BMW

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, abbreviated as BMW, is a German multinational manufacturer of luxury motor vehicles and motorcycles headquartered in Munich, Germany.

The name reflects the company's origins in Bavaria, Germany, where it was founded and where its headquarters remain to this day. The company's logo, which features a rotating blue and white propeller, also pays homage to its Bavarian roots and represents the company's history as an aircraft engine manufacturer.

HISTORY

BMW's roots can be traced back to the early 20th century. In 1913, Karl Rapp founded Rapp Motorenwerke GmbH, an aircraft engine manufacturing company, in Munich. The company primarily supplied engines to the German military during World War I.

In 1917, Rapp Motorenwerke faced financial difficulties, and the company was restructured, leading to the formation of Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH. The company continued to produce aircraft engines and diversified into motorcycles.

Bayerische Flugzeug Werke advertisement

BMW's first motorcycle, the BMW R32, was introduced in 1923. It featured a distinctive boxer engine layout that became synonymous with BMW motorcycles. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, BMW motorcycles gained popularity and earned a reputation for their engineering excellence.

In the 1930s, BMW expanded into automobile manufacturing. Their first car, the BMW 3/15, also known as the "Dixi," was based on the Austin 7 and produced under license in Germany. In 1936, BMW released its own original design, the BMW 328 sports car, which became renowned for its performance and design.

During World War II, BMW focused heavily on producing aircraft engines and military equipment for the German war effort. 

BMW used prisoners from concentration camps like Dachau to build their cars and airplane engines during World War II. By the end of the war, almost 50% of the 50,000-person workforce at BMW consisted of prisoners from concentration camps.

After the war, the company faced challenges as it had to halt aircraft engine production temporarily and deal with the division of Germany. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, BMW resumed motorcycle production and introduced a new line of motorcycles. In the 1950s, the company also started manufacturing cars again, with models like the BMW 501 and 502, which helped stabilize the company's financial situation.

In the early 1960s, BMW faced financial difficulties once more. However, the company's fortunes changed dramatically with the introduction of the "New Class" sedans, including the BMW 1500. These models showcased a modern design, excellent performance, and affordability, leading to a significant sales increase for BMW.

BMW 1500 By Michael H. Wikipedia

In the 1970s and 1980s, BMW solidified its reputation for producing sports-oriented luxury cars. The company adopted the iconic slogan "The Ultimate Driving Machine" to emphasize the driving dynamics and performance of its vehicles.

BMW expanded its global presence by establishing manufacturing facilities in various countries, including the United States. The 1990s saw BMW's entry into the SUV market with the launch of the BMW X5, which became a popular luxury SUV.

BMW purchased Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in a $570 million deal. The sale included the Rolls-Royce brand name, the Rolls-Royce factory in Goodwood, England, and the Rolls-Royce design and engineering team.

In the 2000s and beyond, BMW continued to innovate with advanced technologies, electric and hybrid vehicles, and the incorporation of cutting-edge features into their cars. The "i" sub-brand was introduced, showcasing BMW's commitment to sustainable mobility with models like the BMW i3 and i8.

Today, BMW remains one of the leading luxury automakers globally, known for its high-performance vehicles, innovative engineering, and iconic designs. 

BMW FUN FACTS

The BMW Headquarters is a landmark in Munich, Germany. The site has served as world headquarters for BMW since 1973. 

Designed by Karl Schwanzer, the exterior of the tower at BMW's HQ is supposed to mimic the shape of a cylinder in a car engine, with the circular museum representing the cylinder head.

A New Zealand dealership ran an advertisement on April Fools Day 2015 that read "April Fool's Day Special - Come with any old car and receive a brand new BMW". One woman turned up with her old Nissan and got a brand new BMW with the number plate "NOF00L"

BMW recalled its GPS systems with female voices in Germany because male drivers were not willing to take directions from a  female voice.

The engine on the BMW M5 is so quiet that the company plays fake engine noises through the speakers to “remind” drivers of their car’s performance.

Stunt driver Michele Pilia drove a BMW tilted on two wheels for 230 miles to break a Guinness World record. The feat took him almost 14 hours.