Alpina hits the half-century

At one level it’s a business relationship. Alpina’s engineers see CAD data on new models up to four years before they go into production. On another level it’s a family affair. Alpina employs 220 staff, who in 2014 helped deliver 1700 cars. They’re overseen by Burkard Bovensiepen who is still at the head of the firm. The 79-year-old is slowly handing responsibility over to his sons Andy and Florian, who of course want to chart new directions for the company.

One example is the XD3, Alpina’s first SUV which went on sale in 2014. The vehicle was championed by the sons against some opposition, but it has been a sales success, even though there were logistical problems, including having the vehicle built on BMW’s production line in North Carolina USA.

The complex market of China is next on the list, but for now Bavarian company Alpina show no signs of letting the half-century celebrations slow up their plans for continually improving both BMW and themselves.