January 7, 2021 – The Munich, Germany-based premium car and motorcycle manufacturer has embraced the importance of Open Source, patent non-aggression, and the benefits OIN offers. BMW has officially joined our community.
The company was founded in 1916 as a manufacturer of aircraft engines, which it produced from 1917 until 1918 and again from 1933 to 1945. The Quandt family is a long-term shareholder of the company (with the remaining shares owned by public float), following brothers Herbert and Harald Quandt’s investments in 1959 which saved the company from bankruptcy.
Today, BMW produces luxury vehicles — including hybrid and electric models — in Germany, Brazil, China, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States and Mexico. Automobiles are marketed under the brands BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce. Motorcycles are marketed under the brand BMW Motorrad.
Looking to the future, the BMW Group is innovating concept cars, increasingly gearing up its purchasing for future growth in e-mobility and setting new standards for sustainability.
BMW wins numerous national and international distinctions year-over-year. In 2020, the premium carmaker received awards in Britain, China, France, Germany and North America, among other countries. In 2015, BMW was ranked the world’s 12th largest producer of motor vehicles and manufactured 2,279,503 automobiles. The company has significant motorsport history, especially in touring cars, Formula 1, sports cars and the Isle of Man TT.