Posted on 6/28/2024
Have you ever wondered how BMW evolved from an aircraft engine manufacturer to a world-renowned luxury car brand? The transformation is a riveting tale of innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Let's journey through BMW's history, from its early days in aviation to its rise as a symbol of luxury and performance on the road. Aviation Origins BMW, short for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, was founded in 1916. However, its roots extend back to two separate companies: Rapp Motorenwerke, founded by Karl Rapp, and Gustav Otto's Flugmaschinenfabrik. Initially, BMW's primary focus was on producing aircraft engines. During World War I, BMW gained recognition for its high-performance engines, particularly the BMW IIIa, which excelled at high altitudes due to its innovative design. The end of World War I brought significant changes for BMW. The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, prohibited Germany from producing aircraft engines, fo ... read more