Norbert Reithofer Quotes

#1. I have told our senior executives that I will slaughter holy cows if it benefits the company's long-term success. When we asked ourselves whether Formula 1 still matched the concept of a sustainable company, the clear answer was no.

Norbert Reithofer

#2. Size alone is not a key to success, as we have seen recently.

Norbert Reithofer

#3. As far as I'm concerned, it is clear that the concept of premium will be increasingly defined through sustainability in the future. BMW, like no other brand, will still stand for vitality and driving pleasure in the future. But it will also represent efficiency and environmental friendliness.

Norbert Reithofer

#4. We will continue to offer the most dynamic vehicles in the future. However, we have also made it our mission to be sustainable as a company.

Norbert Reithofer

#5. It isn't a given that the companies that provide mobility today will also be the ones to do so tomorrow. Every company has to work hard to make this happen.

Norbert Reithofer

#6. One doesn't have to be a large corporation to benefit from the advantages of volume. This can also be achieved through joint ventures.

Norbert Reithofer

#7. BMW models are more powerful on average than competitors. This is precisely what we are aiming for: less fuel consumption and more driving pleasure.

Norbert Reithofer

#8. European 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

#9. We will introduce an electric car by 2015. It will be a completely new vehicle concept for mega-cities. We would also have it developed if, contrary to expectations, it did not turn a profit in its first life cycle.

Norbert Reithofer

#10. As far as I'm concerned, however, it is clear that the concept of premium will be increasingly defined through sustainability in the future.

Norbert Reithofer

#11. 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 Reithofer

#12. Naturally, we will continue to offer very powerful vehicles in the future. Nevertheless, no other manufacturer has reduced the CO2 emissions of its fleet as substantially as the BMW Group.

Norbert Reithofer

#13. The 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 Reithofer

#14. I 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 Reithofer

#15. If you, as CEO, have recognized an approach as being the right one, you have to pursue it consistently, even if some people disagree. But it is now clear to everyone that we, as an automaker, have no alternative but to take [environmental protection] course.

Norbert Reithofer

#16. Prestige and premium will also play an important role in the future. But some people define these values differently today.

Norbert Reithofer

#17. Premium will increasingly be defined in terms of sustainability and environmental compatibility

Norbert Reithofer