Key Stats
BMW Group generated revenue of $142.4 billion in fiscal year 2024.
The company’s market capitalization stands at $57.42 billion as of November 2025.
BMW Group employs 159,104 people worldwide as of December 2024.
The automaker delivered 2.45 million vehicles globally in 2024.
BMW Group was founded on March 7, 1916 in Munich, Germany.
BMW Group stands as a German multinational manufacturer headquartered in Munich. The company produces luxury vehicles and motorcycles under four brands: BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad. The group operates over 30 production facilities worldwide with a sales network spanning more than 140 countries.
BMW Group has evolved from aircraft engine manufacturing to become one of the world’s leading premium automakers. The company ranks as the ninth-largest motor vehicle producer globally and the sixth-largest by revenue. Its production network encompasses facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, United States, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, India, and China.
BMW Group History
Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG was established on March 7, marking the birth of what would become BMW Group.
Rapp Motorenwerke changed its name to Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH, introducing the BMW moniker.
The company relocated to Munich and the BMW name was transferred to Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG.
BMW R 32 motorcycle launched, marking the company’s entry into motorcycle manufacturing.
BMW acquired Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach, entering automobile production for the first time.
BMW 501 became the first post-war automobile from the company.
The New Class series launched, establishing BMW as a serious player in the automotive market.
BMW Motorsport GmbH was founded and the iconic headquarters building in Munich opened.
BMW acquired the Rover Group, including Land Rover, Rover, MG, and MINI brands.
BMW obtained brand and naming rights for Rolls-Royce motor cars.
The Rover Group was sold, but BMW retained the MINI brand.
The new MINI was launched as the first premium vehicle in the small-car segment.
BMW took full responsibility for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and opened the Goodwood plant.
BMW i3 launched, marking the company’s serious entry into electric mobility.
BMW Group Co-founders
Karl Rapp founded Rapp Motorenwerke in 1913 in Munich. He was a respected aircraft engine engineer who later merged his company to form BMW.
Franz Josef Popp served as the first General Director of BMW from 1922 to 1942. He transformed the company from aircraft engine production to peacetime manufacturing and automobile production.
Camillo Castiglioni was an Austrian financier who facilitated BMW’s transition and growth. He became one of the wealthiest men in Central Europe and served as BMW’s financial officer.
BMW Group Revenue
BMW Group recorded revenue of $142.4 billion in 2024, representing a decline from the previous year. The automotive segment generates the majority of revenue, followed by financial services and motorcycles.
BMW Group Marketcap
BMW Group’s market capitalization stands at $57.42 billion as of November 2025. The company ranks as the 394th most valuable publicly traded company globally.
BMW Group Acquisitions
BMW Group’s acquisition strategy has shaped its current portfolio of premium brands. The company purchased the Rover Group in 1994 for £800 million, gaining access to distinguished brands including Land Rover, Rover, MG, and MINI. However, this acquisition proved challenging and resulted in significant financial losses.
By 2000, BMW sold most Rover brands but retained MINI, which has become a highly successful premium small-car brand. BMW invested heavily in modernizing MINI production facilities in Oxford, England. The brand now produces over 230,000 units annually, far exceeding initial forecasts of 100,000 units.
In 1998, BMW acquired the rights to the Rolls-Royce brand from Vickers following lengthy negotiations. Volkswagen initially held Rolls-Royce until the end of 2002, when BMW assumed full responsibility. The company opened a new manufacturing facility at Goodwood, West Sussex in 2003. Every Rolls-Royce vehicle is individually handcrafted, with prices ranging from $300,000 to several million dollars for bespoke commissions.
These acquisitions allowed BMW Group to diversify its portfolio across multiple market segments. MINI appeals to younger, urban customers seeking compact premium vehicles. Rolls-Royce targets ultra-high-net-worth individuals desiring the pinnacle of automotive luxury. The core BMW brand maintains its position in the mainstream premium segment. This multi-brand strategy has proven successful, with each brand maintaining distinct identities while benefiting from shared technology and manufacturing expertise.
BMW Group Competitors
BMW Group faces intense competition in the global luxury automotive market. The company competes with both traditional premium manufacturers and emerging electric vehicle brands across multiple segments.
| Competitor | Country | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz | Germany | Luxury innovation and safety technology |
| Audi | Germany | Quattro all-wheel drive and engineering excellence |
| Lexus | Japan | Reliability and hybrid technology |
| Tesla | United States | Electric vehicle technology and direct sales model |
| Porsche | Germany | Performance and sports car expertise |
| Volvo | Sweden | Safety and sustainability focus |
| Genesis | South Korea | Value proposition and design |
| Jaguar | United Kingdom | British luxury heritage |
| Cadillac | United States | American luxury tradition |
| Land Rover | United Kingdom | Off-road capability and luxury SUVs |
FAQs
Who owns BMW Group?
BMW Group is a publicly traded company on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The Quandt family holds a significant long-term stake following investments in 1959 that saved BMW from bankruptcy. The remaining shares are owned by public investors.
What brands does BMW Group own?
BMW Group owns four brands: BMW automobiles, MINI cars, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and BMW Motorrad motorcycles. Each brand targets different market segments while maintaining premium positioning and shared engineering excellence.
Where is BMW Group headquartered?
BMW Group headquarters is located in Munich, Germany. The iconic four-cylinder building was completed in 1972 and designed by Karl Schwanzer. The building is a protected historic landmark and European architectural icon.
When was BMW Group founded?
BMW Group was founded on March 7, 1916 as Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG. The BMW name came into use in 1917 when Rapp Motorenwerke changed its name to Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH.
How many employees does BMW Group have?
BMW Group employs 159,104 people worldwide as of December 31, 2024. The workforce is distributed across over 30 production facilities and operations in more than 140 countries globally.
