cases, the Personnel Com­
mittee also has the authority to give the necessary ap­
proval for a particular transaction (instead of the Super­
visory Board). This includes loans to members of the 
Board of Management or Supervisory Board, specified 
contracts with members of the Supervisory Board (in 

each case taking account of the consequences of related 
parties), as well as other activities of members of the Board 
of Management, including the acceptance of non­BMW 
Group supervisory board mandates.

The Audit Committee deals in particular with issues 
 relating to the supervision of the financial reporting 
process, the effectiveness of the internal control system, 
the risk management system, internal audit arrange­
ments and compliance. It also monitors the external 
 audit, auditor independence and any additional work 
performed by the external auditor. It prepares the pro­
posal for the election of the external auditor at the An­
nual General Meeting, makes a recommendation re­
garding the election of the external auditor, issues the 
audit engagement letter and agrees on points of audit 
focus as well as the auditor’s fee. The Audit Committee 
prepares the Supervisory Board’s resolution relating 
to the Company and Group Financial Statements and 
discusses interim reports with the Board of Manage­
ment before publication. The Audit Committee also 
 decides on the Supervisory Board’s agreement to use 
the Authorised Capital 2014 (Article 4 no. 5 of the 
 Articles of Incorporation) and on amendments to the 
Articles of Incorporation which only affect its wording.

In line with the recommendations of the German Cor­
porate Governance Code, the Chairman of the Audit 
Committee is independent and not a former Chairman 
of the Board of Management and has specific know­how 
and experience in applying financial reporting stand­
ards and internal control procedures. He also fulfils the 
requirements of being an independent financial expert 
as defined by § 100 (5) and § 107 (4) AktG.

The Nomination Committee is charged with the task 
of finding suitable candidates for election to the Super­
visory Board (as shareholder representatives) and for 
 inclusion in the Supervisory Board’s proposals for elec­
tion at the Annual General Meeting. In line with the 
recommendations of the German Corporate Governance 
Code, the Nomination Committee comprises only share­
holder representatives.

The establishment and composition of a mediation 
committee are required by the German Co­determina­
tion Act. The Mediation Committee has the task of 
making proposals to the Supervisory Board if a resolu­
tion for the appointment of a member of the Board of 
Management has not been carried by the necessary 
two­thirds majority of members’ votes. In accordance 
with statutory requirements, the Mediation Commit­
tee comprises the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman 
of the Supervisory Board and one member each se­
lected by shareholder representatives and employee 
representatives.

170     STATEMENT ON  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
(Part of Management Report)

170     Information on the Company’s 
 Governing Constitution
171     Declaration of the Board of  

Management and of the  
Supervisory Board pursuant to 
§ 161 AktG

172     Members of the Board of  

Management

173     Members of the Supervisory  

Board

176     Work Procedures of the  

Board of  Management

178     Work Procedures of the  
Supervisory Board
183     Information on Corporate  
Governance Practices

184    Compliance in the BMW Group
189    Compensation Report

181   Statement on corporate Governance

Overview of Supervisory Board Committees, Meetings

Principal duties,
basis for activities

Presiding Board  

–   preparation of Supervisory Board meetings to the extent that the subject 

 matter to be discussed does not fall within the remit of a committee

–   activities based on terms of reference

Personnel Committee  

–   preparation of decisions relating to the appointment and revocation of appoint-
ment of members of the Board of Management, the compen sation and the 
regular review of the Board of Management’s compensation system

–   conclusion, amendment and revocation of employment contracts (in conjunc-
tion with the resolutions taken by the Supervisory Board regarding the com-
pensation of the Board of Management) and other contracts with members of 
the Board of Management

–   decisions relating to the approval of ancillary activities of Board of Manage ment 
members, including acceptance of non-BMW Group supervisory mandates as 
well as the approval of transactions requiring Supervisory Board approval by dint 
of law (e. g. loans to Board of Management or Supervisory Board members)

–   set up in accordance with the recommendation contained in the German 

 Corporate Governance Code, activities based on terms of reference

Audit Committee  

–   supervision of the financial reporting process, effectiveness of the internal 
control system, risk management system, internal audit arrangements and 
compliance

–   supervision of external audit, in particular auditor independence and addi-

tional work performed by external auditor 

–   preparation of proposals for election of external auditor at Annual General Meet-
ing, engagement of external auditor and compliance of audit engagement, de-
termination of areas of audit emphasis and fee agreements with external auditor

–   preparation of Supervisory Board’s resolution on Company and Group Finan-

cial Statements 

–   discussion of interim reports with Board of Management prior to publication

–   decision on approval for utilisation of Authorised Capital 2014

–   amendments to Articles of Incorporation only affecting wording 

–   establishment in accordance with the recommendation contained in the 

 German Corporate Governance Code, activities based on terms of reference

Nomination Committee  

–   identification of suitable candidates (male / female) as shareholder representa-
tives on the Supervisory Board to be put forward for inclusion in the Super-
visory Board’s proposals for election at the Annual General Meeting 

–   establishment in accordance with the recommendation contained in the 

 German Corporate Governance Code, activities based on terms of reference

Members

Joachim Milberg1
Manfred Schoch
Stefan Quandt
Stefan Schmid 
Karl-Ludwig Kley

Joachim Milberg1
Manfred Schoch
Stefan Quandt
Stefan Schmid 
Karl-Ludwig Kley

Number
of meetings
2014

Average
attendance

4

6

95 %

97 %

Karl-Ludwig Kley 1, 2
Joachim Milberg
Manfred Schoch
Stefan Quandt
Stefan Schmid

94 %

4 
plus  
3 telephone 
conferences

2

88 %

Joachim Milberg1
Susanne Klatten
Karl-Ludwig Kley
Stefan Quandt 

(In line with the recommendations of the 
German Corporate Governance Code, 
the Nomination Committee comprises 
only shareholder representatives.)

Mediation Committee  

–   proposal to Supervisory Board if resolution for appointment of Board of 

 Management member has not been carried by the necessary two-thirds 
 majority of Supervisory Board members’ votes

–   committee required by law

Joachim Milberg
Manfred Schoch
Stefan Quandt
Stefan Schmid

–

–

(In accordance with statutory require-
ments, the Mediation Committee 
comprises the Chairman and Deputy 
Chairman of the Supervisory Board and 
one member each selected by share-
holder representatives and employee 
representatives.)

1 Chair.
2 Independent financial expert within the meaning of § 100 (5) AktG and § 107 (4) AktG.

 
 
 
182

Composition objectives of the Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board must be composed in such a way 
that its members as a group possess the knowledge, skills 
and experience required to properly complete its tasks. 
To this end, the Supervisory Board has formally speci­
fied the following concrete objectives regarding its com­
position, taking into account the recommendations 
contained in the German Corporate Governance Code:
–   If possible four of the members of the Supervisory 

Board should have international experience or spe­
cialist knowledge with regard to one or more of 
the non­German markets important to the Company.
–   If possible, the Supervisory Board should include seven 
members who have acquired in­depth knowledge and 
experience from within the enterprise. The Super­
visory Board should not, however, include more than 
two former members of the Board of Management.
–   If possible three of the shareholder representatives in 
the Supervisory Board should be entrepreneurs or 
 persons who have already gained experience in the 
management or supervision of another medium or 
large­sized company.

–   Ideally, three members of the Supervisory Board 

should be figures from the worlds of business, science 
or research who have gained experience in areas rele­
vant to the BMW Group – e.  g. chemistry, energy sup­
ply, information technology, or who have acquired 
specialist knowledge in subjects relevant for the future 
of the BMW Group e. g. customer requirements, mo­
bility, resources or sustainability.

–   When seeking suitably qualified individuals for the 

Supervisory Board whose specialist skills and leader­
ship qualities are most likely to strengthen the Board 
as a whole, consideration should also be given to di­
versity. When preparing nominations, the extent to 
which the work of the Supervisory Board would bene­
fit from diversified professional and personal back­
grounds (including international aspects) and from 
an appropriate representation of both genders should 
also be taken into account. In view of the proportion 
of women in the workforce (BMW AG: 14.8 %; BMW 
Group 17.8 %) and in management positions (BMW AG: 
11.4 %; BMW Group: 14.2 %) at 31 December 2014, 
the Supervisory Board is of the opinion that a propor­
tion of three female members out of a total of 20 mem­
bers (15 %) is satisfactory as far as gender mix is con­
cerned, but that an increase to at least four female 
members (20 %) would be desirable. The Supervisory 
Board therefore considers it appropriate that oppor­
tunities available in conjunction with selection proce­
dures through to the end of the ordinary Annual 
General Meeting in 2016 should be used to maintain 
the current proportion of 25 % female representation. 

The Supervisory Board believes it is the joint respon­
sibility of all persons and groupings participating in 
the nomination and election process to ensure that 
the Supervisory Board includes an appropriate num­
ber of qualified women.

–   At least twelve of the 20 members of the Super visory 
Board should be independent members within the 
meaning of section 5.4.2 of the German Corporate 
Governance Code, including at least six members 
representing the Company’s shareholders. Two inde­
pendent members of the Supervisory Board should 
have expert knowledge of accounting or auditing.
–   No persons carrying out directorship functions or ad­
visory tasks for important competitors of the BMW 
Group may belong to the Supervisory Board. In com­
pliance with prevailing legislation, the members of 
the Supervisory Board will strive to ensure that no 
persons will be nominated for election with whom a 
serious conflict of interests could arise (other than 
temporarily) due to other activities and functions car­
ried out by them outside the BMW Group; this in­
cludes in particular advisory activities or directorships 
with customers, suppliers, creditors or other business 
partners.

–   As a general rule, the age limit for membership of the 
Supervisory Board should be set at 70 years. In ex­
ceptional cases, members may be allowed to remain 
on the Board up until the end of the Annual General 
Meeting following their 73rd birthday, in order to ful­
fil legal requirements or to facilitate smooth succes­
sion in the case of persons with key roles or specialist 
qualifications.

The time schedule set by the Supervisory Board for 
achieving the above­mentioned composition targets is 
the Annual General Meeting in 2016. Future pro­
posals for nomination made by the Supervisory Board 
at the Annual General Meeting – insofar as they apply 
to shareholder Supervisory Board members – should 
take account of these objectives in such a way that they 
can be achieved with the support of the appropriate 
 resolutions at the Annual General Meeting. The Annual 
General Meeting is not bound by nominations for elec­
tion proposed by the Supervisory Board. The freedom 
of employees to vote for the employee members of the 
Supervisory Board is also protected. Under the proce­
dural rules stipulated by the German Co­Determination 
Act, the Supervisory Board does not have the right to 
nominate employee representatives for election. The ob­
jectives which the Supervisory Board has set itself with 
regard to its composition are therefore not intended to 
be instructions to those entitled to vote or restrictions 
on their freedom to vote. More to the point, they reflect 

170     STATEMENT ON  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
(Part of Management Report)

170     Information on the Company’s 
 Governing Constitution
171     Declaration of the Board of  

Management and of the  
Supervisory Board pursuant to 
§ 161 AktG

172     Members of the Board of  

Management

173     Members of the Supervisory  

Board

176     Work Procedures of the  

Board of  Management

178     Work Procedures of the  
Supervisory Board
183     Information on Corporate  
Governance Practices
184    Compliance in the BMW Group
189    Compensation Report

183   Statement on corporate Governance

the composition which the current Supervisory Board 
believes should be striven for in future by those entitled 
to nominate and elect board members, in view of the 
advisory and supervisory needs of BMW AG’s Supervisory 
Board.

Adaptability
In order to ensure our long­term success we must adapt 
to new challenges with speed and flexibility. We there­
fore see change as an opportunity – adaptability is essen­
tial to be able to capitalise on it.

In the Supervisory Board’s opinion, its composition as 
at 31 December 2014 fulfilled the composition objec­
tives detailed above.

In order to provide shareholders with a profile of the 
 individual members of the Supervisory Board and 
to make it easier to assess composition targets, brief 
 curricula  vitae of the current members of the Super­
visory Board are available on the Company’s website 
at www.bmwgroup.com.

Information on corporate governance practices  
applied beyond mandatory requirements
Core principles
Within the BMW Group, the Board of Management, the 
Supervisory Board and the employees base their actions 
on twelve core principles which are the cornerstone of 
the success of the BMW Group:

Frankness
As we strive to find the best solution, it is each em­
ployee’s duty to express any opposing opinions they 
may have. The solutions we agree upon will then be 
consistently implemented by all those involved.

Respect, trust, fairness
We treat each other with respect. Leadership is based on 
mutual trust. Trust is rooted in fairness and reliability.

Employees
People make companies. Our employees are the strong­
est factor in our success, which means our personnel 
decisions will be among the most important we ever 
make.

Leading by example
Every manager must lead by example.

Customer focus
The success of our Company is determined by our cus­
tomers. They are at the heart of everything we do. 
The results of all our activities must be valued in terms 
of the benefits they will generate for our customers.

Sustainability
In our view, sustainability constitutes a lasting contribu­
tion to the success of the Company. This is the  basis upon 
which we assume ecological and social  responsibility.

Peak performance
We aim to be the best – a challenge to which all of us 
must rise. Each and every employee must be prepared 
to deliver peak performance. We strive to be among 
the elite, but without being arrogant. It is the Company 
and its products that count – and nothing else.

Responsibility
Every BMW Group employee has the personal responsi­
bility for the Company’s success. When working in a 
team, each employee must assume personal responsibility 
for his or her actions. We are fully aware that we are 
working to achieve the Company’s goals. For this reason, 
we work together in the best interests of the Company.

Effectiveness
The only results that count for the Company are those 
which have a sustainable impact. In assessing leader­
ship, we must consider the effectiveness of performance 
on results.

Society
Social responsibility is an integral part of our corporate 
self­image.

Independence
We secure the corporate independence of the BMW 
Group through sustained profitable growth.

The core principles are also available at www.bmwgroup.
com  under the menu items “Responsibility” and “Em­
ployees”.

Social responsibility towards employees and along  
the supplier chain
The BMW Group stands by its social responsibilities. Our 
corporate culture combines the drive for success with a 
willingness to be open, trustworthy and transparent. 
We are well aware of our responsibility towards society. 
Our models for sustainable social responsibility towards 
employees and for ensuring compliance with interna­
tional social standards are based on various internationally 

184

recognised guidelines. The BMW Group is committed to 
adhering to the OECD’s guidelines for multinational 
companies and the contents of the ICC Business Charter 
for Sustainable Development. Details of the contents 
of these guidelines and other relevant information can 
be found at www.oecd.org and www.iccwbo.org. The 
Board of Management signed the United Nations Global 
Compact in 2001 and, in 2005, together with employee 
representatives, issued a “Joint Declaration on Human 
Rights and Working Conditions in the BMW Group”. 
This Joint Declaration was reconfirmed in 2010. With 
the signature of these documents, we have given our 
commitment to abide worldwide by internationally rec­
ognised human rights and with the fundamental work­
ing standards of the International Labour Organization 
(ILO). The most important of these are freedom of em­
ployment, the prohibition of discrimination, the freedom 
of association and the right to collective bargaining, 
the prohibition of child labour, the right to appropriate 
remuneration, regulated working times and compliance 
with work and safety regulations. The complete text of 
the UN Global Compact and the recommendations of 
the ILO and other relevant information can be found at 
www.unglobalcompact.org and www.ilo.org. The Joint 
Declaration on Human Rights and Working Conditions 
in the BMW Group can be found at www.bmwgroup.
com under the menu item “Responsibility” (Services / 
downloads / topics: “Employees and Society”).

It goes without saying that the BMW Group abides by 
these fundamental principles and rights worldwide. 
Employees have therefore been sensitised to this issue 
since 2005 by means of regular internal communica­
tions and further training on recent developments in 
this area. Two dedicated helplines – the “Human Rights 
Contact” and the BMW Group SpeakUP Line – are 
available to employees wishing to raise queries or com­
plaints relating to human rights issues. The UN Guiding 
Principles for Business and Human Rights provide a 
framework for critical reflection and continuous improve­
ment in our endeavours to ensure that human rights are 
respected throughout the organisation.

BMW Group not only makes high demands of itself but 
also expects its suppliers and partners to meet the eco­
logical and social standards it sets and strives continu­
ally to improve the efficiency of processes, measures 
and activities. For instance, we are successively requir­
ing our dealers and importers to comply with ecolog­
ical and social standards on a contractual basis. Simi­
larly, corresponding criteria are embedded in our 
purchasing terms and our evaluation of suppliers with 
a view to ensuring the inclusion of sustainability as­
pects throughout the purchasing system. The BMW 
Group Sustainability Standard is an integral compo­
nent of our enquiry documents and of the automotive 
supplier self­assessment questionnaire on sustainabil­
ity required to be completed sector­wide by new sup­
pliers. The BMW Group expects suppliers to ensure 
that the BMW Group’s sustainability criteria are also 
adhered to by sub­suppliers. Purchasing terms and 
conditions and other information relating to purchasing 
can be found in the publicly available section of the 
BMW Group Partner Portal at https: /  / b2b.bmw.com.

We also work in close partnership with our suppliers 
and promote their commitment to sustainability.

Compliance in the BMW Group
Responsible and lawful conduct is fundamental to the 
success of the BMW Group. It is an integral part of 
our corporate culture and the reason why customers, 
shareholders, business partners and the general public 
place their trust in us. The Board of Management and 
the employees of the BMW Group are obliged to act 
 responsibly and in compliance with applicable laws and 
regulations.

This principle has been embedded in BMW’s internal 
rules of conduct for many years. In order to protect 
 itself systematically against compliance­related and 
reputational risks, the Board of Management created 
a Compliance Committee several years ago, mandated 
to establish a worldwide Compliance Management 
System throughout the BMW Group.

Further information on social responsibility to employees 
can be found in the section “Workforce”.

Activities can only be sustainable, however, if they en­
compass the entire value­added chain. That is why the 

The BMW Group Compliance Committee comprises 
the heads of the following divisions: Legal Affairs and 
Patents,  Corporate and Governmental Affairs, Corpo­
rate Audit, Group Reporting, Organisational Develop­
ment and Corporate Human Resources. It manages and 

170     STATEMENT ON  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
(Part of Management Report)

170     Information on the Company’s 
 Governing Constitution
171     Declaration of the Board of  

Management and of the  
Supervisory Board pursuant to 
§ 161 AktG

172     Members of the Board of  

Management

173     Members of the Supervisory  

Board

176     Work Procedures of the  

Board of  Management

178     Work Procedures of the  
Supervisory Board

183     Information on Corporate  
Governance Practices

184    Compliance in the BMW Group
189    Compensation Report

185   Statement on corporate Governance

monitors activities necessary to avoid non­compliance 
with the law (Legal Compliance). These activities include 
training, information and communication measures, 
compliance controls and following up cases of non­com­
pliance.

The BMW Group Compliance Committee reports regu­
larly to the Board of Management on all compliance­
related issues, including the progress made in refining 
the BMW Group Compliance Management System, de­
tails of investigations performed, known infringements 
of the law, sanctions imposed and corrective / preventa­
tive measures implemented. This ensures that the Board 
of Management is immediately notified of any cases of 
particular significance. The decisions taken by the BMW 
Group Compliance Committee are drafted in concept, 
and implemented operationally, by the BMW Group 
Compliance Committee Office. The BMW Group Com­

BMW Group Compliance Management System 

Supervisory Board BMW AG

Board of Management BMW AG

BMW Group Compliance Committee

BMW Group Compliance Committee Office

Compliance Operations Network  
of all BMW Group  
Compliance Responsibles

Annual 
Report

Annual 
Report

Annual 
 Compliance 
Reporting

Compliance Risk 
Analysis

Legal Compliance 
Code and Regulations

Compliance 
 Investigations 
and Controls

Compliance 
 Reporting

Compliance 
Instruments and  
Measures of  
the BMW Group

Compliance 
Communication

Compliance 
Training

Compliance 
 Contact and  
SpeakUP Line

Compliance 
Governance and 
Processes

pliance Committee Office comprises ten employees and 
is allocated in organisational terms to the Chairman of 
the Board of Management.

The Chairman of the BMW Group Compliance Com­
mittee keeps the Audit Committee (which is part of the 
Supervisory Board) informed on the current status of 
compliance activities within the BMW Group, both on a 
regular and a case­by­case basis as the need arises.

The Board of Management keeps track of and analyses 
compliance­related developments and trends on the 
basis of the Group’s compliance reporting and input 
from the BMW Group Compliance Committee. Measures 
to improve the Compliance Management System are 
initiated on the basis of identified requirements.

A coordinated set of instruments and measures is em­
ployed to ensure that the BMW Group, its representative 
bodies, its managers and staff act in a lawful manner. 
Particular emphasis is placed on compliance with anti­
trust legislation and the avoidance of corruption risks. 
Compliance measures are supplemented by a whole 
range of internal policies, guidelines and instructions, 
which in part reflect applicable legislation. The BMW 
Group Policy “Corruption Prevention” and the BMW 
Group Instruction “Corporate Hospitality and Gifts”, 
which were revised in 2014, deserve particular mention. 
These documents deal with lawful handling of gifts 
and benefits and define appropriate assessment criteria 
and approval procedures for specified actions.

Compliance measures are determined and prioritised 
on the basis of a group­wide compliance risk assess­
ment covering all 331 business units and functions 
worldwide within the BMW Group. The assessment of 
compliance risks is updated annually. Measures are 
realised with the aid of a regionally structured com­
pliance management team covering all parts of the 
BMW Group, which oversees a network of more than 
180 Compliance Responsibles.

The various elements of the BMW Group Compliance 
Management System are shown in the diagram on the 
left and are applicable for all BMW Group entities world­
wide. To the extent that additional compliance require­
ments apply to individual countries or specific lines 
of business, these are covered by supplementary com­
pliance measures.

 
186

The BMW Group Legal Compliance Code is the corner­
stone of the Group’s Compliance Management System, 
spelling out the Board of Management’s commitment 
to compliance as a joint responsibility (“tone from the 
top”). This document, which was revised and expanded 
in 2014, explains the significance of legal compliance 
and provides an overview of the various areas relevant 
for the BMW Group. It is available both as a printed 
brochure and for download in German and English. In 
addition, translations into eleven other languages are 
available in the BMW Group intranet.

Managers in particular bear a high degree of responsi­
bility and must set a good example with regard to pre­
venting infringements. Managers throughout the BMW 
Group acknowledge this principle by signing a written 
declaration, in which they also undertake to inform 
staff working for them of the content and significance 
of the Legal Compliance Code and make them aware 
of legal risks. Managers must, at regular intervals and 
on their own initiative, verify compliance with the law 
and communicate regularly with staff on this issue. 
Any indication of non­compliance with the law must 
be rigorously investigated.

More than 25,400 managers and staff worldwide have re­
ceived training in essential compliance matters since the 
introduction of the BMW Group Compliance Manage­
ment System. The training material is available on an In­
ternet­based training platform in German and English 
and includes a final test. Successful completion of the 
training programme, which is documented by a certificate, 
is mandatory for all BMW Group managers. Appropriate 
processes are in place to ensure that all newly recruited 
managers and promoted staff undergo compliance train­
ing. In this way, the BMW Group  ensures full training 
coverage for its managers in compliance matters.

In addition to this basic training, more in­depth training 
is also provided to certain groups of staff on specific 
compliance issues. In 2014, a total of 1,900 employees at 
BMW AG branches received further training as anti­
money laundering measures were upgraded. Antitrust 
law training was also expanded in 2013, targeting em­
ployees who come into contact with antitrust­related 
 issues as a result of their functions within sales and 
marketing, purchasing, production or development. A 

total of 3,900 employees have already completed this 
training. The relevant divisions also implemented further 
measures and processes to make employees who par­
ticipate in meetings with competitors sufficiently aware 
of antitrust risks.

Additional compliance coaching has also been imple­
mented for international sales and financial service lo­
cations in local markets. These multi­day classroom 
seminars strengthen the understanding of compliance 
in selected units and enhance cooperation between 
the central BMW Group Compliance Committee Office 
and decentralised compliance offices. In 2014, market 
coaching was conducted in Canada, China and the UK.

In order to avoid legal risks, all members of staff are 
expected to discuss compliance matters with their 
managers and with the relevant departments within 
the BMW Group, in particular Legal Affairs, Corporate 
Audit and Corporate Security. The BMW Group Com­
pliance Contact serves as a further point of contact for 
both employees and non­employees for any questions 
regarding compliance.

Employees also have the opportunity to submit informa­
tion – anonymously and confidentially – via the BMW 
Group  SpeakUP Line about possible breaches of the law 
within the company. The BMW Group  SpeakUP Line 
is available in a total of 34 languages and can be reached 
via local toll­free numbers in all countries in which BMW 
Group employees are engaged in activities.

Compliance­related queries and concerns are docu­
mented and followed up by the BMW Group Compliance 
Committee Office using an electronic Case Management 
System. If necessary, Corporate Audit, Corporate 
 Security, the Works Council and legal departments may 
be called upon to assist in the investigation process.

Through the group­wide reporting system, Compliance 
Responsibles throughout the BMW Group report on 
compliance­relevant issues to the Compliance Commit­
tee on a regular basis, and, if necessary, on an ad hoc 
basis. This includes reporting on the compliance status 
of the relevant entities, on identified legal risks and 
incidences of non­compliance, as well as on corrective / 
preventative measures implemented.

170     STATEMENT ON  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
(Part of Management Report)

170     Information on the Company’s 
 Governing Constitution
171     Declaration of the Board of  

Management and of the  
Supervisory Board pursuant to 
§ 161 AktG

172     Members of the Board of  

Management

173     Members of the Supervisory  

Board

176     Work Procedures of the  

Board of  Management

178     Work Procedures of the  
Supervisory Board
183     Information on Corporate  
Governance Practices

184    Compliance in the BMW Group
189    Compensation Report

187   Statement on corporate Governance

Compliance with and implementation of the Legal Com­
pliance Code are audited regularly by Corporate Audit 
and subjected to control checks by Corporate Security 
and the BMW Group Compliance Committee Office. As 
part of its regular activities, Corporate Audit carries out 
on­site audits. The BMW Group Compliance Committee 
also engages Corporate Audit to perform compliance­
specific checks. In addition, a BMW Group Compliance 
Spot Check, a sample test specifically designed to identify 
potential corruption risks, was carried out in 2014. Com­
pliance control activities are coordinated by the BMW 
Group Panel Compliance Controls. Any necessary follow­
up measures are organised by the BMW Group Com­
pliance Committee Office.

evaluated with a view to identifying potential compliance 
risks. These procedures are particularly relevant for 
relations with sales partners and service providers, such 
as agencies and consultants. Depending on the results 
of the evaluation, appropriate measures – such as com­
munication measures, training and possible monitoring – 
are implemented to manage compliance risks. The 
Business Relations Compliance programme has already 
been  introduced in 32 units since its launch and, over 
the coming years, will be rolled out successively through­
out the BMW Group’s worldwide sales organisation. 
In 2014, the company also continued integrating com­
pliance clauses to protect contractual relationships into 
dealer and importer contracts.

Compliance is also an important factor in safeguarding 
the future of the BMW Group workforce. With this in 
mind, the Board of Management and the national and 
international employee representative bodies of the 
BMW Group have agreed on a binding set of Joint Prin­
ciples for Lawful Conduct. In doing so, all parties in­
volved made a commitment to the principles contained 
in the BMW Group Legal Compliance Code and to 
trustful cooperation in all matters relating to compliance. 
Employee representatives are therefore regularly in­
volved in the process of refining compliance measures 
within the BMW Group.

In the interest of investor protection and to ensure that 
the BMW Group complies with regulations relating 
to potential insider information, the Board of Manage­
ment appointed an Ad Hoc Committee back in 1994, 
consisting of representatives of various specialist de­
partments, whose members examine the relevance of 
issues for ad hoc disclosure purposes. All persons 
working on behalf of the company who have access to 
insider information in accordance with existing rules 
have been, and continue to be, included in a corre­
sponding, regularly updated list and informed of the 
duties arising from insider rules.

It is essential that employees are aware of and comply 
with applicable legal regulations. The BMW Group 
does not tolerate violations of the law by its employees. 
Culpable violations of the law result in employment­
contract sanctions and may involve personal liability con­
sequences for the employee involved.

To avoid this, BMW Group employees are kept fully up­
to­date with the instruments and measures used by the 
Compliance Management System via various internal 
channels. As of 2014, all new staff receive a welcome 
email underscoring the BMW Group’s special commit­
ment to compliance when they join the company. The 
central means of communication is the Compliance 
website within the BMW Group’s intranet, where em­
ployees can find compliance­related information and 
access training materials in both German and English. 
The website contains a special service area where various 
practical tools are made available to employees to help 
them deal with typical compliance­related matters. BMW 
Group employees also have access on the website to an 
electronically supported approval process for invitations 
in connection with business partners and an evaluation 
tool for independent assessment of the admissibility of 
incentive schemes to promote sales.

In the same way that the BMW Group is committed to 
lawful and responsible conduct, it expects no less 
from its business partners. In 2012, the BMW Group 
developed a new Business Relations Compliance pro­
gramme aimed at ensuring the reliability of its business 
relations. Relevant business partners are checked and 

188

Reportable securities transactions  
(“Directors Dealings”)
Pursuant to § 15 a of the German Securities Trading Act 
(WpHG), members of the Board of Management and 
the Supervisory Board and any persons related to those 
members are required to give notice to BMW AG and 
the Federal Agency for the Supervision of Financial Ser­
vices of transactions with BMW stock or related finan­
cial instruments if the total sum of such transactions 
equals or exceeds an amount of € 5,000 during any given 
calendar year. No securities transactions pursuant to 
§ 15 a WpHG were notified to the Company during the 
financial year 2014.

Shareholdings of members of the Board of  Management 
and the Supervisory Board
The members of the Supervisory Board of BMW AG 
hold in total 27.61 % of the Company’s shares of com­
mon and preferred stock (2013: 27.62 %), of which 
16.06 % (2013: 16.07 %) relates to Stefan Quandt, Ger­
many, and 11.54 % (2013: 11.55 %) to Susanne Klatten, 
Germany. The shareholdings of the members of the 
Board of Management total less than 1 % of the issued 
shares.

Share-based remuneration schemes for employees  
and Management Board members
Three share­based remuneration schemes were in place 
at BMW AG during the year under report, namely the 
Employee Share Programme (under which entitled 
 employees of BMW AG have been able to participate in 
the enterprise’s success since 1989 in the form of non­ 
voting shares of preferred stock), a share­based remu­
neration scheme for Board of Management members 
and a share­based remuneration scheme for department 
heads (relating in both cases to shares of common 
stock). The share­based remuneration scheme for Board 
of Management members is described in detail in the 
Compensation Report (see also the “Share­based re­
muneration” section in the Compensation Report and 
note 20 to the Group Financial Statements).

The share­based remuneration scheme for qualifying 
department heads, introduced with effect for financial 
years beginning after 1 January 2012, is closely based 
on the scheme for Board of Management members and 
is aimed at rewarding a long­term, entrepreneurial ap­
proach to running the business on a sustainable basis.

Under the terms of this scheme, participants give a 
commitment to invest an amount equivalent to 20 % of 
their performance­based bonus in BMW common stock 

170     STATEMENT ON  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
(Part of Management Report)

170     Information on the Company’s 
 Governing Constitution
171     Declaration of the Board of  

Management and of the  
Supervisory Board pursuant to 
§ 161 AktG

172     Members of the Board of  

Management

173     Members of the Supervisory  

Board

176     Work Procedures of the  

Board of  Management

178     Work Procedures of the  
Supervisory Board
183     Information on Corporate  
Governance Practices

184    Compliance in the BMW Group
189    Compensation Report

and to hold the shares so acquired for four years. In re­
turn for this commitment, BMW AG pays 100 % of the 
investment amount as a net subsidy. Once the four­year 
holding period requirement has been fulfilled, the par­
ticipants receive – for each three common stock shares 
held and at the Company’s option – one further share 
of common stock or the equivalent amount in cash.

Under the terms of the Employee Share Programme, em­
ployees were able in 2014 to acquire packages of be­
tween four and ten shares of non­voting preferred stock 
with a discount in each case of € 25 (2013: € 19.23) per 
share compared to the market price (average closing 
price in Xetra trading during the period from 6 Novem­
ber to 12 November 2014: € 62.08). All employees of 
BMW AG and its – directly or indirectly – wholly owned 
German subsidiaries (if agreed to by the directors of 
those entities) were entitled to participate in the scheme. 
Employees were required to have been in an uninter­
rupted employment relationship with BMW AG or the 
relevant subsidiary for at least one year at the date on 
which the allocation for the year was announced. Shares 
of preferred stock acquired in conjunction with the Em­
ployee Share Scheme are subject to a vesting period of 
four years, starting from 1 January of the year in which 
the employees acquired the shares. A total of 239,777 
(2013: 266,152) shares of preferred stock were acquired 
by employees under the scheme in 2014; 239,757 (2013: 
265,570) of these shares were drawn from the Author­
ised Capital 2014, the remainder were bought back via 
the stock exchange. Every year the Board of Manage­
ment of BMW AG decides whether the scheme is to be 
continued. Further information is provided in notes 20 
and 35 to the Group Financial Statements.

189   Statement on corporate Governance

Compensation Report
The following section describes the principles relating 
to the compensation of the Board of Management and 
the stipulations set out in the statutes relating to the 
compensation of the Supervisory Board. In addition to 
discussing the compensation system, the components 
of compensation are also disclosed in absolute figures. 
Furthermore, the compensation of each member of the 
Board of Management and the Supervisory Board for 
the financial year 2014 is disclosed by individual and 
analysed in its component parts.

1. Board of Management compensation
Responsibilities
The Supervisory Board is responsible for determining 
and regularly reviewing the Board of Management’s 
compensation. The Personnel Committee plays a pre­
paratory role in this process.

Principles of compensation
The compensation system for the Board of Management 
at BMW AG is designed to encourage a management 
 approach focused on sustainable development of the 
BMW Group. One further principle applied when de­
signing remuneration systems at BMW is that of consist­
ency at different levels. In other words, compensation 
systems for the Board of Management, senior manage­
ment and employees of BMW AG should all have a simi­
lar structure and contain similar components. The Super­
visory Board carries out regular checks to ensure that 
all Board of Management compensation components are 
appropriate, both individually and in total, and do not 
encourage the Board of Management to take inappro­
priate risks on behalf of the BMW Group. At the same 
time, the compensation model used for the Board of 
Management should be attractive in the context of the 
competitive environment for highly qualified executives.

The compensation of members of the Board of Manage­
ment is determined by the full Supervisory Board on 
the basis of performance criteria and after taking into 
account any remuneration received from Group com­
panies. The principal performance criteria are the nature 
of the tasks allocated to each member of the Board of 
Management, the economic situation and the perfor­
mance and future prospects of the BMW Group. The 
Supervisory Board sets demanding and relevant parame­
ters as the basis for variable compensation. It also takes 
care to ensure that variable components based on 
multi­year assessment criteria take account of both posi­
tive and negative developments and that the package 
as a whole encourages a long­term approach to business 

performance. Targets and other parameters may not be 
changed retrospectively.

The Supervisory Board reviews the appropriateness of 
the compensation system annually. The Personnel 
Committee also makes use of remuneration studies. The 
Supervisory Board reviews the appropriateness of the 
compensation system in horizontal terms by comparing 
compensation paid by DAX companies and in vertical 
terms by comparing board compensation with the sala­
ries of executive managers and with the average salaries 
of employees of BMW AG in Germany, in both cases in 
terms of level and of changes over time. Recommenda­
tions made by an independent external remuneration 
expert and suggestions made by investors and analysts 
are also considered in the consultative process.

Compensation system, compensation components
The compensation of the Board of Management com­
prises both fixed and variable remuneration as well as 
a share­based component. Retirement and surviving 
 dependants’ benefit entitlements are also in place.

Fixed compensation
Fixed remuneration consists of a base salary (paid 
monthly) and other remuneration elements. Other re­
muneration elements comprise mainly the use of com­
pany and lease cars as well as the payment of insurance 
premiums, contributions towards security systems and 
an annual medical check­up. Members of the Board of 
Management are also entitled to purchase vehicles and 
other services of the BMW Group at conditions that also 
apply in each relevant case for employees.

The basic remuneration of members of the Board of 
Management is unchanged from the previous year, 
namely € 0.75 million p. a. for a board member during 
the first period of office, € 0.9 million p. a. for a board 
member from the second term of appointment or fourth 
year of office onwards and € 1.5 million p. a. for the 
Chairman of the Board of Management.

Variable remuneration
The variable remuneration of Board of Management 
members comprises variable cash remuneration on the 
one hand and a share­based remuneration component 
on the other.

Variable cash remuneration, in particular bonuses
Variable cash remuneration consists of a cash bonus 
and share­based remuneration component equivalent to 
20 % of a board member’s total bonus after taxes, which 

190

the board member is required to invest in BMW AG 
common stock. Taxes and social insurance relating to 
the share­based remuneration are also borne by the 
Company. In substantiated cases, the Supervisory 
Board also has the option of paying an additional spe­
cial bonus.

The bonus is made up of two components, each equally 
weighted, namely a corporate earnings­related bonus 
and a personal performance­related bonus. The target 
bonus (100 %) for a Board of Management member, 
for both components of variable compensation, totals 
€ 1.5 million p. a., rising to € 1.75 million p. a. from the 
second term of appointment or fourth year of office on­
wards. The equivalent figure for the Chairman of the 
Board of Management is € 3 million p. a. The amount of 
bonus is capped for all Board of Management members. 
With effect from financial years beginning on or after 
1 January 2014, the upper limits are 200 % of the relevant 
target bonus (2013: 250 %).

The corporate earnings­related bonus is based on the 
BMW Group’s net profit and post­tax return on sales 
(which are combined in a single earnings factor) and the 
level of the dividend (common stock). The corporate 
earnings­related bonus is derived by multiplying the tar­
get amount fixed for each member of the Board of 
Management by the earnings factor and by the dividend 
factor. In exceptional circumstances, for instance when 
there have been major acquisitions or disposals, the 
Super visory Board may adjust the level of the corporate 
earnings­related bonus.

The personal performance­related bonus is derived by 
multiplying the target amount set for each member of 
the Board of Management by a performance factor. The 
Supervisory Board sets the performance factor on the 
basis of its assessment of the contribution of the relevant 
Board of Management member to sustainable and long­
term oriented business development. In setting the 
factor, consideration is given equally to personal perfor­
mance and decisions taken in previous forecasting pe­
riods, key decisions affecting the future development 
of the business and the effectiveness of measures taken 
in response to changing external conditions as well as 
other activities aimed at safeguarding the future viability 
of the business to the extent not included directly in 
the basis of measurement. Performance factor criteria 
include innovation (economic and ecological, e. g. re­
duction of carbon emissions), customer focus, ability to 
adapt, leadership accomplishments, contributions to 
the Company’s attractiveness as an employer, progress 
in implementing the diversity concept and activities that 
foster corporate social responsibility. The target bonus 
and the key figures used to determine the corporate 
earnings­related bonus are fixed in advance for a period 
of three financial years, during which time they may not 
be amended retrospectively.

Share-based remuneration programme
The compensation system includes a share­based remu­
neration programme, in which the level of share­based 
remuneration is based on the amount of the bonus paid. 
The system is aimed at creating further long­term incen­
tives to encourage sustainable governance.

An earnings and dividend factor of 1.00 would give rise 
to an earnings­based bonus of € 0.75 million for the finan­
cial year 2014 for a member of the Board of Management 
during the first period of office and one of € 0.875 mil­
lion during the second term of appointment or from the 
fourth year in office. The equivalent bonus for the Chair­
man of the Board of Management is € 1.5 million. The 
earnings factor is 1.00 in the event of a Group net profit 
of € 3.1 billion and a post­tax return on sales of 5.6 %. 
The dividend factor is 1.00 in the event that the dividend 
paid on the shares of common stock is between 101 and 
110 cents. If the Group net profit is below € 1 billion or 
if the post­tax return on sales is less than 2 %, the earn­
ings factor for the financial year 2014 would be zero. In 
this case, no corporate earnings­related bonus would be 
paid. Based on the principle of consistency at all levels, 
this rule is also applicable in determining the corporate 
earnings­related variable compensation components of 
all managers and staff of BMW AG.

This programme envisages a share­based remuneration 
component equivalent to 20 % of the board member’s 
total bonus after taxes, which the board member is re­
quired to invest in BMW AG common stock. Taxes and 
social insurance relating to the share­based remunera­
tion component are also borne by the Company. As a 
general rule, the shares must be held for a minimum of 
four years. As part of a matching plan, the Board of 
Management members will, at the end of the holding 
period, receive from the Company either one additional 
share of common stock or an equivalent cash amount 
for three shares of common stock held, to be decided at 
the discretion of the Company (share­based remunera­
tion component / matching component), unless the em­
ployment relationship was ended before expiry of the 
agreed contractual period (except if caused by death or 
invalidity). Special rules apply in the case of death or 
 invalidity of a Board of Management member before ful­
filment of the holding period.

170     STATEMENT ON  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
(Part of Management Report)

170     Information on the Company’s 
 Governing Constitution
171     Declaration of the Board of  

Management and of the  
Supervisory Board pursuant to 
§ 161 AktG

172     Members of the Board of  

Management

173     Members of the Supervisory  

Board

176     Work Procedures of the  

Board of  Management

178     Work Procedures of the  
Supervisory Board
183     Information on Corporate  
Governance Practices

184    Compliance in the BMW Group
189    Compensation Report

191   Statement on corporate Governance

Retirement and surviving dependants’ benefits
The provision of retirement and surviving dependants’ 
benefits for Board of Management members was changed 
to a defined contribution system with a guaranteed 
minimum return with effect from 1 January 2010. How­
ever, given the fact that board members appointed for 
the first time prior to 1 January 2010 had a legal right to 
receive the benefits already promised to them, these 
board members were given the option to choose between 
the previous system and the new one.

In the event of the termination of mandate, Board of 
Management members appointed for the first time prior 
to 1 January 2010 are entitled to receive certain defined 
benefits in accordance with the old pension scheme 
rules. Pensions are paid to former members of the Board 
of Management who have either reached the age of 65 
or, if their mandate was terminated earlier and not ex­
tended, to members who have either reached the age of 
60 or who are unable to work due to ill health or accident, 
or who have entered into early retirement in accordance 
with a special arrangement. The amount of the pension 
is unchanged from the previous year and comprises a 
basic monthly amount of € 10,000 or € 15,000 (Chairman 
of the Board of Management) plus a fixed amount. The 
fixed amount is made up of approximately € 75 for each 
year of service in the Company before becoming a mem­
ber of the Board of Management and between € 400 and 
€ 600 for each full year of service on the board (up to a 
maximum of 15 years). Pension payments are adjusted 
by analogy to the rules applicable for the adjustment of 
civil servants’ pensions: the pensions of members of 
the Board of Management are adjusted when the civil 
servants remuneration level B6 (excluding allowances) 
is increased by more than 5 % or in accordance with the 
Company Pension Act.

When a mandate is terminated, the new defined contri­
bution system provides entitlements which can be paid 
either (a) in the case of death or invalidity as a one­off 
amount or over a maximum of ten years or (b) upon re­
tirement – depending on the wish of the ex­board mem­
ber concerned – in the form of a lifelong monthly pen­
sion, as a one­off amount, in a maximum of ten annual 
instalments, or in a combined form (e. g. a combination 
of a one­off payment and a proportionately reduced 
lifelong monthly pension). Pensions are paid to former 
members of the Board of Management who have either 
reached the statutory retirement age for the state pen­
sion scheme in Germany or, if their mandate had termi­
nated earlier and had not been extended, to members 
who have either reached the age of 60 or are perma­
nently unable to work, or who have entered into early 

retirement in accordance with a special arrangement. 
In addition, following the death of a retired board 
member who has elected to receive a lifelong pension, 
60 % of that amount is paid as a lifelong widow’s pen­
sion. Pensions are increased annually by an amount of 
at least 1 %.

The amount of the retirement pension to be paid is 
 determined on the basis of the amount accrued in each 
board member’s individual pension savings account. 
The amount on this account arises from annual contri­
butions paid in, plus interest earned depending on the 
type of investment.

Depending on the length of membership in the Board 
of Management and previous activities, the annual con­
tribution to be paid amounts to between € 350,000 and 
€ 400,000 for each member of the Board of Management 
and € 700,000 for the Chairman of the Board of Manage­
ment. The contributions are credited, along with inter­
est earned, to the personal savings accounts of board 
members in monthly amounts. The guaranteed minimum 
rate of return p. a. corresponds to the maximum inter­
est rate used to calculate insurance reserves for life in­
surance policies (guaranteed interest on life insurance 
policies). A Board of Management member entering of­
fice at 50 years of age and serving as member of the 
Board of Management to the age of 60 can expect a re­
tirement savings capital of € 4.2 million.

In the case of invalidity or death, a minimum contribu­
tion of the potential annual contributions will be paid 
until the person concerned would have reached the age 
of 60.

Contributions falling due under the defined contribution 
scheme are paid into an external fund in conjunction 
with a trust model that is also used to fund pension ob­
ligations to employees.

Income earned on an employed or a self­employed ba­
sis up to the age of 63 is offset against the pension entitle­
ment. In addition, certain circumstances have been 
specified, in the event of which the Company no longer 
has any obligation to pay benefits. In such cases, no 
transitional payments will be made.

Board of Management members who retire immediately 
after their service on the board and who draw a retire­
ment pension are entitled to purchase vehicles and 
other services of the BMW Group at conditions that also 
apply in each relevant case for pensioners and to lease 
BMW Group vehicles in accordance with the guidelines 

192

Overview of compensation system and compensation components

Component

Parameter / measurement base

Basic compensation p. a.  

Variable compensation  
Bonus

a)  Corporate earnings-related bonus  

(corresponds to 50 % of target bonus if target is 100 % 
achieved)

Member of the Board of Management: 
–   € 0.75 million (first term of appointment)
–   € 0.90 million (from second term of appointment onwards or fourth year in office)

Chairman of the Board of Management: 
–  € 1.50 million

Target bonuses p. a. (if target is 100 % achieved):
–   € 1.50 million (first term of appointment)
–  € 1.75 million (from second term of appointment onwards or fourth year in office)
–   € 3.00 million (Chairman of the Board of Management)
–   Quantitative criteria fixed in advance for a period of three financial years
–   Formula: 50 % of target bonus x earnings factor x dividend factor (common stock)
–   The earnings factor is derived from the Group net profit and the Group post-tax return 

on sales

b)  Performance-related bonus  

–   Primarily qualitative criteria, expressed in terms of a performance factor aimed at 

(corresponds to 50 % of target bonus if target is 100 % 
achieved)

 measuring the board members’ contribution to sustainable and long-term performance 
and the future viability of the business

Special bonus payments

–   Formula: 50 % of target bonus x performance factor
–   Criteria for the performance factor also include: innovation (economic and ecological, 
e. g. reduction of CO2 emissions), customer orientation, ability to adapt, leadership ac-
complishments and attractiveness as employer, progress in implementing the diversity 
concept and activities that foster corporate social responsibility

May be paid in justified circumstances on an appropriate basis, contractual basis, no 
 entitlement

Share-based remuneration programme 

–   Requirement for Board of Management members to each invest an amount equivalent 

a) Cash compensation component

–   Earmarked cash remuneration equivalent to the amount required to be invested in 

b)  Share-based remuneration component  

–   Once the four-year holding period requirement is fulfilled, Board of Management 

BMW AG shares, plus taxes and social insurance contributions

to 20 % of their total bonus (after tax) in BMW AG common stock

(matching component)

Other compensation  

Retirement and surviving dependants’ benefits  

Model

a)  Defined benefits 

(only applies to board members appointed for the first 
time before 1 January 2010; based on legal right to 
 receive the benefits already promised to them, this group 
of persons is entitled to opt between (a) and (b))

members receive for each three common stock shares held either – at the Company’s 
option – one further share of common stock or the equivalent amount in cash, unless 
the employment relationship was ended before expiry of the agreed contractual period 
(except where caused by death or invalidity).

Contractual agreement, main points: use of company cars, insurance premiums, 
 contributions towards security systems, medical check-up

Principal features

Pension of € 120,000 (Chairman: € 180,000) p. a. plus fixed amounts based on length of 
Company and board service

b)  Defined contribution system with guaranteed minimum 

rate of return

Pension based on amounts credited to individual savings accounts for contributions paid 
and interest earned, various forms of disbursement 

Pension contributions p. a.: 
Member of the Board of Management: € 350,000 – € 400,000 
Chairman of the Board of Management: €700,000

Remuneration caps (maximum remuneration)  

in € p. a.

 Bonus

Cash compensation
for share acquisition

 Share-based compensation programme
Monetary value
of matching
component

 Possible
special bonus

 Total *  

Member of the Board of Management
in the first term of appointment

Member of the Board of Management
in the second term of appointment
or from fourth year in office

Chairman of the Board of Management 

 3,000,000

 700,000

 700,000

 1,000,000

 4,925,000

 3,500,000

 6,000,000

 800,000

 1,400,000

 800,000

 1,400,000

 1,200,000

 1,500,000

 5,500,000

 9,850,000  

*  Including basic remuneration, other fixed remuneration elements and pension contribution. The overall cap is lower than the sum of the maximum amounts for each of the 
 individual components.

170     STATEMENT ON  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
(Part of Management Report)

170     Information on the Company’s 
 Governing Constitution
171     Declaration of the Board of  

Management and of the  
Supervisory Board pursuant to 
§ 161 AktG

172     Members of the Board of  

Management

173     Members of the Supervisory  

Board

176     Work Procedures of the  

Board of  Management

178     Work Procedures of the  
Supervisory Board
183     Information on Corporate  
Governance Practices

184    Compliance in the BMW Group
189    Compensation Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
193   Statement on corporate Governance

applicable to senior heads of departments. Retired Chair­
men of the Board of Management are entitled, like  senior 
heads of departments, to use a BMW Group vehicle as a 
company car and, depending on availability and as part 
of an offset arrangement, use the BMW chauffeur services.

Termination benefits on premature termination of board 
 activities, benefits paid by third parties
In conjunction with the amicable early termination of 
Dr Reithofer’s Board of Management mandate with 
 effect from the end of the Annual General Meeting 2015, 
the Company also reached agreement with Dr Reithofer 
concerning the early termination of his service contract 
with effect from the end of the Annual General Meeting 
2015. The contract termination agreement envisages 
calculation of variable cash remuneration for prorated 
activities in the financial year 2015 on the basis of the 
target attainment for the financial year 2013, entitling 
Dr Reithofer to an amount of € 1.9 million, payable in 
2015, i. e. in the period after he has left the Board of 
Management. This arrangement ensures that – in the 
event that Dr Reithofer is elected to the Supervisory 
Board – he will not be involved in deciding on the level 
of his own performance­related remuneration. As 
 settlement of the remuneration to which he is entitled 
on the basis of the original term of his service con­
tract (i. e. up to 2016), the Company agreed to pay an 
amount of € 2.5 million to Dr Reithofer in 2015. The 
Company will make a final pension contribution of 
€ 0.7 million on behalf of Dr Reithofer for the financial 
year 2015.

After leaving the Board of Management on 9 December 
2014, an agreement was reached with Dr Diess for the 
early termination of his service contract with effect from 
30 June 2015. The agreement envisages the continued 
payment of fixed remuneration amounting to € 0.5 mil­
lion for the period from the termination of Dr Diess’ 
mandate to the expiry of the service contract. As settle­
ment of the variable cash remuneration relating to 
the remainder of the contractual period, a payment of 
€ 0.6 million, payable in 2015, was also agreed. A per­
formance­related bonus is no longer payable for this 
 period. The Company will make a final pension contri­
bution of € 0.4 million on behalf of Dr Diess for the finan­
cial year 2014.

Apart from these, there are no contractual commitments 
to pay compensation if a board member’s mandate is 
terminated early. Similarly, there are no commitments 
to pay compensation for early termination in the event 
of a change of control or a takeover offer. No members 
of the Board of Management received any payments or 

benefits from third parties in 2014 on account of their 
activities as members of the Board of Management of 
BMW AG.

Remuneration caps
The Supervisory Board has stipulated caps for all variable 
remuneration components and for the remuneration of 
Board of Management members in total. The caps are 
shown in the overview of the compensation system and 
compensation components.

Compensation of the Board of Management for the  
financial year 2014 (2013) (total)
The total compensation of the current members of the 
Board of Management of BMW AG for the financial year 
2014 amounted to € 35.4 million (2013: € 34.5 million), 
of which € 7.7 million (2013: € 7.9 million) relates to 
fixed components (including other remuneration). 
 Variable components amounted to € 27.0 million (2013: 
€ 25.9 million) and share­based remuneration compo­
nents to € 0.7 million (2013: € 0.7 million).

in € million

2014

2013

 Amount Proportion
in %

 Amount Proportion  

in %

Fixed compensation

 7.7

 21.8

 7.9

 22.9

Variable cash
compensation

Share-based compen-
sation component*

Total compensation

 27.0

 76.3

 25.9

 75.1

 0.7

35.4

 1.9

100.0

 0.7

34.5

 2.0

100.0

*  Matching component; provisional number or provisional monetary value calculated at 
grant date (date on which the entitlement became binding in law). The final number 
of matching shares is determined in each case when the requirement to invest in 
BMW AG common stock has been fulfilled.

In addition, an expense of € 2.1 million (2013: € 2.2 mil­
lion) was recognised in the financial year 2014 for current 
members of the Board of Management for the period af­
ter the end of their service relationship, which relates to 
the expense for allocations to pension provisions.

The amount paid to former members of the Board of 
Management and their dependants for the financial year 
2014 was € 5.8 million (2013: € 4.7 million). The figure for 
2014 includes continued payment of the fixed remunera­
tion of Dr Diess after leaving the Board of Management 
amounting to € 0.1 million. Pension obligations to former 
members of the Board of Management, including Dr 
Diess, and their surviving dependants are fully covered 
by pension provisions amounting to € 68.4 million (2013: 
€ 58.0 million), computed in accordance with IAS 19.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
194

Compensation of the individual members of the Board of Management for the financial year 2014 (2013)

in € or
number of 
matching shares

Fixed compensation

Basic
compen-
sation

Other
compen-
sation

Total

 Variable
 cash com-
pensation

Share-based
compensation
component
(matching
component)1

 Com-
pensation
Total

Number Monetary
value

 5,563,800
(5,270,400)

 2,781,900
(2,635,200)

 2,749,360
(3,074,400)

 3,245,550
(3,074,400)

 3,245,550
(3,074,400)

 172,000
(–)

 3,245,550
(3,074,400)

 3,245,550
(3,074,400)

 2,781,900
(1,976,400)

 1,810
(1,886)

 971
(1,012)

  –
(1,181)

 1,133
(1,181)

 1,133
(1,181)

 52
(–)

 1,055
(1,100)

 1,133
(1,181)

 971
(812)

 151,207
(143,204)

 7,245,159
(7,032,836)

 81,117
(76,841)

 3,681,572
(3,560,254)

  –
(89,673)

 94,651
(89,673)

 94,651
(89,673)

 4,623
(–)

 88,135
(83,523)

 94,651
(89,673)

 81,117
(57,603)

 3,614,295
(4,083,283)

 4,264,991
(4,090,447)

 4,262,153
(4,088,298)

 223,388
(–)

 4,251,756
(4,076,511)

 4,254,362
(4,078,474)

 3,639,498
(2,609,927)

 Expense for
share-based
compensation
component
in year under 
report in
accordance with
HGB and IFRS

 Provision at
31.12. 2014 for
share-based 
compensation
component in
accordance 
with HGB
and IFRS2

 191,845
(122,700)

 103,493
(49,469)

 92,633
(91,437)

 191,814
(125,097)

 181,389
(104,017)

 130
(–)

 94,542
(60,843)

 125,621
(79,152)

 31,055
(10,380)

 411,815  
(219,970)

 159,210  
(55,717)

 254,686  
(162,052)

 407,415  
(215,602)

 363,844  
(182,455)

 130  
(–)

 202,917  
(108,375)

 266,831  
(141,210)

 41,435  
(10,380)

Norbert Reithofer

 1,500,000
(1,500,000)

 30,152
(119,232)

 1,530,152
(1,619,232)

Milagros Caiña
Carreiro-Andree
Herbert Diess3

Klaus Draeger

Friedrich Eichiner

Klaus Fröhlich4

Harald Krüger

Ian Robertson

Peter
Schwarzenbauer
Total 5

 750,000
(750,000)

 844,355
(900,000)

 900,000
(900,000)

 900,000
(900,000)

 46,371
(–)

 900,000
(900,000)

 900,000
(900,000)

 750,000
(562,500)

 68,555
(98,213)

 20,580
(19,210)

 24,790
(26,374)

 21,952
(24,225)

 394
(–)

 18,071
(18,588)

 14,161
(14,401)

 26,481
(13,424)

 818,555
(848,213)

 864,935
(919,210)

 924,790
(926,374)

 921,952
(924,225)

 46,765
(–)

 918,071
(918,588)

 914,161
(914,401)

 776,481
(575,924)

7,490,726

225,136

7,715,862

27,031,160

8,258

690,152 35,437,174

1,012,523

2,108,284

 (7,537,500)

(344,101)

(7,881,601)

(25,894,500)

(9,534)

(719,863)

(34,495,964)

(712,103)

(1,253,625)

1  Provisional number or provisional monetary value calculated at grant date (date on which the entitlement became binding in law). The final number of matching shares is 
 determined in each case when the requirement to invest in BMW AG common stock has been fulfilled. See note 20 to the Group Financial Statements for a description of the 
 accounting treatment of the share-based compensation component.
2  Monetary value calculated on the basis of the closing price of BMW common stock in the XETRA trading system on 30 December 2014 (€ 89.77) (fair value at reporting date).
3    Member of the Board of Management until 9 December 2014.
4   Member of the Board of Management since 9 December 2014.
5 Figures for the previous year include the remuneration of the member of the Board of Management who left office during the financial year 2013.

170     STATEMENT ON  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
(Part of Management Report)

170     Information on the Company’s 
 Governing Constitution
171     Declaration of the Board of  

Management and of the  
Supervisory Board pursuant to 
§ 161 AktG

172     Members of the Board of  

Management

173     Members of the Supervisory  

Board

176     Work Procedures of the  

Board of  Management

178     Work Procedures of the  
Supervisory Board
183     Information on Corporate  
Governance Practices

184    Compliance in the BMW Group
189    Compensation Report

 
 
 
195   Statement on corporate Governance

Pension benefits of the individual members of the Board of Management

in €

 Service cost
in accordance with IFRS
for the financial year 20141

 Service cost
in accordance with HGB
for the financial year 20141

 Present value of 
pension obligations
(defined benefit plans),
 in accordance
with IFRS 2

 Present value of 
pension obligations
(defined benefit plans),
in accordance
with HGB 2

Norbert Reithofer

Milagros Caiña Carreiro-Andree

Klaus Draeger

Friedrich Eichiner

Klaus Fröhlich3

Harald Krüger

Ian Robertson

Peter Schwarzenbauer

Total4

Herbert Diess5

 281,278
(313,038)

 366,848
(369,827)

 147,483
(162,426)

 177,335
(174,279)

 3,643
(–)

 220,609
(143,734)

 356,067
(395,507)

 369,234
(262,500)

1,922,497

(2,033,085)

 178,809
(211,774)

 717,656
(233,100)

 368,968
(372,277)

 409,663
(407,482)

 409,663
(407,482)

 2,747
(–)

 359,256
(358,325)

 414,827
(274,357)

 371,398
(262,500)

3,054,178

(2,723,228)

 383,900
(407,705)

 9,600,845
(7,234,887)

 990,507
(555,874)

 5,359,750
(4,086,628)

 5,599,794
(4,683,637)

 2,138,633
(–)

 3,927,671
(2,648,384)

 3,029,448
(2,025,994)

 688,271
(289,681)

31,334,919

(24,819,665)

 4,256,732
(3,294,607)

 7,346,081  
(6,036,606)

 989,277  
(555,190)

 4,485,792  
(3,694,976)

 4,633,694  
(3,827,095)

 1,286,247  

(–)

 3,204,346  
(2,516,021)

 2,395,377  
(1,771,848)

 687,570  
(289,308)

25,028,384

(21,753,227)

 3,858,064  
(3,062,183)

1  Service cost differs due to the different valuation bases used to measure pension obligations for HGB purposes (expected settlement amount) and for IFRS purposes  
(present value of the defined benefit obligation).
2  Based on legal right to receive the benefits already promised to them, Board of Management members appointed for the first time prior to 1 January 2010 were given  
the option of choosing between the old and new models at the time the Company changed from a defined benefit to a defined contribution system.
3   Member of the Board of Management since 9 December 2014.
4 The previous year’s figures include amounts relating to Dr Diess.
5 Member of the Board of Management until 9 December 2014.

2. Supervisory Board compensation
Responsibilities, regulation pursuant to Articles  
of Incorporation
The compensation of the Supervisory Board is specified 
by resolution of the shareholders at the Annual General 
Meeting or in the Articles of Incorporation. The com­
pensation regulation valid for the financial year under 
report was resolved by shareholders at the Annual Gen­
eral Meeting on 14 May 2013 and is set out in Article 15 
of BMW AG’s Articles of Incorporation, which can be 
viewed and / or downloaded at www.bmwgroup.com / ir 
under the menu items “Corporate Facts” and “Corporate 
Governance”.

Compensation principles, compensation components
The Supervisory Board of BMW AG receives a fixed 
compensation component as well as a corporate per­
formance­related compensation component which is 
oriented toward sustainable growth, based on a multi­
year assessment. The corporate performance­related 
component is based on average earnings per share of 
common stock for the remuneration year and the two 
preceding financial years.

These two interacting components are intended to 
 ensure that the compensation of Supervisory Board 
members is commensurate overall in relation to the 

 
 
 
196

tasks performed and the Company’s financial condition 
and also takes account of business performance over 
several years.

In accordance with the Articles of Incorporation, each 
member of BMW AG’s Supervisory Board receives, in 
addition to the reimbursement of reasonable expenses, 
a fixed amount of € 70,000 (payable at the end of the 
year) as well as a corporate performance­related compen­
sation of € 170 for each full € 0.01 by which the average 
amount of (undiluted) earnings per share (EPS) of 
common stock reported in the Group Financial State­
ments for the remuneration year and the two preceding 
financial years exceeds a minimum amount of € 2.00 
(payable after the Annual General Meeting held in 
the following year). An upper limit corresponding to 
twice the amount of the fixed compensation (€ 140,000) 
is in place for the corporate performance­related com­
pensation.

With this combination of fixed compensation elements 
and a corporate performance­related compensation 
component oriented toward sustainable growth, the 
compensation structure in place for BMW AG’s Super­
visory Board complies with the recommendation on 
super visory board compensation contained in section 
5.4.6 paragraph 2 sentence 2 of the German Corporate 
Governance Code (version dated 24 June 2014).

The German Corporate Governance Code also recom­
mends in section 5.4.6 paragraph 1 sentence 2 that the 
exercising of chair and deputy chair positions in the 
Super visory Board as well as the chair and membership 
of committees should also be considered when deter­
mining the level of compensation.

Accordingly, the Articles of Incorporation of BMW AG 
stipulate that the Chairman of the Supervisory Board 
shall receive three times the amount and each Deputy 
Chairman shall receive twice the amount of the remu­
neration of a Supervisory Board member. Provided the 
relevant committee convened for meetings on at least 
three days during the financial year, each chairman of 
the Supervisory Board’s committees receives twice the 

170     STATEMENT ON  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
(Part of Management Report)

170     Information on the Company’s 
 Governing Constitution
171     Declaration of the Board of  

Management and of the  
Supervisory Board pursuant to 
§ 161 AktG

172     Members of the Board of  

Management

173     Members of the Supervisory  

Board

176     Work Procedures of the  

Board of  Management

178     Work Procedures of the  
Supervisory Board
183     Information on Corporate  
Governance Practices

184    Compliance in the BMW Group
189    Compensation Report

amount and each member of a committee receives one 
and a half times the amount of the remuneration of a 
Supervisory Board member. If a member of the Super­
visory Board exercises more than one of the functions 
referred to above, the compensation is measured only 
on the basis of the function which is remunerated with 
the highest amount.

In addition, each member of the Supervisory Board re­
ceives an attendance fee of € 2,000 for each full meeting 
of the Supervisory Board (Plenum) which the member 
has attended (payable at the end of the financial year). 
Attendance at more than one meeting on the same day 
is not remunerated separately.

The Company also reimburses to each member of the 
Supervisory Board reasonable expenses and any value­
added tax arising on the member’s remuneration. The 
amounts disclosed below are net amounts.

In order to be able to perform his duties, the Chairman 
of the Supervisory Board is provided with secretariat 
and chauffeur services.

Compensation of the Supervisory Board for the  
financial year 2014 (total)
In accordance with § 15 of the Articles of Incorporation, 
the compensation of the Supervisory Board for activities 
during the financial year 2014 amounted to € 4.8 million 
(2013: € 4.6 million). This includes fixed compensation 
of € 2.0 million (2013: € 2.0 million) and variable compen­
sation of € 2.8 million (2013: € 2.6 million).

in € million

2014

2013

 Amount Proportion
in %

 Amount Proportion  

Fixed compensation

Variable compensation

Total compensation

 2.0

 2.8

   4.8

 41.7

 58.3

100.0

 2.0

 2.6

   4.6

in %

 43.5

 56.5

100.0

Supervisory Board members did not receive any further 
compensation or benefits from the BMW Group for 
 advisory and agency services personally rendered.

 
 
 
 
 
 
197   Statement on corporate Governance

Compensation of the individual members of the Supervisory Board for the financial year 2014 (2013)

in €

 Fixed compensation

 Attendance fee

 Variable

 Total

Joachim Milberg (Chairman)

Manfred Schoch (Deputy Chairman)1

Stefan Quandt (Deputy Chairman)

Stefan Schmid (Deputy Chairman)1

Karl-Ludwig Kley (Deputy Chairman)

Christiane Benner1, 2

Bertin Eichler1,3

Franz Haniel

Reinhard Hüttl

Henning Kagermann

Susanne Klatten

Renate Köcher

Ulrich Kranz 2

Robert W. Lane

Horst Lischka1

Willibald Löw1

Wolfgang Mayrhuber

Dominique Mohabeer1

Brigitte Rödig1

Markus Schramm3

Jürgen Wechsler1

Werner Zierer1

Total4

 210,000
(210,000)

 140,000
(140,000)

 140,000
(140,000)

 140,000
(140,000)

 140,000
(140,000)

 44,301
(–)

 25,890
(70,000)

 70,000
(70,000)

 70,000
(70,000)

 70,000
(70,000)

 70,000
(70,000)

 70,000
(70,000)

 44,301
(–)

 70,000
(70,000)

 70,000
(70,000)

 70,000
(70,000)

 70,000
(70,000)

 70,000
(70,000)

 70,000
(33,370)

 25,890
(52,740)

 70,000
(70,000)

 70,000
(70,000)

1,820,382

(1,818,082)

 10,000
(10,000)

 10,000
(10,000)

 10,000
(10,000)

 10,000
(10,000)

 6,000
(8,000)

 8,000
(–)

 2,000
(10,000)

 10,000
(10,000)

 8,000
(10,000)

 10,000
(10,000)

 10,000
(10,000)

 10,000
(10,000)

 8,000
(–)

 8,000
(10,000)

 10,000
(10,000)

 10,000
(10,000)

 8,000
(8,000)

 10,000
(10,000)

 10,000
(6,000)

 2,000
(8,000)

 10,000
(6,000)

 10,000
(10,000)

190,000

(192,000)

 317,730
(294,270)

 211,820
(196,180)

 211,820
(196,180)

 211,820
(196,180)

 211,820
(196,180)

 67,028
(–)

 39,172
(98,090)

 105,910
(98,090)

 105,910
(98,090)

 105,910
(98,090)

 105,910
(98,090)

 105,910
(98,090)

 67,028
(–)

 105,910
(98,090)

 105,910
(98,090)

 105,910
(98,090)

 105,910
(98,090)

 105,910
(98,090)

 105,910
(46,761)

 39,172
(73,903)

 105,910
(98,090)

 105,910
(98,090)

 537,730  
(514,270)

 361,820  
(346,180)

 361,820  
(346,180)

 361,820  
(346,180)

 357,820  
(344,180)

 119,329  

(–)

 67,062  

(178,090)

 185,910  
(178,090)

 183,910  
(178,090)

 185,910  
(178,090)

 185,910  
(178,090)

 185,910  
(178,090)

 119,329  

(–)

 183,910  
(178,090)

 185,910  
(178,090)

 185,910  
(178,090)

 183,910  
(176,090)

 185,910  
(178,090)

 185,910  
(86,131)

 67,062  

(134,643)

 185,910  
(174,090)

 185,910  
(178,090)

2,754,240

(2,547,653)

4,764,622

(4,557,735)

1  These employee representatives have – in line with the guidelines of the Deutsche Gewerkschaftsbund – requested that their remuneration be paid into the  
Hans Böckler Foundation.
2 Member of the Supervisory Board since 15. 05. 2014.
3 Member of the Supervisory Board until 15. 05. 2014.
4 Figures for the previous year include the remuneration of members of the Supervisory Board who left office during the financial year 2013.

3. Other
Apart from vehicle lease contracts entered into on cus­
tomary market conditions, no advances and loans were 

granted by the Company to members of the Board of 
Management and the Supervisory Board, nor were any 
contingent liabilities entered into on their behalf.

 
 
 
198

Responsibility Statement by the Company’s Legal Representatives

Statement pursuant to § 37y No. 1 of the Securities 
 Trading Act (WpHG) in conjunction with § 297 (2) 
 sentence 4 and § 315 (1) sentence 6 of the German 
 Commercial Code (HGB)
“To the best of our knowledge, and in accordance with 
the applicable reporting principles, the Consolidated 
 Financial Statements give a true and fair view of the 
 assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the 
Group, and the Group Management Report includes 
a fair review of the development and performance of 
the business and the position of the Group, together 
with a description of the principal opportunities and 
risks associated with the expected development of the 
Group.”

Munich, 19 February 2015

Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft

The Board of Management

Dr.­Ing. Dr.­Ing. E. h. Norbert Reithofer

Milagros Caiña Carreiro­Andree

Dr.­Ing. Klaus Draeger

Dr. Friedrich Eichiner

Klaus Fröhlich

Harald Krüger

Dr. Ian Robertson (HonDSc)

Peter Schwarzenbauer

170    STATEMENT ON  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (Part of Management Report)170    Information on the Company’s  Governing Constitution171    Declaration of the Board of  Management and of the  Supervisory Board pursuant to § 161 AktG172    Members of the Board of  Management173    Members of the Supervisory  Board176    Work Procedures of the  Board of  Management178    Work Procedures of the  Supervisory Board183    Information on Corporate  Governance Practices184   Compliance in the BMW Group189   Compensation Report199   Statement on corporate Governance

BMW Group
Auditor’s Report

We have audited the consolidated financial statements 
prepared by Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesell­
schaft, comprising the income statement for group and 
statement of comprehensive income for group, the 
 balance sheet for group, cash flow statement for group, 
group statement of changes in equity and the notes to 
the group financial statements and its report on the 
 position of the Company and the Group for the business 
year from 1 January to 31 December 2014. The prepara­
tion of the consolidated finan cial statements and group 
management report in accordance with IFRSs, as 
adopted by the EU, and the additional requirements of 
German commercial law pur suant to § 315 a (1) HGB 
(Handelsgesetzbuch “German Commercial Code”) are 
the responsibility of the parent company’s management. 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the con­
solidated financial statements and on the group manage­
ment report based on our audit.

We conducted our audit of the consolidated financial 
statements in accordance with § 317 HGB and German 
generally accepted standards for the audit of financial 
statements promulgated by the Institut der Wirtschafts­
prüfer (Institute of Public Auditors in Germany) (IDW). 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the 
 audit such that misstatements  materially affecting the 
presentation of the net assets,  financial position and 
 results of operations in the consolidated financial state­
ments in accordance with the applicable financial report­
ing framework and in the group management report 
are detected with reasonable assurance. Knowledge of 

the business activities and the economic and legal 
 environment of the Group and expectations as to possi­
ble misstatements are taken into account in the deter­
mination of audit procedures. The effectiveness of the 
accounting­related internal control system and the evi­
dence supporting the disclosures in the consolidated 
 financial statements and in the group management 
 report are examined primarily on a test  basis with in the 
framework of the audit. The  audit also includes assess­
ing the annual financial statements of those entities 
 included in consolidation, the determination of entities 
to be included in consolidation, the accounting and 
consolidation principles used and significant estimates 
made by the management, as well as evaluating the 
overall presentation of the con solidated finan cial state­
ments and group management report. We believe that 
our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Our audit has not led to any reservations.

In our opinion, based on the findings of our audit, the 
 consolidated financial statements comply with IFRSs, 
as adopted by the EU, the additional requirements of 
German commercial law pursuant to § 315 a (1) HGB and 
give a true and fair view of the net assets, financial 
 position and  results of operations of the Group in ac­
cordance with these requirements. The group manage­
ment report is consistent with the consolidated finan­
cial statements and as a whole provides a suitable 
view of the Group’s position and suitably presents the 
opportunities and risks of future development.

Munich, 5 March 2015

KPMG AG
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

Pastor
Wirtschaftsprüfer

Feege
Wirtschaftsprüfer

200

OTHER INFORMATION

BMW Group Ten-year Comparison

Sales volume

Automobiles
Motorcycles1

Production volume

Automobiles
Motorcycles1

Financial Services

 units

 units

 units

 units

 2014

 2013

 2012

 2011

 2010

 2009

 2008

 2007

 2006

 2005

 2,117,965

 1,963,798

 1,845,186

 1,668,982

 1,461,166

 1,286,310

 1,435,876

 1,500,678

 1,373,970

 1,327,992  

 Automobiles

 123,495

 115,215

 106,358

 104,286

 98,047

 87,306

 101,685

 102,467

 100,064

 97,474  

 Motorcycles1

 2,165,566

 2,006,366

 1,861,826

 1,738,160

 1,481,253

 1,258,417

 1,439,918

 1,541,503

 1,366,838

 1,323,119 

 133,615

 110,127

 113,811

 110,360

 99,236

 82,631

 104,220

 104,396

 103,759

 92,012 

 Sales volume

 Production volume

 Automobiles

 Motorcycles1

 Financial Services

Contract portfolio
Business volume (based on balance sheet carrying amounts) 2

 contracts

 4,359,572

 4,130,002

 3,846,364

 3,592,093

 3,190,353

 3,085,946

 3,031,935

 2,629,949

 2,270,528

 2,087,368  

 Contract portfolio

 € million

 96,390

 84,347

 80,974

 75,245

 66,233

 61,202

 60,653

 51,257

 44,010

 40,428  

 Business volume (based on balance sheet carrying amounts) 2

Income Statement

Revenues
Gross profit margin Group4

Profit before financial result

Profit before tax

Return on sales (earnings before tax / revenues)

Income taxes

Effective tax rate

Net profit for the year

Balance Sheet

Non-current assets

Current assets

Equity

Equity ratio Group

Non-current provisions and liabilities

Current provisions and liabilities

Balance sheet total

Cash Flow Statement

Cash and cash equivalents at balance sheet date
Operating cash flow 5

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure ratio (capital expenditure / revenues)

Personnel
Workforce at the end of year 6

Personnel cost per employee

Dividend

Dividend total

 € million

 80,401

 %

 € million

 € million

 %

 € million

 %

 € million

 € million

 € million

 € million

 %

 € million

 € million

 € million

 € million

 € million

 € million

 %

 21.2

 9,118

 8,707

 10.8

 2,890

 33.2

 5,817

 97,959

 56,844

 37,437

 24.2

 58,288

 59,078

 154,803

 7,688

 9,423

 6,100

 7.6

 76,059 3

 20.1
 7,978 3
 7,893 3

 10.4
 2,564 3

 32.5
 5,329 3

 86,193 3
 52,184 3
 35,600 3
 25.7 3
 51,643 3
 51,134 3
 138,377 3

 7,671 3
 9,964 3
 6,711 3

 8.8

 76,848

 68,821

 60,477

 50,681

 53,197

 56,018

 48,999

 46,656 

 Revenues

 20.2

 8,275

 7,803

 10.2

 2,692

 34.5

 5,111

 81,305

 50,530

 30,606

 23.2

 52,834

 48,395

 21.1

 8,018

 7,383

 10.7

 2,476

 33.5

 4,907

 74,425

 49,004

 27,103

 22.0

 49,113

 47,213

 131,835

 123,429

 110,164

 101,953

 101,086

 74,566  

 Balance sheet total

 8,370

 9,167

 5,240

 6.8

 7,776

 8,110

 3,692

 5.4

 116,324

 92,337

 110,351
 89,869 3

 105,876

 89,161

 100,306

 84,887

 €

 95,453

 83,141

 96,230

 72,349

 100,041

 75,612

 107,539

 76,704

 106,575

 76,621

 105,798  

 Workforce at the end of year 6

 75,238  

 Personnel cost per employee

 € million

 1,904

 1,707

 1,640

 1,508

 852

 197

 197

 694

 458

 419  

 Dividend total

 18.1

 5,111

 4,853

 8.0

 1,610

 33.1

 3,243

 67,013

 43,151

 23,930

 21.7

 46,100

 40,134

 7,432

 8,149

 3,263

 5.4

 10.5

 289

 413

 0.8

 203

 49.2

 210

 62,009

 39,944

 19,915

 19.5

 45,119

 36,919

 7,767

 4,921

 3,471

 6.8

 11.4

 921

 351

 0.7

 21

 6.0

 330

 62,416

 38,670

 20,273

 20.1

 41,526

 39,287

 7,454

 4,471

 4,204

 7.9

 21.8

 4,212

 3,873

 6.9

 739

 19.1

 3,134

 56,619

 32,378

 21,744

 24.4

 33,469

 33,784

 88,997

 2,393

 6,246

 4,267

 7.6

 23.1

 4,050

 4,124

 8.4

 1,250

 30.3

 2,874

 50,514

 28,543

 19,130

 24.2

 31,372

 28,555

 79,057

 1,336

 5,373

 4,313

 8.8

 Income Statement

 22.9  

 Gross profit margin Group4

 3,793  

 Profit before financial result

 3,287  

 Profit before tax

 7.0  

 Return on sales (earnings before tax / revenues)

 1,048  

 Income taxes

 31.9  

 Effective tax rate

 2,239  

 Net profit for the year

 Balance Sheet

 47,556  

 Non-current assets

 27,010  

 Current assets

 16,973  

 Equity

 22.8  

 Equity ratio Group

 29,509  

 Non-current provisions and liabilities

 28,084  

 Current provisions and liabilities

 Cash Flow Statement

 1,621  

 Cash and cash equivalents at balance sheet date

 6,184  

 Operating cash flow 5

 3,993  

 Capital expenditure

 8.6  

 Capital expenditure ratio (capital expenditure / revenues)

 Personnel

 Dividend

Dividend per share of common stock / preferred stock

 €

 2.90 / 2.92

 2.60 / 2.62

 2.50 /2.52

 2.30 / 2.32

 1.30 /1.32

 0.30 / 0.32

 0.30 / 0.32

 1.06 / 1.08

 0.70 / 0.72

 0.64 / 0.66  

 Dividend per share of common stock / preferred stock

1 Excluding Husqvarna, sales volume up to 2013: 59,776 units; production up to 2013: 59,426 units.
2 Amount computed on the basis of balance sheet figures: until 2007 from the Group balance sheet, from 2008 onwards from the Financial Services segment balance sheet.
3  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.
4 Research and development expenses included in cost of sales with the effect from 2008.
5  Figures are reported in the cash flow statement up to 2006 as cash inflow from operating activities of Industrial Operations and from 2007 as cash inflow from  
operating activities of the Automotive segment.
6 Figures exclude dormant employment contracts, employees in the non-work phases of pre-retirement part-time arrangements and low wage earners.

200    OTHER INFORMATION
200    BMW Group Ten-year Comparison
202    BMW Group Locations
204    Glossary
206    Index
207    Index of Graphs
208    Financial Calendar
209    Contacts

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 € million

 80,401

 76,848

 68,821

 60,477

 50,681

 53,197

 56,018

 48,999

 46,656 

201   other inF ormation

 2014

 2013

 2012

 2011

 2010

 2009

 2008

 2007

 2006

 2005

 2,117,965

 1,963,798

 1,845,186

 1,668,982

 1,461,166

 1,286,310

 1,435,876

 1,500,678

 1,373,970

 1,327,992  

 123,495

 115,215

 106,358

 104,286

 98,047

 87,306

 101,685

 102,467

 100,064

 97,474  

 2,165,566

 2,006,366

 1,861,826

 1,738,160

 1,481,253

 1,258,417

 1,439,918

 1,541,503

 1,366,838

 1,323,119 

 133,615

 110,127

 113,811

 110,360

 99,236

 82,631

 104,220

 104,396

 103,759

 92,012 

 Sales volume

 Automobiles
 Motorcycles1

 Production volume

 Automobiles
 Motorcycles1

 Financial Services

Business volume (based on balance sheet carrying amounts) 2

 € million

 96,390

 84,347

 80,974

 75,245

 66,233

 61,202

 60,653

 51,257

 44,010

 40,428  

 contracts

 4,359,572

 4,130,002

 3,846,364

 3,592,093

 3,190,353

 3,085,946

 3,031,935

 2,629,949

 2,270,528

 2,087,368  

 Contract portfolio
 Business volume (based on balance sheet carrying amounts) 2

Return on sales (earnings before tax / revenues)

 € million

  – 2,890

Sales volume

Automobiles

Motorcycles1

Production volume

Automobiles

Motorcycles1

Financial Services

Contract portfolio

Income Statement

Revenues

Gross profit margin Group4

Profit before financial result

Profit before tax

Income taxes

Effective tax rate

Net profit for the year

Balance Sheet

Non-current assets

Current assets

Equity

Equity ratio Group

Non-current provisions and liabilities

Current provisions and liabilities

Balance sheet total

Cash Flow Statement

Cash and cash equivalents at balance sheet date

Operating cash flow 5

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure ratio (capital expenditure / revenues)

Personnel

Workforce at the end of year 6

Personnel cost per employee

Dividend

Dividend total

 units

 units

 units

 units

 € million

 € million

 %

 %

 %

 € million

 € million

 € million

 € million

 %

 € million

 € million

 € million

 € million

 € million

 € million

 %

 21.2

 9,118

 8,707

 10.8

 33.2

 5,817

 97,969

 57,740

 37,438

 24.0

 58,155

 60,116

 7,688

 9,423

 6,100

 7.6

 76,059 3

 20.1

 7,978 3

 7,893 3

 10.4

 2,564 3

 32.5

 5,329 3

 86,193 3

 52,184 3

 35,600 3

 25.7 3

 51,620 3

 51,157 3

 7,671 3

 9,964 3

 6,711 3

 8.8

 20.2

 8,275

 7,803

 10.2

 2,692

 34.5

 5,111

 81,305

 50,530

 30,606

 23.2

 52,834

 48,395

 8,370

 9,167

 5,240

 6.8

 21.1

 8,018

 7,383

 10.7

 2,476

 33.5

 4,907

 74,425

 49,004

 27,103

 22.0

 49,113

 47,213

 7,776

 8,110

 3,692

 5.4

 18.1

 5,111

 4,853

 8.0

 1,610

 33.1

 3,243

 67,013

 43,151

 23,930

 21.7

 46,100

 40,134

 10.5

 289

 413

 0.8

 203

 49.2

 210

 62,009

 39,944

 19,915

 19.5

 45,119

 36,919

 11.4

 921

 351

 0.7

 21

 6.0

 330

 62,416

 38,670

 20,273

 20.1

 41,526

 39,287

 155,709

 138,377 3

 131,835

 123,429

 110,164

 101,953

 101,086

 7,432

 8,149

 3,263

 5.4

 7,767

 4,921

 3,471

 6.8

 7,454

 4,471

 4,204

 7.9

 21.8

 4,212

 3,873

 6.9

 739

 19.1

 3,134

 56,619

 32,378

 21,744

 24.4

 33,469

 33,784

 88,997

 2,393

 6,246

 4,267

 7.6

 23.1

 4,050

 4,124

 8.4

 1,250

 30.3

 2,874

 50,514

 28,543

 19,130

 24.2

 31,372

 28,555

 79,057

 1,336

 5,373

 4,313

 8.8

 116,324

 92,337

 110,351

 89,869 3

 105,876

 89,161

 100,306

 84,887

 €

 95,453

 83,141

 96,230

 72,349

 100,041

 75,612

 107,539

 76,704

 106,575

 76,621

 Income Statement

 Revenues
 Gross profit margin Group4

 22.9  

 3,793  

 Profit before financial result

 3,287  

 Profit before tax

 7.0  

 Return on sales (earnings before tax / revenues)

 1,048  

 Income taxes

 31.9  

 Effective tax rate

 2,239  

 Net profit for the year

 Balance Sheet

 47,556  

 Non-current assets

 27,010  

 Current assets

 16,973  

 Equity

 22.8  

 Equity ratio Group

 29,509  

 Non-current provisions and liabilities

 28,084  

 Current provisions and liabilities

 74,566  

 Balance sheet total

 Cash Flow Statement

 1,621  

 6,184  

 Cash and cash equivalents at balance sheet date
 Operating cash flow 5

 3,993  

 Capital expenditure

 8.6  

 Capital expenditure ratio (capital expenditure / revenues)

 105,798  

 Personnel
 Workforce at the end of year 6

 75,238  

 Personnel cost per employee

 Dividend

Dividend per share of common stock / preferred stock

 €

 2.90 / 2.92

 2.60 / 2.62

 2.50 /2.52

 2.30 / 2.32

 1.30 /1.32

 0.30 / 0.32

 0.30 / 0.32

 1.06 / 1.08

 0.70 / 0.72

 0.64 / 0.66  

 Dividend per share of common stock / preferred stock

 € million

 1,904

 1,707

 1,640

 1,508

 852

 197

 197

 694

 458

 419  

 Dividend total

1 Excluding Husqvarna, sales volume up to 2013: 59,776 units; production up to 2013: 59,426 units.

2 Amount computed on the basis of balance sheet figures: until 2007 from the Group balance sheet, from 2008 onwards from the Financial Services segment balance sheet.

3  Prior year figures have been adjusted in accordance with IAS 8, see note 9.

4 Research and development expenses included in cost of sales with the effect from 2008.

5  Figures are reported in the cash flow statement up to 2006 as cash inflow from operating activities of Industrial Operations and from 2007 as cash inflow from  

operating activities of the Automotive segment.

6 Figures exclude dormant employment contracts, employees in the non-work phases of pre-retirement part-time arrangements and low wage earners.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
202

BMW Group
Locations

The BMW Group is present in the world markets with  
30 production and assembly plants, 42 sales subsidiaries  
and a research and development network.

— H  Headquarters

— R  Research and Development

 BMW Group Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ),  
Munich, Germany
 BMW Group Research and Technology, Munich,  
Germany
 BMW Car IT, Munich, Germany
 BMW Innovation and Technology Centre, Landshut, 
Germany
 BMW Diesel Competence Centre, Steyr, Austria
 BMW Group Designworks, Newbury Park, USA
 BMW Group Technology Office USA, Mountain View,  
USA
 BMW Group Engineering and Emission Test Center, 
Oxnard, USA
 BMW Group ConnectedDrive Lab China, Shanghai, 
and BMW Group Designworks Studio Shanghai, China
 BMW Group Engineering China, Beijing, China
 BMW Group Engineering Japan, Tokyo, Japan
 BMW Group Engineering USA, Woodcliff Lake, USA

200    OTHER INFORMATION
200    BMW Group Ten-year Comparison
202    BMW Group Locations
204    Glossary
206    Index
207    Index of Graphs
208    Financial Calendar
209    Contacts

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
203   other inF ormation

— P  Production

— C  Contract production

— S  Sales subsidiary markets / Locations Financial Services

Berlin plant
Dingolfing plant
Eisenach plant
Goodwood plant, GB (headquarters of 
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited)
Hams Hall plant, GB
Landshut plant
Leipzig plant
Munich plant
Oxford plant, GB
Regensburg plant
Rosslyn plant, South Africa
 BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., Shenyang, 
China (joint venture with Brilliance China
Automotive Holdings – 3 plants) 
Spartanburg plant, USA
Steyr plant, Austria
Swindon plant, GB
Wackersdorf plant
BMW – SGL joint venture (2 plants)

 Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik, Austria
VDL Nedcar, Netherlands

— A  Assembly plants

CKD production Araquari, Brazil
CKD production Cairo, Egypt
CKD production Chennai, India
CKD production Jakarta, Indonesia
CKD production Kaliningrad, Russia
CKD production Kulim,  Malaysia
CKD production Manaus, Brazil
CKD production Rayong, Thailand

Argentina
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria*
China
Canada
Czech Republic*
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Great Britain
Greece
Hungary*
India
Indonesia*

Ireland
Italy
Japan
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Malta*
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania*
Russia
Singapore
Slovakia*
Slovenia*
South Africa

South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
USA

* Sales locations only.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
204

Glossary

CFRP  
Abbreviation for carbon­fibre reinforced polymer. CFRP 
is a composite material, consisting of carbon­fibres sur­
rounded by a plastic matrix (resin). On a comparative 
 basis, CFRP is approximately 50 % lighter than steel and 
30 % lighter than aluminium.

DJSI World  
Abbreviation for “Dow Jones Sustainability Index World”. 
A family of indexes created by Dow Jones and the Swiss 
investment agency SAM Sustainability Group for com­
panies with strategies based on a sustainability concept. 
The BMW Group has been one of the leading companies 
in the DJSI since 1999.

Combined heat and power  
Combined heat and power (CHP) or cogeneration is 
the simultaneous conversion of energy sources into 
electricity and useful heating. In comparison to separate 
generation of electricity in conventional power plants, 
energy is converted more efficiently and with greater 
flexibility. As a result, this technology helps to reduce 
CO2 emissions.

Common stock  
Stock with voting rights (cf. preferred stock).

EBIT  
Abbreviation for “Earnings Before Interest and Taxes”. 
The profit before income taxes, minority interest and 
 financial result.

EBITDA  
Abbreviation for “Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depre­
ciation and Amortisation”. The profit before income 
 taxes, minority interest, financial result and depreciation /  
amortisation.

Connected Drive  
Under the term Connected Drive, the BMW Group 
 already unites a unique portfolio of innovative features 
that enhance comfort, raise infotainment to new levels 
and significantly boost safety in BMW Group vehicles.

Effectiveness  
The degree to which offsetting changes in fair value or 
cash flows attributable to a hedged risk are achieved by 
the hedging instrument.

Cost of materials  
Comprises all expenditure to purchase raw materials 
and supplies.

DAX  
Abbreviation for “Deutscher Aktienindex”, the German 
Stock Index. The index is based on the weighted market 
prices of the 30 largest German stock corporations (by stock 
market capitalisation).

Deferred taxes  
Accounting for deferred taxes is a method of allocating 
tax expense to the appropriate accounting period.

Efficient Dynamics  
The aim of Efficient Dynamics is to reduce consumption 
and emissions whilst simultaneously increasing dynamics 
and performance. This involves a holistic approach to 
achieving optimum automobile potential, ranging from 
efficient engine technologies and lightweight construc­
tion to comprehensive energy and heat management 
 inside the vehicle.

Equity ratio  
The proportion of equity (= subscribed capital, reserves, 
accumulated other equity and minority interest) to the 
 balance sheet total.

Derivatives  
Financial products, whose measurement is derived 
principally from market price, market price fluctuations 
and expected market price changes of the underlying 
instrument (e. g. indices, stocks or bonds).

Free cash flow  
Free cash flow corresponds to the cash inflow from oper­
ating activities of the Automotive segment less the cash 
outflow for investing activities of the Automotive seg­
ment adjusted for net investments in marketable securities 
and term deposits.

Gross margin  
Gross profit as a percentage of revenues.

200    OTHER INFORMATION
200    BMW Group Ten-year Comparison
202    BMW Group Locations
204    Glossary
206    Index
207    Index of Graphs
208    Financial Calendar
209    Contacts

Subsidiaries  
Subsidiaries are those enterprises which, either directly 
or indirectly, are under the uniform control of the 
management of BMW AG or in which BMW AG, either 
directly or  indirectly
–   holds the majority of the voting rights
–   has the right to appoint or remove the majority of the 
members of the Board of Management or equivalent 
governing body, and in which BMW AG is at the same 
time (directly or indirectly) a shareholder

–   has control (directly or indirectly) over another enter­

prise on the basis of a control agreement or a provision 
in the statutes of that enterprise.

Supplier relationship management  
Supplier relationship management (SRM) uses focused 
procurement strategies to organise networked supplier 
relationships, optimise processes for supplier qualifica­
tion and selection, ensure the application of uniform 
standards throughout the Group and create efficient 
sourcing and procurement processes along the whole value 
added chain.

Sustainability  
Sustainability, or sustainable development, gives equal 
consideration to ecological, social and economic develop­
ment. In 1987 the United Nations “World Commission 
on Environment and Development” defined sustainable 
development as development that meets the needs of 
the present without compromising the ability of future 
generations to meet their own needs. The economic 
relevance of corporate sustainability to the BMW Group 
is evident in three areas: resources, reputation and risk.

205   other inF ormation

IFRSs  
International Financial Reporting Standards, intended 
to ensure global comparability of financial reporting 
and consistent presentation of financial statements. 
The IFRSs are issued by the International Accounting 
Standards Board and include the International 
 Accounting Standards (IASs), which are still valid.

Indicator for water consumption  
The indicators for water consumption refer to the pro­
duction sites of the BMW Group. The water consumption 
includes the process water input for the production 
as well as the general water consumption, e. g. for sani­
tation facilities.

Operating cash flow  
Cash inflow from the operating activities of the Auto­
motive segment.

Preferred stock  
Stock which receives a higher dividend than common 
stock, but without voting rights.

Rating  
Standardised evaluation of a company’s credit standing 
which is widely accepted on the global capital markets. 
Ratings are published by independent rating agencies, 
e. g. Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s, based on their analysis 
of a company.

Return on sales  
Pre­tax:  Profit before tax as a percentage of revenues.
Post­tax:  Profit as a percentage of revenues.

Risk management  
An integral component of all business processes. Following 
enactment of the German Law on Control and Trans­
parency within Businesses (KonTraG), all companies 
listed on a stock exchange in Germany are required to 
set up a risk management system. The purpose of this 
system is to identify risks at an early stage which could 
have a significant adverse effect on the assets, liabilities, 
financial position and results of operations, and which 
could endanger the continued existence of the Company. 
This applies in particular to transactions involving risk, 
errors in accounting or financial reporting and violations 
of legal requirements. The Board of Management is 
 required to set up an appropriate system, to document 
that system and monitor it regularly with the aid of the 
internal audit department.

206

Index

A  
Accounting policies  
Apprentices  
Automotive segment  

 44

 101 et seq.

 29 et seq.

G  
Group tangible, intangible and investment  
assets  

 124 et seq.

 4, 50 et seq.

 52 et seq., 106, 134

 4, 52 et seq., 94 et seq., 112 et seq., 115, 

 52 et seq., 94 et seq., 161 et seq.

 3, 27 et seq., 46 et seq., 68 et seq.

 189 et seq.

B  
Balance sheet structure  
Bonds  

 53 et seq., 145 et seq.

 56

 32, 39, 41

C  
Capital expenditure  
Cash and cash equivalents  
Cash flow  
161 et seq.
Cash flow statement  
CFRP  
CO2 emissions  
Compensation Report  
 184 et seq.
Compliance  
 39, 42
Connected Drive  
Consolidated companies  
Consolidation principles  
Contingent liabilities  
Corporate Governance  
Cost of materials  
Cost of sales  

 149

 99 et seq.
 100

 170 et seq.

 58 et seq.
 49, 101 et seq., 116

D  
Dealer organisation /dealerships  
Declaration with respect to the Corporate Governance 
Code  
Dividend  
Dow Jones Sustainability Index World  

 45 et seq.

 88, 121

 19, 41

 171

E  
Earnings per share  
Efficient Dynamics  
Employees  
Equity  
Exchange rates  

 44 et seq.

 57 et seq., 143 et seq.

 49, 102, 121
 38

 23 et seq., 66, 78, 101, 159 et seq.

 53, 55, 57, 105, 130 et seq.
 104, 150 et seq.
 55, 57, 107, 145 et seq.

F  
Financial assets  
Financial instruments  
Financial liabilities  
Financial result  
Financial Services segment  
Fleet emissions  

 50 et seq., 61

 36 et seq.
 3, 27 et seq., 47 et seq., 68 et seq.

200    OTHER INFORMATION
200    BMW Group Ten-year Comparison
202    BMW Group Locations
204    Glossary
206    Index
207    Index of Graphs
208    Financial Calendar
209    Contacts

 49, 90 et seq., 116 et seq.

I  
Income statement  
Income taxes  
Intangible assets  
Inventories  
Investments accounted for using the equity method  
and other investments  

 50, 63, 106, 118 et seq., 145
 55 et seq., 102, 126

 104, 127 et seq.

 106, 132

K  
Key data per share  

 88

L  
Lease business  
Leased products  
Locations  

 127
 202 et seq.

 36 et seq.

M  
Mandates of members of the Board of 
 172
 Management  
Mandates of members of the Supervisory  
Board  
Marketable securities  
Motorcycles segment  

 104 et seq., 130 et seq.
 35

 173 et seq.

N  
Net profit  
New financial reporting rules  

 4, 49 et seq.

 109 et seq.

 118

O  
Other financial result  
Other investments  
Other operating income and expenses  
Other provisions  
Outlook  

 65 et seq.

 128 

 144

 117

 57, 63, 108, 136 et seq.

 20 et seq., 26 et seq.,  

 121

P  
Pension provisions  
Performance indicators  
67 et seq.
Personnel costs  
Production  
Production network  
Profit before financial result  
Profit before tax  
Property, plant and equipment  
Purchasing  

 40 et seq.

 31 et seq.

 31 et seq.

 4, 49 et seq.

 4, 26 et seq., 49 et seq., 67, 69
 102 et seq., 126

207   other inF ormation

Index of Graphs

 55, 105, 129 et seq.

 189 et seq.

 162 et seq.

 79, 88 et seq., 136

R  
Rating  
Receivables from sales financing  
Related party relationships  
Remuneration system  
Report of the Supervisory Board  
Research and development  
Result from equity accounted investments  
Return on sales  
Revenue reserves  
Revenues  
Risks report  

 20 et seq., 49 et seq.

 134 et seq.

 38 et seq.

 70 et seq.

 6 et seq.

 117

 4, 27 et seq., 49, 59, 61, 68 et seq., 101, 116

 116
 3, 26 et seq., 29, 67 et seq.
 165 et seq.

S  
Selling and administrative expenses  
Sales volume  
Segment information  
Shareholdings of members of the Board of  
Management and the Supervisory Board  
Statement of Comprehensive Income  
Stock  
Sustainability  

 45 et seq.

 87 et seq.

 163
 90, 123

T  
Tangible, intangible and investment  
assets  
Trade payables  
Trade receivables  

 102 et seq., 124 et seq.
 148

 57, 133 et seq.

 5

 24

 24

 25

 20

Finances  
BMW Group in figures  
Value drivers  
Exchange rates compared to the euro  
Oil price trend  
 24
Steel price trend  
Precious metals price trend  
BMW Group new vehicles financed by 
Financial Services segment  
Contract portfolio of Financial Services segment   
Contract portfolio retail customer financing of  
Financial Services segment  
 37
Development of credit loss ratio  
Regional mix of purchase volumes  
Change in cash and cash equivalents  
Financial liabilities  
 54
Balance sheet structure – Automotive segment  
Balance sheet structure – Group  
BMW Group value added  
Risk management in the BMW Group  

 40

 59

 52

 37

 56

 36

 70

 36

 56

Production and sales volume  
BMW Group – key automobile markets  
BMW Group sales volume by region  
BMW Group – key motorcycle markets  
 35
BMW sales volume of motorcycles  

 29

 29

 35

Workforce  
BMW Group apprentices at 31 December  
Employee attrition rate at BMW AG  
Proportion of non­tariff female employees   

 45

 44

 45

 46

Environment  
Materiality matrix 
CO2 emissions per vehicle produced  
 47
Energy consumed per vehicle produced  
Process wastewater per vehicle produced  
Water consumption per vehicle produced  
Volatile organic compounds per vehicle  produced  
Waste for disposal per vehicle produced  

 47
 47

 48

 47

 48

Stock  
Development of BMW stock  

 87

Compliance  
BMW Group Compliance Management System  

 185

This version of the Annual Report is a translation 
from the German version. Only the original German 
version is binding.

 
208

Financial Calendar

Annual Accounts Press Conference  
Analyst and Investor Conference  
Quarterly Report to 31 March 2015  
Annual General Meeting  
Quarterly Report to 30 June 2015  
Quarterly Report to 30 September 2015  

Annual Report 2015  
Annual Accounts Press Conference  
Analyst and Investor Conference  
Quarterly Report to 31 March 2016  
Annual General Meeting  
Quarterly Report to 30 June 2016  
Quarterly Report to 30 September 2016  

 18 March 2015
 19 March 2015
 6 May 2015
 13 May 2015
 4 August 2015
 3 November 2015

 16 March 2016
 16 March 2016
 17 March 2016
 3 May 2016
 12 May 2016
 2 August 2016
 4 November 2016

200    OTHER INFORMATION
200    BMW Group Ten-year Comparison
202    BMW Group Locations
204    Glossary
206    Index
207    Index of Graphs
208    Financial Calendar
209    Contacts

209   other inF ormation

Contacts

Business and Finance Press  
Telephone 

Fax 
E­mail 

Investor Relations  
Telephone 

Fax 
E­mail 

 +49 89 382­2 45 44 
+49 89 382­2 41 18
+49 89 382­2 44 18
presse@bmwgroup.com

+49 89 382­2 42 72
+49 89 382­2 53 87
+49 89 382­1 46 61
ir@bmwgroup.com

The BMW Group on the Internet  
Further information about the BMW Group is available online at www.bmwgroup.com.
Investor Relations information is available directly at www.bmwgroup.com/ir. Information 
about the various BMW Group brands is available at www.bmw.com, www.mini.com
and www.rolls­roycemotorcars.com.

 
 
 
 
A  FURTHER  CONTRIBUTION  TOWARDS  PRESERVING  RESOURCES

The BMW Group Annual Report was printed on paper with the Blue Angel eco-label. The paper used was produced, climate- 
neutrally and without optical brighteners and chlorine bleach, from recycled waste paper.

The CO2 emissions generated through print and production were neutralised by the BMW Group. To this end, the corresponding 
amount of emissions allowances was erased, with the transaction identification EU241734 on 6 February 2015.

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