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HomeCarsa story linked to the Bavarian sky

a story linked to the Bavarian sky

BMW, an iconic brand in the premium automotive sector, has a rich history spanning over a century. But do you know the origin of its name and the reason behind its iconic logo? Let's dive into the fascinating history of this German company that has left its mark on the automotive industry.

The meaning of the name BMW

BMW is an acronym for Bayerische Motoren Werke, which translates into English as “Bavarian Engine Factory”. This name refers to:

  • The company's hometown: the Free State of Bavaria, the largest of Germany's federal states
  • The brand's initial activity: the manufacture of engines for various applications
  • BMW's beginnings: from aviation to automobiles

    BMW's history dates back to 1913, although the brand as we know it today was not officially created until 1917. Here are the key milestones in its evolution:

  • 1913: Creation of Rapp Motorenwerke GmbH, specializing in the manufacture of aircraft engines
  • 1917: Official birth of BMW
  • 1919: The Treaty of Versailles prohibits Germany from manufacturing aircraft engines.
  • 1920: BMW diversifies into the production of engines and brakes for railways
  • The rebirth of BMW

    The history of BMW took a major turn in 1920 when Knorr-Bremse AG of Berlin acquired the majority of the company's shares. This acquisition led to:

  • BMW's integration into the Knorr-Bremse AG conglomerate
  • The company moves to Munich
  • A brief disappearance of BMW as an independent entity
  • BMW's return to the forefront

    In 1922, Camillo Castiglioni, who had become the majority shareholder of Knorr-Bremse AG, took several decisive actions:

  • Purchase of the BMW name
  • Acquisition of all the activities and structure of the company
  • Transfer of all assets to BFW (Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG โ€“ Bavarian Aircraft Factory)
  • The same year, the company:

  • Moved to the BFW factories at Lerchenauer Strasse
  • Changed its name to Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
  • These events marked the rebirth of BMW as an independent entity for the second time in its history.

    The aeronautical heritage in BMW's identity

    BMW's history is closely linked to aviation, which is reflected in its iconic logo. The blue and white colours recall:

  • The Bavarian sky
  • The propeller of an airplane in motion
  • This visual reference to its aeronautical origins has become a strong symbol of the brand, evoking both its history and its aspirations for excellence and innovation.

    BMW Today: A Leader in the Automotive Industry

    From its beginnings in aviation to its current status as a premium automotive giant, BMW has:

  • Adapting to historical and economic changes
  • Maintaining a constant spirit of innovation
  • Preserving its Bavarian identity while becoming a global brand
  • The history of BMW is a perfect illustration of how a company can evolve and thrive by adapting to the challenges of its time while remaining true to its roots. Today, the BMW name is synonymous with quality, performance and luxury in the automotive industry, a heritage of which the brand can be proud.