What Does BMW Mean in English

BMW is an abbreviation for Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH, which literally means “Bavarian Motor Works” in English. The company’s roots are in Bavaria, Germany, hence the name. It also refers to BMW’s original product line, which consisted of a wide variety of engines.

The BMW AG of today can trace its roots back to Rapp-Motorenwerke GmbH, which started making airplane engines in 1913. Rapp provided the German Empire’s air force during World War One. Automobiles have yet to achieve widespread acceptance at the time. For long-distance land travel, the train was the mode of choice.

Formerly known as Rapp Motorenwerke, BMW is now a household name.

Both Rapp Motorenwerke and the Gustav Otto Flugmaschinenfabrik, which installed the engines in the planes, were based in the Bavarian metropolis of Munich. Due to Otto’s bankruptcy in 1916, the firm changed its name to Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG (BFW). Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH was officially established in 1917, and Rapp changed its name at that time as well. The emblem also hints at the Rapp connection that led to the creation of BMW.

BMW’s name disappears – at least temporarily.

Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH was formally established as a joint stock company in August 1918. Nonetheless, the production of aviation engines ceased after World War I ended because the Treaty of Versailles prohibited Germany from producing them. Because of this, BMW is now specializing in brakes and engines specifically for trains. In 1920, Berlin-based brakes manufacturer Knorr-Bremse AG bought a controlling stake in BMW, integrated it, and moved the operation to Munich due to its success. The Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH as a standalone business vanished from view, although briefly.

A second attempt at the BMW beginnings.

Knorr-Bremse AG was founded in 1922 with Camillo Castiglioni as its primary shareholder. Castiglioni was a pioneer in the field of aircraft construction and a big investor. He acquired the rights to use the BMW brand name, together with the engine construction business, the workforce, the manufacturing facilities, and the BMW emblem, and rebranded the company as BFW, Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG.

It was in this year that the firm rebranded as Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, after relocating into the BFW industrial premises on Lerchenauer Strasse. And that’s how BMW got its name back on the corporate books.

Because of this, BMW AG can now claim to be BFW’s rightful heir. The BMW Group continues to use the former BFW headquarters and parent plant in Milbertshofen, Munich as its corporate headquarters and primary production facility. Something else of value was passed on to BMW AG by the aircraft manufacturers: the March 7, 1916 birthday of BFW, from which BMW takes its name.

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Driving a BMW is always a pleasure. However, what does this abbreviation actually stand for? And tell me, where did the BMW brand get its name? Find out the backstory behind a unique company name for your next relocation.

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