Bavarian Motor Works is almost a century old. Since it was founded in 1916, like it or not, BMW has been setting the mark for quality, precision engineering. It’s a company that’s come to be synonymous with both luxury and performance — not to mention attitude. BMW deals with that narrowest of margins, where performance and design are in perfect balance. Their reputation speaks for itself — so much so it’s even become the make of choice for the new James Bond, putting Jaguar and Aston Martin on the skids. Perhaps it’s the undeniably sexy combination of precision and attitude that won over the Bond filmmakers. Regardless, the history of quality performance and attention to detail speaks for itself.
You only have to look at the company headquarters to understand that Bavarian trend towards both style and substance. Less than fifty years old, it’s already become a national landmark. The uniquely designed towers, mean to suggest the pistons of an engine, were completed prior to the 1972 Summer Olympic Games. They proved so captivating, so suggestive of a new, eager Germany, that several Olympic tournaments were held on site, showcasing the metallic blue towers. The reputation built in ’72 has propelled Munich to among the top ten cities in the world with highest quality of life and standard of living.
With more than 5 million people living in its greater metropolitan area, Munich enjoys the distinction of being the third largest city in Germany. And despite its world-class metro and rail system, it is home to a significant amount of driving enthusiasts. In fact, the city is home to eight major motorways spanning the length and breadth of both Germany and Europe. Of course, BMW is more than happy to accommodate these enthusiasts, being a significant economic and cultural brand in the region.
With both the Mini Cooper and Rolls Royce brands added to its repertoire, BMW stands to reap the whirlwind in terms of luxury retail sales. Though, granted the recent economic malaise has dampened sales to the tune of a 35% decrease, the demand or luxury cars will never completely fade. To have enjoyed nearly one hundred years of automobile production, BMW saw both the salad days of prosperity, and the dark days of near bankruptcy. After all, when both German war efforts were defeated, the company suffered nearly insurmountable losses to both production and demand.
But fortune is ever shifting, ever changing, and from the jaws of defeat, victory is often snatched. To say that Bavarian Motor Works managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat would be an understatement. From the utilitarian, though quirky, design of the 1955 Isetta two-door to the new full-bodied Series 1 through 7 lines, BMW has managed to turn itself into one of the big three luxury car manufacturers in the world. Whatever it’s future, it’s sure to remain an industry-leading force to be reckoned with.
Should you be a fan of the brand, don’t hesitate to schedule a test drive. The best BMW deals are often found online — followed up by an appointment with a certified dealer. Welcome to the motorways of tomorrow.
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