AC Schnitzer Joins AM Group Ahead of Its 40th Anniversary
SEO Title: AC Schnitzer Joins AM Group Ahead of Its 40th Anniversary
Meta Description: AC Schnitzer moves to Rotterdam-based AM Group in November 2026, securing its future and fresh investment as the BMW and MINI tuning brand nears 40 years.
The Aachen-based KOHL Group will transfer the AC Schnitzer brand to AM Group in November 2026. Headquartered in Rotterdam, AM Group is a growing European holding company that specialises in premium vehicle personalisation, performance engineering and high-end automotive parts distribution. The agreement secures AC Schnitzer's long-term future as the brand approaches its 40th anniversary in 2027, and it opens a new phase of investment in product development, design and international growth.
Since its foundation in 1987, AC Schnitzer has pursued one goal above all: making outstanding BMWs and MINIs even more dynamic, agile and engaging to drive. Enthusiasts know AC Schnitzer as a creative engineering company for performance upgrades, suspension components, aerodynamic parts, wheels and complete vehicle concepts. A strong focus on engineering excellence, testing and road-legal homologation has always underpinned this work. Under AM Group's ownership, AC Schnitzer will keep its own identity and technology-driven philosophy, while gaining access to the Group's extensive expertise and capabilities.
AM Group, based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, operates in more than 30 countries and brings together brands such as Urban Automotive, UBC Composites, GP Products and Absolute Motors. From November 2026, AC Schnitzer, one of the most established independent BMW and MINI tuning brands, will also join this portfolio.
Rainer Vogel, Managing Director of AC Schnitzer, says: "I am truly delighted that we have found the perfect partner for AC Schnitzer – one that genuinely understands the brand. AM Group provides the resources the company needs in a rapidly changing market environment to drive growth, increase dynamism and strengthen its appeal to new customer segments."
AM Group will bring its expertise in design, research and development, advanced carbon-fibre technology and manufacturing to AC Schnitzer. With AC Schnitzer in its portfolio, the Group intends to continue its international sales success, driven by its skill in dealer development and brand building.
"We will provide the resources, infrastructure and investment required to make the brand relevant for the next generation. This is part of our DNA and what we bring to the table," says Patrick Meijer, Co-CEO of AM Group. Luis Carrera, Co-CEO of AM Group, added: "AM Group was built to bring together specialised automotive companies while allowing them to preserve their individual identities. AC Schnitzer fits perfectly with this philosophy."
The future management structure will also protect the brand's identity. AC Schnitzer operations will sit within a new German company, which will receive the existing technical documentation and TÜV certification files.
Imran Arshad, co-founder of Evolve Automotive and Eventuri, will join AC Schnitzer as Managing Director and work with AM Group on the brand's future product and brand strategy. He says: "Clear vision, engineering excellence, purposeful design, and attention to detail – these are the values that have made AC Schnitzer so appealing to BMW customers, including myself. The brand's heritage is the foundation for innovation – for the further development of the design language and the technical principles that define AC Schnitzer."
AM Group is an international platform for luxury and performance vehicles. It brings together specialised brands and expertise in design, research and development, advanced composite materials technology and manufacturing, distribution, vehicle personalisation and brand development.
The Group operates in key international automotive markets and supports its brands with shared capabilities in engineering, manufacturing, distribution and commercial activities. Around 360 specialists develop and market bespoke solutions for demanding premium vehicles worldwide.