[Mark]

During the recent event in Munich to mark the 50th year anniversary of the Quandt family rescue of BMW, their ascent to becoming the dominant shareholder of BMW, Stefan Quandt renewed a pledge to stay with BMW.

"Lead, don't follow - that's the entrepreneurial calling of BMW." and harks back to the actions of Herbert Quandt, the man who took action to fend off a takeover attempt by Daimler AG. Now his family owns 46 percent of BMW with his children Stefan Quandt and Susanne Klatten are on the supervisory board.

The Quandts role with BMW is considered central to the stability and independance of the company. From time to time, rumors amass that the Quandts would sell their share in the company, which would certainly herald a takeover by larger rivals, but the Quandts have been quick to dispell these rumors each time.

Source: Autonews Europe

[mcacciola]

Quandts rule !!!

[cycler]

Let them rule but make sure they stop nickle and diming on the parts so the cars can stop their rattling

[positiveions]

BMW's future is looking brighter

[BMWinNorthdakota]

Interesting. This is news to me. I had no knowledge of a share holder of this caliber.

Heres and interesting read.

Seem like good people.

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,1799630,00.html

[Marcumac]

That's wild. The whole Quandt family situation is news to me.

[cipher5]

News to me too! Good to know!

[m603]

Originally Posted by cycler

Let them rule but make sure they stop nickle and diming on the parts so the cars can stop their rattling

+1000000

[BMWinNorthdakota]

So, think hes rollin in the Rolls or Bimmer?

On a more relevant note... Why do they care so much about production numbers?!? It makes me upset that the media focuses on it so much (in the article). Its meant to be a premium auto, not a rental car. Quality over quantity people.

[uhn2000]

Read the Book "Driven, Inside the Most Admired Car Company - BMW" will give you all the history and it is quite a story from humble beginnings.

http://www.amazon.com/Driven-Inside-...1412746&sr=8-1

[auggiem3]

Very cool read. Excellent additional materials too.

My only comment would be, currently, the family seems to maintain interest in the longevity of BMW as an independent manufacturer. As a banker, I've seen these honorable intentions change due to individual motives or broader market circumstances.

Let's hope the sense of obligation runs deep enough to overcome any personal considerations or macro influencers that may arise.