Tag Archives: bmw motorrad

A BMW Motorcycle for Pope Leo XIV?

Posted on 9 September 2025 by Ken Zino

BMW today said that on 3 September 2025, a specially modified BMW R 18 Transcontinental motorcycle was presented to Pope Leo XIV for his blessing and signature during a celebratory event at the Vatican. This R 18 Transcontinental bearing the Pope’s signature will be auctioned by Missio Austria via Sotheby’s in October 2025, with the proceeds going to children’s aid projects in Madagascar. Markus Flasch, the CEO of BMW Motorrad and Michael Sommer, head of BMW Motorrad Germany, presented the motorcycle to the Pope for blessing and signing, after the general audience at the Vatican.

“What initially sounded more like a crazy idea has developed into a great charity campaign. I am happy that we at BMW Motorrad can support aid projects for children in Madagascar with our R 18 Transcontinental. I would also like to thank Pope Leo XIV for taking the time to support this project,” said Flasch. Continue reading →

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BMW Group Posts So-So Sales Results in 2024

Posted on 13 January 2025 by Ken Zino

With a total of 2,450,804 vehicles delivered to customers in 2024, the BMW Group said today that it achieved its new annual sales target that was adjusted downward during the second half of 2024. Electrified vehicles represented 24.2% of total BMW Group sales in 2024, with 593,215 units delivered to customers. Fully-electric vehicles accounted for 17.4% of total sales.

“The BMW brand delivered 2,200,177 vehicles to customers in the full year 2024 (-2.3%). With its attractive product portfolio across all technologies, the brand maintained its position as the global leader in its segment. In the Europe region, the BMW brand expanded its market share, registering double-digit sales growth in Italy, France and the UK. The BMW brand also posted sales growth in the U.S. In Germany, despite a declining market for fully-electric vehicles, BMW saw growth in new BEV registrations,” BMW said in a garbled release. Continue reading →

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BMW Motorrad in 100th Year Posts Highest Sales Ever

Posted on 18 January 2024 by Ken Zino

“I would like to thank our customers all over the world for the great trust they have placed in us again in 2023. With a record result in our anniversary year, BMW Motorrad remains the world’s number one in the premium motorcycle and scooter segment and once again demonstrates the brand’s successful strategic orientation. Our market leadership in numerous segments is based on innovation leadership, our highly attractive product range and our strong brand. Based on these three main success factors, BMW Motorrad is ideally positioned and I am very confident about the year 2024,” said Markus Flasch, Head of BMW Motorrad. Continue reading →

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BMW Motorrad Links Rent A Ride and Fuel For Life

Posted on 28 June 2023 by Ken Zino

BMW Motorrad said in Munich this morning that it is combining its Rent A Ride motorcycle program with Fuel For Life. Simply put this offers one-stop shopping for motorcycling enthusiasts looking for experiences globally. Rent A Ride is not just … Continue reading →

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Kodlin Customizes a BMW R 18 B Motorcycle

Posted on 13 March 2023 by Ken Zino

For the first time, Fred Kodlin has customize a BMW together with his son Len – the BMW R 18 B. Kodlin is of considerable reputation in certain Harley-Davidson circles. Since the 1990s, his custom bikes have won various Daytona shows – say, Rats Hole and Boardwalk – regularly. A native German, he was the first non-US citizen to be inducted into the Sturgis Hall of Fame. Continue reading →

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Celebrating 100 Years of BMW Motorrad – Berlin Festival in July

Posted on 23 February 2023 by Ken Zino

“We successfully anchored the BMW Motorrad Days at the BMW plant location in Berlin last year with a new concept and there will be no shortage of highlights at this year’s 100th BMW Motorrad anniversary event,” said Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad. “This time, we will not only be offering a wide range of exciting activities at the central event in the Summer Garden at Messe Berlin trade fair, but also other event areas in and around Berlin to meet the wishes and interests of our customers and fans.” Continue reading →

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BMW R nineT Scrambler – Old Look, Modern Pricing

Posted on 1 September 2016 by AutoCrat

R nineT Scrambler has the legendary flat-twin boxer engine, which has characterized the design, and provided what riders called the unique sound of BMW motorcycles for more than nine decades. Continue reading →

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BMW Motorcycle Debuts Worlds First Cornering ABS

Posted on 18 July 2014 by Ken Zino

Claimed benefits of ABS Pro to the rider are a sensitive response and a high level of brake and ride stability together with the best possible deceleration on turns. Continue reading →

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BMW to Build a Car Plant in Brazil Prompted by Tough Legislation

Posted on 22 October 2012 by Ken Zino

The BMW Group plans to build a new auto plant in Brazil, based on the government’s new industrial policy under the so-called “Inovar Auto” legislation just adapted. The hard-nosed legislation strictly limits the amount of money that can be counted toward local content, imposes tariffs and requires specific R&D and production investments as a percentage of sales that increase from now until 2017. It is the latest example of protecting a local auto industry against pillaging by global companies in the view of supporters. Critics counter that consumers will pay higher prices. Continue reading →

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BMW Group Posts Best Year in History – Ups Dividend

Posted on 9 March 2012 by Ken Zino

Strong sales of sport utility vehicles and luxury cars, the booming China market and cost cutting were all factors in the blowout year. The BMW Group continues to contradict the conventional wisdom that scale is required to succeed in the global auto industry, since it operates largely in premium segments or gets a premium for its products in other segments. Continue reading →

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