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BMW

BMW is an acronym for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG or, in English, Bavarian Motor Works. Whatever you call it, the German-based company is one of the world's most respected automakers, renowned for crafting luxury cars well known for their build quality, driveability and symbolisim of wealth and success.

Founded in Munich, the company began in the early 1910s, suprisingly as an aircraft manufacturer (probably where the reliable build quality stems from) . BMW's current logo, designed to represent white propeller blades against a blue sky, reflects these origins; its blue-and-white color scheme also references Bavaria's blue-and-white checkered flag.

In 1928, production began on the first BMW car, the Dixi. The car became tremendously popular, and its success helped the manufacturer withstand the Depression tearing through the German economy ecause of WW1 loans beng paid to the US banks. BMW's best-known pre-World War II vehicle was the Type 328 roadster, a supple two-seater that achieved a stunning 120 victories on the motorsport circuit between 1936 and 1940. Postwar BMW cars maintained this tradition, winning several racing, rallying and hill climb victories.

The early 1950s saw the launch of the BMW 501, a roomy, voluptuous sedan that was resplendent with all of the hopefulness of that era. It was soon followed by the 502 which was powered by the world's first light-alloy V8 engine, foreshadowing BMW's ongoing commitment to developing new technology and shadowing their rivals straight sixes. The best-selling BMW of that decade was the Isetta, a small, low-slug two-seat "microcar" typically powered by a 12- or 13-horsepower engine. The mid-'50s also saw the debut of the limited production and breathtakingly beautiful 507 sports car which had an alloy body and used the 502's V8 for power. In the 1960s, BMW sales strengthened significantly, thanks in part to the immense popularity of the 1500, a sporty family sedan.

By the 1970s, BMW was establishing itself as a full-fledged car company. This was also the period when BMW of North America was established and consumers. The '70s also saw the birth of BMW's three-tier sport sedan range consisting of the 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series cars and the creation of its performance M division which all continue on today.

More recently, the company has been expanding its reach worldwide. It opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in the latter half of the 1990s and has expanded its brand empire to include Mini and Rolls-Royce. BMW also continues to build motorcycles, something it has done since the 1920s.