List of companies owned by the BMW

BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG), the German automotive and motorcycle multinational corporation, manufactures sports and luxury cars and motorcycles from its production facilities. In the year of 1916, BMW was started and since then this car producer has been among the top manufacturers in the world it is known as a premium automaker company that is famous in the world by its advanced technology, its perfectionism, and its performance. Over the years, BMW has affirmed the fact of producing automobiles and also buys or invests in companies that are not in car production. The beginning of WWI ushered in BMW as an airplane engine manufacturer and slowly became the leading company in the automotive sector at an international scale as we know it now. Its quintessence being ideals such as excellence and innovation, the company has so far managed to stay close to the high-end luxury car market. It may be noted that apart from its premiere vehicle manufacturing company, BMW also fabricates motorcycles, provides financial services, and has sustainable mobility solutions.

BMW Highlights

The BMW Company could call itself a car brand on the 7th of March, 1916, and it is currently located in the city of Munich, Germany. The founders of this company were not only Franz Josef Popp, but also Karl Rapp and Camillo Castigloni as well. The propeller is probably the most recognizable part of BMW’s badge, as not only it evokes memories of the brand’s aviation heritage but showcases its engineering genius. In the last couple of years, let us name just two milestones: the legendary car BMW 328 and BMW 3 series.

Highlight	Description
Founded	1916
Founders	Franz Josef Popp, Karl Rapp, Camillo Castiglioni
Headquarters	Munich, Germany
Logo	Features a rotating propeller, reflecting its aviation heritage
Shift to Automobiles	Moved from aircraft engine manufacturing to motorcycles and later entered the automotive industry in the 1920s
Key Success	BMW 328 sports car in the 1930s, known for its advanced engineering and racing success
Post-War Recovery	Quickly recovered after World War II, resumed motorcycle production in 1948
Luxury Automobiles	Introduced “New Class” of vehicles in the 1960s and 1970s, including the BMW 1500, 1600, and 2002 models, known for sportiness and comfort .
BMW 3 Series	Introduced in 1975, set new standards for performance, handling, and luxury in the compact executive car segment
Innovation	Pioneered turbocharging in production cars with the BMW 2002 Turbo, developed advanced safety features and driver assistance systems
Expansion into Electric Vehicles	Introduced BMW i3 (all-electric) and BMW i8 (plug-in hybrid) as part of its electric vehicle lineup, with plans to electrify entire model lineup
Global Presence	Manufacturing plants and subsidiaries in over 140 countries, products sold worldwide
Commitment to Sustainability	Developed efficient gasoline and diesel engines, as well as hybrid and electric vehicles, to reduce emissions and promote sustainable mobility .

BMW History

The BMW group (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG), a 100-year-old car corporation reaches out to every corner of the world, which is known for its innovation, global orientation and responsibility to the ecology.

Founding and Early Years (1916-1920s)

One can trace back the history of BMW as far as Munich, Germany, dated on March 7, 1916, where the manufacturing of aircraft engines was founded. The firm is Popp & Co founded by the team of the three Nicholas Francis Popp, Karl Rapp and Camillo Castiglioni in the beginning. Notably, BMW which had been producing aircraft engines for the Imperial German military in TWWM I saw a drastic shift of business during the transition from the war period to peace era into motorcycles in the 1920s.

Entry into Automobile Manufacturing (1920s-1930s)

Obviously BMW started the journey of 1920s as a company specialized in manufacturing motorcycles, which mainly produced high-performance and premium bikes. In 1928 Battery manufacture (BMW) purchased Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach where the Dixi became its first car model. BMW did not delay either the buyers or the employees and started the production of 3/15, therefore this is the first automobile in the company’s history.

BMW 328 and Motorsport Success (1930s-1940s)

It was in the 1930s that BMW demonstrated its superb innovative capabilities with the opening of the legendary BMW 328 sports car. The ultra thorough engineering that went into the construction of the 328cars held together the speed per weight ratio which was not just track oriented. The 328 universal car that travelled victorious in the sports car competition and the race tour has given BMW the status as one of the high performance sports car manufacturer. It was their BWM brand that produced, aircraft engines or motor cycles, for German armed forces in the course World War II.

Post-War Recovery and Motorcycle Production (1945-1950s)

However, BMW had to overcome a number of difficulties that in World War II the company plants were destroyed. Panter promptly adjusted and by 1948 was in full-swing motorcycle production again. The distinct characteristics of BMW’s motorcycles, like their proof of quality and performance, gave the company a drive during the post-war period.

Expansion into Luxury Automobiles (1960s-1970s)

In the 1960s and 1970s the German manufacturer first launched the 2002 touring subcompact as well as the luxury 5-series, originating a standard that continues until today. The “New Class” of vehicles were introduced by the company, which had embedded the new generation of cars like the BMW 1500, 1600, and 2002 models. These vehicles got warmly welcomed by the public for their merging of sportiness, comfort, and superior technology which at the end has led BMW to acceptance as the authority of luxury cars.

The BMW 3 Series and Global Expansion (1970s-1980s)

The first generation 3 Series of compact executive cars was introduced into the market in 1975 and by then BMW had already started enjoying the success of this particular model. The ‘BMW 3 series’ was ahead of its time in the industry for performance, handling as well as for luxury purpose, leading to BMW being the market leader among the luxurious cars. One of the other reasons for the global strategic success of the German car manufacturer is that not only did it expand its manufacturing plants and subsidiaries on various international locations, in countries all over the world, but it also kept its German “core”.

Innovation and Technology Leadership (1990s-present)

The technology evolution and leading innovation are by no means a remedy. Since this company indisputably stands out from sea of its competitors owing to its consistent development of novel technologies, including the deployment of turbochargers in a standard production vehicle (the BMW 2002 Turbo) and the creation of the cutting-edge systems for the traffic safety and driver assistance. Also, BMW has widened vision to the EVs and its brands, as i3 and i8 are two of its electric vehicles (EVs).

BMW Business List

BMW’s business activities are concentrated in automobile and motorcycle industry. The company is involved in design, manufacturing and sales of both of them. Moreover, clients have got some financial instruments as the company sets, for instance, leasing and credit.

• Automobiles: Famous for premium cars producing the 3 Series, 5 Series, and X5 namely.
• Motorcycles: Number of models for different types of riding scenarios.
• Financial Services: It ranges from leasing, financing and insurance.
• Engines and Components: Engines are used for many a purpose.
• Bicycles: Provides the Bicycle manufacturing for BMW under the brand name.
• Electric Mobility: A Creating the EVs and the charging stations.
• Urban Mobility: Innovations, car-sharing and growth of startup companies.
• Autonomous Driving: And also I invite you to improve this industry by ** implementing autonomous driving system.
• Sustainability: We pledge to go green and reduce our environmental footprint.
• Innovation and Research: Finds new technologies and applies research.

Top Companies Owned by BMW

Company Name	Founded & Acquired	Founder and CEO	Experience
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars	Founded in 1904, Acquired in 1998	Charles Rolls, Henry Royce	Luxury automobile manufacturing
Mini	Founded in 1959, Acquired in 1994	Alec Issigonis	Small car manufacturing
BMW Motorrad	Founded in 1923, Acquired in 1923	Max Friz	Motorcycle manufacturing
BMW Brilliance Automotive	Founded in 2003, Joint Venture	–	Automobile manufacturing in China
Alphabet Inc. (Autonomous Driving Division)	Acquired in 2006	Larry Page, Sergey Brin	Autonomous driving technology development and research

Conclusion

The diversity portrayed by BMW is a reflection of the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Besides the conventional business operations, BMW approaches investing in companies that are in line with its objectives to support the regional business and sustainable future for everyone. As such, BMW gets a deep cultural background of achievement, tradition and superiority, which has led it to become the leader of the global automotive industry and to continue building future excellence in its main fields of business – luxury and performance.

Companies owned by the BMW – FAQs

BMW means what?

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG is translated as BMW in English and it means Bavarian Motor Works.

When did BMW start operations?

BMW dates back to March 7, 1916.

What types of BMW cars are the most prevalent?

The three-series of the BMW, the BMW 5 series, and the BMW X5 are the most popular ones of this brand.

Does BMW offer other brands of cars besides BMW?

Indeed, BMW is the main parent of Mini brand while Rolls Royce Motor Cars Ltd is a subsidiary of it.

BMW also motorizes electric vehicles, does it?

BMW’s electric car line (with the BMW i sub-brand) includes the new cars BMW i3 and the hybrid BMW i8 model.