March 7.03.1916, XNUMX | The beginning of the BMW brand

When a group of investors founded the company known today as BMW in 1916, their goal was not to make cars. The company has an aviation origin - it grew out of the factories of two engineers: Gustav Otto, who owns an aircraft factory, and Karl Rapp, an engine specialist.

Aircraft production began shortly after the company was founded, and the BMW logo has been on its products since 1917. Initially, these were military aircraft produced for military purposes. After the end of the First World War, demand declined and BMW began to explore the topic of land vehicles. It all started with mopeds to introduce the original motorcycle in 1923. The first BMW car was built thanks to the takeover of the car factory in Eisenach, where a licensed copy of the British Austin Seven was produced under the name BMW 3/15.

Car production proved profitable, but BMW did not abandon aviation and motorcycles. During World War II, the company produced power units for many Luftwaffe fighters and bombers.

After World War II, BMW began to produce luxury cars (model 501), as well as a cheap Isetta microcar, which was needed by a country that was recovering from the war.

Added by: 2 years ago,

a photo: Press materials