9
4
Combined
Management
Report
7
Series models, for instance, include the optional
BMW Group also recognises appropriate accounting
provisions for statutory and non-statutory warranty
obligations. Such provisions reduce the risk to earn-
ings, as they are already included in the outlook.
Further information on risks in conjunction with
provisions for statutory and non-statutory warranty
see obligations is provided in note 31 to the Group
Driving Assistant Plus which, as a future-oriented
product innovation, offers the comfort of partially
autonomous driving. The BMW Group does not expect
these opportunities to have a material earnings impact
over the two-year assessment period compared to the
assumptions made in the outlook.
Report on Outlook,
Risks and
Opportunities
Risks and
Opportunities
note 31
Financial Statements.
Risks and opportunities relating to operations
Risks and opportunities relating to
production and technology
The BMW Group sees opportunities relating to produc-
tion and technology primarily in the competitive edge
accruing from mastering new and complex technolo-
gies. Opportunities could arise as a result of product-
or process-related technological innovations, as well
as from organisational changes designed to improve
efficiency and increase competitiveness. In the field of
lightweight construction, for example, carbon is being
utilised in high volumes for the first time in the auto-
mobile industry for the production of the BMWi3. In
2015, the BMW Group then introduced carbon for the
BMW 7 Series. This has generated competitive bene-
fits in the form of lower fuel consumption and better
driving dynamics through reduced vehicle weight.
Given the long lead times involved in developing new
products and processes, additional opportunities are
expected to have insignificant impact on earnings
during the forecast period.
Risks relating to production and technology often
manifest themselves in the form of potential sources
of production interruptions or additional expenses
necessary to comply with quality standards under
changed environmental conditions. If risks from the
production and technology category were to materi-
alise, they could have a high earnings impact over the
two-year assessment period. The risk level attached
to production and technology is classified as high.
Production stoppages and downtimes, in particular
due to fire, but also to machinery and tooling-related
breakdowns, IT disruptions, power failures, transpor-
tation and logistical disruptions, pose risks, against
which the BMW Group has put suitable measures
in place. Production structures and processes are
designed from the outset with a view to minimising
any potential damage and the probability of occur-
rence. The broad array of measures taken include
technical fire protection solutions, land development
measures including contingencies against flooding
when facilities are expanded or new buildings added,
the interchangeability of production facilities, pre-
ventative maintenance, the ability to manage spare
parts across sites, and predictive planning of trans-
portation alternatives. The risk level is also reduced by
deploying flexible working hour models and working
time accounts, but also as appropriate through split
arrangements or by building engine types at addition-
al sites. This makes it possible to recover quickly any
backlog arising from production interruptions. More-
over, risks arising from interruptions and production
downtime due to fire are also appropriately insured
with insurance companies of good credit standing.
Risks and opportunities relating to purchasing
Purchasing risks relate primarily to supply risks
caused by the failure of a supplier to deliver as well
as risks associated with the quality of bought-in parts.
Production problems incurred by suppliers could have
adverse consequences for the BMW Group, ranging
from increased expenditure through to production
interruptions and a corresponding reduction in sales
volume. The increasingly complex nature of the
supplier network, especially at the level of lower tier
suppliers, whose operations can only be indirectly
influenced by the BMW Group, is a further potential
cause of downtimes at supplier locations. Purchas-
ing risks, if materialised, could have a high earnings
impact over the two-year assessment period. The
risk level attached to purchasing risks is classified
as medium.
Close cooperation between carmakers and automotive
suppliers in the development and production of vehi-
cles and the provision of services generates economic
benefits, but also raises levels of dependency. Potential
reasons for the failure of individual suppliers could
include non-compliance with sustainability or quality
standards, lack of financial strength on the part of a
supplier, the occurrence of natural hazards, IT-related
risks, fires or insufficient supply of raw materials.
As part of the supplier pre-selection process, the
BMW Group is careful to ensure compliance with the
sustainability standards stipulated for the supplier
In order to attain the outstanding level of quality
expected of the BMW Group’s products and corre-
spondingly high external ratings (e.ꢀg. for product
safety) and reduce statutory and non-statutory
warranty obligations, it may be necessary to incur a
higher level of expenditure than originally forecast.
In addition, availability of products may be limited,
particularly at the start of production of new vehicles.
These risks are mitigated through regular audits and
the continual improvement of the quality management
system, which ensures a high standard of quality. The