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The only thing that matters from the article on the interview is their direction WRT manual transmissions for me. Author mentions "in the next decade." Note that it doesn't state "into the next decade" so there is wiggle room as to when they will stop production of manual transmission offerings.
Secondly, the CEO stated he will wait and see how demand plays out for electrified M vehicles to adjust future direction on vehicle mix and platforms. He stated that BMW had to adjust their offering roadmap due to regulations, but now that those EV mandates are being dialed back, he took a wait and see stance. He also mentioned giving customers what they want.
I HIGHLY doubt that ZF said they weren't interested in developing new manual transmissions for any automaker including BMW. It is a matter of cost. I don't know about other manual enthusiasts but I don't care if hp is limited to 500 or whatever. It is quick enough for a daily driver vehicle. Besides, I am sure other manufacturers would be interested in providing a higher spec manual transmission.
Tremec? Japanese transmission supplier Fuji heavy industries? Other manufacturers can step up. I would love a Tremec transmission in my BMW.
Fact is BMW has only been committed to the EV route after years of inaction, but regulations forced their hand to make the change. Now that EV regulations have been dialed back, they have a much freer hand but now must recoup those multi-year investments. So of course, the CEO is going to say BMW is committed to EV technology. He did, however, confirm that BMW is committed to ICE indefinitely, so there is that (conducive for offering real manual transmission vehicles).
If he reiterated that BMW would cease manual offerings as of MY 2028, I think he would have said so. This just confirms my belief that manual transmission vehicles will still be offered into the 2030s. If HP is REALLY the issue (which I don't think it is - just an excuse), then BMW could offer it only on the 330s or a M3 capped at 500hp. Add a real limited slip differential and that would sell like hotcakes or cronuts.
This is just classic pull-forward strategy in marketing, much like we have all seen in supplier ordering and FOMO purchases on dwindling supply of a variety of manufactured products. Look at toilet paper during Covid! Do you see parallels? Look at retail sales history for the US economy. This is why I think retail sales have peaked and will fade a little going into Q4 this year. Auto buyers who finance their purchases are already feeling a lot of heat. I believe this is where the fire will start in the second leg of asset markets pull-backs. AI capex returns will come into clearer focus next year. I don't think the consumer/wage earner will be pleased.
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