BMW, founded in 1916, is a renowned German automotive company. It entered the automobile business in 1928 and has a rich history of innovation and independence. BMW is known for its luxury vehicles and motorcycles.
In 1913, Karl Rapp established Rapp Motorenwerke, an aircraft engine manufacturer, near Oberwiesenfeld. The company had contracts to supply aircraft engines to Bayerische Flugzeugwerke and Austro-Daimler.
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.
The acronym BMW, which stands for Bavarian Motor Works in English, was coined to represent the German automotive manufacturer.
The BMW IIIa engine, designed by engineer Max Friz, set a world record for altitude at 32,000 feet in 1919, showcasing BMW's engineering prowess.
After the company was sold to Knorr Bremse AG in 1920, Camillo Castiglioni acquired BMW's engine production, along with the workforce and production facilities. He transferred everything to 'Bayerische Flugzeuge-Werke AG' (BFW), marking a new beginning for the company.
In 1921, BMW began producing engines for other companies, leading to the start of their own motorcycle production in 1923 under the BMW Motorrad brand. The BMW R 32, powered by a flat-twin engine, marked the beginning of BMW's motorcycle history.
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 1928, BMW acquired the automobile manufacturer Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach, obtaining its first automotive product, a car built under license from the Austin Motor Co. in 1929.
BMW ventured into automobile manufacturing in 1929 by acquiring Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach, which was producing Austin Sevens under the Dixi marque.
In 1932, BMW began producing cars of its own design, starting with the 3/20 PS model.
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.
The BMW 328 was one of the most successful sports cars of the 1930s. For the 1940 Mille Miglia, the roadster received a tailor-made, streamlined suit that made its mark in both design and racing history. It finished in third position in the race.
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.
After being classified as an armaments company during the war, BMW had much of its production equipment removed by the Allies. The company survived by manufacturing various products, including kitchen utensils.
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.
In the 1950s, BMW introduced its first car of the decade, the 501. It was a large luxury saloon that struggled to sell initially due to its performance and the economic conditions of post-war Germany.
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.
In 1954, the BMW 501 model range underwent significant changes, resulting in a doubling of sales. The 501 became the 501A with a price reduction and the introduction of the entry-level 501B model. Both models received upgrades to the six-cylinder engine.
In 1955, BMW further expanded its range of cars, showcasing the company's commitment to growth and innovation in the automobile industry.
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.
The BMW 600, a larger four-seat family car, was released in 1957. It featured a rear-mounted engine and BMW's first use of the semi-trailing arm suspension system. However, it faced tough competition from the Volkswagen Beetle and production ceased in 1959.
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.
By the end of November 1960, BMW launched the BMW 700, a small car with a rear-mounted 697 cc engine, which helped the company financially.
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 1965, the New Class range was expanded with the introduction of New Class Coupés luxury models.
In 1966, BMW acquired the Hans Glas company based in Dingolfing, Germany, which led to the absorption of Glas vehicles into BMW and access to innovative technology.
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 1971, BMW Kredit GmbH was created as a subsidiary to provide financial services for BMW's transactions and dealerships. This move laid the groundwork for BMW's successful finance and leasing operations.
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.
On May 18, 1973, BMW officially opened its new headquarters in Munich, which included the iconic 'four-cylinder building' and the unique bowl-shaped BMW Museum. These architectural landmarks have since become integral parts of BMW's identity.
The famous slogan 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' was first used by BMW in North America in 1974.
In 1975, sculptor Alexander Calder painted the first BMW Art Car, a BMW 3.0 CSL racing car, initiating a series of collaborations with renowned artists to create unique art cars.
In 1976, BMW launched the 3 Series luxury coupes, adding to its portfolio of vehicles.
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.
In 1979, BMW Steyr Motoren Gesellschaft was founded as a joint venture between BMW AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG, leading to the establishment of an engine plant in Steyr, Austria.
In 1980, the M division produced the BMW M535i, the first model based on a regular production vehicle.
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 1983, BMW introduced its first diesel engine, the BMW M21.
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.
BMW Technik GmbH was established in 1985 as a think-tank for BMW designers, engineers, and technicians to develop innovative ideas and concepts for future BMW vehicles.
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.
One of the first major projects for BMW Technik GmbH was the Z1 Roadster, which entered series production in 1988, showcasing the innovative capabilities of the company.
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.
In 1992, BMW introduced the BMW Z3, a two-seat convertible model.
The BMW 3 Series Compact, built on the E36 3 Series platform, was BMW's first hatchback model introduced in 1993.
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.
The Z3 two-seat convertible and coupe models were introduced in 1995, marking the first mass-produced models outside of the 1/3/5 Series and the first model to be solely manufactured outside Germany.
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 1999, BMW launched the X5, a 'Sports Activity Vehicle' that combined traditional BMW dynamics with all-wheel-drive off-roader capabilities, setting the stage for future X car models.
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.
On 10 January 1999, BMW introduces the BMW X5 at the Detroit Auto Show, revolutionizing the market with its unique blend of BMW dynamics and all-wheel-drive capabilities. The BMW X5 creates a new segment in the automotive industry.
Pravda reported on the commencement of production for the new BMW 5 series in Kaliningrad.
Tony Lewin's 'The Complete Book of BMW: Every Model Since 1950', published in 2004, offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of BMW models from 1950 onwards, providing a valuable resource for automotive enthusiasts.
The E60-generation BMW M5 was introduced in 2005, featuring a powerful F1-inspired V10 engine that delivered exceptional performance.
From 2006 onwards, BMW transitioned to using turbocharged engines in its mass-production models, reflecting industry trends towards smaller and more efficient engines.
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.
The BMW X6 was launched in 2008, introducing the concept of a 'Sports Activity Coupe' that combined practicality with sporty coupe styling.
In 2009, BMW added the X1 to its X car lineup, further expanding its range of popular models.
In 2011, BMW launched DriveNow, a modern car-sharing scheme in partnership with Sixt AG, initially introduced in Munich and later extended to other cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and San Francisco under the BMW i sub-brand.
In 2013, BMW launched the BMW i3, a significant step in their electric mobility offerings.
In July 2014, BMW announced the establishment of a plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, with a significant investment and production capacity.
In 2015, BMW expanded its global presence by producing the first BMW motorcycle entirely outside Germany. This move signified BMW's focus on the international market and showcased the brand's commitment to innovation and growth.
In 2019, the BMW Group opens a new plant in Mexico, specifically in San Luis Potosí, marking the beginning of BMW 3 Series Sedan production and creating 2,500 new jobs.
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.
BMW, which stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke (Bavarian Motor Works), has had a rich history with many successes and challenges. This article covers the journey of BMW from its inception to a highly successful automobile manufacturer.
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