What Does BMW Stand For?

The last time you saw a BMW glide by in Watkinsville, did you wonder for a moment what BMW stands for? It’s not exactly common knowledge, but the “BMW” acronym stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke in German. So what does BMW mean in English? Translated word-for-word, Bavarian Motor Works. The German name stands out because the words motoren and werke aren’t written separately, but as motorenwerke. Explore the origins of the BMW name, logo, and more with Athens BMW, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any further questions!

How Did BMW Get Its Name?

It may be accurate today, but what BMW stands for doesn’t reflect the complexity of the brand’s origins! BMW got off the ground over a century ago — not as an automobile manufacturer but as an aircraft engine manufacturer. Below are a few highlights of BMW’s humble beginnings:

• Rapp Motorenwerke company manufactured aircraft engines in Munich, Germany after its founding by Karl Rapp in 1913. The name was changed to Bayerische Motoren Werke in 1917, when Karl Rapp departed the company.
• “Bayerische” (Bavarian in German) refers to the company’s headquarters in Bavaria, a federal state in southeastern Germany that borders Austria and the Czech Republic.
• Why is the BMW logo blue and white? Introduced in 1917, the circular logo echoes the blue and white checkered pattern of the Bavarian flag.
• The full name of the company is actually BMW AG. “AG” stands for Aktiengesellschaft, i.e. an incorporation owned by shareholders.

A Closer Look at the BMW Logo

As discussed above, the blue and white BMW logo honors the Bavarian flag. But we’ve heard from many Jefferson drivers who wonder whether the checkered pattern may also resemble a turning propellor. So what does BMW stand for otherwise? Even though it seems probable that the logo would reference the company’s start manufacturing aircraft engines, it’s not the case! The logo has been updated five times since it was introduced Athens BMW 1917, but each time it has continued to echo the Bavarian flag.

The latest logo update has already caused a stir among BMW enthusiasts across Greensboro. The logo imagery is unchanged, but the “BMW” font is a bit different.

In addition, the outer circle is now clear instead of black for a simpler, cleaner look.

What is the BMW Slogan?

“The Ultimate Driving Machine” BMW slogan was adopted in 1974 in North America. From 2010 to 2012, it was replaced with the slogan “Joy.” However, the original slogan returned in 2012 and is still used today. We think that was a good move, since the slogan perfectly communicates what BMW stands for to so many drivers!

Experience the BMW Difference at Athens BMW

To learn more about the BMW brand, visit us in Athens and experience the BMW legend for yourself! Contact us to schedule a test drive with your favorite new BMW model today, and check out our lease and finance offers while you’re here.