Politicians in Europe want change. The United States and China will follow this trend. One could see this is a threat, but it's also an opportunity. We at BMW want to take advantage of this and, through innovations, place ourselves at the forefront.
Norbert ReithoferI am firmly convinced that the trend toward more fuel-efficient vehicles is not a fad. Gas prices will continue to rise in the medium to long term, because demand is growing considerably in China, India and other countries.
Norbert ReithoferAs far as I'm concerned, however, it is clear that the concept of premium will be increasingly defined through sustainability in the future.
Norbert ReithoferThe manufacturers of mechanical typewriters believed that they had developed sufficiently when they introduced electric typewriters. Then came the PC, and the deeply traditional makers of typewriters disappeared from the market.
Norbert ReithoferEuropean carmakers pledged to reduce CO2 emissions by 25 percent from 1995 to 2008. We kept our word and reduced the value even more. This is not the result of short-term gimmickry. We decided years ago to develop the relevant models and engines, otherwise we wouldn't be able to offer them today.
Norbert Reithofer