Information About BMW
BMW---or Bayerische Motoren Werke---is a leader in the automobile industry that is considered one of the most reliable luxury cars in existence. With an extensive history that dates back to 1916, BMW has been through a number of changes and continues to impress consumers.
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Aircraft Engine Production
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Founded in 1916, BMW originally produced airplane engines. Used in German planes at the time, BMW was forced to stop producing airplane engines due to the Versailles Armistice Treaty that was signed at the end of World War I. A propeller still occupies the BMW logo, as it has throughout the company's history.
Motorcycle Production
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After BMW was forced to stop making airplane engines, it turned its attention to motorcycle production, which it still does today. However, from 2008 to 2009, the company's motorcycle production rate fell by 20 percent. BMW motorcycle models include the F series, G series, K series, R series and a sport bike model featuring a 999 cc engine. Its most popular selling model is the R1200GS.
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Automobile Production
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BMW began automobile production in 1928. It currently produces a variety of models of cars, including the 1 series―created in 2004―which is BMW's smallest car. The 3 series is a compact car that has been in production since 1975. The 5 series is BMW's mid-size executive car, and the 7 series features a hydrogen-powered engine, which is becoming more prevalent in automobiles due to concerns about the internal combustion engine's affects on the environment.
BMW also sells small sports coupes, such as the Z3 and Z4, and has even crossed over into developing SUVs.
Rover Acquisition
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A deal that began in 1992 that was ultimately finished in 1995 left BMW as the owner of the British Rover Group. The group consisted of the Land Rover, Rover, and MG brands. BMW held the acquisition for six years, then sold it.
Production Numbers
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BMW produces large numbers of cars and motorcycles per year. In 2009, it produced over 1,258,000 vehicles, as well as over 80,000 motorcycles. As owners of Rolls-Royce and Mini, BMW also produced over 1,400 Rolls-Royce luxury vehicles and over 200,000 Minis.
Racing
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BMW has been used extensively in racing. It has had one Driver Championship and over 20 Grand Prix wins. BMW announced that 2009 would be its final year of Formula 1 racing.
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References
- Photo Credit BMW Fronto image by crossgolfing from Fotolia.com
