BMW

Posted on May 13, 2013 By Peter Brown Brands, Cars

About

The history of BMW began in October 1913, when Karl Friedrich Rapp founded a company which primary focused on the production of aircraft engines. Along with Gustav Otto, he founded two companies in the northern part of Munich, Germany. The beginning of the First World War and increased number of orders is why the two owners united in one aircraft factory. Therefore, in 1916 in Munich they registered company for manufacturing aircraft engines under the name of Bavarian Motor Works (Bayerische Motoren Werke – BMW). They assigned the Austrian entrepreneur Franz Josef Pop as a factory director at that time. The well known white and blue circular logo of BMW designed at that time is still used today and is one of the most recognizable brand logos. BMW logo is a stylized image of a spinning airplane propeller where blue and white colors depict parts of the Bavarian flag. Nowadays, BMW is one of the absolute leaders in the auto industry and manufacturing of automobiles, engines and motorcycles. The company produces a wide variety of cars – luxury, terrain, sport, hybrid, modern and efficient. BMW is also an active participant of the famous and prestigious motor sport, Formula 1. The main factory is still located in Munich, Germany, and nearby is the unique museum where even today you can see all the technical works produced during BMW’s rich history.

Products

Aside from producing cylinder engines for sports cars and sedans, BMW also produces models like 327 coupe and cabrio, 328 roadster and 335 sedan. The construction of BMW car models started in the 60s of the 20th century with the introduction of the model BMW 02, and the current model designations were introduced in the 70s.In the last few years, BMW focused their efforts primarily on the production of luxury cars characterized by their sports vision, dynamism, good governance, control and powerful engines. All BMW produced models feature mandatory rear transmission or with 4 × 4.

Motorcycles – BMW company is an innovator in a motorcycle suspension layout. After the World War I, BMW began building motorcycles known under the brand BMW Motorrad. Their first successful motorcycle was R32 launched in 1923. The motorcycle had boxer twin engine. Except from their single cylinder models, all BMW motorcycles used this unique structure and design until the early ’80s. Other successful motorcycle was BMW R75, produced during the World War II.

Automobiles – The BMW New Class (1.5 – 2 liter class) was a line of small coupes and sedans produced between 1962 and 1977. The New Class line was a BMW’s solution for overcoming their financial crises of 1950 and proved the identity and uniqueness of BMW automobiles as sport sedans. The New Class 4 doors line was replaced in 1972 with the larger BMW 5 Series. BMW’s current models are the Series 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, X1, X3, X5, X6, Z4. The series 1 was launched in 2004 and is the smallest BMW car. Nowadays, the first generation coupe/convertible E82/E88 and the second generation hatchback F20 are available. The series 3 includes sport sedans, station wagons, convertibles and the third generation coupes. The series 5 are mid-sized cars such as sedans and station wagons. The series 7 are flagship sedans presented in 2008.

The BMW M models (motorsport) were created to facilitate the racing program of BMW. The M cars include modified engines, interior trims, aerodynamics, transmissions and exterior modifications. The current M models are: Series M coupe. M3, M5, M6, X5 M and X6 M.

Bicycles – BMW create a wide range of high end bicycles and are sold trough dealership and online.