The History of BMW Cars

For years BMW sports cars have been well regarded as some of the best known cars in the world. The history of BMW cars is one that has gone for nearly ninety years. It has been one that has gone through all sorts of different cars and through international expansion.

BMW was first conceived by Gustav Otto and Karl Rapp in 1913. Gustav was an aviator who worked with Rapp to create airplane engines, but over time demand for these engines exceeded the production of these engines. Supervising officer Franz Josef Popp, who worked as a supervisor representing the Austrian navy, would eventually become more active in managing the company. Working with Max Friz, a young engineer and designer, he worked to help with creating various engines that would be used in the future for BMW. A license agreement for development was soon approved by financier Camillo Castiglioni, and Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (Bavarian Motor Works) was on its way.

However, in 1918 demand for airplane engines was significantly reduced as a result of the end of the war in Europe. As a result the company's Munich plant was closed down. Designs for new engines were being created, and in 1923 BMW shifted to motorcycle production, which is still done today. In 1929 the main focus went to automobiles, and BMW sports cars have been made ever since.

All sorts of quality BMW sports cars were created, including the legendary 328 Roadster. However, World War II caused even more concerns for BMW. In 1940 automobile production was suspended, and many plants were confiscated by the Allied forced. It would not be until 1952 that another car was made by BMW.

Since those troubled days BMW has become more influential in the world of sports cars. Much of this has to do with the company's expansion. Various new models were being built, including the 5 Series and 7 Series of cars. Much of this was under the rule of company president Eberhard von Kuenheim.

For a period of time BMW owned the British Rover Group, the makers of Land Rover and MG vehicles. BMW owned the group from 1994 to 2000. Also, in 2001 BMW bought the Mini brand, which has worked with the especially popular Cooper model. Also, in 2003 BMW bought the world famous Rolls-Royce luxury car brand. In 2006 a record 1.2 million vehicles were produced by the company through plants in Germany, Australia, the United States and South Africa.

The history of BMW cars is one that is long and storied. Various different troubles have occurred through the history of the company, but various BMW sports cars have been created throughout the history of the company. Today the company is continuing to grow, and it is definitely going to be one of the top car companies in the world for years to come.