BMW Dream Factory

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BMW’S Dream Factory and Culture According to Schlegelmilch, Lehbrink and Osterroth (2008), the origins of BMW date back to one of three documents found in the Munich Register of Companies which states, Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG (Baverian Airplane Works or BFW) was founded March 7, 1916. (p. 08). Its main purpose: manufacturer and commercial distributer of airplanes. After the managing director and distinguished engineer, Karl Rapp, left the company, it was renamed Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW). (p. 08). This was according to another document registered July 21, 1917. Under the leadership of a new managing director, the company diversified. It would

now produce “land, air and water vehicles, automobiles and bicycles. During the time of this new shift, the company’s trademark, the rotating propellers with the letters BMW, was registered. With its new name and new trademark, BMW designed its first six cylinder airplane engine. Employing over 3500 people, BMW went public on August 13, 1918. But by the end of the year, The Treaty of Versailles was signed imposing a ban on the construction of aviation engines and the use of heavy artillery, gas, tanks and aircraft in Germany. Although the company managed to stay afloat, it was a tough time for BMW. The company had relied on the manufacture of aircraft engines for its existence and more specifically the aero engines for warplanes. (Taylor, 2000 ). As a temporary solution BMW secured a contract to manufacture railroad brakes. The BMW Company did not actually put its name on a car until 1928. At which time they made a decision to move into the small-car market. Although their cars were faster and more fuel efficient, they could not compete against Volkswagen. There models were too pricey, too

BMW Dream Factory small or too impractical. By 1959, BMW was on the verge of bankruptcy. The...