Future for AC Schnitzer within a European automotive performance group
The Aachen-based KOHL Group will transfer the AC Schnitzer brand to AM Group in November 2026 – a growing European holding company specialising in premium vehicle personalisation, performance engineering and high-end automotive parts distribution, headquartered in Rotterdam. The agreement secures the long-term future of AC Schnitzer as the brand approaches its 40th anniversary in 2027 and marks the beginning of a new phase of investment in product development, design and international growth.
Responsible transition of a highly emotional brand
Since its foundation in 1987, AC Schnitzer has stood for one thing above all: making outstanding BMWs and MINIs even more dynamic, agile and engaging to drive. AC Schnitzer is known as a creative engineering company for performance upgrades, suspension components, aerodynamic parts, wheels and complete vehicle concepts. The foundation for this has always been a strong focus on engineering excellence, testing and road-legal homologation. Under the ownership of AM Group, AC Schnitzer will retain its own identity and technology-driven philosophy while gaining access to the extensive expertise and capabilities of the Group.
Based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, AM Group operates in more than 30 countries and brings together brands such as Urban Automotive, UBC Composites, GP Products and Absolute Motors. From November 2026 onwards, AC Schnitzer – one of the most established independent BMW and MINI tuning brands – will also become part of this portfolio.
“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,” says Rainer Vogel, Managing Director of AC Schnitzer.
A platform for the next generation of AC Schnitzer
For AC Schnitzer, AM Group will contribute its expertise in design, research & development, advanced carbon-fibre technology and manufacturing. The Group intends to continue its success story in international sales, driven by dealer development and brand-building expertise, with AC Schnitzer as part of its portfolio.
“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. “AM Group was built with the goal of bringing together specialised automotive companies while allowing them to preserve their individual identities. AC Schnitzer fits perfectly with this philosophy,” added Luis Carrera, Co-CEO of AM Group.
The preservation of the brand’s identity will also be reflected in the future management structure of AC Schnitzer operations through a new German company, to which existing technical documentation and TÜV certification files will be transferred.
Imran Arshad, co-founder of Evolve Automotive and Eventuri, will join AC Schnitzer as Managing Director and work with AM Group on the future product and brand strategy of AC Schnitzer:
“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.”
