AC Schnitzer, the independent aftermarket tuning company known for modifying BMW, MINI and Toyota vehicles, has been saved from going out of business. The KOHL Group has acquired the AC Schnitzer brand, together with its technical documentation and TÜV certification files, all of which will be transferred into the AM Group portfolio in November 2026.
AM Group is a Rotterdam-based holding company specialising in premium vehicle personalisation, performance engineering and high-end automotive parts distribution. The group operates in more than 30 countries and operates aftermarket automotive brands such as Urban Automotive, UBC Composites, GP Products and Absolute Motors.
AC Schnitzer was founded in Aachen, Germany in 1987, with its initial activities being styling and dynamics alterations to BMW vehicles, as well as motorsport programmes. Core products include individual components such as chassis, custom exhaust systems, aerodynamic components and light-alloy wheels, as well as complete vehicles and performance tuning for petrol and diesel engines.
Its first project was the ACS7, based on BMW E32 7-Series, which debuted at the 1987 Motor Show Frankfurt (IAA). Many notable models followed, such as the 1989 ACS3 Sport based on the M3 E30, the 1991 ACS3 silhouette 3.0 (based on the E36), the V8 roadster (based on the Z3 roadster), and the X-Road (a custom off-road version of the E46 3-Series).
The 2017 ACL2 (based on the M2 and the fastest road-legal BMW on the Nurburgring Nordschleife) followed, and one of its most recent creations is a customised version of the G90 M5 released in 2025. AC Schnitzer has also developed various hot MINIs (BMW era) and BMW motorcycles, modified Range Rover Sports, and a tuned version of the Toyota GR Supra launched in 2019.
However, difficult trading conditions led to AC Schnitzer announcing it would wind up its operations by the end of 2026. The deal to join the AM Group portfolio means AC Schnitzer can celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027 with its future secured, and plans in place to invest in product development, new designs, and international growth.
AC Schnitzer will retain its own distinct identity in the group while benefitting from access to the expertise and capabilities of the wider AM Group, including design, research & development, advanced carbon-fibre technology, manufacturing, sales, and branding.
“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,“ stated Patrick Meijer co-CEO of AM Group.
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,” said Arshad. “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.”
