Brand histories
The History of BMW
Autopapyrus
BMW is currently led by Norbert Reithofer, and the chief designer's post is held by Adrian van Hooydonk. The brand's slogan is "The Ultimate Driving Machine."
How BMW's history unfolded before World War II
In October 1913, Karl Friedrich Rapp founded a company that made aircraft engines. It was based near Munich, close to Gustav Otto, a German aircraft manufacturer. From 1929, the white-and-blue BMW badge, still familiar today, was interpreted as a spinning propeller against a blue sky. Later, though, the company stated that the color scheme was actually inspired by the flag of Bavaria.
In 1916 the company began to expand, and in 1917 the Austrian industrialist Franz Josef Popp became BMW's new head. From 1918 the company carried the name BMW AG. In 1919 it set a record: an airplane powered by a BMW engine climbed to an altitude of 9,760 meters (about 32,000 feet).
After World War I, under the Treaty of Versailles, aircraft production in Germany was halted, so BMW's new line of business became making brakes for trains. In 1923, though, the first BMW motorcycle, built at the Munich factory, appeared. Achievements in aviation continued too. In 1927, for example, aircraft with BMW engines set 29 world records.
In 1929 the first small BMW car, called the Dixi, was introduced. It was developed in Munich, like all of BMW's other creations, but until the 1940s the company's cars were also built in the city of Eisenach. In this period Ernst Henne became the fastest rider in the world on a BMW motorcycle.
In 1916 the company began to expand, and in 1917 the Austrian industrialist Franz Josef Popp became BMW's new head. From 1918 the company carried the name BMW AG. In 1919 it set a record: an airplane powered by a BMW engine climbed to an altitude of 9,760 meters (about 32,000 feet).
After World War I, under the Treaty of Versailles, aircraft production in Germany was halted, so BMW's new line of business became making brakes for trains. In 1923, though, the first BMW motorcycle, built at the Munich factory, appeared. Achievements in aviation continued too. In 1927, for example, aircraft with BMW engines set 29 world records.
In 1929 the first small BMW car, called the Dixi, was introduced. It was developed in Munich, like all of BMW's other creations, but until the 1940s the company's cars were also built in the city of Eisenach. In this period Ernst Henne became the fastest rider in the world on a BMW motorcycle.
BMW's history after World War II
After the war the company lost much of its former strength, especially since most of its plants had been destroyed or seized by the Allies. Only years later could the legendary BMW revive as a global carmaker. The first sign of postwar success was a car launched in 1962 that won over the world market. At first the company tried to repair its business through motorcycles, whose engine size was limited to 250 cc (15 cu in) after the war. Luxury sedans became another promising direction. At that time, though, the company nearly got swallowed up by its main rival, Mercedes-Benz, because of its attempts to build aircraft engines in defiance of the postwar ban.
Still, the Americans never tore down the plant and allowed BMW to build light motorcycles. So BMW's first postwar product was the stylish R24 motorcycle (1948). It had a 247 cc (15 cu in) engine and a very affordable price, so it quickly became a popular means of transport for Germans. The first postwar BMW car was the 501 (1951). Three years later, BMW sidecar motorcycles won at the world championship and stayed on top in that field for a long time.
In 1951 BMW again began producing aircraft engines, and in 1955 it created mid-size cars, such as the popular BMW Isetta. The company was gradually returning to life and global success.
In 1959 the most popular model in Germany and abroad was the 700. At that time BMW was put up for sale. In 1975 the first 3 Series in BMW's history appeared, in the E21 body.
In 1994 the Spartanburg plant began operating, BMW de Mexico S.A., the company's sixteenth subsidiary, was launched, and a sales office opened in China. A year later, in 1995, sales began of the BMW Z3, which appeared in a film about the legendary James Bond. Another undoubted success for BMW was the 1999 launch of the powerful new X5 all-wheel-drive crossover.
Since then the company has kept developing, remaining a serious player among European and Asian automotive giants. Modern, good-looking cars with the round white-and-blue emblem are known around the world and confidently cruise the roads of big cities, delighting their owners.
Still, the Americans never tore down the plant and allowed BMW to build light motorcycles. So BMW's first postwar product was the stylish R24 motorcycle (1948). It had a 247 cc (15 cu in) engine and a very affordable price, so it quickly became a popular means of transport for Germans. The first postwar BMW car was the 501 (1951). Three years later, BMW sidecar motorcycles won at the world championship and stayed on top in that field for a long time.
In 1951 BMW again began producing aircraft engines, and in 1955 it created mid-size cars, such as the popular BMW Isetta. The company was gradually returning to life and global success.
In 1959 the most popular model in Germany and abroad was the 700. At that time BMW was put up for sale. In 1975 the first 3 Series in BMW's history appeared, in the E21 body.
In 1994 the Spartanburg plant began operating, BMW de Mexico S.A., the company's sixteenth subsidiary, was launched, and a sales office opened in China. A year later, in 1995, sales began of the BMW Z3, which appeared in a film about the legendary James Bond. Another undoubted success for BMW was the 1999 launch of the powerful new X5 all-wheel-drive crossover.
Since then the company has kept developing, remaining a serious player among European and Asian automotive giants. Modern, good-looking cars with the round white-and-blue emblem are known around the world and confidently cruise the roads of big cities, delighting their owners.
What next