BMW Celebrate Centenary with Vision Next 100

BMW Turns 100

2016 marks BMW’s centenary. They have seen the rise and fall of several car manufacturers. They have even owned a few of them too. From a humble beginning producing aeroplane engines to being one of the largest car manufacturers in the world, BMW has done it all.

Picture Courtesy of https://www.press.bmwgroup.com

The Vision Next 100

To celebrate the momentous occasion BMW have unveiled a concept car to show off what they believe will be the future of the motor industry. The ‘Vision Next 100' was unveiled at the BMW Classic Group Building. The museum is built on the location of the first BMW factory, Moosacher Straße 80 in Munich.

The car’s launch amongst the historic cars of the their past shows where the company believes the future of motoring will head. The car builds on the premise of an autonomous vehicle that still enables the driver to feel connected to the feeling of driving, the signature of owning a BMW.

Picture Courtesy of https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/

The History

BMW have never been bought, and won't be bought anytime soon. This is down to their great innovation throughout their 100 years’ existence. The highlights in their history include the release of the 1500, the car that was the first BMW to have the Hofmeister Kink.  While not new, it became so synonymous with the company it was named after their lead designer at the time, Wilhelm Hofmeister. The car also was the genesis of the compact saloon cars that BMW are famed for. A heritage which still exists today with the powerful M3.

Another leading moment was the release of  2002 in 1974. The first turbocharged production car in Europe. And the first anywhere since the attempts of Chevrolet in the early 60s. A feature that will become standard on all cars as time goes by.

Moving into more recent history. The start of the 1990s saw the birth of the BMW car recycling initiative. It still runs to this day and has earned them a place on the Dow Jones sustainability list. By the time the millennium came around, the Bavarians had taken the rights to some other iconic companies. As the 21st Century got underway so did BMW.  Releasing cars under these names, including MINI and Rolls Royce.

BMW Key Dates Timeline

BMW's pedigree is a century in the making. It is not going away. And the ’Vision Next 100’ highlights that. In the meantime, why not have a look at some of the fantastic cars they have on the road today. AutoeBid is here to help you find your dream car.