Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, better known as BMW, is a renowned German manufacturer founded in 1916 that originated as an aircraft engine producer before pivoting to motorcycles (1923) and automobiles (1928). Headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, the company produces luxury cars, performance vehicles, and motorcycles under the brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad. Known for the slogan "The Ultimate Driving Machine," BMW emphasizes sporty handling, precise engineering, and advanced technology, with a strong heritage in motorsports through its BMW M division. The company is a key player in electrification with its BMW i series and is heavily investing in sustainable production methods and hydrogen fuel cell technology. Today, BMW operates a global production network, frequently ranking among the world's top-selling luxury automakers, and maintains a long-term, stable ownership structure with the Quandt family. Founded in 1916 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke or "Bavarian Motor Works") has evolved from an aircraft engine manufacturer into a global leader in premium automobiles and motorcycles. The company's iconic blue-and-white roundel logo pays tribute to the Bavarian state colors, while its long-standing slogan, "The Ultimate Driving Machine," underscores a commitment to performance-oriented engineering. Today, the BMW Group encompasses the BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad brands, maintaining over 30 production sites worldwide. The brand is known for its diverse lineup—ranging from the compact 1 Series to the flagship 7 Series and high-performance M division models—and is currently pivoting toward a sustainable future with its all-electric BMW i sub-brand and the upcoming "Neue Klasse" platform.  

1. Digital Innovation: Features like the BMW Digital Key allow owners to use smartphones as car keys via NFC and Ultra-Wideband technology.

2. The "New Class" History: The 1961 "Neue Klasse" saved the company from bankruptcy and established its reputation for sporty sedans.

3. Spartanburg Plant: Located in South Carolina, this is the company's largest plant globally and a primary hub for X-Series SUVs.

4. Sustainability Targets: Aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 40% across the entire vehicle lifecycle by 2030 compared to 2019.

5. Level 3 Automation: BMW is actively rolling out Level 3 autonomous driving features, allowing for hands-off driving in specific highway conditions.

6. Shared Values: The corporate culture is built on five core principles: Responsibility, Appreciation, Transparency, Trust, and Openness.

7. Battery Recycling: Recently launched a closed-loop system in 2025 to recover and reuse raw materials from high-voltage EV batteries.

8. Luxury Market Leadership: Ranked as the world’s leading premium automotive manufacturer, with total group sales exceeding 2.5 million vehicles annually.

9. Research Intensity: Remains a top-30 global investor in R&D, spending billions annually on electrification and digitalization.

10. Hydrogen Research: Continues to develop hydrogen fuel-cell technology, such as the iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet, as a potential future alternative to batteries.