Yesterday, BMW surprised the entire automotive world – but not us – with an announcement on the future CEO of the brand replacing Dr. Norbert Reithofer.
The future CEO, Harald Krüger, has worked for BMW since 1992 and since 2008 has been a member of the Board. As a board member, Kruger was initially responsible for Human Resources, later, he was responsible for the MINI, BMW Motorrad and Rolls-Royce brands. On April 1, 2013, the engineer has become the company’s Production Director.
Along with Dr. Reithofer, Krüger was responsible for the production of the BMW i3 and judging by a conversation we’ve had with him in the past and some videos released by BMW, he is certainly a proponent of electric mobility and alternative energy.
At the time of the i3 launch, Krüger emphasized the importance of the first electric vehicle and what it means for the brand and its new production process.
“Today represents a milestone in our company’s development,” said BMW production chief Krüger. “We are making history with the BMW i3. Not only is our first electric car about to hit the road, we are also completely redefining sustainability with regard to personal mobility thanks to groundbreaking technologies and processes. We require 50 percent less energy and 70 percent less water, and source the electric energy for production of the BMW i models CO2-free from the wind turbines at the plant. This huge reduction in energy and water consumption can be attributed primarily to the elimination of the traditional painting process for steel and aluminum bodies.”
Krüger also said the company invested a total of around €600 million in the BMW i production network and generated over 1,500 jobs.
The 49-year old CEO is the youngest CEO in the industry and according to our sources, the excitement in Munich can be felt at all levels. Krüger, is what Germans like to say, “A man you can have a beer with.” At the same time, experts say he will bring new ideas to the brand to continue the legacy of Dr. Reithofer.
Will that include an M supercar? More BMW i cars? We’re betting on both.
