BMW

The brand I discuss today oozes luxury but symbolizes value. It is the brand that has successfully carried out the feat of exporting brand equity and reputation out of its home country to every part of the world. And today its known for its quality, class and pursuit of excellence. It is the ride that captures everyone's fancy. No wonder, it holds a position among top most car brands in the world. 

What's in a name ?
Popular misconception : BMW stands for Best Motorcar in the World.
Fact : BMW stands for Bavarian Motor Works.

Hmmm.....'Bavaria'. Is that Italian ?
Bavaria is a state in Southwest Germany. The BMW headquarters are located in the city of Munich in Bavaria. 

Okay, so if its Germany, then BMW must have started before World War II.
BMW was started in 1917 by an Austrian Engineer Franz Josef Pop

Wasn't Ford started around the same time ? Have they been competing since then ?
Ford was launched in the US in 1903 and did not enter the European Market until 1967. More over BMW did not start its business by making cars. It started off as an aircraft engine production company and shifted to motorcycle production in 1923. BMW's first car was produced in 1927. 

Which was this car ?
It was called Dixi. It was a 754 cc car with a straight four engine. 2000 units were produced for this car. 

Which are some of the most notable BMW cars ?

Yesteryear
BMW 501 and successor 502 (1952 - 1964) were the first luxury cars produced after the World War II, when BMW had to start almost from scratch. The Car was called the "Baroque Angel" (in reference to curved flowing body style). 

Retro Era
BMW M1 (1978-1981) was a sports car produced in collaboration with Lamborghini. The car allowed BMW to enter in sports car race series. The result was a super car designed by, arguably, the best car designer in history. Only 400 streetcar units were produced for this design.

The future
BMW i3 is an ultra modern electric car under development by BMW. The car does not need and internal combustion engine and will be the first zero-emission vehicle produced.

What do the different number 'series' mean in BMW cars ?
Series are BMW's way to segment its market and provide each customer the car he wants to buy and can buy. There are three major series 3, 5 and 7 and each represent a different segment with 7 series being the top most segment. So 745i is a 7 series car with a 4.5 litre engine and i stands for fuel injection.

How much money does BMW make ?
BMW's annual revenue for 2011 was € 68.8 billion ( Rival Audi's revenue was € 44.096 billion and Honda € 7.85 billion ). To put this in broader perspective technology giant Google's 2011 revenue was € 29.77 billion). 

The revenues are collectively reported for cars, motorcycles and bicycles division ( yes BMW makes bicycles too  ! )

BMW has a beautiful logo, does it represent something?

The BMW logo resembles the Flag of Bavaria the state in which it is headquartered.  However, many people believe that the BMW logo represents a white propeller against a blue sky. The correct association is controversial. 

BMW has also been featured in several movies right ? Like the James Bond movie ?
BMW was featured in the 1993 James Bond flick Golden Eye. The launch campaign was carefully orchestrated with the movie and was responsible for generating the initial buzz. 
Some other notable films that feature BMW cars are The Transporter (in an action packed chase scene ), 2 fast 2 Furious, The Italian Job and Gone in Sixty Seconds. Also, BMW has also made its own series of  10 minute short films called The Hire, purely as a brand promotion exercise. 

In addition, there is also a fun side of BMW ( you thought only Google came up with innovative ideas ? ). 

So what is the secret behind BMW's success ?
BMW lays strong emphasis on design and quality. The designers consider their cars a piece of art. They believe that the cars have a soul and just like making a fine wine cannot be hurried, the perfect design takes the perfect time. More over the work force at BMW is so passionate about their work that they discuss projects even during lunch break. In addition to being a successful brand itself. BMW also owns the Rolls Royce Motor Company. Today BMW is a brand that represents pride for the owner and a dream for the aspirants.