06/07/2024
Fourteen Unknown Facts About
1. Bavarian roots: BMW stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke, which translates to Bavarian Motor Works, indicating its origin in the German state of Bavaria.
2. Aviation origins: BMW started as an aircraft engine manufacturer in 1916. The company produced engines during World War I.
3. Iconic logo: The BMW logo represents a spinning propeller against a blue sky, symbolizing its early aviation history.
4. First motorcycle: BMW’s first motorcycle, the R32, was introduced in 1923 and featured a unique flat-twin boxer engine.
5. The Isetta: In the 1950s, BMW produced the Isetta, a tiny, bubble-shaped microcar that became very popular in post-war Europe.
6. Electric cars: BMW was an early pioneer in electric vehicles, producing the BMW 1602e, an electric version of the 1602 model, for the 1972 Munich Olympics.
7. M division: BMW’s high-performance M division started in 1972, originally focusing on motorsport and now producing high-performance road cars like the M3 and M5.
8. The kidney grille: BMW’s signature kidney grille design first appeared on the BMW 303 in 1933 and has been a hallmark of BMW design ever since.
9. Art cars: BMW has a unique tradition of commissioning renowned artists, such as Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons, to create one-of-a-kind “art cars.”
10. The New Class: The introduction of the New Class models in the 1960s, including the 1500, 1600, 1800, and 2002, helped save the company financially and established BMW’s reputation for sporty sedans.
11. Rolls-Royce ownership: BMW acquired the rights to the Rolls-Royce brand in 1998, and now produces Rolls-Royce vehicles alongside its own models.
12. Hydrogen cars: BMW has been exploring hydrogen fuel cell technology for many years and has produced prototype vehicles like the Hydrogen 7.
13. BMW Welt: Located in Munich, BMW Welt is a multi-functional customer experience and exhibition facility that showcases BMW’s past, present, and future.
