Founded in 1916, Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) has come a long way from its early beginnings. Known for its luxurious cars, BMW has always managed to keep its charm alive in the auto market. With a legacy that has always been built on excellence, innovation, and sophistication, BMW is more than just a car brand. Let’s take a deep dive into the rich history of BMW and discover its roots.
The blue-and-white badge, which is now synonymous with BMW, was originally a tribute to Bavaria, where the company was founded. Before BMW, Bayerische Flugzeug-Werke (BFW) was established in 1913 and produced airplane engines for World War I. After the war, the company shifted its focus to motorcycles and then automobiles. In 1928, BMW became a public company, and the BMW 3/15 became the first BMW car model.
The introduction of the BMW 328 Roadster in 1936 marked a turning point in the history of BMW. The car was a huge success in both the racing and passenger car markets. However, the company’s future was uncertain during World War II. It was during this time that BMW was forced to focus on wartime production. At the end of the war, the company’s factories were heavily damaged and had to be rebuilt.
In the 1950s, BMW began producing the Isetta, a compact car, and then, the BMW 501, which became the first post-war BMW car. The company’s reputation for manufacturing high-performance cars was recognised with the BMW 507, which was a big hit with the celebrities of the era. In 1972, BMW launched its first 5 Series, which was an instant hit and helped shape the future of BMW cars.
In the 1990s, BMW embraced the concept of sustainability by introducing the world’s first hydrogen-powered car, the BMW Hydrogen 7. BMW also acquired the British automobile brands, Rover and Mini, in the same decade. In 2002, the BMW 7 Series was launched, which revolutionized the luxury car segment. The company continued to launch innovative models of cars such as the BMW X3, X5, the i-Series.
History of BMW
BMW has established itself as one of the most admired car brands in the world. Over its hundred-year history, BMW has gone through many ups and downs. However, the company has always managed to innovate and reinvent itself by staying true to its values of ultimate driving experience, sophistication, and excellence. Whether you are a fan of classic BMW cars or the latest models, the history of BMW is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.