The impetus for the unification of efforts and the release of more aircraft engines was the First World War. Military operations required a lot of equipment, and the plant that emerged in 1917 was ready to meet these needs. Upon the merger, the company was named Bayerische Motoren Werke. The first letters made up the now famous automobile brand BMW.

From aircraft to moto engines

With the end of the First World War, the prosperity of the company ended. According to the Versailles Treaty, the Germans for a full five years lost the right to manufacture engines for aircraft, the power of which exceeded 100 hp.

The company was saved from bankruptcy by re-profiling. Thanks to optimism, entrepreneurs were able to quickly reorganize and start, in 1920, the production of small motors for motorcycles. Many motorcycle manufacturers have become buyers boxer engines BMW.

A little later, the company began to assemble a two-wheeled product entirely. The first-born - R32 appeared in 1923. The quality of the vehicle can be judged by sales. More than three thousand units of R32 were sold by the beginning of 1926. With an engine power of 8.5 hp. the motorcycle could accelerate to 90 km / h or more. The low center of gravity made it very stable. There were no difficulties in handling and leaving. All this taken together made it possible to sell the product at a high price of 2,200 imperial marks. Competitors asked for much less for their products. But the R32 was worth that kind of money, because it was the absolute champion in speed and the results of international races have repeatedly confirmed this fact.

Now it is no longer a secret, what used to be a big secret: the company supplied aircraft engines to the USSR. We can say that Russian aviation developed on German aircraft engines. At least, most of the records of the Land of the Soviets in air travel were won precisely on those aircraft on which BMW engines were installed.

In 1928 the firm made two significant acquisitions. The first is the production area in Eisenach. The second is a permit for the manufacture of Dixi small cars. It was the little Dixi that became the first car produced by BMW. The machine was very popular in a difficult economic period, as it did not require a lot of costs.

By September 1939, BMW was one of the world's leading vehicle manufacturers. The company focused on the production of sports equipment. For example, a distance record was set on an open plane when flying across the North Atlantic. The speed record belongs to motorcycle racer Ernst Henne, who managed to accelerate to 279.5 km / h on the R12.

Car - for the driver

The first car with a six-cylinder engine began to be assembled in 1933. The models were assigned the “303” index. A few years later, the legendary "328" appeared. This sports car was destined to become a true celebrity. Its release also formed the living concept: "A car for a driver". Absolutely all innovations of the company are designed, first of all, for ease of control and driver comfort.

Another equally well-known German company Mercedes-Benz is of the opinion that a car, first of all, must satisfy the needs of passengers. “Car - for passengers” is their motto.

Both concepts are relevant, both allow the concerns to develop successfully.

As for the BMW 328, it far outstripped all pursuers in rallies, circuit races and hill climbing competitions. Connoisseurs of sports cars gave it unconditional primacy.

The vicissitudes of fate

The new war did not bypass the BMW factories. Germany again needed aircraft engines. Car production was suspended. Despite the hostilities, or rather thanks to them, the company is developing rapidly. She was the first in the world to create a jet engine, and also began testing rocket engines.

The end of the war turned out to be a real disaster for the concern. By that time, his factories were scattered throughout Germany. Those that ended up in the east of the country were irretrievably lost. The winners dictated their own rules to the Germans and, in particular, banned the production of engines for aircraft and missiles.

We must pay tribute to the perseverance and hard work of Otto and Rapp, who found the strength and began to restore production from scratch.

The very first post-war product of the company is the single-cylinder R24 \u200b\u200bmotorcycle. It was assembled not at a factory, but in a small workshop, since the manufacturers did not have either production facilities or equipment.

The first post-war passenger car - "501" appeared in 1951. Here friends miscalculated. The funds for this model were wasted. They did not receive any profit from the new model.

Four years later, the R 50 and R 51 models began to be assembled. They opened a completely new generation of two-wheeled vehicles. A distinctive characteristic was that the entire chassis... At the same time, the small car “Isetta” appeared. This three-wheeled product was something strange. No longer a motorcycle (there was a door that opened along the way), but not yet a car (no fourth wheel), Isetta was for some time extremely popular with impoverished Germans.

Passion to powerful engines and played a cruel joke on the same cars with manufacturers. Too much was spent on the production of limousines, but there was no demand for them. So the firm was threatened with collapse again. We started talking about selling the company.

Mercedes-Benz announced the purchase of a "fellow". But the deal fell through: the owners of BMW shares, its agents and employees opposed such a solution to the issue.

Many years of experience of working together helped to cope with a difficult situation for the third time. The restructuring of finance and new model sports car - BMW-1500.

New achievements

For the last three decades of the last century, the company has developed rapidly. New capacities were built, equipment was improved. At this time were created:

- "2002-turbo" (for the first time in world practice);
-system that protects the brakes from blocking. All modern cars are equipped with a similar system;
-electronic control engine (for the first time).

In the Formula 1 competition in '83, the winner is the driver who started in a Brabham BMW. The headquarters moves to a new building in Munich. The test site is opened in Aschheim. A research institution is under construction to develop improved models.

In the 70s, the first cars of the third, fifth, sixth and seventh series appeared.

From the 69th, motorcycles began to be produced at a factory located in Berlin. Then there were motorcycles - "opposites". The first full-size fairing was installed on the R100 RS in '76.

83rd was marked by the fact that it was then released famous brand - K100. Its four-cylinder engine was fuel-injected and liquid-cooled. One hundred years since the release of the very first motorcycle was celebrated in the 85th. Then a record number of motorcycles was assembled at the Berlin plant - more than 37 thousand units. Another novelty - K1 was presented at the presentation in the 89th.

In the 90s, Germany was reunited, and the concern registered a company called BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH. In addition, it was decided to re-engage in the creation of aircraft engines. A year later, the BR-700 motor was ready.

The company significantly strengthened its position when in 94th it bought the Rover Group and the largest British complex that produced Land Rover, Rover and MG cars. The acquisition cost DM 2.3 billion. New capacities have expanded the model range of the company with SUVs and ultra-small cars. Four years later, the concern acquired another British company. This time the famous Rolls-Royce company became its property.

Front passenger airbag, all standard bMW cars began to be completed in the 95th year. And from March of the same year, the third series wagon (touring) was launched into the series.

AT last years of the last century, there were many interesting motorcycles from a technical point of view. The R100RT Classic deserves special attention. Designed for tourism enthusiasts, this piece has trunks and heated handlebars. Another bike of the same family, the R100GS PD, was also designed for touring trips. Both models have taken part in the prestigious Paris-Dakkar world rally. They were not only participants, they had four victories on their account.

The F650 model is quite popular. From the very beginning of production (1993), it began to compete on an equal footing with Japanese motorcycles of a similar class.

The development of the R1100RS opposites also began in the 93rd of the 20th century. On this model, for the first time, not only the footrests and handlebars, but also the saddle were equipped with an adjustment mechanism. A year later, two more representatives of a similar model appeared. The first one is R1100RT, the second one is R850R.

The R1100GS is among the world's most powerful motorcycles. And the tourist K1100RS became the most popular among the representatives of motor vehicles with four cylinders. It owes its popularity to the sports fairing. And the most interesting one is the representative K1100LT. The huge fairing on this bike is electrically powered. He has:

Adjustable windshield;
-large trunks for luggage;
-system of anti-lock brakes.

The modern BMW concern is a well-developed production facility with offices in all parts of the world. BMW does not rely on automation, all assembly processes are carried out manually. Each copy is subjected to computer diagnostics.

High-quality, safe and comfortable equipment is in constant demand. Therefore, sales are growing every year, and with them the profit of the company.

However, if you prefer cars from Japanese manufacturers, we can advise you on the lexus center in Yekaterinburg. In that dealership you can purchase vehicles from the ES, IS, GS, LS, CT and RX ranges at an affordable price.

BMW - how much is in these three letters. There is not a single person in the world in the world who would not know that this is one of the best German car companies. Cars of this brand excite the minds of adolescents, adult men and even female representatives. It all started back in 1913, when two young people create two firms for the production of engines for aircraft. Soon they merge into one company, which is proudly called "Bavarian Motor Plants". Since that time, BMW cars are called Bavarian, and some official dealers receive the prefix "Bavaria" in the name. The official year of the company's creation is 1917. In five years the company will be almost 100 years old. A whole century of unique and diverse cars, various innovations and a lot of fans around the world. This is BMW's greatest achievement. After the end of the First World War, the company was on the verge of bankruptcy and decided to focus on the production of motorcycles and engines for them. Note that BMW still produces the most modern two-wheeled vehicles that are sold in countries such as North Ossetia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, South Ossetia, Abkhazia , Armenia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, USA, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Europe (European Union (EU)), Bulgaria, Great Britain, Spain, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, France, Croatia, Czech Republic, Montenegro , Austria, Switzerland, Australia, Israel, India, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Iran, China, Japan, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya.

The German company develops a wide variety of motorcycle engines and motorcycles themselves, while thinking about making cars. In 1928 year BMW buys a license to manufacture his first car. He gets the name Dixi. The novelty immediately begins to conquer Europe, and the Bavarians are slowly increasing their popularity all over the world. In those years, BMWs distinguished the sporty character of their creations. As you can see, these features can still be seen in the company's cars.

In the 30s of the last century, the first BMW 328 was produced, which will become one of the most successful in history. The main difference between the "three-ruble note" is in its aggressive nature. The 3 Series car has won a number of awards and honors, which only underline the correctness of the chosen BMW line.

After the Second World War and the collapse of Germany, the company begins to experience not the most rosy times. BMW again decides to focus on the production of aircraft engines. However, the Germans are still hungry for innovation and create a mixture of motorcycle and automobile. The track-wheeled "miracle" (and there is no other way to call it) is gaining success in the homeland, but literally a few months later, people begin to take an interest in other cars and BMW is approaching the brink of bankruptcy. The question of selling the company arises, and Mercedes' main competitor is even trying to buy out the Bavarian company. BMW undergoes a capital restructuring and begins to continue production. In fact, this is the beginning of the formation of a company that has won the hearts of motorists around the world. Note that today this allows the Bavarians to successfully sell their cars for such world currencies as the Russian ruble, the US dollar, the Australian dollar, the Belarusian ruble, the British pound, the Kazakhstani tenge, the Canadian dollar, the Chinese yuan, the Ukrainian hryvnia, the New Zealand dollar , Swiss frank.

Naturally, many banks in the world are pleased to cooperate with a reputable German brand. Among them we can highlight the banks of Belarus, Banks of Russia (VTB Bank, Sberbank, Alfa Bank), Banks of Europe, Banks of Ukraine, Banks of the USA, Banks of Switzerland.

The German concern is gradually opening new factories around the world, producing the first car with a turbocharged engine, and also creating an anti-lock braking system known as ABS. All of the above achievements bring BMW closer to the world automotive leaders by leaps and bounds. In the 70s of the last century, the still popular models of the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 6th series were created, without which it is impossible to imagine a German brand today.

Meanwhile, other automakers do not stand still: VAZ, UAZ, Renault, Audi, Toyota, Kia, BMW, Nissan, Ford, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Mercedes.

BMW cars are increasingly mentioned in various media in Russia and the CIS, Foreign media, among which are: The Guardian, The Financial Times, The New York Times, Forbes.

The company does not forget about the production of motorcycles, which are also gradually gaining popularity, as well as Yachts, Cars, Phones, Dogs, Diamonds, online games, and real estate.

In 1994, BMW acquires the British industrial group Rover, which owns the Rover, Land Rover and MG brands. This purchase allows the company to increase its share of the SUV and compact car market. Four years later, the Germans take over the British premium brand Rolls Royce.

The number of cars produced is constantly growing. Today BMW is a very prestigious brand, therefore, employees of embassies, consulates, travel and insurance companies often move on the cars of the German company. In addition, cars attract the attention of such personalities from the world of show business as Alla Pugacheva, Anastasia Volochkova, Ani Lorak, Christina Orbakaite, Ksenia Sobchak, Philip Kirkorov, Nikolai Baskov.

BMW, Bayerisch Motoren Werke AG, is a German automobile company specializing in the production of passenger cars, sports cars, off-road vehicles and motorcycles. The headquarters is located in Munich.

In 1913, on the northern outskirts of Munich, Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, son of the inventor of the engine internal combustion Nikolaus August Otto, two small aircraft engine firms are created. Started First world War immediately brought numerous orders for aircraft engines. Rapp and Otto decide to merge into one aircraft engine plant. This is how an aircraft engine plant appeared in Munich, which in July 1917 was registered under the name Bayerische Motoren Werke (“Bavarian Motor Plants”) - BMW. This date is considered to be the year of foundation of BMW, and Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto are its founders.

After the end of the First World War, the company was on the verge of collapse, since under the Treaty of Versailles, the Germans were forbidden to produce engines for aircraft, namely, engines were the only BMW products at that time. But the enterprising Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto find a way out - the plant is redesigned to produce first motorcycle engines, and then the motorcycles themselves.

In 1923, the first R32 motorcycle comes out of the BMW factory. At the 1923 Motor Show in Paris, this first BMW motorcycle immediately gained a reputation for speed and reliability, which was confirmed by absolute speed records in international motorcycle races of the 20s and 30s.

At the same time, the "Motor-4" engine is being developed, the final assembly of which is carried out in other European countries. In 1919, Franz Diemer on an airplane with this engine, having risen to an altitude of 9760 meters, sets the first BMW world record. Production receives an additional impetus after the conclusion of a secret agreement with Soviet Russia to supply it with the latest aircraft engines. Most of the Soviet record-breaking flights of the 1930s were performed on aircraft equipped with BMW engines.

In 1928, the company acquires car factories in Eisenach (Thuringia), and with them a license for the production of a small car Dixi (it was licensed English Austin 7). Its production begins in 1929. Dixi is the first BMW car. In a period of economic difficulties, the small car becomes the most popular car in Europe. By the beginning of World War II, BMW was one of the most dynamically developing companies in the world, producing equipment with a sports orientation. She has several world records to her credit: Wolfgang von Groenau crosses the North Atlantic from east to west on an open seaplane Dornier Wal powered by BMW, Ernst Henne on an R12 motorcycle equipped with a cardan drive, hydraulic shock absorbers and a telescopic fork (invention of BMW) sets the world speed record for motorcycles - 279.5 km / h, unbeaten by anyone for the next 14 years.

In 1933, the production of the model "303" - the first bMW car with a 6-cylinder engine. It was this model that was the first to acquire the characteristic radiator grille. popularly called "nostrils" BMW. These nostrils have become a typical design element of all BMW vehicles.

In 1936, BMW produced the famous 328, one of the most successful sports cars. For that time, these were simply avant-garde technical innovations: a tubular frame, a six-cylinder engine with a light alloy head, new system valve mechanism with rods. With the 328 model, BMW became so famous in the second half of the 30s. that all subsequent cars with the two-color logo were perceived by the public as a symbol of high quality, reliability and beauty. With its appearance, the ideology of BMW was finally formed, which to this day defines the concept of new models: "A car for a driver". The main competitor, Mercedes-Benz, follows the principle: "The car is for passengers." Since then, each company has gone its own way, proving that it was her choice that was correct.

The winner of a myriad of competitions - circuit races, rallies, hill climb races - the BMW 328 was addressed to sports car connoisseurs and left all production sports cars far behind.

1938 BMW acquires Pratt-Whitney engine license. Then the model 132 was developed, which was installed on the famous Junkers J52. In the same year, the fastest pre-war motorcycle model was created with a capacity of 60 hp. and a maximum speed of 210 km / h. In 1939, German racer Georg Mayer becomes the European champion on this motorcycle. And for the first time a foreigner on a foreign motorcycle wins the British "Senior Tourist Trophy" race.

The outbreak of war leads to the suspension of the production of cars. Priority is again given to aircraft engines.

In 1944, BMW was the first in the world to start producing the jet engine BMW 109-003. Rocket engines are also being tested. The end of World War II was a disaster for the concern. Four factories in the Eastern zone of occupation were destroyed and dismantled. The parent plant in Munich was dismantled by the British. In connection with the production of aircraft engines and missiles during the war, the winners issue an order banning production for three years.

Both Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, who have not changed their love for motors, decide to start again from scratch. The R24 1-cylinder motorcycle is being developed, which was assembled in the workshops almost handicraft. It becomes the first post-war BMW product. In 1951, the first post-war passenger car, model "501", appeared. However, it does not bring financial success.

1955 saw the launch of the R 50 and R 51 models, opening a new generation of motorcycles with fully sprung undercarriage, and the Isetta runabout, a strange symbiosis of motorcycle and car. A three-wheeled car with a door that opens forward in traffic was a huge success in impoverished post-war Germany. But because of the ensuing enthusiasm for large limousines and the associated losses, the company is on the verge of collapse. This is the only case in the entire bMW historywhen the economic situation was calculated incorrectly and the cars thrown onto the market had no demand. There is a question about selling the company. Mercedes-Benz hastened to announce its purchase, but this was prevented by small shareholders, employees of the company, its sales agents.

By restructuring its capital structure, BMW is able to continue its business. For the third time, the firm starts all over again.

1956 - New York-based designer Albrecht Graf Hertz creates a sensational sports car. "BMW beat even Italians." - so the newspapers wrote in 1956, when this car was presented. The BMW 507 was offered as both a roadster and a hardtop. Eight-cylinder aluminum engine with a volume of 3.2 liters and 150 hp. accelerated the car to 220 km per hour. In total, 252 units were sold from 1956 to 1959. Today it is one of the rarest and most expensive collectible cars.

1959 - with the new BMW 700 with air system cooling, the concern managed to overcome the internal crisis and create the basis for the further success of the brand as a whole. The success was achieved not only in the sales area. The coupe version enabled BMW to achieve sporting victories.

In 1962 the concept of the 1500 lightweight model. compact. sports. four-door car - has been accepted in the market with such enthusiasm. that the production capacity was not sufficient to meet the demand for these vehicles.

In 1966, the two-door 1600-2 was introduced for the first time. It served as the basis for the successful series of turbocharged models from 1502 to 2002. The successes of the "new class" contributed to the development of the entire lineup. The BMW concern was able to afford to revive the tradition of the 30s and start producing six-cylinder models. 1968 saw the premiere of the 2500 and 2800 models, which brought BMW back into the business. producing large sedans. In this way. The 60s were the most successful in the entire history of the enterprise.

1969 BMW moves motorcycle production to Berlin. Production of a new series of "opposed" motorcycles begins. 1976 for the first time a full-size fairing was installed on the R100 RS motorcycle. In 1983, one of the most popular motorcycle models was produced - the K100 with a 4-cylinder in-line engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection. In the year of the century of the motorcycle, in 1985, the Berlin plant produces more than 37 thousand motorcycles. In 1989, the presentation of the K 1 motorcycle takes place.

In the 1970s, the first cars of the famous BMW series appeared - models of the 3-series, 5-series, 6-series, 7-series. With the launch of the 5 Series, the production of a fundamentally new generation of BMW models began. If earlier the concern occupied mainly the niche of sports cars, now it has taken its place in the segment of comfortable sedans. Coupe 3.0 CSL. which has won six European championships since 1973. makes BMW particularly successful. This coupe hid a lot of technical innovations. It was the first to use a six-cylinder BMW engine with four valves per cylinder. and its braking system was equipped with ABS - a complete novelty for those times.

In 1977, a new breakthrough in the luxury class. With the introduction of the 7 Series, the fundamental renewal of all BMW series has ended.

Since 1986 the BMW M3 has been the most successful road race car in the world. The compact two-door model has been developed in parallel for both series production and motorsport. The result was simply triumphant for BMW. In 1987, the Italian Roberto Raviglia wins first place in the world championship in road racing. And for the next five years, the BMW M3 dominated the sports scene.

In 1987, the new roadster, which was originally conceived simply as an experimental model, continued the tradition of BMW roadsters from the 30s and 50s. The BMW Z1 was built in 8,000 units and is the bearer of state-of-the-art technology. The aerodynamics of this car were also exemplary. In 1987, BMW was one of the first in the world to use an electronic engine power control system.

In 1990, a new coupe dream: the BMW 850i. The heart of this sleek luxury coupe was a twelve-cylinder engine that could literally shoot the car forward at any speed. The completely new integral rear axle combines sporting qualities with the highest level of comfort in a completely unique way.

In the year of German reunification, the concern, having founded BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH, returns to its roots in the field of aircraft engine building, and in 1991 presents the new BR-700 aircraft engine. In the early 1990s, the third generation compact sports cars of the 3 Series and the 8 Series coupes appeared on the market.

A good move for the company was the purchase in 1994 for $ 2.3 billion. german marks industrial group Rover Group ("Rover Group"), and with it the largest complex in the UK for the production of cars of the brands Rover, Land Rover and MG. With the purchase of this company, the list of BMW cars was replenished with missing ultra-small cars and SUVs.

Since 1995, all BMW vehicles have been fitted with an airbag for the front passenger and an anti-theft engine locking system as standard equipment. In March of the same year, the touring of the 3 series was launched. New car differed not only in modern design, but also in the most advanced technology. For example, for the first time in the automotive industry, the chassis was made almost entirely of aluminum.

Also 1995 - the debut of the new 5-Series BMW. The main principle in its development - the creation of a harmonious concept. The new car was distinguished not only by its modern design, but also by the most advanced technology: for the first time in the automotive industry, the chassis was almost entirely made of aluminum. The use of new materials has increased the vehicle utilization rate up to 85 percent. The exceptionally rigid body provides an unrivaled level of passive safety.

In 1996, the BMW Z3 7 Series was equipped with a diesel engine for the first time. The unique synthesis of dynamism and classic design is a delightful concept. Additional advertising for the car is created by the film "Golden Eye", in which the super agent 007 James Bond drives around on the Z3. BMW Z3 has become a bestseller. The new plant in Spartanburg does not have time to fulfill all orders.

In 1997, the motorcycle that can not leave you indifferent - the Model R 1200 C, represents a completely new interpretation of the road bike. Sensational design that combines traditional and futuristic elements. He received the largest BMW boxer engine ever built. Its working volume is 1170 cm3. and the developed power is 61 hp. In the same year, BMW presents another dream car. This is the M Roadster, which, like no other, is the true embodiment of a thoroughbred open sports car.

In 1997, BMW unveiled a dream car that made the hearts of connoisseurs jump. The M Roadster embodies the ideal of a pure-bred sports car like no other BMW before. Its 321-horsepower M3 engine guarantees an exciting ride.

In the spring of 1998, the fifth generation of the successful 3 Series sedans debuted. Redesigned in many details, the new 3 Series offers not only exceptional appearancebut also the most modern engines, the latest suspension technology and best-in-class safety standards.

The beginning of 1999 saw the debut of the BMW X5, the world's first Sports Activity Vehicle: a vehicle that uniquely combines elegance and practicality, thus opening up new dimensions of mobility.

And one more first place: the BMW Z8, the great sports car, celebrated its premiere in 1999 and delighted James Bond fans in The World Is Not Enough.

In 1999, BMW also surprised automotive enthusiasts at the Frankfurt Motor Show with the futuristic Z9 gran turismo concept.

BMW, which began as a small aircraft engine plant, currently manufactures its products at five plants in Germany and twenty-two subsidiaries scattered around the world. It is one of the few automotive firms that does not use robots in factories. All assembly on the conveyor is done only by hand. The output is only computer diagnostics of the main parameters of the car.

The automotive industry has always suffered from the fact that the relationship between manufacturers was very difficult to understand. After the global financial crisis severely crippled it in almost all countries, European and American auto giants began to frantically resell their brands. In this confusion, it became unclear who is now responsible for the famous brands. Online812 has traced the complex history of relationships between the largest automotive brands.

Few succeed in maintaining their independence in a competitive market. Basically, these are the largest brands, still in the hands of the families of their founders. For example, Peugeot Citroen is still 30.3% (45.1% of voting shares) owned by the Peugeot family. The shares are also owned by the employees of the concern (2.76%), there are also treasury shares (3.07%). The rest of the shares are in free float.

By the way, Peugeot SA acquired 38.2% of Citroën's shares back in 1974, and two years later increased this share to 89.95%. So today "Peugeot" almost completely controls the previously independent "Citroen".

The Bavarian concern BMW, which in 1959 virtually single-handedly saved Herbert Quandt from the sale, is still dependent on his family. In the late 50s, a competing company Daimler-Benz became interested in the unprofitable German brand, but Quandt did not sell it, and invested himself. Today his widow Joanna Quandt and children Stefan and Suzanne control a 46.6% stake in BMW and live quite well. Stefan Quandt even served as deputy chairman of the company's board for some time. Despite the fact that at various times Ford, General Motors, Volkswagen, Honda and Fiat offered very lucrative deals, the heirs of Quandt refuse to sell, because they consider the preservation of the brand with the family a matter of honor.

Ford Motor is run by William Ford Jr., great-grandson of the famous Henry Ford. Henry Ford himself always dreamed of being the sole owner of the company. In 1919, Henry and his son Edsel bought out the shares of the company from other shareholders and became the sole owners of their brainchild. There is no doubt that the shares were sold to them without problems, because the first shareholders were: a coal dealer, his accountant, a banker who trusted the coal dealer, two brothers who had a workshop for the manufacture of engines, a carpenter, two lawyers, one clerk , owner of a dry goods store and the man who made wind turbines and air rifles.

Later, the business was always inherited. So the father of the current director, leaving the board of directors, transferred the reins of government to his son, while remaining the largest shareholder. In January 1956, Ford Motor Company became a public company again. In the 21st century, the company has about 700,000 shareholders. At the same time, the Ford family owns 40% of the voting shares, which determines the main policy of the company, and the rest of the shares are in free circulation.

A little earlier than others, in 2007, Ford went through a serious crisis. He lost $ 12.7 billion in a year. The Ford family tried to overcome the situation, and even had to sell the family estate and move to a smaller estate. Nevertheless, in order to somehow get out of the debt hole, the concern had to sell Aston Martin (which was 100% owned by Ford) to a consortium of investors for $ 925 million. Until 2008, under the pressure of Japanese competitors, the situation only worsened. Shareholders began to get rid of Ford shares. So did one of the largest investors, billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, who reduced his stake in the company to 4.89% (107 million shares).

Until recently, Ford boasted two more British brands - Jaguar (in 1989, Ford bought Jaguar for $ 2.5 billion) and Land Rover (in 2000, it was bought by Ford for $ 2.75 billion). dollars from BMW). In 2008, both brands were put up for sale due to huge debts. In June 2008 they were bought by Indian Tata Motors.

In March 2010, the Swedish auto giant Volvo reached an agreement with Chinese company Zhejiang Geely to sell Volvo Cars for $ 1.8 billion. In August this year, Ford, the former Volvo owner, received $ 1.3 billion in cash and $ 200 million in credit notes from Geely. By the end of the year, the Chinese will also transfer another $ 300 million to Ford accounts.

Today, in addition to cars with its own name, Ford Motor owns the Lincoln and Mercury brands. Ford also owns 33.4% of Mazda and 9.4% of Kia Motors Corporation.

German Porsche is owned by the Porsche and Pich families - the heirs of the company founder Ferdinand Porsche and his sister Louise Piech. The family clan owns key decision-making shares in the company and a small portion of preferred shares listed on the German stock exchanges. By the way, the cunning little family has a very significant effect on the German car market. For example, Ferdinand Pich (grandson of Ferdinand Porsche), from 1993 to 2002, headed Volkswagen.

In 2009, the family concern acquired its first major foreign shareholder. It was the Qatari emirate, which bought out 10% of the holding's shares.

By the way, Volkswagen itself is actually owned by Porsche, and vice versa - since 2009 of the year Volkswagen owns 49.9% of the shares of Porsche AG.

Initially, the Volkswagen carmaker was state-owned. It was reorganized into a joint stock company only in 1960, and the federal government of Germany and the government of Lower Saxony received 20% of shares in its capital each. In 2009, the main shareholders of the concern were: 22.5% - Porsche Automobil Holding SE, 14.8% - Lower Saxony, 30.9% - private shareholders, 25.6% - Foreign investment institutions, 6.2% - German investment institutions. In August 2009, Porsche SE and the Volkswagen Group reached an agreement that Volkswagen and Porsche AG would be finally merged by 2011.

In addition to its own production, the Volkswagen Group's divisions are currently: Audi (acquired from Daimler-Benz in 1964), Seat (since 1990, the Volkswagen Group owns 99.99% of the shares), Škoda, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini (the company was acquired subsidiary of Audi in 1998).

Hyundai Motor has “lifted from its knees” only one person - Chung Mong Ku, the eldest son of the founder of the Hyundai industrial group. In the late 90s, he took seriously the quality of cars. For some 6 years, the Korean was able to increase sales in the US market by 360% and take the fourth place among the imported brands.

Today, 4.56% of Hyundai shares are owned by the National Pension Service of South Korea, which hates Chung, and every time in every possible way prevents his re-election. In principle, their doubts are understandable - in 2007, 72-year-old Chung was sentenced to three years in prison for embezzling 90 billion won ($ 77 million) through fraudulent schemes. The appellate court later suspended the sentence and transferred Chung to community service, but his reputation was irretrievably lost. In 2010, the Seoul district court still demanded that the former chairman of the board of directors pay compensation in the amount of 70 billion won (about $ 60 million) for business decisions he made that were unfavorable for Hyundai.

Kia Motors is by far the second largest South Korean manufacturer and seventh in the world. She enters Hyundai kia Automotive Group, and is largely owned by Hyundai Motor Co. (38.67% of shares), Ford Motor (9.4%), Credit Suisse Financial (8.23%), employees (7.14%), Hyundai Capital (1.26%).

Another major Asian manufacturer, Suzuki Motor Corporation, has only 16.9% of the shares on its own balance sheet. The rest are owned by: Millea Holdings - 3.86%, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group - 3.28%, General Motors - 3%, another 16.24% of the shares are in free float. In January of this year, Volkswagen AG joined the largest shareholder of Suzuki Motor, which bought a 19.9% \u200b\u200bstake for 222.5 billion yen ($ 2.5 billion). In the deal, Suzuki acquired the right to acquire the shares of the German corporation for half of this amount.

Over the past 60 years, the Renault concern is gradually getting out of state control. Until 1945 Renault was 100% privately owned. However, during the war, the company's factories were destroyed, and Louis Renault himself was accused of collaborating with the Nazis and condemned. A large businessman died in prison, and his company was successfully nationalized. However, over the years, the state share began to decline. And if in 1996 Renault was state-owned more than half, then in 2005 it already owned only 15.7% of the shares. In 1999, Renault and Nissan forged what is arguably the strongest automotive alliance ever. Nissan is 44.4% owned by the French manufacturer, and Renault, in turn, gave 15% of the shares to the Japanese.

5th largest automobile concern DaimlerChrysler was very fond of the Arabs. The owner of the top brands Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG and Smart, has the Arab investment fund Aabar Investments (9.1%) as the main shareholder, the government of Kuwait owns 7.2% of the shares, and about 2% belongs to the emirate of Dubai. Next to such brands it is surprising to see our KAMAZ, 10% of shares of which Daimler acquired in 2008. The German carmaker paid for KAMAZ shares $ 250 million immediately and left 50 million until 2012. As a result of the transaction, Daimler received one seat on the board of directors of KAMAZ. In February of this year, the concern bought another 1% stake in a truck manufacturer.

By the way, in other companies DaimlerChrysler owns a large block of shares: 85.0% of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus, 50.1% of Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation, 19.9% \u200b\u200bof Chrysler Holding LLC (in 2007 80.1% of the division's shares were sold for $ 7.4 billion to private investment fund Cerberus Capital Management, LP), 10.0% Tesla Motors, 7.0% Tata Motors Ltd.

The Japanese Toyota Motor Corp., whose president is the grandson of the company's founder Akio Toyoda, owns 6.29% of The Master Trust Bank of Japan, 6.29% - Japan Trustee Services Bank, 5.81% - Toyota Industries Corporation, 9% treasury shares.

General Motors, which has long held a leading position in the automotive market, is currently controlled by the state (61% of the shares). Its main shareholders are: the government of Canada (12%), the United Auto Workers Union of the USA (17.5%). The remaining 10.5% of the shares were divided among the largest creditors.

The famous auto concern still owns the brands Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac and Opel. More recently, he also owned a controlling stake in the Swedish company Saab (50%), but after the crisis, in January 2010, he sold the company to the Dutch sports car manufacturer Spyker Cars.

In the summer of 2008, General Motors decided to sell the Hummer brand, and for almost a year tried to sell it to the Chinese, then the Russians, then the Indians. As a result, the only promising deal with the Chinese Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co fell through, and on May 26, 2010, the last SUV of the brand rolled off the assembly line of the General Motors plant in the American city of Shreveport.

In addition, General Motors was a major shareholder in several companies. For example, more recently, he had 20% of shares in Japanese companies Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru cars) and Suzuki Motor Corporation, as well as 12% of Isuzu Motors.

BMW AG is a car, motorcycle, engine and bicycle manufacturer headquartered in Munich, Germany. The company owns the Mini and Rolls-Royce brands. It is one of the three German premium car manufacturers that are leading in terms of sales worldwide.

In 1913, two small aircraft engine firms were founded in Munich by Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto. After the outbreak of the First World War, the demand for their products increased dramatically, and the owners of the two companies decided to merge. So in 1917, a company called Bayerische MotorenWerke ("Bavarian Motor Plants") appeared.

After the end of the war, the production of aircraft engines in Germany was banned under the Treaty of Versailles. Then the owners of the company were redesigned to manufacture motorcycle motors, and later motorcycles. However, despite the high quality of the products, the company was not doing well.

In the early 1920s, businessmen Gothaer and Shapiro bought BMW. In 1928, they acquire the Eisenach car plant, and with it the right to manufacture Dixi cars, which have been redesigned by the British Austin 7.

The subcompact Dixi was quite progressive for its time, with a four-cylinder engine, an electric starter and four-wheel brakes. The car immediately became popular in Europe: 15,000 Dixi were produced in 1928 alone. In 1929, the model was renamed BMW 3/15 DA-2.

BMW Dixi (1928-1931)

During the Great Depression, the Bavarian automaker survived by releasing a licensed small car. However, it soon became clear that the world-renowned aircraft engine manufacturer could not be content with the production of British cars. Then BMW engineers started working on their own car.

BMW's first self-developed model was the 303. It immediately got a head start on the market thanks to its 1.2-liter, 30-hp six-cylinder engine. Weighing only 820 kg, the car had excellent dynamic characteristics for that time. At the same time, the first design sketches of the brand's characteristic radiator grille in the form of elongated ovals appeared.

The platform of this car was then used for the production of models 309, 315, 319 and 329.

BMW 303 (1933-1934)

In 1936, the impressive BMW 328 sports car appeared. Among the innovative engineering developments in this model were an aluminum chassis, a tubular frame and a hemispherical combustion chamber of the engine, which provided more durable and productive pistons and valves.

This car is considered the first in the popular CSL line. In 1999, he entered the top 25 finalists of the International Car of the Century competition. 132 automotive journalists from all over the world voted.

The BMW 328 has won numerous sports competitions, including the Mille Miglia (1928), RAC Rally (1939), Le Mans 24 (1939).

BMW 328 (1936-1940)

In 1937, the BMW 327 appears, notable for the fact that it was produced intermittently until 1955, including in the zone of Soviet occupation. It was presented in coupe and convertible bodies. Initially, a 55-horsepower engine was installed on the cars, later an optional 80-horsepower power unit was offered.

The model received a shortened frame from the BMW 326. The brakes were equipped with hydraulic all-wheel drive. The metal body surfaces were attached to a wooden frame. The doors of the convertible opened forward, the coupe - back. To achieve the required angle of inclination, the front and rear windows were made of two parts.

Behind the front axle was a six-cylinder in-line engine from the 328 model with two Solex carburetors and a double chain drive from a BMW 326. The car accelerated to 125 km / h. Its price ranged from 7,450 to 8,100 marks.

BMW 327 (1937-1955)

During the Second World War, the company did not produce cars, but focused on the production of aircraft engines. In the postwar years, most of the enterprises were destroyed, some fell into the zone of occupation of the USSR, where cars continued to be produced from existing components.

The remaining factories, according to the plan of the Americans, were to be demolished. However, the company began producing bicycles, household goods and light motorcycles, which helped to maintain production capacity.

The first post war car begins production in the fall of 1952. Design work began before the war. It was a model 501 with a 2-liter inline-six engine with 65 hp. Maximum speed the car was 135 km / h. According to this indicator, the car was inferior to its rivals from Mercedes-Benz.

Nevertheless, he gave the automotive world some innovations, including curved glass, as well as lightweight parts from light alloys. The model did not bring the firm a good profit at home and sold poorly abroad. The company was slowly approaching a financial divide.

BMW 501 (1952-1958)

The Bavarian automaker decided to focus on mass production. The first of these was the Isetta model with an interesting appearance. It was a very small class car with a door that opened at the front of the body. It was a very cheap car, ideal for fast travel over short distances. In some countries, it could be driven with only motorcycle rights.

The car was equipped with a 0.3-liter single-cylinder engine with a power of 13 hp. The power plant allowed her to accelerate to 80 km / h. For those who like to travel, a small trailer for one and a half berths was offered. In addition, there was a cargo version of the model with a small trunk, which was used by the police. Until the early 1960s, about 160,000 units of the car were produced. It was he who helped the company to withstand financial difficulties.

BMW Isetta (1955-1962)

In 1955, the BMW 503 debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The abandonment of the central pillar made the car body especially stylish, under the hood was a 140-horsepower V8, and a top speed of 190 km / h finally made you fall in love with it. True, the price of 29,500 German marks made the model inaccessible to the mass buyer: only 412 units of the BMW 503 were produced.

A year later, the stunning 507 Roadster appears, designed by Count Albrecht Hertz. The car was equipped with a 3.2-liter V8 engine, which developed 150 hp. The model accelerated to 220 km / h. She is also known for the fact that out of 252 issued copies, one was bought by Elvis Presley, who served in the Federal Republic of Germany.

BMW 507 (1956-1959)

By 1959, BMW was on the verge of bankruptcy again. Luxury sedans didn’t bring in enough cash, and neither did motorcycles. The buyers who recovered after the war no longer wanted to hear about Isetta, and the financial situation was so deplorable that on December 9, at a shareholders meeting, the question of selling the company to a competitor, Daimler-Benz, arose. The last hope was the release of the BMW 700 with the body of the Italian company Michelotti. It was equipped with a small 700 cc two-cylinder engine. cm and a power of 30 hp. Such a motor accelerated a small car up to 125 km / h. The BMW 700 was well received by the public. During the entire production period, 188,221 copies of the model were sold.

Already in 1961, the company was able to channel the proceeds from the sale of the "700" to develop a new model - the BMW New Class 1500. However, the most important thing was that the car made it possible to avoid an unfriendly merger with a competitor and helped BMW stay afloat.

BMW 700 (1959-1965)

At the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1961, a new product was shown, which finally consolidated its future high status in the world of auto for the brand. It was the 1500. The design featured the distinctive Hofmeister curvature on the C-pillar, the aggressive front end and the distinctive grille nostrils.

The BMW 1500 was equipped with a 1.5-liter engine with a capacity of 75 to 80 hp. From the start to 100 km / h, the car accelerated in 16.8 seconds, and its maximum speed was 150 km / h. The demand for the model was so overwhelming that the Bavarian automaker opened new factories to satisfy it.

BMW 1500 (1962-1964)

In the same 1962, the BMW 3200 CS was released, the body of which was developed by Bertone. Since then, almost all BMW two-doors have had a C in their name.

Three years later, a coupe with an automatic transmission appears for the first time. It was the BMW 2000 CS, and in 1968 the 2800 CS surpasses the 200 km / h mark. Equipped with a 170-horsepower inline-six, the car was able to accelerate to 206 km / h.

In the 70s, cars of the 3-series, 5-series, 6-series, 7-series appeared. With the release of the 5-series, the brand stopped focusing only on the sports car niche and began to develop the direction of comfortable sedans.

1972 appears legendary BMW 3.0 CSL, which can be considered the first project of the M division. Initially, the car was produced with a six-cylinder in-line engine with two 180 hp carburetors. and a volume of 3 liters. Weighing a car weighing 1,165 kg, it accelerated to "hundreds" in 7.4 seconds. The weight of the model was reduced by the use of aluminum in the manufacture of doors, hood, hood and trunk lids.

In August 1972, a version of the model with the Bosch D-Jetronic electronic injection system appears. The power increased to 200 hp, the acceleration time to 100 km / h was reduced to 6.9 seconds, and the top speed was 220 km / h.

In August 1973, the volume of the engine was increased to 3,153 cubic meters. cm, the power was 206 hp. Special racing models were equipped with engines of 3.2 and 3.5 liters and power, respectively, 340 and 430 hp. In addition, they received special aerodynamic packages.

The Batmobile, as it was called, won six European Touring championships. He also distinguished himself by being the first among the brand's models to receive a 24-valve engine, which was later installed on the M1 and M5. With his help, ABS tests were carried out, which then went into the 7-series.

BMW 3.0 CSL (1971-1975)

1974 saw the release of the world's first turbocharged production car, the 2002 Turbo. Its 2-liter engine produced 170 hp. This allowed the car to accelerate to 100 km / h in 7 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 210 km / h.

In 1978, a unique road sports car with a mid-engine position appeared. It was developed for homologation: in order to participate in races of groups 4 and 5, it was necessary to make 400 production cars. Of the 455 M1s produced from 1978 to 1981, only 56 were racing cars, and the rest were road cars.

The design of the car was developed by Giugiaro of ItalDesign, and work on the chassis was outsourced to Lamborghini.

3.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 277 hp was placed behind the driver's seat and transmitted torque to the rear wheels through a five-speed transmission. To "hundreds" of cars accelerated in 5.6 seconds, and the maximum speed was 261 km / h.

BMW M1 (1978-1981)

In 1986, the BMW 750i comes out, which first received a V12 engine. With a volume of 5 liters, it developed 296 hp. This car was the first, the speed of which was artificially limited at around 250 km / h. Later, other major automakers began to implement this practice.

In the same year, the fantastic Z1 roadster appears, which was originally developed as an experimental model as part of a brainstorming session. Unlimited engineers "drew" a car with excellent aerodynamics, thanks to the special design of the bottom, plastic body on a tubular frame and futuristic appearance. The doors did not open in any of the usual ways, but were pulled into the thresholds.

In its manufacture, the automaker has worked out the technology of using xenon lamps, as well as an integrated frame, door mechanism and pallet. A total of 8,000 cars of the model were assembled, 5,000 of which were pre-ordered.

BMW Z1 (1986-1991)

In 1999, the first BMW SUV, the X5, appears. His sporty character caused quite a stir at the Detroit Auto Show. The car was characterized by an impressive ground clearance, traction control system and four-wheel drive off-road, as well as enough power to compete on an equal footing with the brand's passenger models on asphalt.

BMW X5 (1999)

In 2000-2003, the BMW Z8 is produced, a two-seater sports car, which many collectors of the brand call one of the most beautiful cars throughout history.

When creating the design, the designers tried to show the 507, which would have been produced at the beginning of the 21st century. She received an aluminum body on a space frame, a 5-liter engine with 400 hp. and six-speed mechanical box gear Getrag.

The model was used as a Bond car in The World Is Not Enough.

BMW Z8 (2000-2003)

In 2011, BMW AG founded a new division, BMW i, which specializes in hybrid and electric vehicles.

The division's first models were the i3 hatchback and i8 coupe. They debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The BMW i3 was launched in 2013. It is equipped with a 168 hp electric motor. and a rear-wheel drive system. The maximum vehicle speed is 150 km / h. Average fuel consumption in the i3 RangeExtender version is 0.6 l / 100 km. The hybrid version of the car received a 650 cc internal combustion engine, which recharges an electric motor.

BMW i3 (2013)

Official sales of the brand's cars in Russia began in 1993, when the first BMW dealer appeared in Moscow. The company now boasts the most developed dealership network among luxury car manufacturers in our country. Since 1997, the assembly of cars of the brand has been established at the Kaliningrad enterprise "Avtotor".

BMW AG is today one of the leading premium car manufacturers. Its factories are located in Germany, Malaysia, Thailand, South Africa, India, Egypt, the USA and Russia. In China, BMW partners with Huacheng Auto Holding and produces cars under the Brilliance brand.