BMW Was Never First a Car Company: Everything You Should Know About the BMW Car Brand

If you want a brand based on luxury and performance, BMW is one of the world’s leaders. It’s a coveted luxury carmaker with a full line of vehicles from roadsters to three-row SUVs. The company is also a big name in the motorcycle world. With an undeniable presence globally, many might wonder where it originated. 

Is BMW truly a German car company? In this article, we will provide answers to the question.

What Does BMW Stand For

Firstly, it’s important to know that BMW is an acronym for something. But what is that something? According to BMW, the meaning behind the name is “driving pleasure.” The acronym represents the words Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH. 

Roughly, this phrase translates to Bavarian Engine Works Company. When the company began its official journey in 1917, it teamed up with aircraft engineering company Rapp-Motorenwerke GmbH. This was a company with roots going back to aircraft engines in 1913. Additionally, the company supplied the German military air fleet with aeroplane motors. Today, this joining is known as BMW AG.

In 1918, the group took a shift toward railway engineering and the independent BMW company took a break from the car market. Then later, in 1922, BMW’s founding took place for a second time. At this point in time, everything was moved to Lerchenauer Strasse and the Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, and the title was adopted once again.

The acronym envelopes engines in general. This is a welcome homage to the company’s past working with a wide range of motors. BMW didn’t begin as a car company. The first BMW motors were largely for aircraft and train engines. And, of course, motorcycles.

Where are BMW Cars, SUVs, and Motorcycles Manufactured?

The headquarters of BMW is in Munich. However, the brand produces most of its vehicles across other countries like China, the USA, India, Mexico, Germany, Netherlands, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

Is BMW Truly a German Brand?

The company’s origins lie in the Bavarian state of Germany. The beginnings of this German car company date back to motorcycles. The ups and downs of getting the BMW off the ground and into the world market as an automaker are steeped in German history. From the popular sedans and SUVs to the lineup of BMW Motorcycles, BMW is a German car company but has roots in other countries like the United States of America.