History of BMW
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke) was founded in 1916 in Germany, originally as an aircraft engine manufacturer. During World War I, the company produced engines for military aircraft, but after the war, the Treaty of Versailles prohibited Germany from manufacturing aircraft, leading BMW to shift its focus to motorcycles in the 1920s. The company introduced its first motorcycle, the R32, in 1923, featuring an innovative flat-twin boxer engine design that became a signature of BMW motorcycles.
In the 1930s, BMW expanded into automobile production, acquiring the Automobilwerk Eisenach company and launching models like the BMW 328, known for its performance and design. After World War II, BMW struggled to recover, even producing kitchen appliances and bicycles before regaining momentum in the 1950s with luxury sedans and the iconic BMW 507 roadster. The 1960s saw the launch of the 'New Class' sedans, which established BMW’s reputation for sporty, driver-focused cars. Since then, BMW has grown into a global luxury automobile brand, known for innovation, performance, and engineering excellence.