BMW

BMW, short for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is a German luxury automobile manufacturer with a rich history of engineering excellence and motorsport success. The company was founded in 1916, initially focusing on aircraft engines. After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles forced BMW to shift its focus due to restrictions on aircraft engine production. This led the company to venture into motorcycle manufacturing in 1923, producing its first motorcycle, the R32, which featured a flat-twin boxer engine. 

In 1928, BMW entered the automobile industry by acquiring Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach, which manufactured the Dixi, a licensed version of the Austin 7. This car, rebranded as the BMW 3/15, marked the beginning of BMW’s journey as a car manufacturer. The 1930s saw the introduction of several successful models, such as the BMW 328, a lightweight sports car that achieved numerous victories in motorsport, including a class win at the 1938 Mille Miglia. 

During World War II, BMW reverted to producing aircraft engines, leading to significant damage to its facilities by the end of the war. Post-war restrictions again forced BMW to shift its focus, initially producing kitchen utensils and bicycles before resuming motorcycle production. In 1952, BMW re-entered the automobile market with the BMW 501, a luxury sedan that marked the company’s return to car manufacturing. 

The 1950s were a challenging time for BMW, as it faced financial difficulties due to the high costs of producing luxury cars and motorcycles. The turning point came with the introduction of the BMW 700, an affordable compact car that revived the company’s fortunes. The success of the BMW 700 laid the foundation for future growth, leading to the launch of the iconic BMW Neue Klasse in the 1960s. The Neue Klasse, which included models like the BMW 1500 and 2002, established BMW’s reputation for producing sporty, high-quality sedans and helped the company gain a foothold in international markets.