Head of BMW NA, Ludwig Willisch, to retire August 1

[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMWNA announces retirement of CEO Ludwig Willisch

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Woodcliff Lake, NJ – July 25, 2017…. Following a successful and storied 21-year career with the BMW Group, Ludwig Willisch, Head of BMW Group Region Americas has announced he will retire from the company effective August 1, 2017.

In his Americas role, Ludwig has managed all sales, marketing and distribution activities from Canada to Argentina for the BMW Group, and up through March of this year he held the additional role of President and CEO of BMW of North America, LLC.

Since his arrival at BMW of North America in 2011, Ludwig has led the Americas Region to new levels of market growth and success.

“During his time with us at BMW, Ludwig has been responsible for the sale of well over 5 million vehicles!” said Harald Krueger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “Ludwig is quite a salesman, however, he has left a much greater legacy as a strong ambassador for the company and as a mentor to so many who have had the opportunity to work with him over the years.”

An avid amateur race, Ludwig’s passion for competition influenced his leadership style and his motivating of others in their pursuit of success:

(Ludwig Willisch) “The success we have experienced and enjoyed over the last several years is because of the spirit, creativity, and willingness of the entire team here in the Americas. We - all of us working together - achieved the great results. The team spirit that held us together and moved us forward is what makes me most proud of the years I spent as your CEO.”

“Now, I am very pleased to say that I am leaving you in good hands and I know you will give your great support to Bernhard and his team as we complete the transition.”

The leadership transition at BMW Group Americas will be complete on August 1, when Bernhard Kuhnt, who is currently President and CEO of BMW of North America, assumes full responsibility as Head of BMW Group Region Americas. Bernhard looks forward to building further on the success of the entire Americas Region working with the operating heads of the BMW Group sales subsidiaries in North, Central, and South America.

Bernhard Kuhnt

[MachinesWithSouls]

Perfect timing...

[paulo_f80m3]

Hmm..

[Crashnbrn5]

lol, This guy is smart, In and OUT, GOod job....Scandal coming soon, lol

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

LOL...

I do think the rule of 60 may be applying here though???

[Red Bread]

Here's hoping the new guy allows a rwd, six cylinder wagon with a manual to come over. ROW can get a three pedaled 340i F31, why are we stuck with only the automatic 330xi?

[stvding]

BMW Canada head must be kicked out soon too. Bring back the RWD, come on!

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by Crashnbrn5

lol, This guy is smart, In and OUT, GOod job....Scandal coming soon, lol

What Scandal?

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

What Scandal?

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1406429

[3M TAPE]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

What Scandal?

Here we go

[RPiM5]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Here's hoping the new guy allows a rwd, six cylinder wagon with a manual to come over. ROW can get a three pedaled 340i F31, why are we stuck with only the automatic 330xi?

And also give North America a 6MT F36 Gran Coupe like other markets do!

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

And also give North America a 6MT F36 Gran Coupe like other markets do!

And an M240i 5 door, I'd actually prefer that to the 3er Touring.

[adrianBMW99]

While we're at it let's get an M2 GT CS Wagon...

[cooks02]

I wish you ALL THE BEST Ludwig! I have had the honor of meeting you and seeing you a few times over the years and wish you a relaxing and enjoyable retirement! I also look forward ti getting to know the new leader of the Ultimate Driving Machine😎

[M3Fury]

Job opening!!!!!!!

[Law]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

And an M240i 5 door, I'd actually prefer that to the 3er Touring.

You're actually talking about the M140i but I agree with you.
So much want...this with a 6-speed please.

[shamun160]

German companies are the least diverse bunch you will see.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Law

You're actually talking about the M140i but I agree with you.
So much want...this with a 6-speed please.

Yep, knew it sounded weird when I was typing it. Would have rather had that than the last three BMW's we've had, an E82 135i, an E84 X1 35i and an F30 328i.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

His last name is kuhnt. I died.

[MadOzodi]

Curses! Ya beat me to it, Mo!

[lemetier]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Here's hoping the new guy allows a rwd, six cylinder wagon with a manual to come over. ROW can get a three pedaled 340i F31, why are we stuck with only the automatic 330xi?

For the US market, you can absolutely forget that happening anytime soon. In fact, expect a slimming of available models and if additional tariffs are imposed and some relaxation on the immense Non-Tariff Hurdles don't occur, more US Domestic production will be moved into Spartanburg with the export models moving out of the US.

Canada will have significantly more to choose from however as they have CETA.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by lemetier

For the US market, you can absolutely forget that happening anytime soon. In fact, expect a slimming of available models and if additional tariffs are imposed and some relaxation on the immense Non-Tariff Hurdles don't occur, more US Domestic production will be moved into Spartanburg with the export models moving out of the US.

Canada will have significantly more to choose from however as they have CETA.

This would be awesome. More manuals and more wagons for us!