BMW Group AG
The headquarters is located in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
The name of the company BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke) stands for "Bavarian Motor Works". BMW is an automobile company that specializes in the production of motorcycles, cars, sports cars, as well as off-road vehicles.
The history of BMW begins with two small aircraft engine companies created before the First World War by Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, the son of Nikolaus August Otto, the inventor of the engine. internal combustion... During the First World War, the German state experienced a great need for aircraft engines, which prompted the two designers to merge into one plant. In July 1917, this plant registers the name Bayerische Motoren Werke, and the BMW brand takes on a life. After the First World War, the company begins to produce motorcycle engines, and then the factory goes through a full cycle of production and assembly of motorcycles. In 1928, the company acquires new factories in the city of Eisenach, Thuringia, and with them the licenses for the production of the compact car Dixi - the first car of the company. Later, the 303 and 328 models appeared. The 328 was a sports car that left far behind its competitors from the same niche and was a multiple winner of all kinds of racing competitions.
During World War II, the company switches back to production aircraft engines, and also develops jet and rocket engines... But with the end of the war, the company finds itself on the verge of collapse, since some of its factories are located in the Soviet occupation zone, they are destroyed and equipment is dismantled for reparations. The firm is forced to produce motorcycles and the Isetta subcompact, a hybrid of a motorcycle and a car with three wheels (two in the front and one in the back). The further history of the company is a history of steady growth and original technical solutions. Among them, anti-lock braking braking system, electronic control engine, the introduction of turbocharging in the automotive industry. In the 70s, the first models of the well-known BMW series appeared - the 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th. 1983-th year bMW wins in Formula 1 races. In 1994, the Rover Group is acquired along with its largest Rover brand manufacturing facility in the UK, Land rover and MG. In 1998 the British rolls-Royce... The company now includes five factories in Germany and more than twenty subsidiaries around the world.
Official sales of brand cars in Russia began in 1993, when the first bMW dealer... The company now has the most developed dealer network among luxury car manufacturers in our country. Since 1997, the assembly of cars of the brand has been established at the Kaliningrad enterprise "Avtotor".
BMW cars, thanks to their memorable appearance, have become the most recognizable cars on the streets and in traffic, city flows.
"Powerful", "elegant", "stylish" - all these epithets, the history of BMW cars, had a lot. As rarely happens, the history of BMW and, especially in the post-war years, developed quite smoothly, "in German", without any ups and downs, but first things first.
History of creation
The founder of the company is Rapp Karl Friedrich ( interesting fact - Rapp worked for a long time as technical director at Daimler-Benz), which in 1913 began to master aircraft engines and in 1916 a contract was signed for the supply of engines to the Austro-Hungarian coalition.
But after a change of leadership in 1917, Franz Joseph Popp gave the main brand name - "BMW AG" (Bavarian Motor Plants). After the ban on the production of aircraft in Germany (Treaty of Versailles, the end of the First World War), the history of BMW's development tells us how the company switched to the production of locomotive brakes for railway transport.
History of motorcycles
After numerous achievements in aviation, it was decided to "go down to Earth" and in 1923 the first BMW motorcycle "R 32" was produced, then the sporty "R 37".
The history of BMW motorcycles is amazing, a huge number of records, victories and prizes, for the entire production period, put BMW motorcycles on a par with more narrowly focused companies (American Harley Davidson, Japanese Kawasaki). The valuation of the achievements that BMW motorcycle history can boast of is the value of vintage motorcycles. Even pre-war specimens are distinguished by high quality of driving comfort and speed characteristics.
Pre-war history
The company produced its first car in 1928, after acquiring a plant in Eisenach. The first car was the Dixi, which absolutely met the requirements of those times, the special excitement for this model was in the UK, and the company had to produce right-hand drive cars. Perhaps this “success” was the reason for the renaming of the car: instead of “DIXY, it became known as“ BMW ”, and from that moment on, the legendary march of the“ blue and white propeller ”began.
In 1933 BMW released the next iconic model - the six-cylinder BMW 303. The famous "nostrils" began to adorn the front panel of the car, "nostrils" that were "worn" by almost all generations of BMW.
The next car of the company became almost legendary, with it BMW won almost all the prizes and awards possible at that time - the BMW 328. The first serial roadster, created and designed in one year, 1936, the BMW 328 became the real pride of the company.
By the start of World War II, bMW company , was at the tops of aviation, auto and motorcycle construction, unfortunately, on the side of the Nazis.
During the second world
The second world company entered as a manufacturer of weapons.
First of all, these were aircraft engines for the Luftwaffe.
After 1943, the company creates the first turbojet engine BMW - 003, and successfully implements it on the AR - 234. The achieved height was 12 800 m, which is undoubtedly a record for that time, even for a country on the brink of defeat.
In general, there are many white spots and gaps in the military history of BMW, but there is no doubt that the labor of prisoners and prisoners of concentration camps was used at the factories of the concern. After the defeat, in the Second World War, the BMW factories were dismantled and taken out by the allies, including in the USSR (an interesting fact - AZLK cars, "Muscovites", at that time were a symbiosis of BMW and Opel).
Post-war time
Since BMW was recognized as a supplier and manufacturer of weapons, it was forbidden to create and produce equipment. The exceptions were motorcycles, with a volume of up to 250 cubic cm. Also, the company was forced to produce "consumer goods" necessary for the revival of the country from ruins, pans, pots, fittings and the like. The permission to manufacture bicycles turned out to be significant for the company.
Since all technical documentation and factory facilities were destroyed, everything had to be created from scratch. Even the bicycle was “invented” and redesigned, as access to technical information was closed. A significant achievement was the decision to establish low power engine on a bicycle, thanks to this, permission was given to produce low-power motorcycles and already in 1948 the first post-war R24 \u200b\u200bwith 250 cc and 12 HP was released. Then came the R25 2-cylinder, and by the end of 1950 over 17,000 were produced.
In 1952, the company was given the opportunity to return to the automotive industry, and the luxury BMW 501 was released, which immediately brought BMW back into the industry.
An interesting fact - there is a lot of confusion about the post-war BMW. For example, the Eisenach plant, which previously belonged to the concern and then became part of the USSR, produced BMW 321 cars, and then BMW 340 (although the icon is a propeller, it was replaced by a red one) until 1953.
The comeback and history of the development of BMW. "Eggs on Wheels"
Despite the release of good luxury cars BMW 501 and BMW 507, in the post-war crisis, not everyone could afford such cars and companies, in order to survive, they had to sink to the bottom. A license was bought for a tiny little car "Izetta", popularly nicknamed "the egg on wheels", but oddly enough it worked, the "eggs" sold out in huge numbers and the company slowly began to turn back into a concern.
This success almost killed the company, as the only erroneous decision was made - a return to luxury cars. Nobody is allowed to "jump" immediately from the "eggs" to the limousines, not even BMW, and in 1959 an offer was received from the main and permanent competitor BMW , Daimler - Benz, about the purchase of the company.
We can safely say that it was the workers who saved the company from absorption, thereby not depriving us, the descendants, of watching the amazing vicissitudes of the two auto giants BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The workers and engineers believed in the company's potential and convinced the management not only not to sell the company, but also to confidently and repeatedly expand production. There were sponsors and funds, and the next milestone in development was a chapter called "success".
Success on all "fronts"
Until 1975, BMW was confidently gaining points in various areas of the automotive industry. Many positive results have been achieved through trial and error, both in the sport and in the civilian industries. The concern increased its capacities, built laboratories, and began the construction of that famous "BMW headquarters" hanging house. After the motorcycle splash of the 60s and 70s, the BMW corporation finally got on its feet, and began to carry out an "insidious" plan to "capture" the planet.
Checkmate
In the 70s. Over the years, the BMW concern has released the very famous two series - "three" and "five", which to this day remain the sales leaders all over the world. The unique design, created by the great sculptor and great racing lover, by and large, it was then that determined the sports future of cars, even in civilian performance.
The history of the BMW 5 Series is especially noteworthy. It was this series that played a major role in the company's success. It was there that all innovative projects and technological innovations were introduced. So the 520 model of 1995 set the safety standards around the world and, through the use of special materials, reached a recycling rate of 85%. For many, this fact will cause a grin, but you know, to achieve such an effect, world manufacturers have spent 33.3 billion dollars, is it still ridiculous?
BMW X5
Although almost all BMW cars are successful and in demand, the BMW X5 stands alone.
For a long time the company did not dare to release an SUV, but in 1999 (for reference - main competitor Mercedes-Benz released the ML-class in 1996, 3 years earlier) the X5 was released and, without understatement, made a splash in the world markets. No wonder he bears the nickname "flawless", X5 has surpassed its competitors.
The lineup
Although a huge number of models have been released over the years, the main ones can be considered those that began to be produced in series. There are 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th May and 8th series, as well as M-class, X - Class and Z - class. A huge number of engines, more than any other manufacturer, deserve a separate article.
Outcome
Of course, the history of BMW is worthy of respect and admiration, even in spite of the obvious connection with the Nazis, during the war years. Manufacturer of one of best cars planet, showed various examples of "survival" in the face of crises and failures, proving to the whole world that without technological solutions and new developments, even with perfect management, it is impossible to develop.
Mercedes-Benz and BMW history of creating competition deserves special gratitude, since it is quite clear that without BMW there was no today's Mercedes-Benz and vice versa.
There is no person around the world who has not heard anything about BMW. It is one of the best organizations that specializes in the production of german cars... BMW car brands fascinate the male sex, starting from adolescence, moreover, even women do not remain indifferent to them.
Practically throughout the entire 21st century, the leaders and employees of the company delighted us with a varied and high-quality production of machines. Due to this, the company gathered crowds of fans from all over the world. Branches of BMW organizations are located in many countries, each of which is a success. Have you ever wondered what a difficult path the leaders and working personnel of this company went through in order to achieve the desired result, keep it for many years and win over customers? Let's find out what is the history of the bmw company.
History of the BMW logo
The history of bmw begins with its emblem, let's find out what this emblem means and why exactly it? BMW is one of the most popular companies that produces high quality bicycles, motorcycles and cars. The name can be deciphered as the Bavarian Motor Plant (BMW). The central office is located in Munich. The BMW emblem tells us about the distant past, when the company made aircraft engines - it's an aircraft propeller that rotates against a blue sky. Shades of blue and blue look good on the emblem. white, moreover, these are the colors of the coat of arms of Bavaria. BMW executives are hiding about the origin and the real decoding of the emblem, it is worth noting that over the years of the company's existence, the emblem has practically not changed.
Where does the company get it from? bmw titles for manufactured equipment? Even in the production of aircraft engines, the names were chosen as in ancient times. The German Aviation Corps was designated by Roman numerals to distinguish between aircraft engines. Under these numbers, concepts of the functioning of engines were hidden. After some time, many manufacturers began to use this method until 1932. Cars and motorcycles had the personal trade designation "bayern-motor", along with which they distinguished their power indicator.
Thus, the names M4A1 and M2B15 were published, which have a mysterious appearance, but for motorists everything is quite simple. For example, the decoding of М2В15 is as follows: a two-cylinder engine of the B series with project 15. Over time, it was decided to make the names simpler and more accessible to people, therefore the designations no longer indicated the cylinders and numbers. They decided to simplify the system in the middle of 1920. The mention of the number of cylinders and the series had to be abandoned altogether.
Location of numbering depending on the type of transport:
100-199 - designated aircraft engines.
200-299 - motorcycles.
300-399 - cars.
The designations that had already been assigned had to be slightly modified to adhere to the new changes.
BMW history
The founders of bmw are Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto (son of Nikolaus August Otto, inventor of the internal combustion engine). In 1913 Karl Rapp with his partner Julius Auspitzer bought out the company "Flugwerk Deutschland" and organized their own aircraft engine company "Karl Rapp Motorenwerke GmbH"... Gustav Otto also had his own design plant. In 1914, the First World War began, the state of Germany was in dire need of aircraft. For this reason, the two firms had to merge together. In 1917, as a result of such a merger, a company appeared, which was registered under the official name BMW. Although the history of BMW and this topic has caused a lot of discussion to this day, most people believe that the company began its existence long before the official registration.
In 1919, Franz Diemer set the first world record at BMW. He climbed 9,760 meters from the ground in an airplane powered by BMW. After the war ended, the German state was defeated, and the founders of BMW were in for a failure, since it was forbidden to produce aircraft engines. All production activities had to be stopped, but thanks to the persistence and perseverance of the leaders, the plant did not stop its work, but, on the contrary, rose to a new level. Now BMW specialized in motorcycle technology, and took up the production of two-wheeled vehicles. The BMW R32 is one of the first motorcycles to go down in history and was released in 1923.
In 1926, a seaplane, in which a BMW engine was installed, made 5 world records. In 1927, a total of 87 aviation records were recorded and 29 of them were set precisely on aircraft powered by BMW engines. In 1928, the company took over the purchase of an automobile plant in Eisenach and received permission to manufacture passenger cars.
Dixi is the very first vehicle that was produced at the BMW plant. Affordable price and the reliability of the car bring big financial income to the company.
In 1929, Ernst Henne competed with a BMW motorcycle and became the leader of the race, which earned him the fame as the most successful motorcycle rider in the world. The Second World War, like the first, undermined the company's production, BMW again returned to the production of aircraft. The production of motorcycles was moved to Eisenach, but with cars it was more difficult, their production had to be frozen due to the ban on the production and sale of cars. In 1945, the Second World War ended, the BMW organizations were destroyed, and the factories in Eisenach, Dürrerhof and Basdorf were also lost. During this period, the company gained experience and became the first company around the world to engage in the production of jet engines.
When the war ended, BMW again found itself on the verge of collapse, some of the companies were occupied, moreover, they declared a taboo on any production, due to the supply of aircraft engines during the war. Leaders who are striking in their persistence have made the decision to start all over again.
In 1954, BMW became the world leader in sidecar competition and retained its title for over 20 years. In 1956, the company added two sports cars 503, 507. In 1959, the "700" model raised the popularity of BMW vehicles. Due to the high demand for motorcycles, BMW resumed production of two-wheeled vehicles in 1969. The motorcycles were manufactured in Berlin.
The first models significantly differed in design from the previous ones, in their originality. Together they produced the R24 motorcycle, followed by the 501 passenger car. In 1995, the company produces several models of R50, R51 motorcycles, and then, unusual for everyone, a hybrid with three wheels. Due to the unstable income, the company goes bankrupt, then the option of selling it to Mercedes was considered, but the shareholders in every possible way prevented this and thwarted the deal. In the 1970s, the famous until today, the first models of the 3rd series, 5th series, 6th series and 7th series were produced. In 1983, a BMW car took part in the Formula 1 races, which won. In 1995, airbags were installed in absolutely all cars.
Today, BMW is a popular company all over the world that, despite many difficulties, was able to achieve results and became a powerful manufacturer. Now the company's income has become regular and is increasing annually. The company consists of 5 organizations located throughout the German state and 22 subsidiaries that are located throughout the world.
BMW owners and managers
Karl Friedrich Rapp is the main and first founder of the company. Aircraft engines were produced under his control.
In 1917, the place of Karl Rapp was taken by Franz Joseph Popp from Austria, under his leadership the company began to produce cars.
In 2011, the shares were distributed among the shareholders:
Stefan Quandt - 17.4%.
Susanne Klatten (sister) - 12.6%
Johanna Quandt (mother) - 16.7%.
The remaining 53.3% are traded on the market.
Norbert Reithofer is the current chairman of the company (2016).
BMW activities
In 2008, 1,203,482 cars were produced and produced. This number is significantly less than last year's production. In 2007, 7.6% more were produced road transport... The number of employees who worked in the company in 2008 - 100,041. The proceeds from sales in 2008 - 53.2 billion euros, taking into account all costs incurred (taxes, materials for production, etc.), the net financial profit of the company - 330 million Euro. The main organizations are located in Germany (Munich, Dingolfing) and America (Spartanburg). IN Russian Federation BMW production can be found in Kaliningrad.
Main markets for BMW car sales:
1. Germany - about 80 thousand.
2. America - 30 thousand.
3. Great Britain, England, Italy, France, Japan, China, Russia - 20 thousand.
All official data are for the year of sales.
A special museum of BMW products has opened in Munich, where all motorists who admire BMW products can learn about the history of the company. In addition, it houses models of cars and motorcycles that were produced during the entire period of the company's existence.
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The German automobile company BMW (an abbreviation for "Bayerische Motoren Werke", which translates as "Bavarian Motor Plants") is a giant concern, headquartered in Munich. BMW products are currently manufactured in five factories located in Germany, as well as twenty-two subsidiaries around the world. The BMW brand is a guarantor of reliability and the highest qualitytime-tested. The car of this brand emphasizes the high status of its owner and does not just speak, but literally screams about his impeccable taste and financial well-being. The company not only makes great cars and sports cars, but also specializes in motorcycles. What was the history of BMW and how did the company manage to achieve such incredible success?
Milestones in BMW history
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| July 20, 1917 | Registration of BMW plant in Munich |
| September 1917 | The making of the BMW logo |
| 1919 | Motor 4 engine developed |
| 1923 | Release of the R32 motorcycle |
| 1928 | Acquisition of a license to manufacture a Dixi vehicle |
| 1932 | First BMW 3/15 PS |
| 1933 | BMW 303 release |
| 1936 | BMW 328 release |
| 1959 | BMW 700 release |
| 1962 | BMW 1500 launched |
| 1966 | BMW 1600-2 release |
| 1968 | Model 2500 and 2800 premiered |
| 1990 | BMW 850i car launch |
| 1994 | The company acquires the Rover Group |
| 1996 | Launch of the BMW Z3, \u200b\u200bwhich became famous in the movie "Golden Eye" |
| 1997 | R1200C motorcycle release |
| 1999 | BMW X5 debut - the legendary SUV |
| 2000 | Record sales worldwide |
| 2007 | BMW X6 concept unveiled |
| 2009 | 1) Submitted sports version X6 M 2) Start of mass production of sports cars with hybrid engine 3) New bmw 5 series sedan (top bMW model 550i) |
| 2011 | World premiere of the electric BMW ActiveE |
| september 2011 | Inauguration of a carbon fiber plant with SGL Group |
| 2013 | The innovative BMWi sub-brand |
| december 2014 | Sports car BMW i8 becomes Car of the Year 2014 according to the author's glossy magazine Top Gear |
How it all began
And the path to success was thorny, over its more than a century-old history, the company experienced several meteoric take-offs and repeatedly teetered on the brink of complete ruin. The history of BMW began back in 1913, when Gustav Otto (heir to Nikolaus August Otto, inventor of the internal combustion engine) and entrepreneur Karl Rapp independently opened small firms in the north of Munich, specializing in the production of aircraft engines. In those years, such production was very profitable due to the legendary flight of the Wright brothers and the rapidly growing popularity of aircraft.
In 1914, the First World War broke out. The demand for aircraft engines rose, and the firms Otto and Rappa teamed up to generate even greater profits. The official registration date for the new aircraft engine plant is July 20, 1917. The plant received the world famous name "Bayerishe Motoren Werke". Thus, Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto are the founders of the BMW concern.
In September 1917, the BMW logo was coined. It originally depicted a propeller against the sky. Later, the logo was stylized up to four sectors, painted in white and blue, symbolizing, according to one version, the Bavarian flag, according to another version - rotating helicopter blades through which the blue sky is visible. In 1929, the logo was finally approved and in the future, practically no changes were made to it (except for giving volume already at the beginning of the XXI century)
World War I and the first collapse of the company
1916 year. The end of the First World War and the signing of the Versailles Treaty lead the company to the first threshold of collapse, since the production of aircraft engines was forbidden to the Germans - and it was the engines that were the basic products of the young plant! However, enterprising businessmen find a way out and turn to the production of first motorcycle engines, and later the serial production of the motorcycles themselves. Gradually, BMW motorcycles are gaining the reputation of being the fastest in the world! And in 1919, the production of engines for aircraft was resumed.
This is interesting: in 1919, pilot Franz Diemer set the first world record in an airplane with a Motor-4 engine developed by BMW, having conquered an altitude of 9760 meters!
BMW enters into a secret agreement with the USSR for the supply of aircraft engines - thus, almost all record-breaking flights in Soviet Russia of those years were carried out on aircraft equipped with BMW engines.
In 1932, the legendary R32 motorcycle was released, in the 20s and 30s numerous and absolute speed records in races were set on it, and the motorcycle itself gained fame as a reliable and high-quality machine!
Start of car production
In 1928 the company acquires automobile factories in Thuringia, and with them - a license for the production of the small car Dixi, which has become one of the most popular cars in Europe during the economic crisis. Thus, we can say that the history of the BMW car begins with the release of this compact car.
1932 BMW starts production own cars ... In 1933 comes out car BMW 303, equipped with a six-cylinder engine. The car becomes a real sensation of those years. It already has the famous radiator grille (the so-called "BMW nostrils"), which later became a distinctive design element of all the brainchildren of the concern.
1936 marks a breakthrough in the history of the BMW brand - the company launches the BMW 328, the most successful sports car, capable of speeds up to 90 km / h. For those years, the novelty was perceived as a true avant-garde and evokes a real thrill in the soul of every motorist. The appearance of this model finally formed the ideology of the company ("Car - for the driver") and consolidated the reputation of quality, beauty, style and reliability for the BMW brand.
This is interesting: the concept of the main competitor of BMW, Mercedes - Benz, sounds like "A car for passengers"
By the beginning of World War II, BMW had already become famous all over the world as a dynamically developing and successful company specializing in sports cars and motorcycles. World records are set on planes powered by BMW engines, and the same is true for motorcycle races. Cars amaze the imagination with power, beauty and reliability.
Difficult post-war years
The end of the war brings the firm to its second crash. The German economy is destroyed. Several factories in the occupied zone have been completely destroyed. The British also dismantled the main plant in Munich. There is a ban on the production of missiles and aircraft engines for a period of three years. Car production is also suspended. And then the company again turns to motorcycles, which had previously helped it out during the first crisis.
Everything has to start from scratch, but that doesn't scare the founding fathers Otto and Rapp. They manage to lift the company from its knees - though not immediately. The first post-war BMW product is the R24 motorcycle, assembled almost handicraft in workshops. The first post-war car, the 501, was unsuccessful. An interesting model Izetta is also produced - a three-wheeled small car, a kind of symbiosis of a motorcycle and a car. The new decision was enthusiastically adopted by impoverished Germany, and it would seem that this is the way out! But the economic potential of the population was misjudged, and the company mistakenly focused on promoting limousines, popular in those years in Europe. This again led the firm to the deepest financial crisis - the third in its history and, perhaps, the most serious. Mercedes-Benz offers to buy out BMW for big money, but shareholders and employees are outraged. Together the firm is taken out of the crisis. The history of BMW models continued, and soon the company again took a leading position in the global automotive industry.
In 1956, a magnificent handsome car BMW 507 was released. The car accelerated to 220 km / h and was offered in two body styles - a roadster and a hardtop. The car was equipped with an 8-cylinder 3.2 liter. engine with a capacity of 150 hp Today, the BMW 507 is one of the rarest, most expensive and most beautiful collection cars.
In 1959, the BMW 700 was produced, equipped with an air cooling system. The machine is gaining worldwide recognition and lays the foundation for the further stable and confident development of the company, its advancement to permanent world fame.
The 1970s were marked by the appearance of the legendary series 3,5,6 and 7. The company entered a fundamentally new level with the release of the 5th series. Remember that the company used to be specialized in the production of sports cars? From now on, it has taken its own niche in the segment of high-end sedans. The BMW 3.0 CSL has won six European championships since 1973. This car, made in the back of a coupe, was equipped with a six-cylinder four-valve engine, and this is far from the only technical innovation in its design (take, for example, the updated ABS braking system).
1987 - the new BMW Z1 Roadster, equipped with the latest technology, was released. Exemplary aerodynamics and state-of-the-art electronic system adjusting engine power take the car to a fundamentally new level, although it was originally conceived as an experimental model.
Interesting: the BMW concern is the founder of the Musica Viva music award in the field of avant-garde musical trends
Development of the brand in the 90s
In the early 90s, BMW opens many dealerships around the world, and also acquires the Rolls-Royce brand and signs an agreement to supply 8 and 12 cylinder engines for these cars. In 1994, BMW acquired the Rover Group industrial group (Rover, Land Rover, MG cars), which allows to replenish the model bMW series ultra-small cars and SUVs.
In 1990, a magnificent new coupe BMW 850i luxury class was produced, equipped with a powerful 12-cylinder engine that allows the car to instantly take off from a place like a predatory animal.
1995 was marked by the release of the station wagon of the 3rd series, as well as the release of the new 5th series. Models are distinguished modern design and the most advanced technology (for example, the chassis is almost entirely made of aluminum for the first time in the history of the automotive industry). In 1996 BMW equips 7-series Z3 diesel engine, giving birth to a delightful model that combines classic design with superb speed performance. The real glory for this car is brought by the picture "Golden Eye", which is part of the legendary series of films about the super agent 007. James Bond, played by handsome Pierce Brosnan, drives around in it in a magnificent BMW Z3. The car was such a success that the plant in Spartanburg simply did not have time to fulfill all the orders received for it!
Spring 1998 marks the debut of the fifth generation of the 3 Series sedans with improved safety features (not just improved, but best-in-class). As always, cars delight with unsurpassed technical characteristics and excellent appearance... And in 1999 the legendary BMW X5 comes out.
Another success in 1999 is celebrated by a new sports model BMW Z8, which again conquered the hearts of the audience in the next film "Bond" - "And the whole world is not enough."
The beginning of the XXI century: true success and flourishing of the company
The beginning of the 21st century (2000 and 2001) was marked by record sales for BMW. Compared to 1999, only russian market car sales of the German concern grew by 83%! The production of magnificent models continues, each of which becomes a kind of sensation. So, at the beginning of the 21st century, the BMW 7 car was released - an executive luxury limousine. In 2003, the BMW Z4 was named the best convertible of the year. This model looks more like a concept car than a production car. She managed to turn the usual idea of \u200b\u200bthe design of roadsters.
In 2006, the luxurious BMW X6 appears, combining the best technical qualities of an SUV and a coupe design (all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, large wheels and a significant roof slope at the rear of the machine). It became the first four-seater SUV to be equipped with an automatic transmission. Only in the second half of 2008 the car went on sale.
In 2008, BMW produced over a million vehicles. More than 100,000 people work for the company. The group's revenues were over 50 billion euros, and net profit was 330 million euros.
Did you know that robots are not used in BMW factories? Models are assembled on conveyors exclusively by hand!
The recent history of BMW: the green cars of the future
Today, the BMW concern continues to develop at a rapid pace. One article is not enough to describe all the achievements and innovations of the company. Therefore, in this section, we will try to reflect the main points that are worth paying attention to when talking about recent history BMW.
2009 saw the debut of a sports car with a hybrid bMW engine Vision EfficientDynamics at the International Frankfurt Motor Show. The premiere was truly stellar and drew wide public response. The new sports car has gained such fame thanks to its striking design and incredible economy, as well as full compliance with the technologies of the future. For its futuristic appearance and innovative finds, the car has received several prestigious awards.
Interesting: the height of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics sports car is only 1.24 meters!
Also in 2009, the world premiere of the new sedan of the legendary 5 bMW series... The top model of the line is the magnificent BMW 550i, which embodies all the best qualities of the brand that are its hallmark - sophisticated and stylish design, unsurpassed comfort for the driver and efficiency, richness innovative technologies... All this allowed the sixth the BMW generation The 5 Series is a true embodiment of the highest quality standards and once again confirms and strengthens its status as one of the most successful premium car manufacturers.
In 2011, at the International Geneva Motor Show, BMW unveiled the innovative BMW ActiveE electric vehicle, the first model to combine a spacious and comfortable interior with a full electric motor.
The car is presented as a coupe. The smart interior design of the electric vehicle leaves the driver and three passengers plenty of space (as much as in the BMW 1 Series Coupe).
In September 2011, a significant event for the concern took place - the official launch of a state-of-the-art carbon fiber plant in cooperation with SGL Group. The plant is located in the USA, Washington, the city of Moses Lake. The new venture produces carbon fiber-reinforced ultralight plastics for the BMWi sub-brand.
The new sub-brand is the newest standard for efficiency and sustainability in the premium class. Its appearance secured the reputation of the manufacturer of the most environmentally friendly and innovative cars in the world for the BMW concern! This is a new era in the world automotive industry, a real revolutionary breakthrough. 2013 saw the release of the gorgeous BMW i3 and BMW i8. Significant expansion is planned in the future lineup sub-brand, in New York, JSC BMWi Ventures has already been opened for this purpose.
In December 2014, the phenomenal BMW i8 was named Car of the Year by the influential glossy car magazine Top Gear. The competition was held in conditions of serious competition, many of the world's best premium car manufacturers fought for this prestigious title. But the amazing capabilities of the BMW i8 were appreciated - both the electric motor and the unprecedented low consumption fuel, lowest emissions, and impressive design! This is a truly unique car that completely changes our idea of \u200b\u200bwhat the cars of the future should be like.
Did you know that the cost of the BMW i8 in Russia is 8 800 000 rubles?
Beautiful and stylish BMW i8 advertisement (video)
At present, the company, which began a century ago from a small aircraft engine plant, has become the largest world concern with five factories in Germany, subsidiaries in Malaysia, India, Egypt, Vietnam, Thailand, Russia (Kaliningrad, Avtotor). The cars that have been and continue to be produced throughout the history of BMW are a true symbol of high-class comfortable transport.
