BMW is one of the most respected brands in car making history and one of the best-selling luxury automakers in the world. It’s headquarters in Munich, Germany. They are known for its stylish and performance-oriented cars, cool driver-assistance technology and so on. Here are some amazing facts about BMW.
1 BMW Originally Built Plane Engines
BMW was initially a manufacturer of airplane engines and the first product was a straight-six aircraft engine known BMW IIIa. Following the end of WWI, They remained in business by producing farm equipment, motorcycle engines, household items and railway brakes. The corporate set records in aviation for both altitude and speed, making key advancements within the industry before making the switch to the auto industry. They are now best-known for producing cars.
2 BMW Stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke
The full name of the company is actually BMW AG which stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft. Originally named Bayerische Flugzeugwerke or “BFW,” Bayerishe (Bavarian) indicates the company’s headquarters in Bavaria. The BFW means Bavarian plane manufacturing. In the year 1917, Founder Karl Rapp left the company then the name was changed to BMW.
3 The BMW Logo is a Tribute to its Bavarian Roots
While some people believe the blue and white circular BMW logo represents the spinning propeller of a plane, hinting at the company’s history as airplane engine manufacturers, the design is actually influenced by the look of the Bavarian flag. The design is a tribute to its roots in Bavaria, Germany where the company was born.
4 The Company is Over 100 Years Old
BMW is known for making ultramodern luxury cars with the latest features and technologies, people may think that the company was founded in the modern era. In fact, BMW was founded in 7 March 1916, and just recently BMW Group celebrated its 100-year anniversary.
5 BMW Only Got into Automobiles after the ‘Treaty of Versailles’
One of the most incredible facts about BMW Group is that it only got into producing automobiles after the Treaty of Versailles following WWI. As a stipulation of the treaty, German companies were not allowed to produce warplane engines and warplanes. This forced the company to adapt and expand into the automobile industry.
6 BMW Made its First Electric Car in 1972
BMW developed its first all-electric car based on the BMW 1602 model in 1972. The BMW 1602 Elektro- Antrieb model was first unveiled at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany. Two examples were used to shuttle VIPs and serve as support cars in various long-distance events just like the marathon.
7 BMW Still Produce WWII Era Parts
Unlike many other luxury car brands, They continues to produce parts for many of its vehicles dating back to the old 1940s. So, if you’re looking to revive an old BMW, you can fit it with the original parts it once had.
