History of BMW

The company Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) - German manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles and engines. The company's headquarters is located in Munich. BMW history begins in 1916, when Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto founded the company "Bayerische Flugzeugwerke" - "Bavarian Aircraft Works", the name was of BMW at the dawn of its history. At the time, no one could have predicted that the airline will become a automobile giant. The famous brand «BMW» - Bayerische Motoren Werke (Bavarian Motor Works), was born in 1917, when Gustav Otto and his friend Karl Rapp joined two small firms engaged in the production of engines for aircraft in one. It is believed that the blue and white logo symbolizes the rotating propeller, although historically the use of blue and white cells due to the Bavarian national colors. But the propeller - it's much more romantic! Patented "spinning propeller" was in 1917, and first used on the vehicle in 1923, a motorcycle BMW R32. The First World War caused a great demand for the company's products - aircraft engines, and BMW has become a major producer. But the results of the World almost ruined Munich engine builders - under the terms of the Versailles Treaty, Germany was forbidden to build airplanes. This was nearly cut short story BMW, but the company decided to produce motorcycles saved a young engineer Max Friz just five weeks has created a BMW R32, and in 1923 the company launched the bike into production. BMW was the first motorcycle boxer engine and driveline, and at the Paris Motor Show, has been named technical sensation. In the second half of the 20's BMW renews the production of aircraft engines and rapidly regaining its lost it in this market position. BMW aircraft engines are delivered to many countries, including the Soviet Union. Production of cars in the BMW are interested only in 1928, but the first own car BMW produces only in 1932 - Model 3/20. In 1934, BMW has grown so much that the office of the company engaged in aircraft engines, it was decided to allocate an independent division «BMW Flugmotorenbau GmbH». Before the Second World War, BMW is developing a number of brilliant models of cars, motorcycles and aircraft engines, which found a large number of speed records and won many victories in the race. Some of them are considered legendary, for example, Roadster 328. However, during the war, car production at BMW was stopped - the company had to focus only on military vehicles and engines for military aircraft. By the end of the Second World War, BMW factories were in ruins: a factory in Basdorf and Tsyulsdorfe, Dyurrerhofe destroyed factory in Munich demolished by the British, and the machinery of the plant in Eisenach to the USSR. In addition, because of military supplies allies for three years engaged in the production ban BMW. It seemed that this is the end of history, BMW ... But once again the company save bikes: first single-cylinder BMW R24, and then double-cylinder BMW R51 / 2. In 1951, BMW returned to making cars under its own brand and starts production model BMW 501 class "luxury". However, its production wrapped financial embarrassment: because of the complexity of production every five hundred and first copy of it brings concern losses for 4000 marks. In addition, the falling sales of motorcycles, and in the mid-50s BMW enters into a financial crisis. Things were going so badly that raises the issue of the sale of the main competitor - the concern Daimler-Benz AG. However, in 1959, Mr. Quant, who owned a major stake in BMW, still resolved to lead a company on its own path, relying on motorcycles, aircraft engines and new vehicles. The first of these was the successful models of BMW 700 (1959 year), won general acceptance. And in 1962 brought hope for a revival of the model 1500, a completely new class of compact sport-touring cars. In the 60's and 70's BMW is developing rapidly - in the country and the world economic boom, besides bikes are coming into fashion. In the automotive BMW puts on excellent driving performance, luxury, sportiness and comfort for the driver - qualities that were previously inaccessible to the mass of cars. In the late seventies, there are harbingers of the digital era - BMW begins developing engines with digital control, and in the early 80's introducing ABS. Between 1970 and 1993, sales of the company increased by 18 times, the production of BMW cars has increased four-fold, and motorcycles - in three. BMW worldwide steadily encroaching their U.S. and Japanese competitors, opening trade and production units in many countries. In the 90's Bavarian company grows by acquiring other brands were not able to survive in the auto market in a competitive environment: «Rover» and «Rolls-Royce». Today, BMW is actively developing new automotive technologies and apply them in their recent models. Almost all international motor shows and exhibitions BMW presented its new products and concept cars, and this suggests that the design offices BMW ceaselessly work for the benefit of drivers. By the beginning of XXI century the company from Munich firmly holds the position of legislator automobile fashion.