BMW, or Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is a German multinational corporation which produces luxury vehicles and motorcycles. The company was founded in 1916 as a manufacturer of aircraft engines, which it produced from 1917 until 1918 and again from 1933 to 1945.
BMW's first significant aircraft engine was the BMW IIIa inline-six liquid-cooled engine, which was widely used in World War I and which powered the Sopwith Camel among others. The engines became popular for their high reliability and performance, and BMW started producing motorcycle engines in 1923, with the BMW R 32. BMW's motorcycle brand is now known as BMW Motorrad.
The company produced its first car in 1928, the Dixi, and began full-scale car production in 1932. The company's first car, the Dixi, was based on the Austin 7 and licensed from the Austin Motor Company in Birmingham, England. BMW's headquarters are in Munich, Germany.
In the 1960s, BMW began producing sports cars and in the 1970s, it expanded its product line to include luxury cars and began producing the 7 Series luxury car in 1977. The company has significant motorsport history, especially in touring cars, Formula 1, sports cars and the Isle of Man TT.
BMW has a long history of motorsport involvement and is especially known for its success in touring cars, sports cars, and Formula 1. The company has a strong presence in the racing world, including touring cars, sports cars, and the Isle of Man TT. BMW has won many awards for its vehicles, including the World Car of the Year and the International Engine of the Year.
In the 21st century, BMW has expanded its product line to include SUVs and electric vehicles. The company has also entered the luxury crossover SUV market with the X6, which was first introduced in 2008. BMW has also released hybrid electric models, such as the BMW i3 and BMW i8.
In conclusion, BMW is a German multinational corporation that is known for producing luxury vehicles and motorcycles. The company has a long history in the automotive industry and has a strong presence in the motorsport world. In recent years, BMW has expanded its product line to include SUVs and electric vehicles, solidifying its place as a leader in the industry.