BMW

Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) AG
Type Aktiengesellschaft (FWB: BMW)
Founded 1916
Headquarters Munich, Germany
Key people Norbert Reithofer (CEO and Chairman of Board of Management)
Joachim Milberg (Chairman of Supervisory Board)
Industry Automotive industry
Products Automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles
Revenue €56.02 billion (2007)[1]
Operating income ▲ €4.212 billion (2007)[1]
Profit ▲ €3.135 billion (2007)[1]
Employees 107,500 (2007)[1]
Subsidiaries Mini, Rolls-Royce
Website bmw.com

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), (English: Bavarian Motor Works) is an independent German automobile manufacturer founded in 1916. BMW is a worldwide manufacturer of high-performance automobiles and motorcycles, and is the current parent company of both the MINI and Rolls-Royce car brands.

Contents

Company history

BMW Headquarters in Munich, Germany
Main article: History of BMW

After World War I, BMW (and Germany) were forced to cease aircraft (engine) production by the terms of the Versailles Armistice Treaty.[2] The company consequently shifted to motorcycle production in 1923 once the restrictions of the treaty started to be lifted[3], followed by automobiles in 1928.

The circular blue and white BMW logo or roundel is often alleged to portray the movement of an airplane propeller, an interpretation that BMW adopted for convenience in 1929, which was actually twelve years after the roundel was created.[4][5] In fact, the emblem evolved from the circular Rapp Motorenwerke company logo, from which the BMW company grew. The Rapp logo was combined with the blue and white colors of the flag of Bavaria to produce the BMW roundel so familiar today. The early success of the outstanding BMW IIIa inline-six aviation engine, from 1917-18 in World War I, with the Luftstreitkräfte in a limited number of Fokker D.VII fighters, as well as a number of prototype "inline-six" fighters from various manufacturers, might have actually influenced the BMW logo's design.

BMW's first significant aircraft was the BMW IIIa inline-six liquid-cooled engine of 1918, much preferred for its high-altitude performance. With German rearmament in the 1930s, the company again began producing aircraft engines for the Luftwaffe. Among its successful WWII engine designs were the BMW 132 and BMW 801 air-cooled radial engines, and the pioneering BMW 003 axial-flow turbojet, which powered the tiny, 1944-45-era jet-powered "emergency fighter", the Heinkel He 162 Spatz, and was tested in the A-1b version of the world's first jet fighter, the Messerschmitt Me 262.

By 1959 the automotive division of BMW was in financial difficulties and a shareholders meeting was held to decide whether to go into liquidation or find a way of carrying on. It was decided to carry on and to try to cash in on the current economy car boom enjoyed so successfully by some of Germany's ex-aircraft manufacturers such as Messerschmitt and Heinkel. Therefore the rights to manufacture the tiny Italian Iso Isetta were bought using a modified form of BMW's own motorcycle engine. This was moderately successful and helped the company get back on its feet. The dominating shareholder of the BMW Aktiengesellschaft since 1959 is the Quandt family. Stefan Quandt, Johanna Quandt and Susanne Klatten (born Quandt) together own about 46% of the stocks. The rest is in public float.

BMW AG bought the British Rover Group[6] (which at the time consisted of the Rover, Land Rover and MG brands as well as the rights to defunct brands including Austin and Morris) in 1994 and owned it for six years. By 2000, Rover was making huge losses and BMW decided to sell the combine. The MG and Rover brands were sold to the Phoenix Consortium to form MG Rover, while Land Rover was taken over by Ford. BMW, meanwhile, retained the rights to build the new MINI, which was launched in 2001.

Production

Total world production in 2006 was 1,366,838 vehicles produced in 5 countries. [7]

Country Make Cars (2006) Models
Germany BMW 905,057 Others
United Kingdom Mini 187,454 All Minis
Rolls-Royce 67 All Rolls-Royce
Austria BMW 114,306 BMW X3
USA BMW 105,172 BMW X5, X6
South Africa BMW 54,782 BMW 3-Series
Total 1,366,838

Motorcycles

See also: BMW Motorrad and History of BMW motorcycles
The R32, the first BMW motorcycle.

BMW began building motorcycle engines and then motorcycles after World War I. Its motorcycle division is now known as BMW Motorrad. Their first successful motorcycle, after the failed Helios and Flink, was the "R32" in 1923. This had a "Boxer" twin engine, in which an ICCE cylinder protrudes into the air-flow from each side of the machine. Apart from their singles (basically to the same pattern), all their motorcycles had used this distinctive layout until the early 1980s. Many BMWs are still produced to this pattern, which is designated the R Series.

BMW roundel in 1939

During the Second World War, BMW produced the BMW R75 motorcycle with a sidecar attached. Featuring a unique design copied from the Zündapp KS750, its sidecar wheel was also motor driven. Combined with a lockable differential, this made the vehicle very capable off-road, an equivalent in many ways to the Jeep.

In 1983 came the K Series (affectionately known as "The Flying Brick"),(Correction, "The flying brick" was the nickname of The BMW K1 model) still shaft drive but now water cooled and with either 3 or 4 cylinders mounted in a straight line from front to back. Shortly after, BMW also started making the chain-driven F and G series with single and parallel twin Rotax engines.

In the early 1990s, BMW updated the airhead Boxer engine which became known as the oilhead. In 2002, the oilhead engine had two spark plugs per cylinder. In 2004 it added a built-in balance shaft, an increased capacity to 1170 cc and enhanced performance to 100 hp (75 kW) for the R1200GS, compared to 85 hp (63 kW) of the previous R1150GS. More powerful variants of the oilhead and hexhead engines are available in the R1100S and R1200S, producing 98 hp (73 kW) and 122 hp (91 kW), respectively.

K1200GT

In 2004, BMW introduced the new K1200S Sports Bike which marked a departure for BMW. It is both powerful (the engine is a 167 hp (125 kW) unit derived from the company's work with the Williams F1 team) and significantly lighter than previous K models. It was BMW's latest attempt to keep up with the pace of development of sports machines from the likes of Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki. Innovations include a unique electronically adjustable front and rear suspension, and a Hossack-type front fork BMW calls Duolever.

BMW was one of the earliest manufacturers to offer anti-lock brakes on production motorcycles starting in the late 1980s. The generation of anti-lock brakes available on the 2006 and later BMW motorcycles pave the way for the introduction of sophisticated electronic stability control, or anti-skid technology - a first for production motorcycles - later in the 2007 model year.

BMW has been an innovator in motorcycle suspension design, taking up telescopic front suspension long before most other manufacturers. Then they switched to Earles Fork, front suspension by swinging fork (1955 to 1969). Most modern BMWs are truly rear swingarm, single sided at the back (compare with the regular swinging fork usually, and wrongly, called swinging arm).

Some BMWs started using yet another trademark front suspension design, the Telelever, in the early 1990s. Like the Earles Fork, the Telelever significantly reduces dive under braking.

Motorcycle clubs

BMW motorcycles have invoked worldwide interest from clubs. The two largest BMW motorcycle clubs in the world, the BMW Riders Association and the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America are headquartered in the United States.

Automobiles

Large-scale production models

Project i

Project i is a special division of BMW, dedicated to building low emission city cars [8].

1 Series

Main article: BMW 1 Series

The 1 Series was launched globally in Autumn 2004 and shares many structural, chassis, powertrain, hardware and electronic elements with the larger 3 Series. The model was started to provide a lower point of entry into the BMW range as the 3 Series moved gradually up-market. Initially launched as a 5-door hatchback, a 3-door version was also launched in July 2007. The 1 Series is priced between the MINI and the current E90 3 Series. Because the coupe is the only rear wheel drive vehicle in its class, it is somewhat considered the successor to the BMW 2002.

The 1 Series coupe and convertible went on sale in the United States in model year 2008 as the 128i and the 135i. The convertible, unlike the 3 Series convertible, uses a soft-top instead of a folding hardtop. This is lighter, cheaper to manufacture and preserves more trunk space than the folding hardtop would allow. It offers luxury, with premium surround sound, 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio, an optional navigation system, and optional remote engine start.

3 Series

Main article: BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured since model year 1975. The 3 Series is currently in its fifth generation, the E90 Current models include the sport sedan (E90), station wagon (E91), coupe (E92), and convertible (E93). It offers luxury, with an available navigation system. It has standard premium sound, and an optional navi system.

The 3 series is one of BMW's most important models, as it accounts for a majority of its worldwide sales.

5 Series

Main article: BMW 5 Series

A mid-size executive car. For model year 2008, BMW has revised the 5 Series with a slightly redesigned interior, subtle exterior details, and new motor options.

6 Series

Main article: BMW 6 Series

The 6 Series is BMW's grand touring luxury sport coupe, based on the 5 Series' platform. Currently available as the 650i in coupe and convertible models in the U.S., the 6 Series returned in 2004 after a 15-year absence from BMW's model lineup.

7 Series

BMW 7-Series (F01)
Main article: BMW 7 Series

BMW's full-size flagship executive sedan. Typically, BMW introduces many of their innovations first in the 7 Series. For example, the somewhat controversial iDrive system debuted in the 7 Series. The 7 Series Hydrogen, featuring one of the world's first hydrogen fueled combustion engines, is fueled by liquid hydrogen and emits only water vapor. Since the infrastructure for refueling a hydrogen internal combustion engine is not widely available, the V12 engine also runs on gasoline. Numerous engines power the 7 Series worldwide. BMW offers diesel, straight 6, V8 and V12 motors, as well as the Alpina tuned supercharged V8. It is also available in a bulletproof version.

X3

BMW X3 (current generation)
Main article: BMW X3

BMW's second crossover SUV debuted in 2004 (called SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle by BMW) and is based on the E46 3 Series platform. For 2007, the X3 is powered by the N52 inline 6 cylinder engine that debuted on the 2006 E90 3 Series. In 2007 a face lift was given to the X3, including an X-drive update, suspension adjustments, an engine upgrade, and aesthetics inside and out.

Marketed in Europe as an off-roader, it benefits from BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system.

X5

Main article: BMW X5
2007 E70 BMW X5

The BMW X5 (E53) is a mid-size luxury SUV (SAV) sold by BMW since 2000. It features all-wheel drive and a line of straight-6 and V8 engines. For non-U.S. models there is a 3.0 L diesel engine.

The BMW E70 automobile platform replaced the BMW E53 as the X5's underpinnings in November 2006. The E70-based X5 SUV features many new technological advancements including BMW's iDrive system as standard equipment and, for the first time in a BMW, an optional third row seat.

The current generation incorporates safety innovations for the crossover segment, such as a unique rear framing section to protect 3rd row occupants from injury due to an impact.

The U.S. E70 features either a 3.0si(253 hp)or a 4.8i(350 hp) powertrain. In most parts of Europe, either a 3.0d(232 hp)or a 3.0sd(282 hp) powertrain is available. It has been announced that the X5 M will be released in 2008. It will feature the V12 engine from the 7 Series, which will provide the car with 432 hp (322 kW). The X5 M will feature a full body kit, new alloy wheels, and generally a revised look.

X6

BMW X6
Main article: BMW X6

A crossover coupe SUV released by BMW in December 2007.

An all new version of the 550i/650i's engine is being used in the X6 with twin turbo technology from the 135i/335i. The standard engines 340 bhp will be increased to 410 bhp.

Z4

Main article: BMW Z4

A 2-seater roadster and coupe which succeeded the Z3. From 2006 the Z4 Roadster is available as a 3.0i (3.0 L I6 with 215 hp), a 3.0si available with the new generation 3.0 L I6 with 255 hp (190 kW), a 2.5si with a 2.5 I6 with 218 bhp (163 kW) or a 2.0i with a 150 bhp (112 kW) 2.0 L I4. The Z4 coupe is available only in the high-performance 3.0si trim powered by the 3.0 L 255 hp (190 kW) I6. The Z4 is currently built at the Spartanburg plant.

BMW M

Main article: BMW M

M3

E92 M3 Coupé
Main article: BMW M3

Based on the 3 Series, the M3 defined an entirely new market for BMW: a race-ready production vehicle. Since its debut, the M3 is heralded in enthusiast circles, in large part due to its unique geometry and award winning engines. The newest platform became available the Autumn of 2007 in Europe, and second quarter of 2008 for the U.S. in Coupe (E92), and later the Cabriolet (E93), and Sedan (E90) variants.

M5

BMW M5
Main article: BMW M5

Based on the 5 Series, the M5 is the M division's 507 hp (378 kW) V10-powered version of the E60 5 series which accelerates to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.7 seconds.[9]

M6

BMW M6 Coupe
BMW M6 Convertible
Main article: BMW M6

The M6 is the M division's version of the 6 Series. The M6 shares its drivetrain with the M5. The V10 produces 508 hp (379 kW) and 383lb/ft (520Nm) of Torque. The production M6 debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It is currently available in a coupe and a convertible version. There is speculation that an M6 CSL version is to be released in the future.

The vehicle is based on the 6 Series coupe and convertible, which were launched in 2004.

Carbon fiber and other light materials are used in places like the bumpers and roof that are far from the centre of gravity and/or high up, so that they not only reduce the overall weight but improve the handling by reducing the moment of inertia and the centre of mass height.

The previous generation was launched in 1983, but ended in 1989 with around 5,855 sold.

Z4 M

BMW Z4 M Roadster
Main articles: BMW M Coupe and BMW M Roadster

The Z4 M is powered by the same 3.2-litre straight-six engine featured in the BMW M3(E46), detuned slightly to fit in the Z4's smaller engine bay. The engine’s performance figures are: 3,246 cc displacement, 330 bhp (246 kW) at 7,900 rpm, 262 lb·ft (355 N·m) of torque at 4,900 rpm, 8,000 rpm redline. Output per litre is 103 bhp (77 kW), and power-to-weight ratio is 9.9 lb/bhp. Acceleration to 60 mph (100 km/h) comes in 4.8 seconds and top speed is limited electronically to 155 mph (249 km/h).

Prototypes

BMW CS Concept

Out of production

Classics

BMW 319/1 – built in 1935
BMW 3/15 "Dixi"
1936 BMW Model 319 4-Window Cabriolet
1958 BMW Model 507 Roadster

BMW made many cars over the years which have had great impact on the world of motoring.

Series generations

Internally, BMW associates an "e-code" for each generation of a series ("E" stands for Entwicklung, German for development or evolution). These "chassis codes" only change to signify a major redesign of a series, or the introduction of a new series. BMW AG reported in September 2006 that BMW would switch to the letter "F" for their future models, beginning with the F01 7 Series replacement.

2.5, 2.8, 3.0, 3.3 "New Six" sedans

Recently BMW has become concerned with the rising number of their vehicles being imported from the United States into Canada and with the cooperation of the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (a private contractor to the federal Government of Canada) has placed impediments to the importation of BMW vehicles into Canada. BMW now requires owners importing their cars into Canada to pay a fee of $300 (CDN) for a document guaranteeing the vehicle's admissibility into Canada and $500 (CDN) for a letter advising the Registrar of Imported Vehicles that there are no outstanding recalls on that vehicle.

Motorsport

Main article: BMW in motorsport
BMW first entered Formula One as a fully-fledged team in 2006.

BMW has been engaged in motorsport activities since the dawn of the first BMW motorcycle.

Sponsoring

Formula car

Sports car

Touring car

BMW has a long and successful history in touring car racing.

Rally

Culture

The term "Beemer" started as a slang term for the acronym "BMW," adapted from the early-20th century British pronunciation of BSA (as /ˈbisə/ or /ˈbizə/), whose motorcycles were often racing BMWs. Over time, the term became closely associated with BMW motorcycles.

In the United States, the term "Bimmer" was later coined to refer (exclusively) to BMW automobiles. As such, use of the word "Beemer" to refer to a BMW automobile is frowned upon by some BMW enthusiasts,[11] because it is the term used for motorcycles. Although the distinction is arbitrary, the media, movies, and people still use the term "Beemer" to refer to the automobiles.

The initials BMW are pronounced [beː ɛm ˈveː] in German. The model series are referred to as "Einser" ("One-er" for 1 series), "Dreier" ("Three-er" for 3 series), "Fünfer" ("Five-er" for the 5 series), "Sechser" ("Six-er" for the 6 series), "Siebener" ("Seven-er" for the 7 series).

Environmental record

The company is a charter member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Environmental Achievement Track, which recognizes companies for their environmental stewardship and performance. It is also a member of the South Carolina Environmental Excellence Program and is on the Dow Jones Sustainability Group Index, which rates environmentally friendly companies.[12] BMW has taken measures to reduce the impact the company has on the environment. It is trying to design less-polluting cars by making existing models more efficient, as well as developing environmentally friendly fuels for future vehicles. Possibilities include: electric power, hybrid power (combustion, engines and electric motors)hydrogen engines. [13]

Bicycles

BMW has created a range of high-end bicycles sold online and through dealerships. They range from the Kid's Bike to the EUR 4,499 Enduro Bike. [14] In the United States, only the Cruise Bike and Kid's Bike models are sold. [15]

Nomenclature

BMWs follow a certain nomenclature in the naming of their vehicles; usually a 3 digit number is followed by 1 or 2 letters. The first number represents the series number. The next two numbers traditionally represent the engine displacement in cubic centimeters divided by 100.[16]

The system of letters can be used in combination, and is as follows:

† historic nomenclature indicating "td" refers to "Turbo Diesel", not a diesel hatchback or touring model (524td, 525td)

†† typically includes sport seats, spoiler, aerodynamic body kit, upgraded rims, etc.; "s" on the E36 3-series identified coupe models (318iS, 323iS, 325iS, 328iS)

For example, a BMW 760Li is a fuel-injected 7 Series with a long wheel base and 6.0 litres of displacement.

However, there are exceptions.[17] The 2007 BMW 328i is a 3 Series that has a 3.0 litre engine. The 2007 BMW 335i also has a 3.0 litre engine; however it is twin-turbocharged, which is not identified by the nomenclature.

The 'M' - for Motorsport - identifies the vehicle as a high-performance model of a particular series (e.g. M3, M5, M6, etc). For example, the M6 is the highest performing vehicle in the 6 Series lineup. Although 'M' cars should be separated into their respective series platforms, it is very common to see 'M' cars grouped together as its own series.

When 'L' supersedes the series number (e.g. L6, L7, etc) it identifies the vehicle as a special luxury variant, featuring extended leather and special interior appointments. The L7 is based on the E23 and E38, and the L6 is based on the E24.

When 'X' is capitalized and supersedes the series number (e.g. X3, X5, etc.) it identifies the vehicle as one of BMW's Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV), featuring BMW's xDrive.

The 'Z' identifies the vehicle as a two seat roadster (e.g. Z1, Z3, Z4, etc). 'M' variants of 'Z' models have the 'M' as a suffix or prefix, depending on country of sale (e.g. 'Z4 M' is 'M Roadster' in Canada).

Both X & Z vehicles will have 'i' or 'si' following the engine displacement number (denoted in litres). The 'si' (e.g. X3 3.0si) identifies the vehicle as being equipped with the 'sport package' & is 'fuel-injected'. X & Z vehicles only denoting 'i' (e.g. X3 3.0i) identifies the vehicle as 'fuel-injected' and no sport package.

Community

BMW logo sign in Düsseldorf

From the summer of 2001 until October, 2005, BMW hosted the BMW Films website, showcasing sporty models being driven to extremes. These videos are still popular within the enthusiast community and proved to be a ground-breaking online advertising campaign.

Annually since 1999, BMW enthusiasts have met in Santa Barbara, CA to attend Bimmerfest. One of the largest brand-specific gatherings in the U.S., over 3000 people attended in 2006, and over 1000 BMW cars were present. In 2007, the event was held on May 5.

Overseas subsidiaries

South Africa

BMWs have been assembled in South Africa since 1970, when Praetor Monteerders' plant was opened in Rosslyn, near Pretoria. BMW acquired the company in 1973, which became BMW South Africa, the first wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW to be established outside Germany. Three unique models that BMW Motorsport created for the South African market were the BMW 333i, which added a 6-cylinder 3.2 litre engine to the BMW 3 Series,[[18] the BMW 325is which was powered by an Alpina derived 2.7 litre engine, and the E23 M745i, which used the engine from the BMW M1.

Unlike U.S. manufacturers, such as Ford and GM, which divested from the country in the 1980s, BMW retained full ownership of its operations in South Africa.

Following the end of apartheid in 1994, and the lowering of import tariffs, BMW South Africa ended local production of the 5-Series and 7-Series, in order to concentrate on production of the 3-Series for the export market. South African-built BMWs are now exported to right hand drive markets including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong, as well as Sub-Saharan Africa. Since 1997, BMW South Africa has produced vehicles in left hand drive for export to Taiwan, the United States and Iran, as well as South America.

BMW's with a VIN number starting with "NC0" are manufactured in South Africa.

United States

BMW factory in Spartanburg

BMW Manufacturing Co has been manufacturing the X5, and more recently, also the X3 and X6 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.[19]

BMW's with a VIN number starting with "4US" are manufactured in Spartanburg.

India

BMW established in 2006 a sales subsidiary in Gurgaon (National Capital Region) and a state-of-the-art assembly plant for BMW 3 and 5 Series started operation in early 2007 in Chennai. The construction of the plant started in January 2006 with an initial investment of more than one billion Indian Rupees. The plant started fullfledged operation in the first quarter of 2007 and produces the different variants of BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series.[20]

China

In May 2004 BMW opened a factory in Shenyang, north-east China, in a joint venture with Brilliance China Automotive.[21] The factory is expected to produce 30,000 3 and 5 Series annually. BMW also has plans for a 2nd factory in China where the 1 Series will be produced.[22]

Related companies

A Combined BMW MINI dealership in Moncton, Canada

See also

  • list of Formula One constructors
  • BMW films
  • List of BMW engines
  • BMW Headquarters
  • BMW in motorsport
  • BMW CleanEnergy
  • BMW iDrive
  • Clemson University Center for Automotive Research
  • BMW model designations
  • Streetcarver BMW Street Carver Skateboards
  • History of BMW
  • History of BMW motorcycles

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Annual Report 2007". BMW Group. Retrieved on 2008-08-25.
  2. ↑ "Fliegerschule St.Gallen - history" (in German). Retrieved on 2008-08-24.
  3. ↑ Darwin Holmstrom, Brian J. Nelson (2002). BMW Motorcycles. MotorBooks/MBI Publishing Company. ISBN 076031098X. http://books.google.com.au/books?id=8XEV3HRlBZ4C. Retrieved on 2008-08-24. 
  4. ↑ Jeff Dean (2007-01-09). "The Origin of the BMW Logo: Fact and Fiction". Retrieved on 2008-08-24.
  5. ↑ Uniquely BMW. BMW North America. 2006. 
  6. ↑ Albrecht Rothacher (2004). Corporate Cultures And Global Brands. World Scientific. pp. p239. ISBN 9812388567. http://books.google.com.au/books?id=KdbY5QkQ64cC. 
  7. ↑ World Motor Vehicle Production, OICA correspondents survey
  8. ↑ http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=101846&topicId=104970025&docId=l:819957245
  9. ↑ "Equipment and Technical data" (PDF). BMW AG. Retrieved on 2008-05-17.
  10. ↑ Greg Migliore (2008-06-10). "Future vision? BMW reveals fabric-skinned concept after six years". www.autoweek.com. Retrieved on 2008-06-11.
  11. ↑ "Bimmer vs. Beemer". boston-bmwcca.org. Retrieved on 2007-06-23.
  12. ↑ Grahl, C: “Green finishing”, page 35(4). Industrial Paint & Powder, 2006
  13. ↑ Bird, J and Walker, M: “BMW A Sustainable Future? ”, page 11. Wild World 2005
  14. ↑ BMW Online Shop
  15. ↑ BMWonline - 1-888-BMW-ONLINE (888-269-6654) BMW, clothes, clothing, shirts, sweaters, polos, models, miniatures, shirt, tee, tees, sweater, polo, model, miniature, jewelry, motorcycle, leathers, boots, gloves
  16. ↑ W.P. BMW Group Canada Inc. http://www.bmw.ca
  17. ↑ Carver, Robert. BMW San Antonio. BMW Information http://www.mrbimmer.com/bmw.information
  18. ↑ BMW South Africa - Plant Rosslyn
  19. ↑ BMW AG (2006-10-16). "Out with the old, in with the new". Press release. Retrieved on 2008-09-04.
  20. ↑ International BMW website
  21. ↑ BMW opens China factory - TestDriven.co.uk
  22. ↑ BMW China archive at China Car Times

External links

BMW Motorcycles
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Marque 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
The British car industry – companies & marques
Marque 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce Limited Rolls-Royce Limited & Bentley Rolls-Royce Motors Rolls-Royce Motors (Vickers) BMW & VW Group BMW
Bentley Bentley VW Group
Armstrong Siddeley Siddeley-Deasy Armstrong Whitworth Armstrong Siddeley Bristol Siddeley Rolls-Royce Limited Rolls-Royce plc
Aston Martin Aston Martin Aston Martin Lagonda PAG (Ford) Aston Martin Lagonda
Lagonda Lagonda
Jaguar SS Cars Jaguar Jaguar
&
Daimler		 BMH British Leyland Jaguar
&
Daimler		 PAG (Ford) Tata
Daimler Daimler BSA BSA
Lanchester Lanchester
Rover Rover Rover Rover Austin Rover Group
&
Land Rover Group (BL plc)		 Rover Group (BAe) Rover Group
(BMW)		 MG & Rover (BMW)
Land Rover PAG (Ford)
Alvis Alvis BAE Systems
Standard Standard Standard Triumph Leyland Motors British Motor Heritage
Triumph Dawson Triumph BMW
Riley Riley Nuffield Organisation BMC BMH
MG Morris Garages (MG) Rover Group
(BMW)		 MG Rover Group (Phoenix) SAIC
+
NAC		 SAIC
Morris Morris Morris
Wolseley Wolseley
Austin Austin Austin
Vanden Plas Vanden Plas
Mini Mini (BMW)
Austin-Healey Austin (BMC) & Donald Healey
Jensen Jensen Motors Britcar Holdings Jensen Cars
Reliant Reliant Reliant
Bond Bond
AC AC Cars (several ownership & company name changes)
Argyll Argyll Argyll
Bristol (cars) Bristol Cars
Caterham Caterham
Crossley Crossley
Dutton Dutton Dutton
Ginetta Ginetta
Gordon-Keeble Peerless & Warwick Gordon-Keeble
Jowett Jowett Blackburn
Lea-Francis Lea-Francis
Lotus Lotus GM Europe (General Motors) Proton
McLaren McLaren
Marcos Marcos Marcos Marcos
Morgan Morgan
Napier Napier
Turner Turner
TVR TVR
Westfield Westfield Potenza Sports Cars
GTM GTM
Vauxhall Vauxhall Motors General Motors GM Europe (General Motors)
Vulcan Vulcan
Hillman Hillman Humber Rootes Chrysler Europe (Chrysler) Peugeot (PSA)
Humber Humber
Singer Singer Rootes
Sunbeam Sunbeam Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq Rootes (As Sunbeam-Talbot) Rootes Rootes
Talbot Talbot
Marque 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
Flag of Germany DAX companies of Germany

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