BMW
History
BMW, an acronym for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is a German multinational corporation that produces luxury vehicles and motorcycles. The company was founded in 1916 by Rapp and Otto, initially as a manufacturer of aircraft engines, which is reflected in the company's logo—a stylized propeller on a blue sky background.
During the First World War, BMW was a significant supplier of aircraft engines to the German military, contributing to the war effort. However, the Versailles Treaty in 1919 prohibited the production of aircraft in Germany, forcing BMW to shift its focus to other areas, including motorcycles in 1923 and automobiles in 1928.
Automobiles
BMW's first car, the Dixi, was a licensed Austin Seven, but the company quickly developed its models. The BMW 3/15, launched in 1932, was the first car entirely designed by BMW, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.
During the Second World War, BMW again produced aircraft engines, as well as other military equipment, using forced labor, a dark chapter in the company's history. After the war, the company faced bankruptcy but managed to survive by restarting motorcycle production before eventually returning to automobile production in the 1950s.
In the 1960s, BMW launched the New Class models, which included the popular 1500 and 2002 models. These cars helped establish BMW's reputation as a producer of sporty, driver-focused cars.
In the 1970s, BMW introduced the 3 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series, which remain in production today as some of the company's most popular models. The company also launched the M division in the 1970s, responsible for developing high-performance versions of their cars.
Motorcycles
BMW began motorcycle production in 1923 with the R32 model. The company's motorcycles are often referred to as "Beemers" and have a reputation for reliability and longevity. In 1983, BMW introduced the K-series, a line of water-cooled four- and three-cylinder motorcycles.
In the 1990s, BMW introduced the F and G series of motorcycles, which included the F650 single-cylinder and the G650 Xchallenge. In 2009, BMW introduced the S1000RR, a sportbike that quickly gained popularity in the motorcycle racing world.
Current Operations and Future Outlook
Today, BMW is one of the largest and most recognized luxury car manufacturers globally, with a strong presence in Europe, America, and Asia. The company continues to innovate, with a focus on electric and hybrid vehicles, such as the i3 and i8 models.
BMW's future outlook involves a strong commitment to electric vehicles, with plans to have 25 electrified models on the road by 2023. The company is also exploring autonomous driving technologies, with the iNEXT model expected to offer Level 3 autonomy.