Like fellow German car maker Volkswagen, BMW’s origins lie in wartime manufacturing. Originally a producer of airplane engines, BMW switched to building motorcycles after the first World War, and moved into car manufacturing shortly after World War Two.

Now synonymous with quality German engineering, BMW (or Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) has carved out a place in the market as a producer of reliable, luxury cars. The BMW brand is internationally recognized, as are classic models like the BMW 3 Series, which has been in production since 1974.

Lines such as the 5 Series executive car, X5 and X6 luxury SUVs and the affordable 1 Series, the only vehicle in its class with rear-wheel drive, are all available in Australia and all internationally renowned for their performance and class.

With production facilities in five countries, BMW manufactures an impressive number of vehicles every year. In 2006 alone, 1,366,838 BMW cars were built. Production numbers for motorcycles, buses and other commercial vehicles are also consistently high.

BMW has been involved in motorsport since the manufacture of their first motorcycle. Today, BMW vehicles can be seen in rally competitions, motorcycle championships, sports car racing and Formula One. Though BMW engines have won 19 Formula One competitions, the company only entered the circuit as a constructor in 2006, taking their first win in 2008.

BMW is a member of several international environmental groups, and already produces the most efficient engines in the premium sector. The company is currently developing a hydrogen fuel-powered engine.