100 years of BMW: The history of a global company

Ultra-modern and trailblazing technology. Innovation, design and driving pleasure. These are the driving factors that have made the Bavarian manufacturer, over 100 years, into what it is today – a global player moving confidently into the future. We go on a journey through time which begins in 1916. Cars and motorbikes are the things for which the BMW brand is known the world over. But its origins lie in the air. The company was founded to manufacture aircraft engines, which were used in World War I. The production of motorbikes is the next step and the small Bavarian company tries to become more popular with that. The asset that BMW is best-known for today is actually the last product to be added to its portfolio. Only in the 30s BMW builds its first own car. The company is also part of the rearmament in World War II and even has concentration camp inmates working in their manufacturing site. Subscribe to wocomoMOTORS: https://goo.gl/UwTZsp Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wocomo After the war the company has to offer something new but the luxury car "Baroque-Angel" is a sales flop. The small Italian bubble car "Isetta" and the design legend "BMW 507" show that the company can do differently, but those cars are not able to save BMW from the crisis. In 1959 it looks like the company is to be sold to Daimler, but it can be prevented with Herbert Quandt getting into the business and the so called "New Class". A series of middle class cars are the beginning of BMW's way up. Also in motorsports the company can improve. New production sites are build and BMW develops from a small Bavarian producer to a global player. BMW takes over Rover. It is clear very soon that that was a big mistake. Rover is to be sold and BMW only keeps Mini in order to gain new and younger customers. The producer extends the product range more and more and new mobility and sustainability concepts are introduced. After 100 years of ups and downs BMW is now at a point to concentrate completely on the future. Historians, contemporary witnesses, racing drivers and fans talk about the background and the fascination that have made BMW a global player. Film by: Jens Niehuss, Hannah Bieneck Produced by: TVNTV, Autentic © 2016, Licensed by Autentic

Added 13 Sept 2026