BMW Cars

Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW), literally translated as Bavarian Motor Works is an automobile, engine and motorcycle manufacturer based in Germany and established in 1916. BMW owns and produces the Mini line of automobiles, and it is also Rolls Royce's parent company. BMW builds motorcycles under the Husqvarna and the BMW nameplates. Here, you will learn more about the luxury and performance vehicles that Bavarian Motor Works is known for.

After the end of World War I, BMW had to quit making aircraft engines because of a clause in the Versailles Armistice Treaty. After some of the treaty's restrictions were lifted, BMW shifted its focus to the production of motorcycles, and started building cars in 1928 and 1929.

The world famous BMW logo is also called a roundel, and according to BMW, it is meant to remind people of the movement of an aircraft propeller. That emblem evolved from the also-circular Rapp Motorenwerke logo; it was combined with the blue and white colors of the Bavarian flag. The actual origin of the BMW logo is still under dispute, but according to a recently-posted New York Times article, it is only meant to represent the Bavarian flag's colors.

When thinking about where BMW cars are made, you should first consider which model you are thinking of, as different models are made in different factories. There are BMW plants around the world; in fact, the BMW website says that there are 24 plants spread across thirteen countries. For instance, the newest plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina is the only BMW manufacturing facility in the United States. It is currently building the BMW X5-X6 SUV line, as well as the zippy Z4 roadster.

The most popular BMW, the 3 Series, is made at several different plants, including those in Germany and South Africa. BMW's biggest plant is in Dingolfing, which is located in Bavaria's southern region. The Dingolfing plant builds the 5,6, & 7 Series, in addition to the performance-minded M5 & M6. Not only does the plant build complete cars, it puts together chassis systems and parts for all other BMW plants.

One of the most unique things about BMW's automotive plants is that they were built for manufacturing flexibility. The car maker has the option to switch vehicle manufacturing locations based things such as cost and market demand. This arrangement allows BMW to use the market's conditions to make their vehicles efficiently and get them onto dealer lots as soon as possible.

BMW's full-size line, the 7 Series, is where many of company's innovations are first introduced. For example, the 7 Series was the first to be equipped with the iDrive system, and the 7 Series also includes the first hydrogen-powered BMW. That car is fueled with liquid hydrogen, and its exhaust is nothing but water vapor, and the latest generation made its debut in 2009.

BMW has a long history of Formula One success; cars with BMW motors have won over twenty races. However, BMW announced in 2009 that it was withdrawing from F1, and the team was sold back to its previous owner.