BMW is one of the best-known luxury brands worldwide, known for producing vehicles of impeccable quality that provide drivers with an unforgettable driving experience.
At its founding in 1913, Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH began making aircraft engines. Later that same year, however, the name changed to Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH before eventually disappearing temporarily for some reason.
The History
BMW’s long and successful history spans back to 1916 when its founder began producing airplane engines. Since then, it has expanded into one of the world’s premier auto and engine companies renowned for producing innovative automobiles and motorcycles with distinctive style.
Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, two aviation engineers who co-founded Flugmaschinenfabrik Gustav Otto in 1916. A year later they merged this firm with Bayerische Flugzeug-Werke AG (BFW) and formed BMW AG.
BMW was established with the mission of manufacturing vehicles that appeal to luxury-conscious consumers without losing sight of everyday car ownership responsibilities. Due to these principles, the brand has become immensely popular worldwide and especially within the US market.
BMW began producing aircraft engines and motorcycles during the 1920s. Over time, however, they expanded to become an international power, eventually building jet engines for Germany’s Luftwaffe. Their first BMW-badged automobile was manufactured when they purchased Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach; an automotive producer which had produced Austin Sevens under license from that point onward.
BMW’s founders began to establish themselves at this point as manufacturers of high-quality and well-designed motorcycles using boxer engines that would become synonymous with their brand. Furthermore, aircraft engine production continued throughout World War II until production ceased altogether in 1945.
At the conclusion of World War II, BMW experienced a period of stagnation. They released various models such as Isetta bubblecar but these products weren’t selling well despite their best efforts. Subsequently, Quandt Group bought shares in BMW to stimulate growth for BMW and restart its business model.
BMW was able to expand their manufacturing facilities as a result, and by the 1960s they had established a full factory in Munich Milbertshofen which could accommodate vehicles of various sizes. In 1961 they introduced the 1500 as an addition to their portfolio that quickly began garnering excitement among their target market.
The Engineering
BMW may be best known for its high-performance automobiles and motorcycles, but the German company also stands as an industry pioneer when it comes to production technology and environmental sustainability. BMW strives to build premium products using smart materials with efficient production methods while minimising waste for reduced environmental footprint. This creates value while at the same time meeting its sustainability commitments.
One of the hallmarks of German automotive behemoth Volkswagen Group’s engineering prowess is creating safe, reliable cars that are enjoyable to drive. Their engineers put immense focus into making sure that cutting-edge technologies such as electric drive and advanced driver assistance systems find their way into each design.
In addition, the company has implemented several initiatives aimed at increasing both safety and efficiency. They were pioneers in creating high-performance engines that run on compressed natural gas (CNG).
BMW’s “European Delivery Program” provides its customers with a unique opportunity to spend a day exploring its high-tech headquarters while taking home their very own car, compliments of BMW.
Best of all, it’s free. You get to experience the BMW x5 firsthand and its many amazing features such as its iDrive infotainment system with remote stereo control via phone – making for significant savings on insurance and gas expenses! Plus, this luxurious BMW comes complete with top-grade leather seating and optional panoramic roof.
The Design
BMW is widely revered as an iconic brand with a stunning aesthetic. They have an established tradition of reinventing their classic models’ core components with new interpretations; one such innovation being their two-part kidney grille which has become iconic and can be found paired with twin round headlights and their brand emblem set at its center.
The swage line that divides the body is also an integral component in BMW design, serving to emphasize its wedge-shape while drawing attention to its richly contoured surfaces and door handles. Furthermore, this creates a uniform impression of size and dimension for an automobile.
BMWs are known for their signature Hofmeister kink, which features a dynamic countersweep at the base of their rear roof pillar. First introduced in 1961 and widely adopted ever since, its prominence on nearly every BMW showcases its forward thrust while emphasizing rear-wheel drive capabilities.
BMW designers strive to reinterpret key design elements and increase emotional appeal of each BMW model through internal ideas competition, an annual contest allowing designers to express their creativity and passion.
With this approach, BMW designers can craft vehicles filled with emotion. This ensures an ideal combination of emotional form and integrated function in their designs.
BMW has long incorporated corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices into its business practices, with an aim of supporting long-term development for all stakeholders through innovative and eco-friendly methods of operation.
Thus, the company’s vehicles are designed in such a way as to foster an increasingly environmentally responsible society and to support employee health and well-being at every level.
As such, the company employs an intensive set of quality assurance programs, which includes regular tests on vehicles in its test facility to ensure they adhere to the highest standard of quality.
The U.S. Production
BMW, although based in Munich, Germany, assembles parts and vehicles in numerous other countries worldwide. As well as their main production facility in Munich, there are three additional factories dedicated to producing various models and Sport Activity Vehicles (SAVs).
Spartanburg, South Carolina is home to one of the BMW factories with the largest capacity. Beginning production on new BMW models in 1992, this plant became its inaugural U.S. factory.
As of 2021, this plant boasts a production capacity of up to 450,000 cars annually and employs more than 11,000 people. At present, it assembles BMW’s X3, X4, X5, and X7 utility vehicles, in addition to their flagship model XM.
Export-wise, this facility ships its SUVs all around the globe – to China, Germany and even Britain! In 2021 alone, their export value exceeded $100.1 billion!
BMW has successfully kept its U.S. production of its legendary BMW X Series model lineup up-to-date with modern technological advancements and design trends, producing top-selling models with sales totalling over 257,000 in 2021!
First time in three decades, this facility has produced its 6 Millionth vehicle: A Java Green Metallic BMW X6 M with twin turbocharging producing 600 HP!
This model also comes equipped with a Silverstone Full Merino Leather interior and 21/22-inch M Star-spoke two-color wheels for optimal aesthetics and performance. Furthermore, its all-wheel drive system makes this car capable of reaching top speeds of 155 miles per hour!
BMW’s Spartanburg plant is one of the nation’s top automotive producers and earned it first place on the US list for auto exports by value in 2021. Thanks to production of its BMW X Series cars, this BMW plant contributes greatly to American jobs and tax revenue.
