BMW

Year of foundation 1917

The history of BMW, an acronym for Bayerische Motoren Werke, dates back to 1916, when a company specializing in the production of aircraft engines was founded in Munich, a sector in which it immediately stood out for its quality and innovation. After the First World War, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which prohibited Germany from producing aircraft engines, the company was forced to reorient its activities towards the construction of industrial engines and motorcycles. In 1923, its first motorcycle, the R32, was launched, which immediately became an icon for its solidity and reliability. In 1928, BMW acquired the Dixi car manufacturer and began producing cars under license from the Austin Seven, marking the brand's official debut in the world of four-wheeled vehicles. In the 1930s, the Bavarian manufacturer distinguished itself with elegant, high-performance models such as the 328, a sports roadster capable of winning competitions and which still today represents a milestone in the history of motorsport. During the Second World War, BMW returned to producing aircraft engines for the Luftwaffe, but at the end of the conflict the company found itself in a dire situation, with factories destroyed by bombings and a ban on motor vehicle production, so much so that for some years it even dedicated itself to the manufacture of bicycles and kitchen utensils. Only starting in the 1950s, despite a thousand financial difficulties, did automotive production regain momentum with models such as the Isetta, an Italian-inspired microcar that saved the company from bankruptcy, and later with more ambitious sedans such as the 1500 series, which laid the foundation for future success. In the 1960s, BMW established itself as a dynamic and sporty brand, capable of combining elegance and performance, while the “Neue Klasse” range defined the stylistic and technical language that would characterize the brand in the following decades. In the 1970s, with the birth of the 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series, BMW consolidated its identity as a premium manufacturer, distinguishing itself from the competition with its proverbial “driving pleasure” and its focus on innovative technologies, such as the six-cylinder in-line engine that became a symbol of the brand. At the same time, the Motorsport GmbH division was founded in 1972, responsible for the creation of high-performance models such as the legendary M1 and, later, the sporty M versions of series sedans, capable of entering the collective imagination as iconic vehicles. In the 1980s and 1990s, BMW expanded its international influence, opening plants around the world and acquiring brands such as Rover, Rolls-Royce and Mini, with mixed success but with the aim of strengthening its global position. The 3 Series became one of the best-selling and most popular cars of all time, while technological innovations led the company to become a leader in safety, on-board electronics, and efficient engines. With the entry into the new millennium, BMW firmly established itself as one of the absolute leaders in the premium sector, introducing SUV models such as the X5 and X3 that were hugely successful and expanding the range with a strategy that focused on both luxury and sustainability. With the launch of the BMW i brand in 2013, the Bavarian manufacturer marked a turning point towards electromobility, offering pioneering models such as the i3 and the sporty i8, capable of combining futuristic design and technical innovation. In recent years, BMW has continued to invest heavily in electric and digital mobility, developing dedicated platforms, high-performance batteries, and assisted driving systems, without however abandoning the sporting tradition that remains a cornerstone of its identity. Today, BMW produces a full range of vehicles, from compact cars to flagships, from SUVs to 100% electric models such as the iX and i4, maintaining its reputation as a brand synonymous with quality, prestige, and driving pleasure. With a constantly growing global presence, an advanced production network, and a strong focus on environmental sustainability, BMW continues to represent an absolute point of reference in the automotive world, projected towards a future in which technological innovation and historical tradition coexist harmoniously, confirming the image of a brand capable of reinventing itself without ever losing its essence.