BMW
BMW is an acronym synonymous with power and quality. The company originally was a manufacturer of aircraft engines. It is a little known fact because of the massive popularity of the BMW vehicle. After the armistice was signed, the Allies prohibited the German military from manufacturing engines for aircrafts. During this time, BMW began to manufacture engines for boats and trucks while continuing production of aircraft engines in secret. By 1920, BMW was struggling to make a profit and was forced to begin manufacture of other products.
The company began designing an engine for a motorcycle. BMW produced their motorcycle from 1920 to 1922. Less than ten years later, in 1928, BMW finally ventured into making passenger cars. 1933 brought their first six cylinder engine for their vehicles. This would begin a tradition of powerful engines for BMW vehicles. The legendary BMW 328 Roadster was first manufactured in 1936. It is considered one of the most beautiful creations that the company has ever manufactured and is a legend in the racing industry.
The car was even nominated as the Car of the Century. With a number of speed records set by BMW engines, the company made a name for itself based upon the quality of their engines. During World War II, the company continued work on one of the first mass produced jet engines. This was groundbreaking technology in that time. By the end of the war however, BMW was in shambles. Because of their work on the aircraft engines, the Allies imposed a three year ban on production. Between 1952 and 1954 BMW produced the R68, a motorcycle capable of speeds up to one hundred sixty miles per hour. The 1960’s were a good decade for the manufacturer.
They came out with many new models of motorcycles as well as cars. For the next thirty years, BMW worked to make its name known worldwide. In 1994 the manufacturer purchased Rover Group, which was responsible for the Land Rover, Rover, and MG brands but eventually sold the brands due to losses sustained. BMW maintained the rights to build a new MINI, which was launched in 2001. To this day, the BMW lineup consists of several innovative and powerful vehicles. Many of the earlier productions are still on the road today. That in itself proves the lasting quality of these vehicles. BMW vehicles maintain their value through the years. Used BMWs are often times just as good as they were the day of manufacture. |