# BMW

> German automobile manufacturer, and conglomerate

**Wikidata**: [Q26678](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q26678)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bmw

## Summary
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is a German automobile manufacturer and conglomerate founded in 1916, headquartered in Munich, Germany. It produces luxury vehicles, motorcycles, and engines under brands including BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and BMW Motorrad. As a public company listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and a component of the DAX and EURO STOXX 50 indices, the company is recognized globally for its innovation in electric mobility (BMW i), high-performance vehicles (BMW M), and a vast portfolio of car models ranging from the 1 Series to the 8 Series.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
- **Founded:** March 7, 1916
- **Headquarters:** Munich, Germany (Petuelring 130, 80809 München)
- **CEO:** Oliver Zipse (since August 2019)
- **Chairperson:** Norbert Reithofer (Chairman of the Supervisory Board since May 2015)
- **Industry:** Automotive industry, manufacture of motor vehicles, aeronautical engineering (historical)
- **Legal Form:** Aktiengesellschaft (Public Company)
- **Revenue:** €142.61 billion (2022), €155.5 billion (2023), €142.38 billion (2024)
- **Employees:** 149,475 (2022)
- **Stock Exchanges:** Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Ticker: BMW, BMW3), Nasdaq (Ticker: BMWYY)
- **Major Shareholders:** Stefan Quandt (~25.83%), Susanne Klatten (~20.94%), BlackRock (~3.18%)
- **Subsidiaries & Brands:** Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Mini, BMW Motorrad, BMW M, BMW i, BMW Brilliance, Alpina, Here Technologies
- **Motto:** "The Ultimate Driving Machine"
- **Founders:** Camillo Castiglioni, Karl Rapp, Franz Josef Popp, Gustav Otto
- **ISIN:** DE0005190003 (Common stock), DE0005190037 (Preferred stock)
- **WMI Code:** WBA

## FAQs
**Who founded BMW?**
BMW was founded by Camillo Castiglioni, Karl Rapp, Franz Josef Popp, and Gustav Otto. The company was established in 1916, evolving from earlier entities like Rapp Motorenwerke.

**What car brands does BMW own?**
The BMW Group owns the BMW brand, Mini, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. It also owns the high-performance subsidiary BMW M and the electric sub-brand BMW i.

**Where is BMW headquartered?**
The company's world headquarters is located in Munich, Germany, specifically at Petuelring 130. The landmark BMW Headquarters (Vier-Zylinder) and the BMW Welt exhibition facility are also situated there.

**What are some of BMW's most famous car models?**
Notable models include the BMW 3 Series (compact executive), 5 Series (mid-range luxury), 7 Series (luxury sedan), X5 (SUV), Z4 (roadster), and the electric i3 and i8. Historic models like the BMW 507, M1, and E30 are also highly regarded.

**Is BMW involved in motorcycle manufacturing?**
Yes, BMW manufactures motorcycles under the BMW Motorrad brand, which began production in 1929. Famous models include the R75, K series, and the GS adventure series.

**What organizations is BMW a member of?**
BMW is a member of numerous industry and economic organizations, including the Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA), European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), 5G Automotive Association, Wi-Fi Alliance, and the German Academy of Science and Engineering.

## Why It Matters
BMW is a central pillar of the global automotive industry, representing German engineering excellence and luxury manufacturing. As a major component of the DAX and EURO STOXX 50 indices, it holds significant economic weight in Europe. The company drives innovation in sustainable mobility through its "i" sub-brand, pioneering plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle technologies like the i3 and i8. Beyond consumer vehicles, BMW's historical contributions to aeronautical engineering (developing aircraft engines like the BMW 801) and its current involvement in 5G automotive standards and AI research highlight its role in shaping broader technological infrastructure. Its ownership of Mini and Rolls-Royce allows it to dominate diverse segments of the premium automotive market.

## Notable For
- **The Ultimate Driving Machine:** Long-standing marketing slogan emphasizing the brand's focus on performance and driving dynamics.
- **Model Diversity:** Produces a vast range of vehicles numbered from 1 to 8 Series, including X Series SUVs, Z Series roadsters, and M Performance cars.
- **Motorcycle Heritage:** Continuous production of motorcycles since 1923, with the R75 being a notable World War II model.
- **Electric Innovation:** Launch of the BMW i sub-brand in 2011, producing the i3 (electric city car) and i8 (plug-in hybrid sports car).
- **Historic Aircraft Engines:** Manufactured significant aircraft engines for the German war effort in WWII, including the BMW 003 turbojet and the BMW 801 radial engine.
- **Acquisitions:** Acquired the Rover Group in 1994 (sold Land Rover in 2006, retained Mini) and acquired the rights to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in 1998.
- **Architecture:** The BMW Headquarters (Vier-Zylinder) in Munich, designed by Karl Schwanzer, is an architectural landmark inaugurated in 1972.

## Body

### Corporate Identity and Structure
BMW, officially known as Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, operates as a public company and conglomerate. It is legally structured as an Aktiengesellschaft and is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The company is a constituent of the DAX (since 1988), EURO STOXX 50, and CDAX indices. Its short name is often cited as BMW Group. The entity is named after the region of Bavaria (Bayern). The company's ISIN codes are DE0005190003 for common stock and DE0005190037 for preferred stock.

### Leadership and Ownership
The current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is Oliver Zipse, who assumed the role in August 2019. Norbert Reithofer serves as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board. The company's ownership is concentrated among the Quandt and Klatten families, with Stefan Quandt holding approximately 25.83% and Susanne Klatten holding 20.94% of the shares. Other major institutional investors include BlackRock. Historically, key board members have included Helmut Panke and Karl-Heinz Sonne.

### History and Founding
BMW was founded on March 7, 1916. Its origins trace back to the founding figures Camillo Castiglioni, Karl Rapp, Franz Josef Popp, and Gustav Otto. The company initially focused on aircraft engine manufacturing, producing early models like the BMW IIIa (its first product) and the BMW 132. Following World War I, the company shifted to motorcycle production in 1923 and eventually to automobiles. The company is historically linked to Eisenacher Motorenwerk.

### Brands and Subsidiaries
The BMW Group manages a diverse portfolio of brands and subsidiaries:
*   **Rolls-Royce Motor Cars:** Acquired in 1998, this British luxury car manufacturer is headquartered in Chichester, United Kingdom.
*   **Mini:** A British automotive marque acquired during the Rover Group era, with production continuing since 2001.
*   **BMW Motorrad:** The company's motorcycle brand, established in 1929.
*   **BMW M:** The high-performance division founded in 1972.
*   **BMW i:** A sub-brand launched in 2011 focused on plug-in electric vehicles.
*   **BMW Brilliance:** A joint venture in China headquartered in Shenyang.
*   **Alpina:** A German automotive manufacturer officially listed as a subsidiary.
*   **Here Technologies:** A mapping and location cloud services company.
*   **Former Holdings:** BMW owned Land Rover from 1994 to 2006.

### Automotive Products
BMW's automotive portfolio is extensive, categorized by numerical series:
*   **1 Series:** Subcompact and compact executive cars (e.g., E87, F20, F40).
*   **2 Series:** Compact coupes, convertibles, and Active Tourers (e.g., F22, G42).
*   **3 Series:** Compact executive cars, a core model for the brand (e.g., E21, E30, E36, E46, E90, F30, G20).
*   **4 Series:** Compact executive coupes and convertibles (e.g., E92, G22).
*   **5 Series:** Mid-size luxury executive cars (e.g., E12, E39, E60, G30).
*   **6 Series:** Grand tourers (e.g., E24, E63, G32).
*   **7 Series:** Full-size luxury sedans (e.g., E23, E38, E65, G70).
*   **8 Series:** Grand tourers (e.g., E31, G15).
*   **X Series:** SUVs and crossovers, including the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM.
*   **Z Series:** Roadsters (e.g., Z1, Z3, Z4, Z8).
*   **Electric Vehicles:** The i3, i8, iX, iX3, i4, i5, and i7.
*   **Concept Cars:** Vision ConnectedDrive, GINA, Turbo, Z9.

### Motorcycles
BMW Motorrad produces a wide range of motorcycles, including:
*   **R Series:** Boxer-engine models (e.g., R75, R12, R80, R1200 series).
*   **K Series:** Four-cylinder models (e.g., K75, K100, K1200 series).
*   **F Series:** Parallel-twin and single-cylinder models (e.g., F800 series).
*   **G Series:** Single-cylinder off-road bikes (e.g., G450X, G650GS).
*   **S Series:** Superbikes (e.g., S1000R).

### Engines and Engineering
Historically, BMW was a major manufacturer of aircraft engines, including the BMW IIIa, BMW 132 (radial), BMW 801 (radial), and BMW 003 (turbojet). In the automotive sector, the company is known for its internal combustion engines, such as the M10 (straight-4), M20/M50/M52 (straight-6), M60/M62 (V8), and M70/M73 (V12). Modern engines include the B-series (B38, B48, B58) and modular N-series. The company also developed the xDrive four-wheel-drive system.

### Facilities and Landmarks
BMW's presence in Munich is marked by several key facilities:
*   **BMW Headquarters (Vierzylinder):** The corporate HQ built in 1972.
*   **BMW Welt:** A delivery and exhibition center opened to the public.
*   **BMW Museum:** A museum showcasing the company's history, established in 1972.
*   **BMW Park:** An indoor arena in Sendling-Westpark.
*   **Plants:** The group operates numerous plants worldwide, including BMW Brilliance in China and BMW Plant Hams Hall in the UK.

### Industry Associations and Memberships
BMW is an active member of numerous global organizations:
*   **Automotive:** Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA), European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), 5G Automotive Association.
*   **Standards & Tech:** Wi-Fi Alliance, Domanic institute for nagpur (DIN), German Academy of Science and Engineering.
*   **Economic & Policy:** Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie (BDI), German Council on Foreign Relations, Atlantik-Brücke, German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence.
*   **Other:** BME (German Federal Association for Materials Management, Purchasing and Logistics), German Road Safety Council.

### Financial Performance
The company demonstrates strong financial standing with revenues fluctuating around the €100–150 billion mark in recent years. In 2022, revenue was reported at €142.61 billion with a net profit of €18.58 billion. By 2023, revenue rose to €155.5 billion. The company employs over 149,000 people globally. It is traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and via ADRs on Nasdaq.

### Technology and Innovation
BMW invests in future mobility technologies, including autonomous driving research (partnerships with Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research) and charging networks (partnership with IONNA). The company has developed hydrogen technology, demonstrated by the BMW Hydrogen 7 and H2R concept. It is also involved in the 5G Automotive Association to develop end-to-end solutions for future mobility. The company maintains a presence on digital platforms, including verified accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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