What companies did BMW own?
BMW, one of the most prestigious automobile manufacturers in the world, has a rich history of ownership and acquisitions. Over the years, the company has expanded its portfolio by acquiring other brands and establishing itself as a leader in the luxury and performance automotive market. In this article, we’ll explore the companies BMW has owned and how these acquisitions have shaped its legacy.
BMW's Ownership of Rolls-Royce
One of BMW's most notable acquisitions is Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. In 1998, BMW secured the rights to the Rolls-Royce brand name, logo, and Spirit of Ecstasy mascot. This acquisition allowed BMW to establish Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited as a wholly-owned subsidiary, producing some of the most luxurious vehicles in the world. The first BMW-engineered Rolls-Royce, the Phantom, debuted in 2003 and set a new standard for luxury automobiles.
BMW and MINI
BMW also owns the MINI brand, which it acquired in 1994 as part of its purchase of the Rover Group. While BMW eventually sold most of the Rover Group, it retained the rights to MINI. Under BMW's ownership, MINI was relaunched in 2001 with a modern design that retained its iconic charm. The brand has since become a global success, offering a range of compact, stylish, and performance-oriented vehicles.
Husqvarna Motorcycles
In addition to its automotive ventures, BMW once owned Husqvarna Motorcycles, a renowned manufacturer of off-road and motocross bikes. BMW acquired Husqvarna in 2007 to expand its presence in the motorcycle market. However, in 2013, BMW sold Husqvarna to Pierer Industrie AG, the parent company of KTM, to refocus on its core motorcycle lineup under the BMW Motorrad brand.
BMW's Strategic Partnerships
While not direct ownership, BMW has also engaged in strategic partnerships with other companies to enhance its technological capabilities and market reach. For example:
- BMW collaborated with Toyota to develop hydrogen fuel cell technology and the BMW Z4/Toyota Supra sports cars.
- The company has partnered with Intel and Mobileye to advance autonomous driving technology.
Conclusion
BMW's ownership of iconic brands like Rolls-Royce and MINI, along with its strategic partnerships, has solidified its position as a leader in the automotive industry. These acquisitions and collaborations have allowed BMW to diversify its offerings, innovate in design and technology, and maintain its reputation for excellence. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, BMW's history of strategic ownership and partnerships will undoubtedly play a key role in its future success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BMW own Rolls-Royce jet engines?
BMW maintained a significant stake in parent company Rolls-Royce Plc, being the single largest shareholder in the firm for a number of years. However, BMW opted to sell its remaining shares during 2006, the move representing the company's formal exit for the aero engine sector after roughly 90 years of involvement.
Who bought out Volkswagen?
Headquartered in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany, and since the late 2000s is a publicly traded family business owned by Porsche SE, which in turn is half-owned but fully controlled by the Austrian-German Porsche and Piëch family.
Does BMW own Rolls-Royce?
28 July 1998: BMW Group acquires the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars marque, effective 1 January 2003. 1 January 2003: First Goodwood-produced Rolls-Royce Phantom is handed to its new owner at the stroke of midnight. Phantom repositioned the brand where it ought to be at the pinnacle of the automotive spectrum.
Who is the real owner of BMW?
BMW is owned by the BMW Group, a company with more than 100 years of history that also owns Mini and Rolls-Royce.
What company did BMW buy out?
BMW acquired the rights to the Rolls-Royce brand in 1998. The 1995 BMW Z3 expanded the line-up to include a mass-production two-seat roadster, and the 1999 BMW X5 was the company's entry into the SUV market.
Is Volkswagen owned by BMW?
Volkswagen does not own the BMW Group, BWM owns; Rolls-Royce, Mini and BMW Motorrad brands. How many brands does VW own? Volkswagen Auto Group V.A.G. owns a total of twelve brands; Volkswagen, Seat, Audi, Skoda, Bugatti, Bentley, Lamborghini, Ducati, Porsche, Scania, MAN, and Volkswagen commercial vehicles.
Is BMW working with Toyota?
The BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation will jointly develop the powertrain system for passenger vehicles, with the core fuel cell technology (the individual third-generation fuel cells) creating synergies for both commercial and passenger vehicle applications.
Which company merged with BMW?
In March 2018, Daimler and BMW merged their mobility services.
Who did BMW collab with?
Toyota
Toyota and BMW are collaborating on the development of a third-generation fuel cell system, which will be installed in both companies' models to provide customers with a broader range of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). As a first step, BMW plans to launch its first mass-produced FCEV in 2028.
What brands are owned by BMW?
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world's leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services.
