BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke) is a motor vehicle manufacturer founded in 1916 in Munich, Germany. Initially focused on aircraft engine production, the company later shifted to automobile and motorcycle manufacturing. Today, the BMW Group operates in the automotive, motorcycle, and financial services sectors.
BMW Logo (Official BMW Website)
Historical Development
BMW initially began operations in 1917 with aircraft engine production. In 1923, the company produced its first motorcycle (R32), followed by its first automobile (Dixi) in 1928. After World War II, BMW focused on civilian vehicle production and re-entered the car market in the 1950s with the 501 model. The Neue Klasse series in the 1960s contributed significantly to the company’s growth, and in the 1970s, the 3, 5, and 7 Series expanded the product range. From the early 21st century, investments in electric and hybrid vehicles became prominent, resulting in models such as the i3 (2013) and i8 (2014).
Product Range
Passenger and Luxury Series
1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series
Performance and M Series
M3, M4, M5, M8, XM, i4 M50, i7 M70
SUV and Crossover Models
X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7
Electric versions
iX1, iX3, iX, i7
Electric and Hybrid Models
Fully electric: i3, i4, i5, i7, iX
Plug-in hybrid: iPerformance series, hybrid versions of various internal combustion models
Electric Vehicle Technology and Platform Development
BMW is developing electric vehicles on a new modular platform called Neue Klasse. This platform optimizes battery system integration and provides flexibility in production. Infrastructure development for AC and DC fast-charging systems is ongoing. The company aims to reduce dependence on external suppliers for battery cell technology while increasing energy density and range.
Global Production Network and Financial Data
BMW has production facilities in Germany (Munich, Dingolfing, Leipzig), the United States (Spartanburg), China (Shenyang), Mexico, and South Africa. As of 2024, approximately 2.45 million vehicles were produced. The group’s revenue for the same year was €142 billion, with net profit of approximately €7.7 billion. Deliveries of fully electric vehicles (BEVs) exceeded 430,000 units, representing a 13.5% increase compared to the previous year.
Market Performance and International Distribution
In 2024, BMW experienced sales declines in the Chinese and German markets, with a 13.4% decrease reported in China. In contrast, BEV sales increased, with a 32% rise in the first quarter of 2025. Expansion in the SUV and electric vehicle segments continues.
Strategic Goals and Future Planning
BMW plans to increase electric vehicle investments by 2025 and offer all new models as electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles from 2030 onward. Long-term objectives include carbon-neutral production processes, emission reductions in the supply chain, and widespread implementation of software-supported vehicle architectures. Additionally, autonomous driving technologies and digital user services remain strategic priorities.
