HomeResearch & Knowledgeback to HomeStrategyback to Research & KnowledgeBMW Portugal Lda (B): Hit the ground running!back to Strategy

Case Study

BMW Portugal Lda (B): Hit the ground running!

By Jacques Bouvard and Z. Jan Kubes

13 pages

June 2007

Order this case study

Reference: IMD-3-1847

This three-part BMW case series focuses on two main issues, alignment between brand and distribution channel strategy and the challenges of implementing this strategic shift at country level. A few years ago BMW decided to reorganize its distribution channels – country sales organizations and dealerships – to be more in line with the outstanding image the BMW brand enjoyed in the market place. The case describes first the shift in the BMW`s corporate strategy and then describes the ways the CEO of BMW Portugal went about implementing this shift.

Learning Objective

Develop further understanding of horizontal linkages in the business system (upstream/downstream branding distribution and implementation tools).

Keywords

Branding, Distribution, Implementation, Automotive

Settings

Portugal
2004-2006

Type

Field Research

Available Languages

English

IMD case studies are distributed through case clearing houses. In order to browse the collection and purchase copies please visit the links below.

The Case Centre

Cranfield University

Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
Email [email protected]

Harvard Business School Publishing

60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
Fax (617) 783-7666
Email [email protected]

Asia Pacific Case Center

NUCB Business School

1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
Tel +81 52 20 38 111
Email [email protected]

IMD retains all proprietary interests in its case studies and notes. Without prior written permission, IMD cases and notes may not be reproduced, used, translated, included in books or other publications, distributed in any form or by any means, stored in a database or in other retrieval systems. For additional copyright information related to case studies, please contact Case Services.

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

This case study is part of a series

BMW Portugal Lda (A): Aligning distribution with brand strategy
BMW Portugal Lda (B): Hit the ground running!
BMW Portugal Lda (C): Keep running!

This case study is part of a series

BMW Portugal Lda (A): Aligning distribution with brand strategy
BMW Portugal Lda (B): Hit the ground running!
BMW Portugal Lda (C): Keep running!

Keep reading

Article

L’Oréal Beauty Genius - Customer Focus - AI

L’Oréal Beauty Genius uses augmented reality and agentic AI to personalize beauty experiences and showcase the brand’s growing future readiness.

Strategy

By Goutam Challagalla

in I by IMD

Article

Tools for coping in a world in flux

Navigating change has become essential as AI reshapes industries and remote work redefines relationships, forcing leaders and individuals to adapt faster than ever.thank you

Organizational Transformation Strategy

By April Rinne

in I by IMD

Article

Ecosystem playbook - Microsoft Growth

Discover how Microsoft’s ecosystem-centric strategy under Satya Nadella fueled its transformation into a cloud and AI leader.

What geopolitical maturity looks like

As geopolitics reshapes markets, leading firms move beyond risk mitigation to use foresight, intelligence, and public-private engagement to create competitive advantage.

Communication Breakdown - Social Media Signals

A study of 1,000 executive posts shows how using social media signals can boost meaningful engagement by over 300% and redefine effective leadership online.

Is your AI strategy built for a world that no longer exists?

Many leaders overlook emerging risks and fall into common AI strategy pitfalls. Understand why old approaches fail and what transformation now requires.

Creating a smoke-free future: How PMI is stubbing out cigarettes

PMI CEO Jacek Olczak details the company’s bold shift toward a smoke-free future, transforming its strategy, culture, and portfolio in a major business reinvention

Leadership Strategy

By Jean-François Manzoni

in I by IMD

Article

AI for HR: Next up – performance reviews

AI is transforming HR, from performance reviews to strategic decision-making. Stacia Garr urges CHROs to lead the revolution and manage the risks wisely.

Human Resources Strategy

in I by IMD

Video

Competitiveness lives on, but the rules are changing

Stephane Garelli and Arturo Bris discuss how world competitiveness is changing, from globalization to fragmentation, and why nations define success differently.

Global Business Geopolitics Strategy

By Arturo Bris

in I by IMD

Article

Gripped by uncertainty? How to unfreeze through experimentation

Steps that are too big can paralyze us. Sometimes we avoid taking action because decisions feel too uncertain or too risky and we choke or “freeze”, making action impossible.

Leadership Strategy

By Amy Bonsall and Alyson Meister

in I by IMD

Competitiveness lives on, but the rules are changing

By Arturo Bris
in I by IMD

Summary

Stephane Garelli and Arturo Bris discuss how world competitiveness is changing, from globalization to fragmentation, and why nations define success differently.

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications