What does BMW stand for?
BMW stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke in German which when translated into English, means Bavarian Motor Works.
BMW started out as an aircraft engine company. Heavy demand for aircraft engines by the Austrian military during World War I gave BMW its start. By the end of war in 1918, BMW was forced to shut down due to the Versailles Armistice Treaty which prohibited aircraft engine production by Germany and hence BMW.
BMW transitioned into motorcycle production in 1923 when the restrictions of the treaty started to be lifted. Automobile production started in 1928.
BMW has seen some bumps in the road during it long history, but has managed to become one of the most respected brands in the world. BMW is headquartered in Munich, Germany with a manufacturing plant in the United States.
The Z Models, X5 and X6 are manufactured in the United States. The other models are made Austria with some assembly in Asia and South Africa.
