BMW, or Bayerische Motoren Werke in full, is a German multinational corporation which produces luxury vehicles and motorcycles. Here's an overview of BMW's history, products, and significance:
History
- Founded in 1916 by Karl Rapp, initially as Rapp Motorenwerke, the company initially manufactured aircraft engines.
- In 1917, the company was renamed BMW after merging with Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG, but it wasn't until 1923 that the company logo with the blue and white colors was adopted.
- Post-World War I, due to the Treaty of Versailles, Germany was forbidden to manufacture aircraft, leading BMW to pivot to motorcycle and automobile production.
- The first BMW automobile, the BMW 3/15PS, was produced in 1928.
- The 1930s saw BMW focusing on both motorcycle and car production, with models like the BMW 328 sports car gaining fame.
- During World War II, BMW returned to manufacturing aircraft engines for the Luftwaffe.
- After the war, BMW struggled due to the destruction of its factories and the economic climate, but by the 1950s, the company started to recover with models like the Isetta microcar.
- The 1960s and 1970s marked BMW's resurgence with the introduction of the New Class and the iconic 5 Series and 3 Series.
- In 1994, BMW acquired the Rover Group, which it later divested in 2000, retaining only the MINI brand.
- Today, BMW is known for its commitment to innovation, particularly in electric mobility with the BMW i sub-brand.
Products
- Automobiles: BMW produces a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to luxury sedans, sports cars, and SUVs. Notable series include the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, and the X Series for SUVs.
- Motorcycles: BMW Motorrad is a division that focuses on motorcycles, offering models from touring bikes to sport bikes.
- BMW i: This brand focuses on electric vehicles, with models like the i3 and i8.
Innovation and Technology
- BMW has been at the forefront of automotive technology, integrating systems like the iDrive infotainment system, advanced driver assistance systems, and pioneering work in autonomous driving.
- The company is also heavily investing in electric mobility, aiming for a significant portion of its sales to be electric vehicles by 2025.
Corporate Structure
Sources
See Also