BMW has, after near on six decades of close collaboration, bought tuning outfit Alpina into its ranks officially, securing the rights to the brand under the BMW Group umbrella. The agreement “will secure the long-term future of the Alpina brand”. The name is synonymous with the creation of specialised and hand-made cars based closely on production BMW models, with hand-built engines, distinctive bodywork and interior treatments.
BMW buys Alpina
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Indeed as above, the move seems to be one of adaptation and self-preservation, as the motor industry contorts for a new post-internal combustion era. This is recognised as a risky time for smaller, independent outfits, such as Alpina is in its current form.
“We recognised the challenges facing the automotive industry early on and are now setting the right course for Alpina,” said Andreas Bovensiepen, co-managing director of Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH + Co. KG.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter. Both the Alpina brand and our company are extremely desirable. We made a conscious decision not to sell Alpina to just any manufacturer, because BMW and Alpina have worked together and trusted one another for decades. That is why it is the right decision strategically for the Alpina brand to be managed by the BMW Group in the future.”
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The cooperation agreement between the two companies was recently re-signed, with Alpina set to continue engineering and assembly operations at its Buchloe workshops until the end of 2025. Beyond 2025, it’s suggested the traditional working arrangement between Alpina, its facility and staff and BMW, is expected to change. Those employees who aren’t able to stay in their current positions will be offered positions within the wider BMW Group or be assisted in moves to partner suppliers and developers, as and when reorganisation takes place.
Alpina at present develops and builds its engines in house, where they are married to part-built cars shipped from the BMW factory. The cars also receive their interior treatments and general final assembly at the Alpina facility. It’s this hand-made nature that dictates the company’s low production volumes.
Alpina has been unique among comparable brands as being recognised by the German Federal Ministry of Transport as a manufacturer, rather than a tuner, for near-on 40 years. Cars badged Alpina are thus registered as Alpina, not BMW. Its past is much like its present, with high-quality engineering being recognised and warrantied by BMW very early on. Alpina was also extremely successful in motorsport, with a European Touring Car Championship and Spa 24 hour wins in 1970. The marque pulled out of racing in 1988 to focus on the line of BMW-based road cars that lead to what it does today.
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