The BMW Group has recorded positive earnings for the financial year 2009 despite the ongoing worldwide financial and economic crisis. Profit before tax rose by 17.7% to euro 413 million (2008: euro 351 million).

Net profit amounted to euro 210 million (2008: 330 million euros) due to the higher effective tax rate. Revenues decreased moderately by 4.7% to euro 50,681 million (2008: 53,197 million euros).

“We performed well in 2009 despite difficult market conditions worldwide.Our cost management and efficiency improvement measures had a positive impact, even though the effects of the worldwide financial and economic crisis were still being felt“, stated Norbert Reithofer, the Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG on Thursday in Munich.“We are proposing a dividend for 2009 despite the difficult economic climate, demonstrating the confidence we have in our operating strength, and we also want our shareholders to participate in the company‘s performance“, continued Reithofer.