BMW

In 1916, Bayerische Flugzeug-Werke AG (BFW) was established after the merger of Flugmaschinenfabrik Gustav Otto and Gustav Otto's company. Subsequently, in 1917, Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH was formed, which later became a public limited company (AG) in 1918. The engine construction operations and brand names were transferred to BFW in 1922, solidifying the foundation of BMW AG.

On March 17, 1916, BMW was founded, marking the birth of a legendary automobile company known for its determination, quality cars, and solid reputation. Over 100 years later, BMW continues to thrive in the business of making some of the best cars in the world.

The iconic BMW logo originated from the merger of BMW and Rapp Motors in July 1917. It features the roundness of the Rapp logo with the lettering around the circle, along with the blue and white checkers from the Bavarian Flag.

In 1922, Camillo Castiglioni bought the rights to the name BMW for 75 million reichsmarks. He was also involved in renaming Bayerische Flugzeugwerke to Bayerische Motoren Werke AG and reopening the factory to produce engines under the BMW brand.

In 1923, BMW introduced the BMW R 32, which was the first motorcycle produced by the company. This marked the beginning of BMW's legacy in the motorcycle industry.

In 1933, BMW introduced its first straight-six engine in the BMW 303, which was larger and more conventional than its predecessor. This engine marked a significant advancement in BMW's automotive technology.

In 1934, BMW AG outsourced its aero-engine division to BMW Flugmotorenbau GmbH, as aircraft construction in Germany received substantial financial support from the government.

The BMW 328 sports car was unveiled in 1936, featuring a purpose-built chassis and a unique engine. It achieved notable success in motor racing, including victories at prestigious events like the Eifelrennen race and the Brescia Grand Prix.

During the 1930s, BMW started producing aircraft engines for the Luftwaffe. They acquired Brandenburgische Motorenwerke and merged it with their aircraft engine division. BMW manufactured a significant number of aero engines and jet engines during the war, utilizing forced labor from concentration camps.

During World War II, BMW primarily focused on producing aircraft engines for the German air force.

During the war, BMW employed convicts, Eastern European prisoners of war, Western European forced laborers, and concentration camp prisoners in deeply distressing conditions. BMW acknowledges the suffering caused to the forced laborers.

The first BMW vehicle to take to the road after 1945 was the R 24 motorcycle, introduced in March 1948 as an enhanced version of the pre-war R 23 model. Despite delays in series production due to shortages, the R 24 was a sales success with 9,144 units sold in 1949 alone.

The BMW 501 was the first post-war automobile produced by BMW starting from 1952. It was a large saloon car powered by an enhanced version of the six-cylinder engine from the pre-war BMW 326. Although not a commercial success, the BMW 501 restored BMW's reputation for high-quality vehicles.

The BMW 501 was the first post-war car produced by BMW in 1952. It was a large sedan with seating for up to six people, powered by a six-cylinder engine evolved from the pre-war BMW 326. Despite not being a commercial success, it helped restore BMW's reputation for high-quality luxury cars.

The BMW 507 was introduced in 1956 as an iconic design with a V8 engine, designed by Albrect Graf Goertz. Despite its timeless elegance and decent performance, only 254 units were produced due to its high production cost.

In late 1959, Daimler-Benz proposed a restructuring offer for BMW with a time limit for acceptance. However, small shareholders and the workforce rejected the offer at the Annual General Meeting held on 9 December, leading to Herbert Quandt's increased shareholding and eventual restructuring under his management.

In 1961, BMW introduced the 1500 model at the Frankfurt Motor Show, marking a significant breakthrough for the company. The 1500 model filled a market gap and helped re-establish BMW as a successful and modern carmaker, with high demand exceeding production capacities.

In 1962, BMW introduced the BMW New Class four-door sedans, which are credited for saving the company financially and establishing BMW's identity as a producer of sports sedans.

In 1967, BMW expanded its production capacity by acquiring Hans Glas GmbH and its locations in Dingolfing and Landshut. The restructuring of these sites led to the creation of the largest BMW plant worldwide at Dingolfing, addressing the capacity limitations faced by BMW Plant Munich.

In 1968, BMW introduced the 02 range, starting with the 1600-2 model. It was a two-door version of the New Class saloon, offering a more affordable and sporty option on a shortened chassis.

In 1969, BMW moved its motorcycle production to Berlin, marking a significant strategic decision for the company. This relocation likely had implications for the efficiency and scale of BMW's motorcycle manufacturing operations.

Eberhard von Kuenheim takes over as the CEO of BMW Group in 1970 and remains in this position until 1993. During his tenure, he leads the company to significant growth and enhances its global reputation.

In 1972, BMW Motorsport was established to oversee the brand's racing endeavors, particularly aiming to surpass the Ford Capri in the European Touring Car Championship.

In 1978, the BMW M division introduced its first road car, a mid-engine supercar. This marked the beginning of BMW's high-performance M series, which later included iconic models like the M5 and M3.

The decision to construct a new plant in Regensburg was made on November 26, 1982, in order to address the increasing demand for the BMW 3 Series and alleviate production pressure at the Munich plant. The plant was officially opened in 1987 after the foundation stone was laid in 1984.

In the early 1984, after significant investments, the Rosslyn plant near Pretoria, South Africa, began production of BMW 3 Series vehicles. This marked a milestone as the first production location outside of Germany for the modern BMW Group.

The year 1986 saw the launch of the iconic BMW M3, a high-performance version of the 3 Series, showcasing BMW's commitment to performance-oriented vehicles.

In 1987, BMW introduced the 750iL, the first German V12 engine post-war. The 300hp 5.0-litre engine was known for its smoothness and refinement, giving BMW an edge over Mercedes-Benz.

In 1989, BMW made a significant decision to build an automobile production facility in the USA, solidifying its position as a global player in the automotive industry.

In April 27, 1990, BMW inaugurated the Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ) in Munich, bringing together all research and development activities. It was a pioneering move in the automotive industry, housing thousands of professionals working collaboratively. The FIZ was later expanded in 2004 with the Projekthaus building.

The plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, specifically designed for the production of the BMW Z3 Roadster, was opened in 1994. This marked a milestone as the Z3 was exported worldwide from this facility.

On January 31, 1994, BMW acquired Rover Group plc, which included Land Rover. This acquisition marked a significant change in ownership for the company.

In July 1998, BMW successfully acquires the brand and naming rights for Rolls-Royce motor cars from Rolls-Royce plc after lengthy negotiations. This marks a significant milestone for BMW in the automotive industry.

In 2000, BMW Group underwent a strategic realignment focusing on the premium segment in the global automobile market with brands like BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. This realignment expanded the model range and introduced new series and variants.

The BMW Group launched the new MINI in 2001, marking the first premium vehicle in the small-car segment. The MINI's innovative design and charismatic appeal reflected the lifestyle of a whole generation, with various model variants introduced after the initial MINI Hatch.

The BMW Welt opened in October 2007 as a delivery center for BMW automobiles and a portal for the brand, designed by Viennese architects Coop Himmelb(l)au.

In 2013, BMW launched the BMW i3, a significant step in their electric mobility offerings.

In 2020, BMW introduced the BMW iX3, the first all-electric model of the X series. It is powered by the newly developed BMW eDrive electric engine, making it 30% more powerful than other BMW electric vehicles. The BMW iX3 offers a sustainable driving experience with a premium interior and new digital services.

In 2021, BMW launched the first BMW iX, marking a new milestone in the company's electric vehicle lineup. The BMW iX represents the brand's commitment to sustainable mobility and cutting-edge technology.

In 2022, BMW Group offers eleven fully electric variants across eight model ranges, establishing the broadest product portfolio in the premium segment. The electric drive systems are developed and produced in-house, distinguishing BMW's electrification approach.

By 2030, the BMW Group aims to have 50% of all sales coming from all-electric vehicles, marking a significant shift towards sustainable mobility.