Who Owns BMW?

Who is the parent company of BMW, anyway? If you’ve ever wondered about who owns BMW, you should be glad to learn that the BMW brand is the property of the BMW Group, also known as BMW AG. This means that the people who own BMW also own other luxury brands such as MINI and Rolls-Royce! If you’re ready to learn more about BMW, such as who makes BMW models, read on or contact BMW of Warwick. We are always happy to help.

What is the BMW Group?

The BMW Group is known in Germany as BMW AG. Did you know that BMW stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengeselleschaft, which translates to Bavarian Motor Works. The AG indicates that it is a corporation owned by shareholders.

Today, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries, employing more than 120,000 people. Here’s their origin story:

• Before there was BMW AG, there was the Rapp Moterenwerk Company and Bayerishe Flugzeug-Werke AG. The former would become Bayerishe Motoren Werke in 1917, and in 1922, it would be acquired by BFW. The two have been united ever since.
• The first real production vehicle made by BMW was the R 32 motorcycle, built in 1923. Prior to this, the company had only built engines.

Who Owns BMW Shares?

The Quandt family are long-time shareholders of BMW AG and they own about half of the BMW Group. The other half of BMW shares are divided between public shareholders. This is the breakdown:

• Stefan Quandt, 29%: A German industrialist and engineer
• Susanne Klatten, 21%: Successful investor and the sister of Stefan Quandt
• Public Float, 50%: This represents the rest of the shares owned by public investors

Where Is BMW Made?

If you’re wondering who makes BMW vehicles and you’d like to know where BMW is made, you’ve probably guessed that it’s not in your East Greenwich backyard. BMW models are manufactured mainly in Germany. The largest facility is in Dingolfing, but there are also plants in Austria, Great Britain, China, and even the United States! Here’s where you can find the people who make BMW vehicles today:

• Germany: Berlin, Dingolfing, Landshut, Leipzig, Munich, Regensburg, Wackersdorf
• Austria: Steyr
• Great Britain: Oxford
• China: Shenyang
• Austria: Graz
• Mexico: San Luis Potosi
• Russia: Kaliningrad
• South Africa: Rosslyn
• Thailand: Rayong
• Brazil: Manaus
• Egypt: Cairo
• Germany: Eisenach
• Great Britain: Goodwood and Swindon
• Indonesia: Jakarta
• India: Chennai
• Italy: Cassinetta
• Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur
• United States: Spartanburg, South Carolina

The BMW Group Production Network owns additional manufacturing plants throughout the world. These plants produce new BMW vehicles and genuine BMW OEM parts before sending them on to BMW of Warwick.

Experience BMW for Yourself at BMW of Warwick

Are you ready to learn more about why more and more drivers are choosing to buy BMW? If you live near Providence or Cranston and are ready to experience the thrill of driving a BMW, contact BMW of Warwick. You can review our extensive inventory online and even see our new vehicle specials. Our finance team is one of the best in the business and work hard to get you into the BMW of your dreams at a price you can afford. Contact us today.