Munich. Innovations form the basis for the economic
success and future competitiveness of the BMW Group. Suppliers’
ability to innovate plays an important part in this, making a vital
contribution by driving developments forward and enabling the use of
outstanding technologies in BMW Group vehicles. In recognition of
this, the company presented its BMW Group Supplier Innovation Award to
suppliers who have made an extraordinary contribution to innovations
for the sixth time this year.
“Innovations are key to the success of our transformation towards
electromobility, digitalisation and sustainability. Our award ceremony
recognises innovation and cooperative partnership with our suppliers –
especially in challenging times,” said Joachim Post, member of the
Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier
Network at the ceremony held at BMW Welt in Munich.
The coveted award was presented in a total of six categories: drive
train and e-mobility, sustainability, digitalisation, customer
experience, newcomer of the year and exceptional team performance.
“The future will increasingly be decided by innovations and
technologies,” said Post over the course of the evening, which he
hosted together with his digital co-moderator, Aumovis. He continued:
“You must have the courage to tackle a challenge – even if it seems to
be unattainable and others don’t give the idea much chance of success.”
The winners of the BMW Group Supplier Innovation Award 2022 are:
Drive train and e-mobility category
CATL – Contemporary Amperex
Technologies Co. Ltd. as key driver
As a strategic partner for delivery of battery cells and modules,
CATL is one of the key drivers for achieving the BMW Group’s
electromobility goals. CATL provides input for optimising the whole
cell-module-battery-storage system, which has made it possible to
significantly increase energy content in the existing installation space.
Sustainability category
Dürr Systems AG for resource
conservation and energy efficiency through technology
The process used by Dürr Systems AG combines environmental
sustainability with significant customer benefits in an exemplary
manner. Overspray-free paint application, i.e. coating without paint
mist, saves energy, lowers CO2 emissions and conserves
resources, since stencils and masking of the vehicle are no longer
required. This means custom paintwork designs are possible with
significantly less effort.
Digitalisation category
Continental Automotive GmbH
Regensburg and NXP Semiconductors for developing the Ultra-Wideband
technology of the BMW Digital Key Plus
NXP Semiconductors and Continental Automotive GmbH Regensburg have
developed a unique industry-wide digital car key solution, the BMW
Digital Key Plus, in conjunction with the BMW Group. The driver uses
their smartphone as the car key – without ever having to take it out
of their bag or pocket. As they approach the vehicle with their
smartphone, it turns on its headlights and unlocks: The driver gets
into the vehicle, pushes start and drives off – it doesn’t get any
easier than that. The best part is that this innovative process is not
only more convenient, but also more secure than other technologies
used for wireless communications, such as Bluetooth or WiFi.
Customer experience category
CarUX, Garmin, Webasto and
Amazon for BMW Theatre Screen private back-seat cinema lounge
The BMW Theatre Screen, featured for the first time this year in the
new BMW 7 Series, transforms the second row of seats into an exclusive
private cinema on wheels. When My Mode Theatre is activated,
a 31-inch panoramic display descends from the headliner in the
vehicle’s rear compartment, the roller sun blinds are automatically
closed, and the ambient lighting and seating position adjusted
accordingly. The only way to get more big-screen atmosphere is by
going to the cinema. No fewer than four suppliers collaborated on
this: Webasto supplies the display mechanics; CarUX the fully
touch-controlled high-resolution 8K display; Garmin the control unit;
Amazon Fire TV, in addition to films and TV series, also provides
access to music and an extensive range of additional content from
popular apps.
Newcomer of the year category
Bcomp Ltd.: Great innovation
with little weight
Swiss company Bcomp has developed new products from flax fibres that
could, for example, replace carbon-fibre reinforced plastic:
powerRibs™ is inspired by the veins in leaves and ensures maximum
rigidity with minimum weight. This can reduce the overall weight of
the vehicle, while using less material.
ampliTex™ is a second
Bcomp product that can replace conventional covering material in a way
that is carbon-neutral and creates new and interesting structures for
surfaces. By combining both materials, up to 70 percent of the plastic
previously used in the interior trim can be saved and up to 75 percent
of CO2 emissions avoided.
The innovative materials from Bcomp were used for the first time in
2019 by BMW M Motorsport for Formula E. Bcomp is also the official BMW
M Motorsport partner for the new BMW M4 GT4.
The BMW Group now has a stake in Bcomp through its corporate venture
fund BMW i Ventures and, together with the start-up, is supporting
significant decarbonization in vehicle manufacturing.
Exceptional team performance category
Employees of the Ukrainian
sites of Kromberg and Schubert, Leoni, Nexans, Yazaki and Dräxlmaier
for their extraordinary commitment
The BMW Group honoured the employees of its partners in Ukraine, who
produce wiring harnesses for BMW Group plants in a highly professional
and reliable manner, with a special award in recognition of their
commitment under the most difficult conditions. At the same time, they
also helped set up additional production locations. The BMW Group
continues to source wiring harnesses from Ukraine and stands firmly
alongside its suppliers in Ukraine.
If you have any questions, please contact:
BMW Group Corporate Communications
Claire Cleuziou,
Communications Purchasing, Supplier Network, Sustainability
Email: Claire.Cleuziou@bmwgroup.com, Tel.: +49 151-601-36253
Sandra Schillmöller,
Communications Purchasing, Supplier Network, Sustainability
Email: Sandra.Schillmoeller@bmwgroup.com, Telephone: +49 151 601 12225
Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.com/deutschland
Email: presse@bmwgroup.com
