Headquartered at Munich in Germany, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, shortly called “BMW” (Bavarian Motor Works) is engaged largely in the manufacture of automobiles and motorcycles as well as mini brands. Rolls-Royce Motors Cars falls under BMW parenthood and produces cars and mini vehicles. BMW is much acclaimed for its luxury and performance. BMS is global leader in premium cars segment. It also produces motorcycles under BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna brands.
Franz Josef Popp is the founder and the key man to the success of BMW. Others like Karl Rapp, Gustav Otto, Camilio Castiglioni et all are also credit-worthy for the respective roles they have played in revamping BMW at turbulent times. BMW has since long been considered the repertoire of key Know-how on aircraft engine construction. The brand BMW instantaneously flash back memories of its stalwart father ‘Franz Josef Popp’ who started his profession as Electrical Engineer in a Viennese company, AEG-Union. He was then made responsible for development of electric locomotive for the Mittenwald railway. He was then entrusted to manage aircraft engine product at AEG and Austro-Daimler works. Popp traveled to Germany on many occasions to access know-how and better facility to develop aircraft engine. He was able to strike a deal with Rapp Motorenwerke (Rapp Engine Works) in Munich. With this facility, BMW developed air-cooled radial engine under its own steam during the 1930 that spelt a strategic success for BMS and after successful launch of BMS II aircraft engine, Popp was asked to take control of Rapp Motorenwerke, the name of which was changed by Popp to Bayerische Motoren Werke AG and converted the company into joint-stock to become the General Director of the company. From his leadership, the company started to manufacture motorcycle engine and later full-body motorcycle which created public rapport and mass appeal to BMW brands.
BMW Legacy
BMW designed and developed war-mode air-cooled radical engines BMW 132 and BMW 801 and its axial-flow turbojet BMW003 became great shaker of the market. The world’s first jet fighter the Messerchmitt M 262 was powered by the BME 003 jet engine. However, because of some loopholes in the system, the fighter failed to take off. BMW, the first jet engine provider, took the responsibility and it only shows the ethics and principle of a great company like BMW. Like any company, BMW too witnessed ups and downs and BMW’s was a roller coaster journey. In crippling times and buoyant times, BMW appropriately led itself to have partnered with, collaborated with, tied up with, public floated, sold off, acquired and innovated in its spectacular growth. Rover group was once acquired by BMW and Designworks USA was 100% under its control in 1995. It helped it to come out with key know-how centre to make radical aircraft engine.
BMW Motorcycles
BMW’s first motorcycle was “R32” in 1923. R32 had ‘boxer’ twin engine, in which a cylinder projects into the air-flow from each side of the machine. R32 is the distinctive prototype of the famous R Series motorcycles. In 1990, BMW updated the airhead boxer engine to be known as oilhead engine and subsequently modified with twin spark plugs per cylinder. In 2004, it added a built-in shaft to take in the increased capacity of 100hp in R1200GS as against the 85 hp R1150GS. There were so many models born out of BMW’s skills, ideas and innovations and its ability to put into practice them are commendatory. Motorcycle suspension-design shift from swinging fork and front suspension known as Earles fork to telescopic front suspension and independent suspension, MacPherson struts, disc brakes etc. are worth kudos. Many models of motorcycles came, saw, conquered and shook the market.
BMW Models and Brands
Electric power, hybrid power (combustion engines and electric motors), hydrogen engines are keyed to the environment norms. BMW offers 49 models with EU5/6 emission norms and 20 models with Co2 output less than 140g/km. It has exacted itself at strategically important places. Its brand name has got acclaims from all over the world. BMS also gives license to manufacture under BMW brand. BMW X3 is made by Magna Steyr, under BMW license. BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series and X3 are in high demand and with the new models already in the market (including BMS 1 Series, 6 Series, X5, X6 and mini various models) nobody will be surprised if BMW manages to stay on the orbit.
. Environmentally speaking, the company is also a charter member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Environmental Achievement Track. Its leadership from the front in all walks of life are credit-worthy.
