What does BMW stand for?

BMW is undeniably one of the most renowned luxury car brands in the world today. Whether you talk about their comfort or their elegant design, BMW cars are truly a class apart.

It may be the dream for many of us to own a BMW car someday and a few might even realize it. But what we are here for today is to ask whether you know what BMW stands for? It’s okay if you don’t because we are here for you.

What Does BMW stands for?

BMW AG, which has become synonymous with luxury cars all over the world, is actually short of ‘Bayerische Motoren Werke’, which translates into Bavarian Motor Works. It is named after Bavaria, a state in Germany, whereas AG in its name, meaning that BMW is a corporation with its stocks and shareholders.

(Image Courtesy: The Telegraph)

Its Journey

BMW’s journey to becoming a world-leader in automobiles started in 1912 as Rapp Motorenwerke, an aircraft manufacturing company. By 1916, it had gained considerable success and was subsequently renamed to Bayerische Motoren Werke, Its founders were Karl Rapp, Franz Josef Popp and Camillo Castiglion. However, when the World War I ended in 1918, the manufacturing unit of the firm was forced to stop its operations of aircraft engine manufacturing.

In 1923, the company stepped into the world of motorcycle production and soon started manufacturing on a commercial scale. By 1928, the company had expanded its operations in the automobile sector and begun production of BMZ Dixi. The green signal to manufacture aircraft once again came in 1930 with the removal of the treaty which restricted it.

(Image Courtesy: Auto Evolution)

Between 1930s and 1960s, the company launched several successful cars as well as aircraft along with military vehicle during the World War II. In the latter half of the 1950s, BMW even became the largest money earner in the world. And the rest they say is history.

Year after year, BMW has rolled out cars that have redefined luxury and comfort in the world of automobiles and still continues to do so. Today, the company has four divisions, namely BMW Motorrad, BMW I, BMW Motorsport, and MINI that collectively produce 2 million cars and 120,000 motorcycles every year.

You might be surprised to know but contrary to the popular belief that the company’s logo represents an airplane’s propeller spinning against a blue sky, it actually was designed to pay tribute to the Bavarian state flag.

What do you think about the topic? Which car would you prefer, BMW or Mercedes? Tell us through your comments in the section below. We would love to hear from you.