Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) (OTCMKTS:BMWYY), commonly known as BMW, is a German multinational manufacturer of luxury vehicles and motorcycles. Founded in 1916 and headquartered in Munich, the company began as an aircraft engine producer before shifting to motorcycle production in the 1920s and automobile manufacturing in the late 1920s. Over its more than century-long history, BMW has grown into one of the world’s leading premium automotive brands, combining engineering heritage with technological innovation.
BMW’s core business is divided into three primary segments: automotive, motorcycles, and financial services. The automotive division produces a range of premium vehicles under the BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce marques, spanning sedans, SUVs, coupes, convertibles, and high-performance models from the BMW M series. The motorcycle segment, operating under the BMW Motorrad brand, offers a diverse lineup of sport bikes, touring models, and adventure machines. Through its financial services arm, BMW provides leasing, financing, insurance, fleet management, and mobility services designed to support and enhance the customer experience.
Operating in more than 140 countries, BMW maintains a strong global footprint with manufacturing facilities in Germany, the United States, China, South Africa, and other key markets. The company’s research and development centers in Munich, Beijing, and Mountain View focus on electrification, autonomous driving, connectivity, and sustainable mobility solutions. BMW has made significant investments in electric vehicles, launching the “i” sub-brand and expanding its lineup with plug-in hybrids, battery electric models, and hydrogen fuel cell prototypes to meet evolving regulatory and consumer demands.
Under the leadership of CEO Oliver Zipse, appointed in August 2019, BMW has pursued a strategy geared toward digital transformation, sustainability, and premium customer services. The executive team emphasizes the integration of digital services into the vehicle ecosystem, strengthening software capabilities, and fostering partnerships across the tech and energy sectors. With a long-term vision of becoming a leader in future mobility, BMW continues to balance its rich heritage in performance and design with forward-looking initiatives in electrification and smart, connected vehicles.
