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Period: to
BMW Founded
Founded by Karl Rapp, Gustavo Otto, Camillo Castigliono, and Franz Josef Popp.
https://www.bmw.com/en/automotive-life/BMW-name-meaning-and-history.html#:~:text=The%20company%20was%20incorporated%20into,therefore%20considered%20BMW's%20founding%20year. -
Helping In WW1
BMW helped in WW1 by building airplanes and airplane engines. technology. “8 Things You Didn’t Know about BMW | Warrantywise.” Warrantywise, 13 Apr. 2015, www.warrantywise.co.uk/blog/advice/insights/8-things-you-didnt-know-about-bmw/#:~:text=BEFORE%20BMW%20PRODUCED%20CARS%2C%20IT%20MADE%20AEROPLANE%20COMPONENTS&text=Over%20the%20course%20of%20the,own%20collection%20of%20functional%20aeroplanes.&text=acquired%20to%20produce%20the%20wooden%20WWI%20aircraft. Accessed 14 Mar. 2024. -
New Beginnings
After the end of the war, railway brakes and inboard engines were manufactured following the prohibition on the production of aero-engines. “BMW History.” Bmwgroup.com, 2023, www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/history.html#ace-1098848972. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024. -
The First BMW Motorcycle
The aero-engine manufacturer presented its first motorcycle with the BMW R 32. The quality of the machine was a major factor for success.The very successful overall design of the R 32 was penned by Max Friz and is regarded as a milestone in motorcycle history.
“BMW History.” Bmwgroup.com, 2023, www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/history.html#ace-1741035390. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024. -
Start of Automotive Construction
BMW became an automobile manufacturer in 1928 by purchasing the company known as Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach. Until the Second World War broke out, all BMW cars were made at this plant in the Thuringia region of Germany. “BMW History.” Bmwgroup.com, 2023, www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/history.html#ace-27963595. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024. -
Aircraft engine manufacturing becomes autonomous
In 1934, BMW AG outsourced its aero-engine division to BMW Flugmotorenbau GmbH. “BMW History.” Bmwgroup.com, 2023, www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/history.html#ace-898876106. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024. -
Helping in WW2
During WW2 BMW helped make aircraft and even motorcycles now to help Germany in the war.
“BMW during the Era National Socialist.” Bmwgroup.com, 2023, www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/history/BMW-during-the-era-of-national-socialism.html#:~:text=Alongside%20aero%2Dengines%2C%20BMW%20also,being%20solely%20an%20armaments%20company. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024. -
Reconstruction difficulties
After the Second World War, allied soldiers requisitioned and occupied the BMW plants. Since BMW had been classified as an armaments company, machines and tools were dismantled.
“BMW History.” Bmwgroup.com, 2023, www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/history.html#. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024. -
The Munich Plant is Dismantled
In October 1945, the US military government ordered the BMW plants in Munich and Allach to be dismantled. This meant that BMW lost the power of disposal over its assets until 1949; in Allach, this loss of control in fact lasted until 1955.
“BMW History.” Bmwgroup.com, 2023, www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/history.html#ace-943964591. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024. -
BMW remains independent
In late 1959, Daimler-Benz submitted a restructuring offer for BMW subject to a time limit for acceptance. But small shareholders and the workforce rejected this offer at the Annual General Meeting held on 9 December. Their perseverance and his confidence in the BMW 700 motivated Herbert Quandt to expand his package of shares.
“BMW History.” Bmwgroup.com, 2023, www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/history.html#. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024.