“Resilience is a word we hear a lot these days. But we are taking it a step further: We are making BMW anti-fragile. That means more than being resilient. Resilient companies withstand challenges, while anti-fragile companies use them to become better and to grow. This mindset transforms uncertainty into strategic clarity and pressure into momentum.

“Difficult circumstances generate forward impetus that makes our company even stronger. Our global team makes this possible. In the autumn, we once again surveyed all our employees worldwide. More than 90% said they support our goals and our strategy and 92 % said they are proud to work at BMW….

“What you see here is genuine. It is authentic. That is our BMW spirit, my dear Shareholders! At BMW, it is never about the individual – not the Board of Management; not the CEO.

“It is always about our products and our brands; about the company – and its success. This is what we work for and strive towards. Because we can – and because we want to. Because it makes sense and unlocks potential. And because it brings joy – to our customers and to us in our daily work.

For almost seven years, since August 2019, I have been responsible for your company. Seven months after I took office, the coronavirus brought the world – and our plants – to a standstill. As you know, the period that followed remained turbulent….

“Tomorrow, dear Milan Nedeljković, you take over as Chairman of the Board of Management. The two of us have worked well together on the Board of Management. Strategy is the responsibility of the Board of Management, and our strategy is focused on the long term. We consider and prepare for different scenarios. Decisions are made jointly by the Board of Management.

We implement them unanimously and with a united approach. Everything is done calmly and consistently, with a clear focus on the road ahead….

“Milan, I wish you and the Board of Management team continued strength in shaping the future. You, ladies and gentlemen of the Supervisory Board, continue to support us with critical and constructive guidance in true BMW style – always solution-oriented and focused on our shared success.

“The fact that the entire Supervisory Board is present at our Annual General Meetings visibly underscores the support you give us…Thank you for 35 intense and exciting years at BMW,” said Zipse.