Where Do BMWs Come From?

The BMW, which stands for Bavarian Motor Works, comes from Munich, Germany. BMW actually started as an aircraft engine manufacturer. In fact, the blue and white logo comes from the head-on view of spinning airplane propellers. The company then moved into motorcycle production and, later, to car production. Even from the early years, it became known as a high-quality vehicle manufacturer. The various motorcycle and car editions BMW came out with were entered into many contests and often took first prize. It quickly began to build a name for itself in the German sports vehicle contest arena.
BMW continued to make airplane engines despite its success in the production of personal vehicles. In 1943, it worked on the first ever mass-produced jet engine. This was groundbreaking news and kept BMW in the forefront of the automobile and aircraft production pack. In 1945, it got its first license to repair US Army automobiles in Germany.
BMW experienced some setbacks because of World War I and was not able to produce cars for a few years. The company was discouraged, but did not give up. It had to discontinue production for some years, but came back in 1949 with another successful motorcycle release. BMW went on to become the World Motorcycle Sidecar champion in the '50s and held the prestigious title for 20 years. It was not until the late '60s and early '70s that BMW began to experience significant commercial success with its cars. It continued to produce newer and better cars that rivaled its biggest peer, Mercedes-Benz.