The History of BMW
BMW was first founded way, way back in 1916 by Camillo Castiglioni, Franz Josef Popp and Karl Rapp. But they didn’t make cars to begin with. Their first product was aircraft engines that were used in World War I.
However, since German companies were banned from making planes and engines after The Great War, BMW were forced to try something new. So, they started to manufacture motorcycles, the first of which was the BMW R 32 in 1923. Their first-ever car was a Dixi, which was rebadged and called a BMW 3/15, and this went on sale in 1929.
During the 1930s, BMW decided to broaden their horizons, and started to manufacture sports cars and luxury cars. BMW's first shot at the famous kidney grille was on a BMW 303 in 1933. BMW managed to create the world's fastest motorcycle in 1937 - it could reach an awesome top speed of 173.7mph!
Mercedes-Benz Try to Muscle In
BMW almost went bankrupt in 1959 due to a lack of sales. So much so, that their top rival, Mercedes-Benz, tried to take over. But, a large investment from Herbert and Harald Quandt allowed the company to survive.
BMW and Lamborghini agreed to make a race car in the 1970s, but when Lambo pulled out, BMW ended up making the M1 instead – BMW's first 'M' car. Two years later, BMW introduced their first electric car – the 1602 Elektro-Antrieb. However, performance was very lacking, and the battery would only last 20 minutes...
Interesting Facts about BMW
Ever wondered what BMW stands for? It’s Bayerische Motoren Werke, which translates to Bavarian Motor Works. Their logo's blue and white colours derive from the flag of Bavaria. The BMW Headquarters was designed to mimic a car engine – that explains the four cylinders!
As well as producing their own vehicles, BMW produces Minis and Rolls Royces, as well as interiors for trains and aeroplanes. BMW's headquarters is locked in Munich, but they produce vehicles in Germany, the UK, the US, Mexico, Brazil, China, India and South Africa. Truly, a global giant.
BMW has invested around £2 billion in their operation since 2000. Its first MINIs were produced in 2001 in the UK at MINI Plant Oxford. Over 3 million MINIs have been produced since then. The largest country market for BMW was China in 2023, more than twice what they sold in their home, Germany.
