BMW case analysis
A Company Analysis
Department of Business Administration
Autumn 2006
Authors: Hiba Larsson and Christian Falkemark
Thesis Adviser: Thomas Polesie
Master Thesis, 10 points
Abstract
Master Thesis in Business Administration
School of Economics and Commercial Law
Gothenburg University
Autumn 2006
Authors: Hiba Larsson and Christian Falkemark
Thesis Adviser: Thomas Polesie
Title: BMW – A Company Analysis
Thesis Language: English
Background: The automotive industry is distinguished by a highly competitive market. Thus, the actors on the market struggle with increasing cost of production, development and mature markets. With the aim to increase profit margins and reduce costs, Volkswagen, GM and Ford are some companies, which use the same components in different car models and car brands.
These companies have in other words succeeded in synergising research and development effects within the company despite car model and business area. By a contrast, BMW, an individual actor, has yearly shown strong financial results and has retained its market shares.
This becomes of interest to study more profoundly, in order to find the factors behind a successful company and a strong brand.
Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to analyse the development of BMW during the past five years. Not only are the financial statements taken into consideration. In addition, a comparison to competitors and the market situation is also made.
Delimitation and assumptions: This thesis is delimited to an analysis of BMW between the years 2001-2005. The thesis is based on the assumption that BMW is the most successful automotive manufacturer in the premium segment.
Methodology: In the study of BMW both primary and secondary data are used. The primary data consists of an interview and secondary data is collected from annual reports.
Results and Conclusion: BMW is a well known and highly valued brand and has high diversity in the product portfolio. BMW possesses
Department of Business Administration
Autumn 2006
Authors: Hiba Larsson and Christian Falkemark
Thesis Adviser: Thomas Polesie
Master Thesis, 10 points
Abstract
Master Thesis in Business Administration
School of Economics and Commercial Law
Gothenburg University
Autumn 2006
Authors: Hiba Larsson and Christian Falkemark
Thesis Adviser: Thomas Polesie
Title: BMW – A Company Analysis
Thesis Language: English
Background: The automotive industry is distinguished by a highly competitive market. Thus, the actors on the market struggle with increasing cost of production, development and mature markets. With the aim to increase profit margins and reduce costs, Volkswagen, GM and Ford are some companies, which use the same components in different car models and car brands.
These companies have in other words succeeded in synergising research and development effects within the company despite car model and business area. By a contrast, BMW, an individual actor, has yearly shown strong financial results and has retained its market shares.
This becomes of interest to study more profoundly, in order to find the factors behind a successful company and a strong brand.
Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to analyse the development of BMW during the past five years. Not only are the financial statements taken into consideration. In addition, a comparison to competitors and the market situation is also made.
Delimitation and assumptions: This thesis is delimited to an analysis of BMW between the years 2001-2005. The thesis is based on the assumption that BMW is the most successful automotive manufacturer in the premium segment.
Methodology: In the study of BMW both primary and secondary data are used. The primary data consists of an interview and secondary data is collected from annual reports.
Results and Conclusion: BMW is a well known and highly valued brand and has high diversity in the product portfolio. BMW possesses
References: Literature Kiley, David (2004), Driven: Inside BMW, the Most Admired Car Company in the World Polesie, T. (1995), Drift & Finans – aspekter på ett företags ekonomi Polesie, T (1989), Att beskriva företags ekonomi Isobel D, Robin L. (1999), International Marketing Strategy Annual Reports Articles December 2005, World Automotive outlook: Pressures Remain, 2005, Economist Intelligence