What is the History of BMW?
BMW has enjoyed a storybook rise from a lowly airplane company to today as one of the top luxury vehicle brands in the world. It wasn't easy and it didn't happen overnight, but BMW, through tough war times to prosperous decades, developed into a pinnacle of vehicle growth and production. Read on below from us at Edmonton BMW as we take you through the story of BMW, how they started, came to be, and exist now as what we love in a premier luxury vehicle company!
BMW Early Years
BMW (Bayerische Motorenwrke) was formed in 1917 after the merging of three companies, Rapp Motorenwerke, Bayerische Flugzeugwerke and Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach. The classic blue and white logo, of the Bavarian state, was even developed in an early stage in its first year as a company. These long-suffering aircraft and automobile companies suffered throughout World War I, and remained in tough times together throughout the second World War, like a lot of manufacturers at the time. They didn't produce another car after the war until 1951, and went through tenuous times in the years after, but were able to finally restructure the company with money from the German government in 1959. This primed BMW for their formative, prosperous years that would make them the luxury stalwart they're known as today.
BMW Prosperity
Without the worry of having to divert production for wartime initiatives, BMW focused on expansion throughout the 1970s. 1971 saw the development of their own financial subsidiary, which helped support their quick growth, while 1972 saw the implementation of their first overseas production plant in South Africa. Not only did it help BMW as a country, but it also helped to stimulate the economy in post-Apartheid South Africa, providing jobs and services. 1972 also saw the start of BMW Motorsport, developing a focus on performance and sport along with earlier luxury tenets. Building off this steady momentum, BMW only got bigger and more comprehensive over the next two decades, establishing themselves as a premier luxury and sport producer of vehicles. 1994 was their first foray into making the United States a second home, planting their flag in Spartanburg, South Carolina with their first stateside factory. 1994 also saw their acquisition of the Rover Group, foreshadowing another purchase of Rolls-Royce in 1998. 2000 and beyond saw much of t he same from BMW, constant growth into the luxury heavyweight status they currently hold.
BMW in the Future
Like any great company, BMW knows not to rest on their laurels. That's why even with an established brand and wide selection of cars, SUVs and performance-styled sport vehicles, BMW is always looking to grow. From everything to revolutionary new concept cars to expanding on technology like iPerformance with electric energy in their future models, BMW is looking to innovate not just with luxury vehicles, but for automobiles as a whole. Staying one step ahead is a BMW tradition, whether through new mobility concepts, connectivity or advanced technology, you can count on BMW to build a new future that will shape the history of automotives.
Edmonton BMW is proud to sell, service and finance BMWs in Edmonton. Come to us for a wide selection of BMWs, from Series to X and M models. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Posted on March 14, 2019 Categories: About us, Our Story, Why choose us?
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