bmw car

The History and Success of BMW

Since its founding in 1916, the BMW Group has developed into one of the leading suppliers of mobility services. Its first venture was the manufacture of aeroplane engines, which gained a reputation for quality very fast. In 1919, a BMW IV aero-engine that achieved an altitude of 9,760 meters set a world record. Restrictions on the manufacture of aero engines following World War I forced BMW to diversify, which resulted in the creation of engines for buses, trucks, and boats.

Shift to Motorbike Production

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BMW started concentrating on motorcycles in 1923 and debuted the BMW R 32 at the German Motor Show. BMW transitioned from being an engine provider to an automobile manufacturer with this model. The R 32, which was built around a twin Boxer engine, was essential to BMW’s motorcycle manufacturing.

Resilience and Reinvention After the War

BMW experienced many difficulties following World War II, one of which was the closure of its Eisenach facility. Notwithstanding these obstacles, BMW brought back the R24 to launch a new age of personal mobility when it started producing motorcycles again in 1948. The company’s perseverance paid off, as sales of the R 25 and later variants were quite good.

Overcoming Adversity in Money

BMW was on the verge of bankruptcy in the late 1950s, but minority owners prevented Daimler-Benz AG from acquiring the company. BMW’s financial stability and independence were restored by a new restructuring plan spearheaded by Herbert Quandt, a significant stakeholder. The company’s comeback was signalled by the release of the BMW 1500 from the “New Class” and the BMW 700 tiny car.

Changing with the Market

Customers’ tastes shifted in favour of fuel-efficient cars after the 1973 oil crisis. In response, BMW introduced the BMW 1502 and the BMW 518, putting itself in a strong position for the ensuing economic upturn. BMW was able to prosper in the shifting market through the construction of improved manufacturing facilities and the introduction of economic models.

Innovative and Strategic Acquisitions

BMW purchased the Rover Group in 1994, keeping the Rolls-Royce and MINI brands. In 2001, the contemporary MINI made its debut and quickly gained popularity in the small-car market, while Rolls-Royce cemented BMW’s dominance in the high-end market. The 2008 financial crisis accelerated the BMW i project’s development, resulting in the 2013 introduction of the all-electric BMW i3.

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BMW's Future: iFACTORY

BMW places a strong emphasis on “lean,” “green,” and “digital” production in its strategic master plan, the iFACTORY. This project, which is being applied worldwide, sets new manufacturing norms. BMW’s reputation for quality and flexibility keeps the company successful in the automotive sector even as it innovates and broadens its selection of electric and hybrid vehicles.

In summary, BMW’s history, which began with the company’s production of aviation engines and has since evolved into a global leader in luxury mobility, is a tribute to its inventiveness, tenacity, and strategic vision. With its dedication to eco-friendly production methods and electromobility, BMW is a firm that is embracing the future and setting the standard for the automotive industry.

Suhani Jain

I am a student pursuing my bachelor’s in information technology. I have a interest in writing so, I am working a freelance content writer because I enjoy writing. I also write poetries. I believe in the quote by anne frank “paper has more patience than person

BMW Out with Electric Versions of the X1-SUV and 5-Series

Recent weeks have been exciting for auto enthusiasts, with companies like Ford and Tesla issuing updates on new releases. Well, the excitement is here to stay as BMW becomes the newest auto-giant to publish statements regarding future releases. As per a report, BMW has decided to offer completely electric versions of some of their vehicles in the coming year. Here’s a look at the whole story and what it means to the auto giant and car lovers.

BMW Company’s Electrics

BMW stated that it would be offering electric versions of two of their popular lines. The company will take the X1-SUV and 5 Series electric in a bid to have at least 25 electrified vehicles as a part of their portfolio by 2023. However, the company has not made it clear by when these vehicles will be available. The electric drive-train will serve as one of four options for the buyers of the X1 and 5-Series. The Sedan and SUV will also be available as diesel, gas or plug-in hybrids. Such models will feature a 48-bolt technology that is mild-hybrid in nature.

Expanding Lines

The
company came out with such a decision to align with its plan of diversifying
and expanding its electric lineup. Before this announcement, the company
decided earlier this year to offer their 7-Series as an electric as well. The
flagship 7-Series Sedan is one of their most iconic lineups, and coming next
year, it will be available with an electric drive-train.

Goals in the Years to Come

By
2023, the company aims to have at least 25 electric models on their portfolio.
Out of these 25, at least half the models will be fully electric, while the
others will have electric components. The “electrified” models also
stand for ones that come equipped as a plug-in hybrid or normal hybrid. BMW has
stated that its goal is to have at least 7 million electrified vehicles on the
road by the end of 2030. Also, the company is aiming to ensure that at least
two-thirds of that 7 million will be fully electric.

Availability

The automaker aims to bring out these five all-electric vehicles onto the road by the end of next year. The vehicles lined up include the Mini Cooper SE, BMW i4, BMW iX3, BMW iNEXT and the BMW i3. Out of these, the BMW i3 is a famous vehicle, which is a part of the electric vehicle industry. The others are newer entries that do not have the name that the i3 has, and this is something BMW wants to cultivate. When it comes to performance, the Cooper SE comes with an i3 motor. The vehicle’s marketing focuses on the fact that it is an easy-to-drive urban vehicle. It comes with a 32.6 kWh battery that allows for a 110-mile EPA-rated range.

iX3 Not for America

The
iX3, which borrows heavily from the X3, works as an electric crossover. The car
will have its assembly done in China, and will surprisingly not come to the US.
Instead, BMW plans to hit the market with the iX3 in China by the middle of
next year. The company choosing to ignore the US when it comes to their first
electric crossover seemed surprising to most experts. However, they believe the
decision will help BMW strengthen its hold on the EV market in Europe and
China.

However,
since the iX3 was built off the X3, which is the company’s most popular model
in the US, fans were left disappointed. The company held the unveiling of the
car in Beijing through the Auto China expo in 2018. The automaker will have to
keep in mind Europe’s stricter regulations when it comes to emissions to have a
successful campaign in the EU.

BMW
isn’t the only car manufacturer to rethink their EV strategies. For instance,
Mercedes-Benz has delayed the American launch of their EQC SUV, which will now
occur only in 2021. Similarly, Volkswagen will also withhold the ID.3 from the
US, bringing the ID.4 instead to American shores.

When
it comes to the other model, BMW stated that the i4, which has a range of 270
miles, will hit production in early 2021. Similarly, the iNEXT, which is a
flagship model for the company, will start production next year. It will be
interesting to see the finished models and how they perform in a tepid EV
market.

Athulya

Being a cinephile with a love for all things outdoorsy, Athulya never misses a chance to chase inspiring stories or poke fun at things, even when the subject is herself. Currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, she is someone innately interested in technical and scientific research. Music reviews and op-eds define her as they allow her to explore different perspectives. Though sometimes she thinks she makes more sense playing the guitar than she does while writing.