BMW's short history

Since its inception as an aircraft engine maker, BMW has come a long way to become one of the most popular family, luxury and sports car makers today.

The company manufactured aircraft engines as a lap prime mover manufacturer in 1913 and merged in 1922 with the Bayerische Flugzeugwerke plant near the outskirts of Munich. The letter BMW stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke.

Initially, BMW primarily manufactured aircraft engines, and sometimes motorcycle engines. In fact, the BMW badge was designed to resemble an aircraft propeller and became an automaker for the first time in 1929 after purchasing the Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach factory that manufactured Austin Seven.

Developing the style of the car manufactured over time, in 1936 BMW began manufacturing 328 sports cars with incredible success. In 1999, the BMW 328 was nominated for a car of the century.

During the three years leading up to World War II, BMW manufactured aircraft engines, motorcycles and automobiles. During the war, the company focused on aircraft engines and stopped manufacturing cars altogether. Motorcycle production resumed in 1948, but BMW began producing cars again in 1952. However, the launch of the BMW 501 luxury car was not a big hit, and as a result, the company did not make a profit, giving Isetta the right to design and manufacture. And started selling these.

BMW’s luck changed over the next decade, and the 1960s brought BMW considerable success. The 4-cylinder sports car BMW 1500 was launched in 1961, and shortly thereafter, the BMW 2002, the predecessor of the BMW 3 Series, which continued to be produced until 1976, was launched.

In the 70’s, BMW continued to build a reputation for creating original popular cars, with the 3, 5, and 7 series launched in the last decade. Between 1970 and 1993, BMW quadrupled its production and increased sales by an incredible 1700%.

Between 1994 and 2000, BMW owned the British Rover Group, but the venture was unsuccessful and the company quickly abolished Rover. However, BMW retains the rights to the Mini and has enjoyed considerable success in this business.

Today, BMW is considered an innovative manufacturer and has a reputation for excellence in both its design and car quality.