PEUGEOT Early History, Motorsport, Touring car racing, sports car racing, Pike's Peak hillclimb, Formula One, Concept Car, Motorcycle, Bicycle, Peugeot Street

An Overview of the Peugeot Models

The Peugeot 206 was created in the early 1990's with the replacement of the preceding 205 model. Peugeot changed their model under the idea that super mini cars were no longer profitable, therefore a change was in order. The Peugeot 206 did not immediately follow the 205 as the Peugeot 106, 306 and 309 models to capture different levels of sales from prospective customers. The Peugeot 106 was rivaling the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo with the 306 and 309 models taking the mid and top end sales from the discontinuation of the 205. Because of this, many Peugeot enthusiasts believe the 206 should have been named the 207. The 206, although created early was not released until 1998.

The Peugeot moniker indicates that the 206 immediately followed the 205, but this is not true as other models were released before the 206. The eventual successor, the 207, was finally launched n 2006, but Peugeot recently announced that the 206 will stay in production until the year 2010. The 206 is the best selling Peugeot of all time but the end of the model in the upcoming years will end the '06' generation of Peugeot cars in almost 20 years. The 206 was initially produced in France and England but production switched to Slovakia. The closure of the British plant matched with the closure of the Ryton plant, which Peugeot took over when Peugeot bought Chrysler's European division in 1979.

The Peugeot 306 replaced the 309. The 306 is very similar to the Citroen ZX, which was released to the public two years before the 306 model. Both cars used the same structure and floorplan. The 205 was styled after the Pininfarina styling and has been a better seller. In the 1974 oil crisis, Citroen went bankrupt and Peugeot took over Citroen. This led to the similarities and identical cars produced by both manufacturers.

The 306 Phase 1 came to the market in March of 1993 as a 3 and 5 door hatchback with three different models being offered. The five door was more of a station wagon and was dubbed the "sw" for station wagon. Although not nearly as stylish as the 205, the 306 offered many practical uses in the vehicle. The sw estate model was not a hatchback station wagon, but a sedan with luxurious European styling to accompany the Peugeot racing spirit.

The engines used in the Peugeot cars were offered both in a gasoline and a diesel model. The gasoline engines were four cylinder units, which gained their outstanding reputation from being the power plant in the ever popular Peugeot 205 model. The idea for the Peugeot engines was to have a fair trade off between performance and excellent fuel economy. Three larger capacity engines were available but were restricted to automatic and performance models.

The diesel engines in Peugeot came with an excellent reputation and were largely available in turbo charged models. The original engine displacement for the diesel engines came in a 1.8 liter, but was soon upgraded to a 1.9 liter. The turbocharged Peugeot diesel became an excellent fitting engine to match the 306 as the performance matched similarly sized gasoline cars. The considerable extra weight was overcome by the turbocharged performance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1128379

PEUGEOT Early History, Motorsport, Touring car racing, sports car racing, Pike's Peak hillclimb, Formula One, Concept Car, Motorcycle, Bicycle, Peugeot Street

Peugeot

Peugeot RCZ won five consecutive years Diesel Car magazine 'Sports Car of the Year' and Top Gear Coupe Year 2010
Peugeot (US / p U ʒ oʊ /; UK / p ɜr ʒ oʊ /; French pronunciation) is a French car brand, part of PSA Peugeot Citroën.

The family business that precedes the current Peugeot company was founded in 1810, and manufactured coffee mills and bicycles. On November 20, 1858, Emile Peugeot applied for the lion trademark. Armand Peugeot build the first car care, a reliable steam tricycle, in collaboration with Leon Serpollet in 1889; This was followed in 1890 by an internal combustion cars with Panhard - Daimler. Because the engine family disputes, Armand Peugeot in 1896 founded the Société des Automobiles Peugeot.

Peugeot company and family who came from Sochaux, France. Peugeot retains a large manufacturing plant and Peugeot Museum there. In February 2014, the shareholders agreed to the recapitalization plan, in which Dongfeng Motors and the French government each bought a 14% stake in the company.

Peugeot has received many international awards for vehicles, including four European Car of the Year awards. In 2013 and 2014, Peugeot ranks at the second lowest average CO2 emissions among the generalist brands in Europe, Renault group car maker into the first rank, with 114.9g CO 2 / km. Peugeot is known as a brand that is highly reliable, citing how the 1950 and 1960 models are still running in Africa or Cuba in the 2010s, in which Peugeot called Lion.

Peugeot has an impressive history in motor sport for more than a century. Peugeot Sport won the World Rally Championship five times, the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup twice (2010, 2011), surpassing Toyota and Audi, the Endurance World Championship twice (1992, 1993), and Intercontinental Rally Challenge Championship three times. Over the past year, Peugeot Sport has surpassed the record set in the climb to Pikes Peak with a Peugeot 208 T16 driven by Sébastien Loeb, and got the winner three of the Peugeot 208 GTi in its class at the 24 Hours Nürburgring race. In 2015, Peugeot returned to Dakar Rally after four victories in the 1980s.

 

Early history

Peugeot family of Valentigney, Montbéliard, Franche-Comté, France, started in the business of manufacturing in the 18th century. In 1842, they added production of coffee, pepper, and salt grinders. The entry of companies into the market is the vehicle by means of crinoline dresses, which used steel rods, leading to umbrella frames, saw blades, wire wheels, and ultimately bicycles. Armand Peugeot introduced his "Le Grand Bi" penny-money in 1882, along with many other bikes. Company car and bike company parted ways in 1926, but Peugeot bicycles continued to be built until today.

Armand Peugeot became interested in the automobile early on and, after meeting with Gottlieb Daimler and others, confident of survival. The first Peugeot car, a, three-wheeled steam-powered car designed by Léon Serpollet, was produced in 1889; only four examples were made. Electric steam is heavy and bulky and it takes a long time heating. In 1890, after meeting Daimler and Emile Levassor, steam was abandoned in favor of four-wheeled car with a gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine built by Panhard under Daimler license. The car was more sophisticated than many of its contemporaries, with a three-point suspension and a sliding-gear transmission. Examples sold to young Alberto Santos Dumont- are exported to Brazil.

More cars followed, 29 were built in 1892, 40 in 1894, 72 in 1895, 156 in 1898 and 300 in 1899. The early models were given "Type" numbers with the Type 12, for example, comes from 1895. Peugeot became the first manufacturer to fit rubber tires (solid, rather than pneumatic) for a gasoline-powered car that year.

Peugeot was a pioneer in motor racing, with Albert Lemaitre won the first motor race in the world, the Paris-Rouen (motor race), in a 3 hp Peugeot. Five Peugeot qualify for the main event, and all finished. Lemaitre finished 3 minutes and 30 seconds behind the Comte de Dion steam-powered car that does not qualify for the official competition. Three Peugeot entered in the Paris-Bordeaux-Paris, where they were beaten by Panhard car 's (although the average speed of 20.8 km / h (12.9 mph), and take the 31,500 franc prize also mark the debut of Michelin pneumatic tires The race, also at Peugeot, they proved to be less durable. However, the vehicle is still very much a carriage without horses in appearance and directed by tillers.

In 1896, the first Peugeot engines built; no longer were they reliant on Daimler. Designed by Rigoulot, the first machine was 8 hp (6.0 kW) horizontal twin fitted to the back Type 15. It also served as the basis of almost exact copy produced by Rochet-Schneider. Further improvements followed: the engine moved to the front on the Type 48 and immediately underneath the hood (hat) in front of the car, instead of hidden underneath; steering was adopted on the Type 36; and they began to look more like the modern car.

Also in 1896, Armand Peugeot broke away from Les Fils de Peugeot Frères to form his own company, Société Anonyme des Automobiles Peugeot, building a new factory in Audincourt to focus entirely on the car. In 1899, sales reached 300; Total car sales for all of France that year was 1,200. In the same year, Lemaitre won the Nice-Castellane-Nice Rally in a special 5,850 cc (357 cu in) 20 hp (14.9 kW) racer.

At the 1901 Paris Salon, Peugeot debuted a small shaft-driven 652 cc (40 cu in) 5 hp (3.7 kW) single-cylinder, dubbed Bébé (Baby), and shed the conservative image, becoming a style leader. After placing 19th in the 1902 Paris-Vienna rally with a 50 hp (37.3 kW) 11 322 cc (691 cu in) racer, and failing to finish with two similar cars, Peugeot quit racing.

Peugeot added a motorcycle to its range in 1903, and they have been built under the Peugeot name ever since. In 1903, Peugeot produced half of the cars built in France, and they offer 5 hp (4 kW) Bebe, the 6.5 hp (4.8 kW) four-seater, and 8 hp (6.0 kW) and 12 hp (8.9 kW) resembling contemporary Mercedes models.

1907 Salon showed Peugeot's first six-cylinder, and marked Tony Huber joining as engine builder. In 1910, Peugeot's product line includes 1,149 cc (70 cu in) two four-cylinder and six-cylinder, between 2 and 6 liters. In addition, a new factory opened the same year at Sochaux, which became a major crop in 1928.

A more famous name, Ettore Bugatti, designed the new 850 cc (52 cu in) four-cylinder Bébé of 1912. In the same year, Peugeot returned to racing with a team of three driver-engineers (breed typical of the pioneer period, exemplified by Enzo Ferrari among others): Jules Goux (graduate of Arts et Metiers, Paris), Paolo Zuccarelli (formerly of Hispano-Suiza), and Georges Boillot (collectively called Les Charlatans), with the 26-year Swiss engineer Ernest Henry to make a reality ideologue their ideas. The company decided voiturette (light car) racing was not enough, and chose to try grandes épreuves (grand touring). They do this by engineering tour de force: a DOHC. 7.6-liter four-cylinder (110x200 mm) with four valves per cylinder It proved faster than other cars of its time, and Boillot won the 1912 French Grand Prix at an average of 68.45 mph (110.2 km / h), although losing third gear and taking a pit stop 20 minutes. In May 1913, Goux took one to Indianapolis, and won at an average of 75.92 mph (122.2 km / h), recording speed directly from 93.5 mph (150.5 km / h). make Peugeot automobile company based non-American first win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In 1914, Boillot 3-liter Indy L5 new lap record of 99.5 mph (160.1 km / h), and Duray placed second (beaten by ex-Peugeot ace René Thomas in 6235 cc (380 cu in) Delage). Another (driven by Boillot's brother, André) placed in 1915; similar models won in 1916 (Dario Resta) and 1919 (Howdy Wilcox).

For the 1913 French Grand Prix, an improved L5 (with 5655 cc (345 cu in) engine) was produced with a pioneering ballbearing crankshaft, gear-driven camshafts, and dry sump lubrication, all of which soon became standard on racing cars; unfortunately, Zuccarelli was killed during testing on public roads, but Boillot easily won the event, making him (and Peugeot) the first double winner of the race. For the 1914 French GP, Peugeot overmatched by Mercedes, and despite a new innovation, four-wheel brakes (against the Mercedes' rear only), Georges proved unable to match them and the car broke down. (Curiously, the model 1914 turned 103 mph (165.8 km / h) lap in practice at Indy in 1949, but failed to qualify.) Peugeot more fortunate in 1915, winning at the French GP and Vanderbilt Cup.

During the First World War, Peugeot turned largely arms production, becoming a major manufacturer of arms and military vehicles, from bicycles to tanks and shells.
• Paris-Rouen 1894. Albert Lemaitre (photo at left) are classified 1st in his Peugeot 3 hp. Bicycle manufacturers Adolphe Clément-Bayard was the front passenger.
• 6HP Peugeot Vis-à-vis 1898
• Peugeot Type 19, 1899
• Peugeot 125 type midrange cars produced in 1910
• Peugeot, Model 139A Phaeton 1913
Interwar years

Peugeot 201

After the war, car production resumed in earnest. Racing continued as well, with Boillot entering the 1919 Targa Florio in a 2.5 liter (150-in 3) car designed for an event pre-empted by World War I; the car had 200,000 km (120,000 miles) on it, yet Boillot won with an impressive drive (the best of his career) in his Peugeot third in the 1925 Targa, first in 1922 and 1925 Coppa Florios, first in 1923 and 1925 Touring Car Grand Prix , and first in the 1926 Spa 24 Hours. Peugeot introduced a five-valve- per -cylinder, machinery triple-overhead-cam for the Grand Prix, conceived by Marcel Gremillon (who had criticized the early DOHC), but the engine failed.

In the same year, Peugeot debuted 10 hp (7.5 kW) and 14 hp (10.4 kW) fours, the larger based on Type 153, and a 6 liter 25 hp (19 kW) sleeve valve six, as well as new cyclecar, La Quadrilette.
During the 1920s, Peugeot expanded, in 1926 splitting the cycle (pedal and motor) business off to form Cycles Peugeot, division cycle meguntungkan consistently sought to free themselves from a somewhat more automated business cycles, and took over death Bellanger and De Dion companies in the year 1927. In 1928, the Type 183 was introduced.

Production Peugeot Sochaux (units):

• 1930 43303
• 1931 33322
• 1932 28317

Immediately after the timely introduction of the Peugeot 201, the Great Depression hit all the French auto-maker. Peugeot sales slumped, but the company survived
New for 1929 was the Peugeot 201, the cheapest car on the French market, and the first to use the later Peugeot trademark (and registered as such) -three digits with a central zero. 201 would get independent front suspension in 1931, soon after, the Depression hit; Peugeot sales decreased but the company survived.

In 1933, trying revival fortune, the company unveiled a new, aerodynamically styled variety. In 1934, Peugeot introduced the 402 BL Décapotable eclipse, the first convertible with a retractable hardtop - an idea followed later by the Ford Skyliner in the 1950s and revived in the modern era by the Mitsubishi 3000GT Spyder in 1995. More recently, many manufacturers have offered hardtops withdrawn, including Peugeot itself with the 206-cc.

Three models of the 1930s is the Peugeot 202, Peugeot 302 and Peugeot 402. These cars had curvaceous bodies, with a sloping rear lights bar grille, clearly inspired by the Chrysler Airflow. The 2.1-liter 402 entered production in 1935 and produced until the end of 1941, although the French occupation by the Nazis. For 1936, the new Airflow-inspired 302 (which lasted until 1938) and 402-based large model, designed by Andrean, featuring a vertical fin and bumper, rear lights with the first high-mounted. The entry-level 202 was built in series from 1938 to 1942, and about 20 more examples were built from existing stocks of supplies in February 1945. Peugeot 202 lifted sales in 1939 to 52 796, just behind Citroën. Regular production began again in mid-1946, and took place in 1949.

• Peugeot 163 Type manufactured from 1919 to 1924
• Experimental Peugeot- Kégresse track armored car was tested in 1923
• Peugeot 177 Type manufactured from 1924 to 1929
• Peugeot 202 cabriolet. Positions are protected from lights behind the grill becomes a key identifier for the Peugeot brand in the 1930s
• Peugeot 601 C Eclipse 1934 Pourtout

Peugeot 403 car in Hollywood detective Columbo

Peugeot 404

After World War II

In 1946, the company restarted car production with the 202, delivering 14,000 copies. In 1947, Peugeot introduced the Peugeot 203, with coil springs, rack-and-pinion steering, and hydraulic brakes. The 203 set new Peugeot sales records, remaining in production until 1960.
Peugeot took over Chenard-Walcker in 1950, after it has been necessary to acquire a majority in Hotchkiss in 1942. A popular model was introduced in 1955 was the Peugeot 403. With a 1.5-liter engine, sold a million copies by the end of the production run in 1962, including one driven by the famous TV detective Columbo.

The company began selling cars in the United States in 1958, and in 1960 introduced the Peugeot 404, which uses 1,618 cc (99 cu in) version of the 403 engine, tilted 45 °. 404 proved rugged enough to win the East African Safari Rally, in four of the six years between 1963 and 1968....
Peugeot 205 Turbo 16, 1985 and 1986 winner of the World Rally Championship
Peugeot also had further success in the international rally, especially in the World Rally Championship with the four-wheel-drive turbo-charged versions of the Peugeot 205, and more recently the Peugeot 206 in 1981 ,. Jean Todt, former co-driver for Hannu Mikkola, Timo Makinen, and Guy Fréquelin, among others, was asked by Jean Boillot, the head of Automobiles Peugeot, to create a competition department for PSA Peugeot Citroën. The resulting Peugeot Talbot Sport, established in the Bois de Boulogne near Paris, her debut in Group B 205 Turbo 16 at the 1984 Tour de Corse in May, and took its first world rally win that same year at the 1000 Lakes Rally in August, in the hands of Ari Vatanen. Not including endurance rally where Peugeot is not participating, Vatanen went on win five world rallies in a row.

Peugeot dominance continued in the 1985 season. Although nearly fatal accident Vatanen in Argentina, in the middle of the season, his team-mate and compatriot Timo Salonen led to Peugeot for the first rider and manufacturer title of world champion, well ahead of Audi and their Audi Sport Quattro. In the 1986 season, Vatanen's young replacement Juha Kankkunen beat Lancia's Markku Alen to the drivers 'title and Peugeot took the title of the second producer' in front of the Lancia. After the FIA's ban the Group B cars for 1987, in May after Henri Toivonen 's fatal accident, Todt was furious and even (unsuccessfully) pursue legal action against the federation. Peugeot then switched to rally raids. Using 205 and 405, Peugeot won the Dakar Rally four times in succession from 1987 to 1990; three times with Vatanen and once with Kankkunen. In 2015 Peugeot again take part in the Dakar Rally with the newly built train.

Peugeot 206 WRC, winner of the World Rally Championship from 2000 to 2002
In 1999, Peugeot returned to the World Rally Championship with the 206 WRC. The car was immediately competitive against such opposition Subaru Impreza WRC, the Ford Focus WRC and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Marcus Grönholm gave the car its first win at the 2000 Rally Sweden, and Peugeot went on to win the title of producers' in their first year since his return, and Grönholm the drivers title in his first full WRC season. After successfully but narrowly retain their manufacturers title in 2001, Peugeot Sport dominated the 2002 season, taking eight wins in the hands of Grönholm and Gilles Panizzi. Grönholm also took the drivers' title. For the 2004 season, Peugeot 206 WRC retirement support new 307 WRC. 307 WRC did not match its predecessor in success, but Grönholm took three wins with the car, one in 2004 and two in 2005. PSA Peugeot Citroën Peugeot withdrew from the WRC after the 2005 season, while Citroën took a sabbatical in 2006 and returned for the next season. Meanwhile, Gronholm departed Peugeot when they quit at the end of 2005 to partner young compatriot Mikko Hirvonen at Ford.
Peugeot 207 S2000, winner of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge 2007-2009.

Peugeot Touring car racing

In 2009 and 2011, Peugeot won the championship Stock Car V8 with Caca Bueno (here Luciano Burti)

In 2013, the Peugeot 208 GTi winning one-two-three in the 24 Hours Nürburgring endurance race.
Peugeot 306 GTi won the prestigious Spa 24-hour endurance race in 1999 and 2000.
Peugeot has been successfully racing in the Asian Touring Car Series series, winning the 2000, 2001, and 2002 championship with Peugeot 306 GTi.
Peugeot has been successfully racing in Stock Car Brazil series since 2007 and won the 2008, 2009, and 2011 championships.

Peugeot has been successfully racing in the Asian Touring Car Series series, winning the 2000, 2001, and 2002 championship with Peugeot 306 GTi.
Peugeot won the Danish Touringcar Championship five times, with both Peugeot 306 -winner in 1999, 2000 and 2001 and the Peugeot 307 winner in 2002 and 2003.
With his Peugeot 406, Laurent Aiello won the 1997 Super Tourenwagen Cup season.
Throughout the mid-1990s, the Peugeot 406 saloon (called a sedan in some countries) contested touring car championships around the world, enjoying success in France, Germany and Australia, but failed to win a single race in the British Touring Car Championship podium despite the number below command of 1992 British Touring Car Champion Tim Harvey. In Gran Turismo 2406 sedan description summarizes racing career as "a competitive touring car which raced throughout Europe".

Tim Harvey in 406 during the 1996 BTCC season
British cars prepared by a team of British Peugeot factory in Coventry in 1996, when they wore red uniforms, and by MSD in 1997-98, when they wore green and gold design-typical fire. This lack of success of the 406 initially blamed on suspension problems. During the year 1998 406 apparently did not have enough horsepower to compete with the front runners' Nissan and Honda Accord Primeras; This is mentioned during the show very strong from Harvey 406 at Oulton Park BTCC meeting of 1998, when motorsport commentator Charlie Cox stated "some people say (406) down the power - you kidding". During the first BTCC meeting at Silverstone in the same year, Cox mentions that MSD re-designed the 406 touring car "from the ground up".
In 2001, Peugeot entered three 406 coupes into the British touring cars championship to compete with the dominant Vauxhall Astra coupe. Unfortunately the 406 coupe was at the end of its product life cycle and not competitive, despite some promise towards the end of the year, especially when Peugeot's Steve Soper led a race only to suffer engine failure in the last few laps. 406 coupes were retired at the end of next year and replaced with the Peugeot 307 -lagi, uncompetitive-2003.
Sports car racing

The 908 HDi FAP sports prototype, driven by Jacques Villeneuve in 2007
In the 1990s the company competed in endurance racing, including the Sportscar World Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans race with 905. The sportscar team established in Velizy-Villacoublay, France. After initial problems with reliability and aerodynamics, 905 were successful in the World Sportscar Championship, winning eight of 14 races throughout the 1991 and 1992 season and won the team and driver titles in 1992. Peugeot also won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1992 and 1993.

Peugeot returned to sports car racing and Le Mans in 2007 with diesel Peugeot 908 HDi FAP. At the 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans, Stéphane Sarrazin secured pole position but the 908s proved unreliable and handing victory to Audi. In 2008, the Sarrazin again get pole position but Audi won again. For the 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Peugeot 908 HDi FAPs finished first and second overall, led by driver Marc Gene, David Brabham, and Alexander Wurz.

Pike's Peak hillclimb

Ari Vatanen's Pikes Peak Peugeot 405

After Ari Vatanen and Bobby Unser, in the late 1980s, winning the Pike's Peak hillclimb race, Peugeot Sport and Sebastien Loeb decided to combine their respective strengths and go for it. Performance sereval Ari Vatanen won the award with "Climb Dance" movie (Grand Prix du Film de Chamonix in 1990, the Gold Award at the International Film Festival in Houston, US Silver Screen Industry Film & Video Festival in Chicago, 1990 Prix du Jury at the Festival International du spécial Film d'aventure in Val d'Isère).

In April 2013, 208 T16 was tested by Sébastien Loeb on the Mont Ventoux. [63] Loosely based on the shape and design of production of 208, T16 is lightweight 875 kg (1929 pounds) of vehicles using the rear wing of the Peugeot 908, and has a 3.2-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine, developing 875 bhp (652 kW; 887 PS) with the aim of competing at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. June 30, 2013 saw the car smash record stands at Pikes Peak by more than a minute and a half, with the overall time 8 :. 13.878

Peugeot Formula One

The Company is also involved in providing machines for the Formula One team, notably to McLaren in 1994, to Jordan for 1995, 1996 and 1997 seasons, and Prost for 1998, 1999 and 2000 seasons. Peugeot F1 interests were sold to Asiatech at the end of the 2000 season.
Concept cars
• Quasar (1984)
• Proxima (1986)
• oxia (1988)
• Ion (1994)
• Touareg (1996)
• Asphalte (1996)
• 806 Runabout (1997)
• 20  (1998)
• Escapade (1998)
• Les City Toyz (2000)
• Peugeot 607 Feline (2000)
• Peugeot 607 Paladine (2000)
• Peugeot Sésame (2002)
• 607 Pescarolo (2002)
• 3  7 CC (2002)
• H2O (2002)
• Peugeot RC (2002)
• Peugeot Hoggar (2003)
• Peugeot 407 Elixir (2003)
• Peugeot 4002 (2003)
• 407 Silhouette (2004)
• Peugeot Quark (2004)
• Peugeot 907 (2004)
• Peugeot 407 Prologue Coupé (2005)
• Peugeot 20Cup (2005)
• Peugeot 908 RC (2006)
• Spider 207 (2006)
• HYmotion4 Peugeot RC HYbrid4 (2008)
• Peugeot RD (2008)
• Peugeot BB1 (2009)
• Peugeot EX1 Concept (2010)
• Peugeot HR1 (2010)
• Peugeot SR1 (2010)
• Peugeot 5 by Peugeot (2010)
• Peugeot HX1 (2011)
• Peugeot SXC (2011)
• Peugeot Onyx (2012)
• Peugeot Exalt (2014)
• Peugeot Quartz (2014)
• Peugeot 908 RC 2006
• Peugeot RC Hybrid4 2008
• Peugeot SR1 2010
• Peugeot HX1 2011
• Peugeot Onyx 2012

Peugeot Motorcycle

 

Peugeot Elyséo Peugeot 125, 'Roland Garros' (2002)

 

Satelis Peugeot 125

Peugeot Motorcycles companies remain a major manufacturer of scooters, underbones, mopeds, and bicycles in Europe. Peugeot produced an electric motor scooters, Peugeot Scoot'Elec, 1996-2006, and is projected to re-enter the market in 2011 with the E-Vivacity.

Peugeot Bicycle

Peugeot also produced bicycles starting in 1882 in Beaulieu, France (with ten Tour de France wins between 1903 and 1983), followed by motorcycles and cars in 1889. In the late 1980s Peugeot sold the North American rights to the Peugeot bicycle name to ProCycle, a Canadian company that also sold bicycles under the name CCM and Velo Sport. Europe briefly sold the rights to Cycleurope SA, back to Peugeot in the 1990s.

Peugeot Street

Peugeot has a main dealer, named Peugeot Avenue, which is located on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, and in Berlin. Berlin showroom is larger than the Paris one, but both have regularly changing mini-exhibitions featuring production and concept cars. Both also have a small Peugeot Boutique, and they are a popular place for Peugeot fans to visit. Peugeot Street Berlin also features a café, called Café de France. Peugeot Avenue at Berlin was closed in 2009.

Article Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peugeot

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is a German automobile manufacturer, a multinational division of the German manufacturer Daimler AG. Brand used for luxury cars, buses, coaches, and trucks. Mercedes-Benz headquarters in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
The name first appeared in 1926 under Daimler-Benz, but traces its origins to Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft's 1901 Mercedes and Karl Benz's 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen, widely regarded as the first gasoline-powered car. Mercedes-Benz slogan is "Das Beste oder nichts" (English: "The best or not"). Mercedes-Benz is part of the "German Big 3" luxury cars, along with Audi and BMW, which is the best-selling luxury car in the world.

Mercedes-Benz History

Karl Benz. Benz made the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, widely regarded as the first car.

Gottlieb Daimler, founder of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft.
Mercedes-Benz traces its origins to Karl Benz 'creation of the first gasoline-powered car, the Benz Patent Motorwagen, financed by Bertha Benz and patented in January 1886, and Gottlieb Daimler and engineer Wilhelm Maybach's conversion of a stop with the addition of engine gasoline that year. The Mercedes automobile was first marketed in 1901 by Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. The first Mercedes-Benz brand vehicles produced in 1926, after the merger the company Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler became the company Daimler-Benz. Throughout 1930, Mercedes-Benz produces the Model 770, a popular car during the German Nazi period. Adolf Hitler is known to have driven a car during his time in power, with a bulletproof windshield. Most of the models that are still alive have been sold at auction to a private buyer. One is currently on display at the War Museum in Ottawa, Ontario. Mercedes-Benz has introduced many technological and safety innovations that later became common in other vehicles. Mercedes-Benz is one of the most famous automotive brands and established in the world, and also one of the oldest automotive brand in the world still existing in 2015, having produced the first gasoline-powered car.
For information related to the famous three-pointed star, look under the heading of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft including merger into Daimler-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz Children and alliances

As part of the company Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars division including Mercedes-Benz and Smart car production. Mercedes-AMG
Mercedes-AMG became a majority owned division of Mercedes-Benz in 1999. The company was integrated into DaimlerChrysler in 1999, and became Mercedes-Benz AMG beginning on January 1, 1999.

McLaren Group

Mercedes-Benz Motorsport

Mercedes-AMG is the official engine supplier for the F1 team's second oldest and most successful to win the Grand Prix, McLaren Racing 1995-2014. In 2013 it was announced that after last year's contract with McLaren Mercedes, Mercedes will be dropped and replaced by Honda, with whom McLaren has won the world championship in the past together.

Mercedes-Benz Car road Manufacturing

From 2003 to 2009, Mercedes is in a joint venture with the McLaren Group to produce the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. At this time, Mercedes owned 40% of the McLaren Group. Because the Mercedes buy Brawn GP, ​​F1 teams, Mercedes decided to sell their shares back to Ron Dennis, McLaren would like their rivals in the F1 championship.

Mercedes-Benz Maybach

Daimler's ultra-luxury brand Maybach under the Mercedes-Benz car division until 2013, when production was stopped because of poor sales volume. Now there under the name Mercedes-Maybach, with models of ultra-luxury version of the Mercedes, like 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600.

Mercedes-Benz Production

Factory

In addition to the vehicle native Germany, Mercedes-Benz is also manufactured or assembled in:

Sovereign Country Continent Notes
Argentina
South America
Manufactures buses, trucks and the Sprinter van. This is the first Mercedes-Benz plant outside Germany. Built in 1951.
Austria
Europe

G-Class

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Europe

Brazil
South America produces trucks and buses. Was founded in 1956. The A-Class (W168) was produced from 1999 to 2005 and the C-Class production to 2010 as well.
Canada
North America

Chinese
Asia

Egypt
Africa
Via Egyptian German Automotive Company E-Class, C-Class and GLK

Finland
European New A-series (W176) manufactured in Uusikaupunki since late 2013, became the first passenger car MB ever built in the country
Hungary]
Europe
Jordan
Asia Bus mill company, Elba House, Amman.
India
Asia Bangalore (R & D). Pune (passenger cars). Chennai (Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt Ltd.) - Truck & Machinery Manufacturing units.

Indonesia
Asia / Australia

Iran
Asia Not since 2010
Malaysia
Asia Panel C, E and S class vehicles by DRB-HICOM.

Mexico
Mercedes-Benz North America Mexico fully produce some Mercedes and Daimler vehicles built entirely from locally section (C-Class, E-Class, M-Class, International Truck, Axor, Atego and Mercedes Bus), producing other models in complete knock down kit (CL-Class, CLK-Class, SL-Class, SLK-Class), and produces a number of select models in knockdown kits half that uses components of both imported and locally sourced Mexican component (S-Class, CLS-Class, R-Class , GL-Class, Sprinter).
Nigeria
African Council of buses, trucks, electric motors and the Sprinter van
Philippines
Asia
Russia
Eurasia
The joint venture Mercedes-Benz Trucks Vostok in Naberezhnye Chelny (together Kamaz). Available in truck Actros, Axor, multi-purpose auto four-wheel drive Unimog trucks medium. Classic Mercedes-Benz Sprinter also manufactured in Russia.
Spain
European factory in Vitoria-Gasteiz Mercedes-Benz Vito, Viano and V-Class has been built there.
South Africa
Africa
South Korea
Asia Mercedes-Benz Musso and MB100 models manufactured by SsangYong Motor Company.

Thailand
Asia Panel C, E and S class vehicles by the Thonburi Group
Turkey
Eurasia Mercedes-Benz Türk A.Ş.
English
Europe The SLR sports car is built at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking. Brackley, Northamptonshire, is home to Mercedes GP factory, and Brixworth, Northamptonshire is the location of Mercedes-Benz HighPerformanceEngines

USA
North American Mercedes-Benz M-Class Sport Utility and the full-sized GL-Class luxury Sport Utility Vehicle are all built in the Mercedes-Benz US International production facility near Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Trucks (6,000 per year in the late seventies) ever assembled in Hampton, VA.

Vietnam
Asia Assembly E-Class, C-Class, S-Class, GLK-Class and the Sprinter. Was established in 1995.

Mercedes-Benz Quality ratings

Since its inception, Mercedes-Benz has maintained its reputation for quality and durability. Objective measures see passenger vehicles, such as JD Power surveys, demonstrated a decrease in reputation in this criteria in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In mid-2005, Mercedes temporarily returned to the industry average for initial quality, the size of the problem after the first 90 days of ownership, according to JD Power. In the JD Power Initial Quality Study for the first quarter of 2007, Mercedes showed dramatic improvement by climbing from 25th to 5th place and received several awards for its models. For 2008, Mercedes-Benz initial quality rating improved by yet another mark, to fourth place. On top of this award, also received the Platinum Plant Quality Award for Mercedes' Sindelfingen, Germany assembly plant. JD Power 2011 US Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability Study both Mercedes-Benz vehicles ranked above average in build quality and reliability. In 2011 the British JD Power survey, Mercedes rated above average. A 2014 study for Reuters iSeeCars.com find Mercedes has the lowest level of vehicle recall.

Mercedes-Benz Model

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (compact)
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (D-segment)
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (4-door coupé)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (executive cars)

Mercedes W210 Taxi-Version
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (luxury sedan)
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (Grand Tourer)

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series (supercar)
Mercedes-Benz M-Class (luxury SUV)
Various models of the moment
Mercedes-Benz offers a wide range of passenger, commercial and heavy commercial equipment light. Vehicles manufactured in several countries around the world. The Smart marque of city cars are also manufactured by Daimler AG.

• A-Class - Hatchback
• B-Class - Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
• C-Class - Saloon, Estate and Coupé
• CLA-Class - 4 door Coupé
• CLS-Class - 4 door Coupé and Estate
• E-Class - Saloon, Estate, Coupé and Cabriolet
• G-Class - Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)
• GL-Class - Large Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)
• GLA-Class - Compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) / Crossover
• GLK-Class - Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)
• GLE-Class - Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)
• M-Class - Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)
• S-Class - Luxury Saloon
• SL-Class - Grand Tourer
• SLK-Class - Roadster
• V-Class - Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) / Van
• AMG GT - Sports car / supercar
Vans

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is used as a police bus
Mercedes-Benz manufactures a wide range of vans, Citan (a rebadged version of the Renault Kangoo), Vito and Sprinter.

 

Mercedes-Benz Truck

Mercedes-Benz Zetros is used for snowplowing

Unimog, a famous allround vehicle with Mercedes-Benz
Now Mercedes-Benz Trucks is part of the Daimler Trucks division, and includes companies that are part of the DaimlerChrysler merger. Gottlieb Daimler sold the world's first truck in 1886. The first factory was built outside Germany after World War II was in Argentina. It was originally built trucks, many of which modified independently to buses, popularly named Colectivo. Today, it builds buses, trucks and the Sprinter van.

Mercedes-Benz Buses

Mercedes-Benz manufactures a wide range of buses and coaches, especially to Europe and Asia. The first model produced by Karl Benz in 1895.
Significant models produced
• 1928: SSK racing cars
• 1930: 770 "Großer Mercedes" state and ceremonial cars
• 1934: 500 K
•: 1936 first diesel production car in the world 260 D
• 1936: 170
• 1938: W195 Speed ​​Record-breaker
• 1939: 320A A military vehicle
• 1951: 300, known as the "Adenauer Mercedes"
• 1953: "Ponton" model
• 1954: 300SL "Gullwing"
• 1956: 190SL
• 1959: "Fintail" model
• 1960: 220SE Cabriolet
• 1963: 600 "Grand Mercedes"
• 1963: 230SL "Pagoda"
• 1965: S-Class
• 1966: 300SEL 6.3
• 1968: W114 "new generation" compact car
• 1969: C111 experimental vehicle
• 1972: W107 350SL
• 1974: 450SEL 6.9
• 1977: W123 - Mercedes' first station wagon
• 1978: 300SD - Mercedes' first turbo diesel
• 1979: 500SEL and G-Class
• 1983: 190E 2.3 to 16
• 1989: 300SL, 500SL
• 1990: 500E
• 1991: 600SEL
• 1993: C-Class
• 1995: C43 AMG
• 1995: SL73 AMG, the 7.3 V12
• 1996: SLK
• 1997: the A-Class and M-Class
• 2004: SLR McLaren and CLS-Class
• 2007: E320 BlueTEC, GL320 BlueTEC, ML320 BlueTEC, R320 BlueTEC
• 2010: SLS AMG
• 2013: CLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Guard limousine or 600S offers a choice of armor-plating and has been used by diplomats around the world.

Mercedes-Benz Cars nomenclature

Until 1994, Mercedes-Benz uses an alphanumeric system for categorizing their vehicles, which consist of a sequence of numbers roughly equal to the engine displacement in liters multiplied by 100, followed by an alphabetical suffix indicating the composition of body styles and engine types.
• "C" indicates the cabriolet or coupe body style (eg, CL and CLK models, although the C-Class is an exception, as it is also offered as a sedan).
• "D" indicates the vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine.
• "E" (for "Einspritzung") shows the gasoline engine vehicles equipped with fuel injection. In most cases (of which 600 limousines and Mercedes E-Class being the exception), otherwise the "E" or "D" is present, the vehicle has a gasoline engine with a carburetor.
• "G" was originally used to Gelandewagen off-road vehicles, but now applied to the Mercedes SUV in general (eg, GLA and GLK).
• "K" is used in the 1930s, shows the supercharger ("Kompressor") equipped engines. One exception is the SSK, where K indicates "Kurz" (short-wheelbase).
• "L" indicates "Leicht" (lightweight) for a sports model, and "Lang" (long wheelbase) for the sedan models.
• "R" indicates "Rennen" (racing), used for racing cars (eg, 300SLR).
• "S" Sonderklasse "special class" for a flagship model, including the S-Class and SL-Class, SLR McLaren and SLS sportscars.
• "T" indicates "Touring" and the real (or station wagon) body style.

Some models in 1950 also had a small letter (b, c, and d) to indicate a certain trim levels. For other models, the numerical part of the designation does not correspond to the engine displacement. This is done to show the position of the model in the model range of independent displacement or in the price matrix. For these vehicles, the actual displacement in liters is suffixed with the model designation. The exception is the 190 class with a numerical designation "190" to indicate the entry level in the model along with the label displacement on the right side of the boot (190E 2.3 to 2.3-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine 190D 2.5 to 2.5-liter 5-cylinder diesel motors , etc). Some older models (such as the SS and SSK) did not have a number as part of the appointment altogether.
For the 1994 model year, Mercedes-Benz revised the naming system. The model is divided into "classes" is represented by the setting up of three letters (see "various models now" above), followed by three digits (or two-digit for AMG models, with approximately the same amount of displacement in liters multiplied by 10) numbers associated with engine displacements as before. Variants of the same model as the real version or vehicles with diesel engines are no longer given a separate letter. SLR, SLS and GT supercar does not carry a numerical designation.

Nowadays, many numerical designations no longer reflect the actual displacement engine, but more than the performance and marketing relative position. Although the two-liter engine displacement, at A45 AMG powerplant produces 355 brake horsepower so that a higher designation to show greater performance. Another example is the E250 CGI has greater performance than the E200 CGI because of different engine tuning though both have a 1.8-liter engine. From a marketing perspective, the E200 seems to be more "upscale" than E180. AMG model recently used "63" designation (to honor the 1960 6.3-liter M100 engine) despite well-equipped 6.2-liter (M156) or 5.5-liter (M157) engine.

Some models carry the designation further demonstrates special features:

• "4MATIC" indicates the vehicle is equipped with all-wheel-drive.
• "Bluetec" indicates a diesel engine with selective catalytic reduction exhaust aftertreatment.
• "BlueEFFICIENCY" show special features fuel economy (direct injection, start-stop system, aerodynamic modifications, etc.)
• "CGI" (Charged Gasoline Injection) indicates gasoline direct injection.
• "CDI" (Common-rail Direct Injection) shows the common-rail diesel.
• "Hybrid" show petrol- or diesel-electric hybrid.
• "NGT" indicates natural gas fueled engines.
• "Kompressor" shows the supercharged engine.
• "Turbo" indicates turbocharged engine, only used on the A-, B-, E and GLK-Class models.
• "AMG Line" shows the interior or engine, depending on the car, has been equipped with their AMG luxury sports cars

The model designation badges can be deleted at the request of customers.

2015 and beyond
Rationalization of the model nomenclature announced in November 2014 a future model. Consolidate many confusing nomenclature changes and their placement in a variety of models such as the CL-Class is now called the S-Class Coupé. Naming structure is divided into four categories: core, off-road vehicle / SUV, 4-door coupé and roadster. G-Class, V-Class, and Mercedes-AMG GT is not affected by the change.
Off-Road Vehicles core / SUV 4-door Coupé Roadster
GLA class CLA
B-Class
C-Class GLC
(Previous GLK) SLC
(Previous SLK)
E-Class GLE
(Previous ML)
S-Class GLS
(Previous GL) CLS SL
Note: CLA is positioned between the A- and B-Class models, while the CLS sits between the E- and S-Class.
In addition to the revised nomenclature, Mercedes-Benz has a new nomenclature for the system drive.
New Flow Example
Natural Gas drive c for "compressed natural gas" B 200 c
BlueTEC
CDI d for "diesel" E 350 d
GLA 200 d
PLUG-IN HYBRID **
E electric drive for "electricity" S 500 E
B 250 E
Fuel Cell f for "fuel cell" B 200 f
HYBRID
BlueTEC HYBRID h for the "hybrid" S 400 h
E 300 h
4MATIC 4MATIC E 400 4MATIC
Notes environment
Mercedes-Benz has developed a multi-car concept with alternative propulsion, such as hybrid-electric, fully electric, and fuel cell powertrains. At the 2007 Frankfurt motor show, Mercedes-Benz showed seven hybrid models, including the F700 concept car, powered by a hybrid-electric drivetrain featuring DiesOtto engine In 2009, Mercedes-Benz displayed three BlueZero concept at the North American International Auto Show. Each car has a different powertrain - the electric battery, fuel cell electric and gasoline-electric hybrid. In the same year, Mercedes also showed concept Vision S500 PHEV with 19 miles (31 km) all-electric range and CO 2 emissions of 74 g / km in the New European Driving Cycle.

Since 2002, Mercedes-Benz has developed the F-Cell fuel cell vehicle. The current version, based on the B-Class, has a range of 250 miles and is available for rent, with volume production scheduled to begin in 2014. Mercedes has also announced the SLS AMG E-Cell, fully electric version of the SLS sports car, with deliveries expected in 2013. The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID launched in 2009, and was the first production automotive hybrid in the world to use lithium-ion batteries. In mid-2010, production began on the Vito E-Cell all-electric van. Mercedes expects 100 vehicles that will be produced in late 2010 and further in 2000 by the end of 2011.

fleet of small electric cars in two to three years. Mercedes-Benz and Smart are preparing for a broad uptake of electric vehicles (EV) in the United Kingdom by starting the installation of charging points in their dealer network. So far 20 Elektrobay charging units, manufactured in the UK by Brighton-based Elektromotive, have been installed at seven locations as part of a pilot project, and further expansion of the initiative is planned later in 2010
In the US, Mercedes-Benz assessed a record US $ 30.66 million fine for their decision not to meet the average federal fuel economy standard company in 2009. Some of Mercedes-Benz cars, including the S550, and all AMG models sold in the United States, also face an additional gas guzzler tax. However, the new AMG model is equipped with a M157 machine will not be a gas-guzzler tax, due to the increase in fuel economy, and newer models are supported by the M276 and M278 engine will have fuel economy better. In 2008, Mercedes also had the worst CO2 average of all the major European manufacturers, ranking 14th out of 14 manufacturers. Mercedes was also the worst manufacturer in 2007 and 2006 in terms of average CO 2 levels, with 181 g and 188 g of CO 2 emitted per km, respectively.

Mercedes-Benz Bicycle

Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH introduced three new bikes in 2005, and has been developed to include a wide range of patent pending Foldingbike in 2007. Other models, including the Mercedes-Benz Carbon Bike, Trekking Bike, Fitness Bike and Bicycle Trailblazer.
Motorsport

A DMG Mercedes Simplex 1906 Deutsches Museum
The two companies that merged to form Mercedes-Benz brand in 1926 had both already enjoyed success in the new sport of motor racing throughout the history of each. A single Benz competed in the first race in the world of motorcycles, 1894 Paris-Rouen, where Émile Roger finished 14 within 10 hours 1 minute. Throughout its long history, the company has been involved in various motorsport activities, including sports car racing and rallying. On several occasions Mercedes-Benz has withdrawn completely from motorsport for a significant period of time, especially in the late 1930s, and after the 1955 Le Mans disaster, where a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR crashed into another car (An Austin Healey-), took off to tribune, and killed more than 80 spectators. Stirling Moss and co-driver Denis Jenkinson made history by winning the 1955 Mille Miglia road race in Italy during the record-breaking drive with an average speed of nearly 98 mph in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR. Although there was some activity in the years, it was not until 1987 that Mercedes-Benz returned to front line competition, returning to Le Mans, Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), and Formula One with Sauber. The 1990s saw Mercedes-Benz purchase British engine builder Ilmor (now Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines), and campaign IndyCars under USAC / CART rules, eventually winning the 1994 Indianapolis 500 and 1994 CART IndyCar World Series Championship with Al Unser, Jr. behind the wheel. The 1990s also saw the return of Mercedes-Benz to GT racing, and Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, both of which took the company to new heights by dominating the FIA ​​GT1 class.

Mercedes-Benz is currently active in three forms of motorsport, Formula Three, DTM and Formula One.

Article Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz

 History BMW, Motorcycles, Cars, latest models, the M models, Motorsport, Motorsport sponsoring, Motor, Formula One - F1, cars Sport, Touring car, Rally, Bike

BMW History


Karl Friedrich Rapp is the name of the founder of BMW - one of the biggest world wide car manufacturing companies. BMW or Bayerische Motoren Werke (Bavarian Motor Works) was founded in 1916 as a successor to the Rapp Motor.

Many people think that the logo of BMW comes from a spinning white propeller seen in the background of the blue sky. This may be so but in fact it is known that it also comes from the white and blue flag of Bavaria - the largest state of Germany. The capital city of the state is Munich and this is the place where even today we can find the BMW Headquarters.

In 1916 with the foundation of the company a contract was secured for building V12 engines. These engines were about to be used in the creation of the automobiles from Austro-Daimler. These 12 cylinders V engines were at first used in aircraft which is the original plan of the BMW Company. Taking in account the time when the company was founded it was very likely for them to continue like that.

However in 1919 after the World War I and the Treaty of Versailles the production of aircraft in Germany was prohibited and that quickly changed the politics of BMW. They began making brakes for the Rail transport. Soon after that BMW was able to design a motorcycle engine which was used for the creation of a motorcycle called with the model name Victoria. However Victoria was not built by BMW but by another company in Nuremberg.

In 1924 BMW made a model of a motorcycle which was the first one they built - the R32. This was a turning point in the BMW history because it was a major achievement and for decades they used its technology - 500 cc engines cooled down by the air. Soon after that BMW added one new innovation - the driveshaft. It came to replace the chain for driving the rear wheel and became a mark of BMW for quite some time.

In the German city Eisenach in 1927 began the production of Dixi - under license but only a year after that the Dixi Company was bought by BMW and they began mass production together with the model Austin Seven.

When the World War I began BMW took its place in it because of the German army's motorized division. They used BMW R75 together with BMW R12. Because of the high need of engines BMW note that period as highly profitable. BMW was the main supplier and even today words like Luftwaffe and Wehrmacht brings many memories. Some of the best planes in that historical time used the BMW aero-engines and till the 1945 more than 30 000 planes with these engines were manufactured.

BMW even made researches which enabled the company to make different jet engines for weapons. With the use of some men power consisting mainly by prisoners of the war BMW made many rocket-based weapons that were used in the war.

Soon after the creation of the rocket-based weapons parts of the company were bombed. Soviets razed to the ground most of the company located in eastern Germany and the base factory in Munich was almost completely destroyed.

After the war BMW was not able to quickly recover because of the need to rebuild the factory in Munich. After that when the restrictions from the Allies applied BMW was banned for three long years in which the company was forbidden from producing motorcycles until 1948 and cars until 1952.

In 1951 the Bavarian company was able to regain all trademarks and it looked like it was finally able to recover and start again from what was left. In 1959 Herbert Quandt became the "wheel" which turned the BMW around because he denied a deal with Daimler-Benz and soon after that he increased his share in the BMW Company up to 50%.

The name of Kurt Golda is stated as the man who incited Quandt to do this step and in the same year BMW began production of the BMW 700 which was based on the BMW 600. This small car used 2-cylinder, air-cooled engines and some years later it was renamed to "LS". Coupe and some cabriolet series were also manufactured.

In 1963 BMW offered dividends to the shareholders of the company and in 1966 the factory in Munich reached its maximum capacity and BMW bought Hans Glas GmbH. This deal enabled BMW to use factories in Landshut and Dingolfing.

With some new style provided by Bertone in 1972 BMW began production of 5 new series and in the years to follow the company made a big progress in the market. For 6 years under the leadership of Bernd Pischetsrieder BMW was able to expand its deal in the market by buying from British Aerospace the Rover Group. Rover Group's history starts in 1986 and till the moment when BMW owned it this company was able to achieve many things like for example the Rover 400 in 1990.

However the Rover was sold to Phoenix Venture Holdings and Ford Motor Company because of some years of losses for BMW. Jokingly the press called the Rover "The English Patient" after the release of the namesake film. This however was not very hard on BMW and they were spared from taking the blame. It looks like that even the British press was not very enthusiastic about the Rover.

BMW began production outside of Germany in 1994. New factories were made in South Carolina and even today the manufacturing of BMW X5 and BMW Z4 is made there. There are factories in some other places too like Oxford, Goodwood and others. After some time of assembly BMW began production in South Africa. Today BMW exports more than 50 000 3 Series vehicles yearly to Japan, USA, Africa, Australia and the Middle East.

In order to serve the market in Eastern Europe and Middle East BMW are planning to begin construction of a new plant located in Cyprus or Greece. A plant in Chennai, India already opened production in 2007.

More information on BMW Parts And Accessories

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kalin_Staikov

BMW

BMW is headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It also owns and produces the Mini car, and is the parent company of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. BMW produces motorcycles under BMW Motorrad. In 2014, BMW Group produced 2,117,965 automobiles and 120,000 motorcycles in all brands. BMW is part of the car "German Big 3" luxury, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz, which is a three-selling luxury car in the world.

History

BMW Headquarters in Munich. Tower and museum that looks at right back.
BMW Isetta with a front opening door
BMW 3 / 15ps (BMW Dixi) from 1930
BMW 132 engine
BMW 801 engine

BMW was founded as a business entity following a restructuring of Rapp Motorenwerke aircraft manufacturing company in 1917. After the end of World War I in 1918, BMW was forced to cease production-engine aircraft with the provisions of the Versailles Armistice Treaty. Company consequently shifted to motorcycle production in 1923, after the restriction the agreement began to emerge, followed by cars in 1928-29.

The first car BMW successfully produced and launched BMW car on the way to production cars is Dixi, it is based on the Austin 7 and licensed from the Austin Motor Company in Birmingham, England.

The first BMW engine plane that significant (and any commercial product) BMW IIIa engine is liquid-cooled inline-six in 1918, much preferred for high-altitude performance. With German rearmament in the 1930s, the company again began producing aircraft engines for the Luftwaffe. Among the engine design is the successful World War II BMW 132 and BMW 801 air-cooled radial engines, and the pioneering BMW 003 axial-flow turbojet, which powered, small-1944-1945-era jet-powered "emergency fighter", the Heinkel He 162 Spatz. BMW 003 jet engine was first tested as the main powerplant in the first prototype of the Messerschmitt Me 262, Me 262 V1, but in 1942 the prototype BMW engine test failed to take off with only standby Junkers Jumo 210 engine powering the nose-mounted pistons for a safe landing. Some Me 262 A-1b test sample is built using a more advanced version of the 003 jet, an official top speed record of 800 km / h (497 mph). The first time the four jet aircraft ever flown, sixth and eighth prototypes of reconnaissance Arado Ar 234 jet bomber, used BMW 003 jet power. The increase reliability lasted 003 1944, intended as a powerplant that is necessary to compete to airframe design Jägernotprogramm 's light combat the production contract, won by the Heinkel He 162 Spatz design. BMW 003 turbojet flight also find himself under consideration as a basic starting point for pioneers turboshaft powerplant for the German armored fighting vehicles in 1944-1945, as the GT 101. Towards the end of the Third Reich BMW developing some military aircraft projects for the Luftwaffe, the BMW Strahlbomber, the BMW and BMW Schnellbomber Strahljäger, but none of them were built.

In 1958, the automotive division of BMW in financial difficulties and a shareholders meeting was held to decide whether to go into liquidation or find a way of carrying on. It was decided to continue and try to cash in on the current economy car boom enjoyed so successfully by some of the former German aircraft manufacturers such as Messerschmitt and Heinkel. The right to produce Italian Iso Isetta was purchased; own small car that will be powered by a modified form of BMW's own motorcycle engine. It is quite successful and helped the company get back on its feet. The majority controlling shareholder of the BMW Aktiengesellschaft since 1959 is the Quandt family, which owns about 46% of the shares. The rest is in public float.

BMW acquired the Hans Glas company based in Dingolfing, Germany, in 1966. Glas vehicle briefly badged as BMW until the company was fully absorbed. It was well known that the acquisition was mainly to gain access to Glas 'development of the timing belt with an overhead camshaft in automotive applications, although some see Glas' plant in Dingolfing as other incentives. However, this plant is outdated and most direct benefit BMW, according to them, the stock of highly qualified engineers and other personnel. Glas factory continues to build a number of existing models, while adding the manufacture BMW front axle and the rear until they could be closer incorporated into the BMW.

 

BMW 3-Series (F30)

In 1992, BMW acquired a large stake in California based industrial design studio DesignworksUSA, which they fully acquired in 1995. In 1994, BMW bought the British Rover Group (which at that time consisted of the Rover, Land Rover and MG brands as well as the right to dead brands including Austin and Morris), and owned it for six years. In 2000, Rover incurring huge losses and BMW decided to sell the combine. MG Rover and the brands sold to the Phoenix Consortium to form MG Rover, while Land Rover was taken over by Ford. BMW, meanwhile, retained the rights to build the new Mini, which was launched in 2001.

Chief designer Chris Bangle announced his departure from BMW in February 2009, after serving on the design team for nearly seventeen years. He was replaced by Adrian van Hooydonk, Bangle's former right-hand man. Bangle is known for radical designs such as the 2002 7-Series and the 2002 Z4. In July 2007, the production rights for Husqvarna Motorcycles was purchased by BMW for a reported 93 million euros. BMW Motorrad plans to continue operating Husqvarna Motorcycles as a separate enterprise. All development, sales and production activities, as well as the current workforce, remain in place at its present location at Varese.

In June 2012, BMW is listed as the # 1 most leading companies in the world by Forbes.com. The rankings are based on aspects such as the "people's willingness to buy, recommend, work for, and invest in companies driven 60% by their perceptions of the company and only 40% by their perception of their product."
Shareholder structure

by ownership

    Stefan Quandt: 17.4%
    Johanna Quandt: 16.7%
    Susanne Klatten: 12.6%
    Free Lampung: 53.3%

by type

    Strategic investors: 46.7%
    Institutional investors:
        North America: 15.8%
        UK and Ireland: 11.8%
        Other Europe: 5.7%
        Germany: 4.8%
        Around the world: 2.5%
    Other investors: 12.7%

Production
BMW factory in Leipzig, Germany: Spot welding BMW 3 series car body with KUKA industrial robots.

In 2006, the BMW group (including Mini and Rolls-Royce) produced 1,366,838 four-wheeled vehicle, which is produced in five countries. In 2010, it produced 1,481,253 four-wheeled vehicles and motorcycles 112 271 (under both the BMW and Husqvarna brand).

BMW X3 (E83) is made by Magna Steyr, a subsidiary of Magna of Canada, in Graz, Austria under license from BMW until 2010. More than 45 973 were produced in 2009. Starting in October 2010, BMW X3 (F25) is produced in BMW US Manufacturing Company, Greer, Spartanburg County, South Carolina.

It is reported that approximately 56% of BMW-brand vehicles produced are powered by a gasoline engine and the remaining 44% are powered by diesel engines. Of those petrol vehicles, about 27% are four-cylinder models and about nine percent is an eight-cylinder models. BMW also has a local assembly operations using the complete knock-down components in Thailand, Russia, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, and India, for 3, 5, 7 series and X3.
Sales worldwide

Vehicles sold in all markets according to BMW's annual report.
Year BMW MINI Rolls Royce Motorcycles *
200 428 97 474 797 2005 1.126.768
2006 1.185.088 188 077 805 100 064
222 875 1010 102 467 2007 1.276.793
232 425 1212 115 196 2008 1.202.239
216 538 1002 100 358 2009 1.068.770
234 175 2711 110 113 2010 1.224.280
2011 1.380.384 3538 285 060 113 572
301 525 3575 117 109 2012 1.540.085

* Since 2008, motorcycle production and sales figures including the Husqvarna models.
China sales

BMW sells vehicles in China through "more than 440 sales outlets and 100 stores BMW Mini," give this network to 415 200 units between January and November 2014.
Annual production
Year BMW MINI Rolls Royce Motorcycles *
200 119 92 013 692 2005 1.122.308
186 674 847 103 759 2006 1.179.317
237 700 1029 104 396 2007 1.302.774
235 019 1417 118 452 2008 1.203.482
213 670 93 243 918 2009 1.043.829
241 043 3221 112 271 2010 1.236.989
294 120 3725 118 865 2011 1.440.315
311 490 3279 125 284 2012 1.547.057
303 177 3354 110 129 2013 1.699.835
Motorcycle
The R32 motorcycle, the first BMW motor vehicles.

BMW started production of motorcycle engines and then motorcycles after World War I. Its motorcycle brand is now known as BMW Motorrad. The first motorcycle to their success, after the failed Helios and Flink, was the "R32" in 1923. It has a "boxer" twin engine, in which a cylinder projects into the air flow from each side of the machine. Apart from their single cylinder models (basically to the same pattern), all their motorcycles used this distinctive layout until the early 1980s. Many BMW is still produced in this layout, which is designated the R Series.

During World War II, BMW produces the BMW R75 motorcycle with a sidecar attached. Has a unique design copied from the Zündapp KS750, the sidecar wheel was also motor-driven. Combined with a lockable differential, this made the vehicle very capable off-road, which is similar in many ways to the Jeep.

In 1982, came the K Series, shaft drive but water-cooled and with three or four cylinders mounted in a straight line from front to back. Shortly after, BMW also started making the chain-driven F and G series with single and parallel twin Rotax engines.

In the early 1990s, BMW Boxer update the gumball machine that became known as oilhead. In 2002, oilhead engine has two spark plugs per cylinder. In 2004 it added a built-in balance shaft, the capacity increased to 1170 cc and enhanced performance to 100 hp (75 kW) for the R1200GS, compared to 85 hp (63 kW) of the previous R1150GS. A more powerful variant of the machine oilhead available in R1100S and R1200S, producing 98 and 122 hp (73 kW and 91), respectively.

In 2004, BMW introduced the new Sports K1200S bikes which marks a departure for BMW. That engine produces 167 hp (125 kW), which is derived from the company's work with the Williams F1 team, and lighter than previous K models. Innovations include electronically adjustable front and rear suspension, and a Hossack-type front fork that BMW calls Duolever.
BMW S1000RR

BMW introduced the anti-lock brakes on production motorcycles starting in the late 1980s. Generation anti-lock brakes available on the 2006 and later BMW motorcycles pave the way for the introduction of electronic stability control, or anti-skid technology later in the 2007 model year.

BMW has been an innovator in motorcycle suspension design, taking telescopic front suspension long before most other manufacturers. Then they switched to Earles fork, front suspension by swinging fork (1955 to 1969). Most modern BMW right rear swingarm, one hand on the back (compare with the regular swinging fork usually, and incorrectly, called the swing arm). Some BMW started using another trademark front suspension design, Telelever, in the early 1990s. Like the Earles fork, the Telelever significantly reduces dive under braking.

BMW Group, on January 31, 2013 announced that Pierer Industrie AG has bought Husqvarna for an undisclosed amount, which will not be disclosed by either party in the future. The company is led by Stephan Pierer (CEO KTM). Pierer Industrie AG is the owner of 51% of KTM and the owner of 100% of Husqvarna.
Car
New Class

The New Class (German: Neue Klasse) is a line of compact sedans and coupes starting with the 1962 1500 and continuing through the last 2002s in 1977. Powered by BMW's celebrated four-cylinder M10 engine, the new model class has a fully independent suspension, MacPherson struts at the front , and front disc brakes. Originally a family four-door sedan and two-door coupe, the New Class line was expanded to a two-door sports sedan with the addition of 02 Series 1600 and 2002 in 1966.

Share little in common with the rest of the outside line of the power train, the sporty siblings caught the attention of auto enthusiasts' and established BMW as an international brand. Precursors to the famous BMW 3 Series, a successful two-door 'cemented the company's future as a top-level performance car maker. The new class four-door with numbers ending in "0" were replaced by the larger BMW 5 Series in 1972. The upscale 2000C and 2000CS coupes were replaced by the six-cylinder BMW E9, introduced in 1969 with the 2800CS. 1600 two-door was discontinued in 1975, and in 2002 was replaced by a 1975 320i.
The latest models
BMW X1 sDrive 18I
BMW 5-Series (F10)

The Series 1, originally launched in 2004, is the smallest BMW cars. Currently available is a second generation hatchback (F20) and the first generation coupe / convertible (E82 / E88). The 3 Series, a compact executive car manufactured since model year 1975, is currently in its sixth generation (F30); models include the sport sedan (F30), and the fourth-generation station wagon (F30), and convertible (E93), and Gran Turismo. In 2014, 4 series has been released and replaced 3 Series Coupe and Convertible. The 5 Series is a mid-size executive car, available in sedan (F10) and station wagon (F11) forms. The 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07), which debuted in 2010, created a segment between station wagons and crossover SUV.
BMW Z4 (E89)

BMW's full-size flagship executive sedan is the 7 Series. Typically, BMW introduces many of their innovations first in the 7 Series, such as the iDrive system. 7 Series Hydrogen, has one of the world's first hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine, fueled by liquid hydrogen and emits only clean water vapor. The latest generation (F01) debuted in 2009. Based on the 5 Series platform ', the 6 Series is BMW's grand touring luxury sport coupe / convertible (F12 / F13). A 2-seater roadster and coupe which succeeded the Z3, the Z4 has been sold since 2002.
BMW X3 (F25)

The X3 (F25), the second BMW crossover SUV (called SAV or "Sports Activity Vehicle" by BMW) debuted in 2010 and replaced the X3 (E83), which is based on the E46 3 Series platform ', and has been in production since 2003. Marketed in Europe as an off-roader, the benefits of the system xDrive all-wheel drive BMW. The all-wheel drive X5 (E53) BMW is the first crossover SUV (SAV), based on the Series 5, and a mid-size luxury SUV (SAV) sold by BMW since 2000. A 4-seat crossover SUV released by BMW in In December 2007, the X6 is marketed as a "Sports Activity Coupe" (SAC) by BMW. The expanded model lineup BMW X1 Sports Activity Series.

In 2013, the company announced that it is to launch its first fully electric car variety. This will begin with the launch of the BMW i3 in the second quarter 2014.

    Series 1 (F20) (2011-present) 5-door hatchback
    Series 1 (F21) (2011-present) 3-door Hatchback
    2 Series (F22) (2014-present) Coupe and convertible
    2 Series Active Tourer (F45) (2014-present) Compact MPV
    3-Series (F30) (2012-present) Sedan and wagon
    4 Series (F32 / F33 / F36) (2014-present) Coupe and convertible
    5 Series (F10 / F11) (2009-present) Sedan and wagon
    6 Series (F12) (2010-present) Coupe, convertible, Gran Coupe
    7 Series (F01) (2008-present) Sedan
    3 Series Gran Turismo (2013-present) Progressive Activity Sedan
    5 Series Gran Turismo (2009-present) Progressive Activity Sedan
    BMW i3 (2014-present) Electric Vehicles
    BMW i8 (2014-present) Hybrid sports car
    X1 (E84) (2009-present) Compact Crossover SUV / Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)
    X3 (F25) (2010-present) Compact Crossover SUV / Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)
    BMW X4 (F26) (2014-present Sports Activity Coupe
    X5 (F15) (2014-present) Mid-Size Crossover SUV / Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)
    X6 (F16) (2014-present) Sports Activity Coupe
    Z4 (E89) (2009-present) Sport Roadster

Model M
BMW M6 (F13)

BMW produced a number of high-performance derivative of the car they are developed by their BMW M GmbH (formerly BMW Motorsport GmbH) subsidiary.

Model M today is:

    M3 - F80 Sedan, (2013 to present)
    M4 - F82 Coupé, (2013 to present)
    M5 - F10 Saloon (2011 to present)
    M6 - F06 / 12/13 (2012 until now)
    X5 M - F15 SAV (2014 to present)
    X6 M - F16 SAV (2014 to present)

Motorsport

BMW has been involved in motorsport activities since the beginning of the first BMW motorcycle in 1923.
Motorsport sponsor

    Formula BMW - A Junior racing Formula category.
    Kumho BMW Championship - A BMW-exclusive championship run in the United Kingdom.

Motorbike
BMW S1000RR

    Isle of Man TT - Georg 'Schorsch' Meier won the 1939 Grand Prix run and Michael Dunlop Senior 2014 and won both Superbike races at the 2014 BMW S1000RR.
    Dakar Rally - BMW motorcycles have won the Dakar rally six times. In 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1999, and 2000.
    Superbike World Championship - BMW returned to road racing in 2009 with the main all their new superbike, the BMW S1000RR.

Formula One - F1
BMW Sauber F1 Team logo.
BMW first entered Formula One as a full team in 2006.

BMW has a history of success in Formula One. BMW powered cars have won 20 races. In 2006 BMW took over the Sauber team and became Formula One constructors. In 2007 and 2008 the team enjoyed some success. Latest victory is the sole constructor team's victory by BMW Sauber F1 Team, on June 8, 2008, at the Canadian Grand Prix with Robert Kubica driving. Accomplishments include:

    Championship racer: 1 (1983)
    Constructors championship: 0 (Runner-up 2002, 2003, 2007)
    Fastest lap: 33
    Grand Prix wins: 20
    Podium: 76
    Pole positions: 33

BMW is the engine supplier for Williams, Benetton, Brabham, and Arrows. Notable drivers who have started their Formula One careers with BMW include Jenson Button, Juan Pablo Montoya, Robert Kubica and Sebastian Vettel.

In July 2009, BMW announced that it would withdraw from Formula One at the end of the season 2009. The team sold back to the previous owner, Peter Sauber, who continued BMW part of the name for the 2010 season because of problems with the Concorde Agreement. The team have since dropped BMW from their name beginning in 2011.
Sports car

    Le Mans 24 Hours - BMW won Le Mans in 1999 with the BMW V12 LMR designed by Williams Grand Prix Engineering. Also the Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing team won the 1995 edition with a BMW-engined McLaren F1 GTR race car.
    Nürburgring - BMW won the 24 Hours Nürburgring 19 times and the 1000km Nürburgring twice (1976 and 1981).
    24 Hours of Daytona - BMW won three times (1976, 2011, 2013)
    Spa 24 Hours - BMW won 21 times
    A work team E36 BMW 320d is the first diesel-powered champion ever at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
    McLaren F1 GTR - Successful mid-1990s GT racing car with a BMW designed engine. It won the BPR Global GT Series in 1995 and 1996 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995.
    American Le Mans Series - BMW has won three (2001, 2010, 2011) GT Team Championship and GT Automobile Manufacturers title. Twice (2010, 2011) with Team RLL at the Crowne Plaza V8-powered M3 GT coupe and once (2001) with a team of BMW Motorsport in the V8-powered M3 GTR.

Touring car

BMW has a long and successful history in touring car racing.

    British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) - BMW won the championship in 1988, 1991, 1992 and 1993 and manufacturers' drivers championship in 1991 and 1993.
    DRM (Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft) was won by Harald Ertl in a BMW 320i Turbo in 1978
    DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft) - the following championship winning DTM drivers' driving BMW:
        1987: Eric van der Poele, BMW M3
        1989: Roberto Ravaglia, BMW M3
        2012: Bruno Spengler, BMW M3 DTM
    European Touring Car Championship (etcc) - Since 1968, BMW won 24 drivers' championships along with several manufacturers' title and the team '.
    Japan Touring Car Championship (JTCC) - BMW (Schnitzer) flew from Europe to Japan to compete in JTCC and won the championship in 1995.
    Mille Miglia - the BMW Brescia won the 1940 Grand Prix with 328 Touring Coupé. Earlier in 1938 the 328 sport car won the Mille Miglia 2000 liter class.
    SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge Touring Car Series (WC) - BMW won the manufacturers championship in 2001 and Bill Auberlen, driving a Turner Motorsport BMW 325i, won the 2003 and 2004 Drivers Championship.
    World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) - BMW won the championship (four drivers 1987, 2005, 2006 and 2007) and three manufacturers' titles (2005-2007).

BMW announced on October 15, 2010, which will be returned to touring car racing during the summer of 2012. Dr. Klaus Draeger, director of research and development of the BMW Group, in charge of returning to racing DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters), commented that "The return of BMW to the DTM is a fundamental part of the restructuring of our motorsport activities. With its commitment to increase to production car racing, BMW is returning to its roots. The race track is the perfect place to demonstrate the impressive sporting characteristics of our vehicles against our major competitors in a high-powered environment. DTM is stage ideal in which to do this. "
Rally

    RAC Rally - The 328 sport car won this event in 1939.
    Paris Dakar Rally - BMW motorcycles have won this event six times total including 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1999, 2000.
    Tour de Corse - The BMW M3 - E30 won this event in 1987.

Sponsor

In football, BMW sponsored the Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt.

This is the official sponsor of the London 2012 Olympic Games provide a 4000 BMW and Minis in the agreement made in November 2009. The company also made a six-year sponsorship deal with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) in July 2010.

BMW has sponsored various European golf events such as the PGA Championship at Wentworth, the BMW Italian Open and the BMW International Open in Germany.
 Notes environment

The company is a charter member of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Environmental Achievement Track, which recognizes companies for environmental management and performance. It is also a member of the South Carolina Environmental Excellence Program.

In 2012, BMW was named the most sustainable automotive company in the world for the eighth consecutive year by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes. BMW Group is the only automotive company in the index since its inception in 1999. In 2001, the BMW Group is committed to the United Nations Environment Programme, the UN Global Compact and the Declaration on Cleaner Production. It is also the first company in the automotive industry to appoint an environmental officer, in 1973. BMW is a member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

BMW is the industry leader in the Global 500 ranking places and 3 Carbon Disclosure Project The Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index in all industries. BMW listed in FTSE4GoodIndex. BMW Group considered the most sustainable DAX 30 company with Sustainalytics in 2012.

BMW has taken measures to reduce the company's impact on the environment. It is trying to design less polluting cars by making existing models more efficient, as well as developing environmentally friendly fuels for future vehicles. Possibilities include :. Electric, hybrid power (combustion engines and electric motors) hydrogen engines
BMW offers 49 models with EU5 / 6 emissions norm and nearly 20 models with CO2 output of less than 140 g / km, which puts on the lowest tax group and therefore could provide the future owner with eco-bonus offered from some European countries.

However, there are some criticisms directed at BMW, and in particular, allegations of greenwash reference to their BMW Hydrogen 7. Some critics claim that the emissions produced during hydrogen fuel production outweigh the reduction of tailpipe emissions, and that the Hydrogen 7 is a distraction from more solutions fast, practical for car pollution.

 Bicycle

BMW has created a variety of high-end bicycles sold online and through dealers. Ranging from Kid Bike to EUR 4,499 Enduro bikes. In the United States, only the Cruise Bike and Kid's Bike models are sold.
BMW nomenclature
BMW M5 (F10)
BMW 730d xDrive (F01)
BMW X5 (E70)
BMW X6 (E71)

BMW vehicles follow a certain nomenclature; usually 3-digit number followed by 1 or 2 letters. The first number indicates the number of series. The next two numbers traditionally represent the engine displacement in cubic centimeters divided by 100. However, newer cars use two numbers as a performance index, for example 116i, 118i and 120i (2.0 L gas-powered all), such as 325d and 330d (both 3, 0L diesel) share the same motor block while adjusting engine power through the setup and turbocharging. A similar nomenclature is used by BMW Motorrad for their motorcycles.

Font system can be used in combination, and are as follows:

    A = automatic transmission
    C = coupé, last used on BMW E46 and BMW E63 (dropped after the 2005 model year)
    c = cabriolet
    d = diesel †
    e = eta (efficient economy, from the Greek letter 'η')
    g = compressed natural gas / CNG
    h = hydrogen
    i = fuel injection
    L = long wheelbase
    s = sport, also means "2 dr" on E36 models ††
    sDrive = rear-wheel drive
    T = touring (wagon / estate)
    Ti = hatchback for the BMW 3 Series hatchback
    x / xDrive = BMW xDrive all-wheel drive

† historic nomenclature indicating "td" refers to "Turbo Diesel", not a diesel hatchback or touring model (524td, 525td)

†† typically includes sport seats, spoiler, aerodynamic body kit, upgraded wheels and Slip Differential limits on pre-95 Model etc.

For example, the BMW 750iL is a fuel-injected 7 Series with a long wheelbase and 5.4 liters of displacement. This badge is used for generations, E65 and F01, except the "i" and "L" switch places, so read "Li" instead of "iL".

When the 'L' replaces the serial number (eg L6, L7, etc) identifies the vehicle as a special luxury variant, has extended leather and special interior appointments. L7 is based on the E23 and E38, and the L6 is based on the E24.

When 'X' is capitalized and supersedes the series number (eg X3, X5, etc.) identifies the vehicle as one of BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), their brand of crossover, with BMW xDrive. The second number in the series 'X' indicates that the platform is based on, for example, is derived from the X5 Series 5. Unlike BMW, SAV's main badge does not indicate the size of the engine; the machine is not shown in the badge.

The 'Z' identifies the vehicle as a two-seat roadster (eg Z1, Z3, Z4, etc). Varian 'M' from 'Z' model has the 'M' as a suffix or prefix, depending on the country of sale (eg 'Z4 M' is 'M Roadster' in Canada).

Previous X & Z vehicles had 'i' or 'si' following the engine displacement number (denoted in liters). BMW is now globally standardizing this nomenclature on X & Z vehicles by using the 'sDrive' or 'xDrive' (simply meaning rear or all-wheel drive, respectively) followed by two numbers which vaguely represent the vehicle's engine (eg Z4 sDrive35i is behind a -wheel-drive Z4 roadster with a 3.0 L twin-turbo fuel-injection).
Last BMW using the 's' for the E36 328is, which ceased production in 1999. However, the 's' nomenclature was brought back to the 2011 model year BMW 335is and BMW Z4 sDrive35is. 335is is a sport-tuned trim with more performance and optional dual clutch transmission which slots between the regular 335i and the top-of-the-line M3.

The 'M' - for Motorsport - identifies the vehicle as a high-performance model of a particular series (eg M3, M5, M6, etc.). For example, the M6 ​​is the highest performing vehicle in the 6 Series lineup. Although the car 'M' should be separated into their respective series platforms, it is common to see cars 'M' are grouped together as its own lineup of BMW's official website.
Exclusion

There are exceptions to the numbering nomenclature.

M versions of the BMW 1 Series named BMW 1 Series M Coupe rather than the traditional style "M1" because of possible confusion with the former BMW M1 sports car homologation.

M version of the Sports Activity Vehicle, as the X5 M, can not follow the naming convention used to regularly since MX5 Mazda's MX-5 Miata.

For example in the 2008 model year, the BMW 125i / 128i, 328i, 528i and all have a 3.0 naturally aspirated engine (N52), instead of 2,500 cc or 2,800 cc as the series designation number would lead us to believe. The '28' is to show the detuned engine car in 2008, compared with the 2006 model year '30 'vehicles (330i and 530i) the 3.0 engine is naturally aspirated N52 from the same family but have more output.

2008 BMW 335i and 535i also has a 3.0-liter engine; But the twin-turbocharged engine (N54) which is not identified by the nomenclature. Nevertheless '35' indicates a more powerful engine than the previous models '30' which is naturally aspirated N52 engine. 2011 BMW 740i and 335is shares the same twin-turbo 3.0 engine from N54 family but tuned to higher output, although badging inconsistent ('40' and 's'). Twin-scroll single-turbo 3.0L inline-6 ​​engine 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe create output similar to the twin turbo inline-6 ​​engine that is older.
The E36 and E46 323i and 523i E39 has a 2.5-liter engine. The E36 318i made after 1996 has a 1.9 L engine (M44) as opposed to the 1.8 L (M42) used in the 1992 to 1995 models. The E39 540i has a 4.4 L M62 engine, instead of the 4.0 L as the designation would suggest.

The badging for V8 engine recently (N62 and N63) also showed no displacement, as in 2006 and 2009 750i 750i has a 4800 cc (naturally aspirated) and 4400 cc (twin-turbocharged) engine, respectively.
Carsharing Service

In June 2011, BMW and Sixt launched DriveNow, a joint venture that provides carsharing services in several cities in Europe and North America. On 2012, DriveNow operates more than 1,000 vehicles, which serves five cities around the world and more than 60,000 customers.
Light and Charge

BMW has developed a street lamp is equipped with a socket to charge an electric car, called Light and Charge.
Community
BMW logo mark in Düsseldorf

From the summer of 2001 until October 2005, BMW hosted Hire The, featuring sporty model is driven to extremes. These videos are still popular within the enthusiast community and proved to be an online advertising campaign ground-breaking.

Every year since 1999, BMW enthusiasts have met in Santa Barbara, CA to attend Bimmerfest. One of the biggest meeting specific brand in the US, more than 3,000 people attended in 2006, and over 1,000 BMW cars are present. In 2007, the event was held on May 5th.
BMW slang

BMW initials pronounced in German.] Model series called "Einser" ("One-er" for 1 series), "Dreier" ("Three-er" for 3 series), "Fünfer" ("Five-er" for the series 5), "Sechser" ("Six-er" for the 6 series), "Siebener" ("Seven-er" for the 7 series). It does not actually slang, but in the normal way that letters and numbers are pronounced in German.

English slang terms Beemer, Bimmer and Bee-em is used for a wide range of BMW of all kinds, cars and motorcycles.

In the US, specialists have taken pains to prescribe that the distinction must be made between using Beemer exclusively to describe BMW motorcycles, and using Bimmer only to refer to BMW cars, by way of "true aficionado" and avoid appearing to be "do not know yet." The Canadian Globe and Mail like Bimmer and calls Beemer a "yuppie abomination," while the Tacoma News Tribune says it is a distinction that is made by "auto snobs." Using the wrong slang risks offending BMW enthusiasts. An editor of Business Week satisfied in 2003 that the question was resolved in favor of Bimmer by noting that a Google search produces 10 times more hits than the Beemer.
Art
1975 BMW 3.0CSL painted by Alexander Calder

Manufacturers employ designers for their cars, but BMW has made efforts to obtain recognition of outstanding contributions and support of the arts, including art beyond motor vehicle design. These efforts typically overlap or complement BMW's marketing and branding campaign. BMW Headquarters designed in 1972 by Karl Schwanzer has become a European icon, and artist Gerhard Richter created his Red, Yellow, Blue series of paintings for the lobby of the building. In 1975, Alexander Calder was commissioned to paint 3.0CSL driven by Hervé Poulain at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This led to more BMW Art Cars, painted by artists including David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Roy Lichtenstein, and others. The cars, currently numbering 17, have been shown at the Louvre, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and, in 2009, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the New York Grand Central Terminal. BMW is the main sponsor of the 1998 The Art Motorcycle exhibition at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and other Guggenheim museums, though the financial relationship between BMW and the Guggenheim was criticized in many places.

In 2012, BMW issued a BMW Art Guide by Independent Collectors, which has, among others, the Dikeou Collection. This is the first global guide to private collections and publicly accessible contemporary art world wide.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to BMW Art Car.

2006 "BMW Performance Series" was a marketing event geared to attract black car buyers, and including the "BMW Pop-Jazz Live Series," a tour headlined by jazz musician Mike Phillips, and "BMW Blackfilms.com Film Series" highlighting black filmmakers.
April Mop

BMW has garnered a reputation over the years for its April Fools pranks, which are printed in the British press every year. In 2010, they ran an advertisement announcing that customers will be able to order BMW with different colored badges to show their affiliation with a political party they supported.
Children abroad
Brazil

On October 9, 2014, the new BMW car plant in Araquari South America, Santa Catarina produced the first car. BMW intends to increase production capacity to more than 30,000 vehicles per year. The new site is intended to create approximately 1,300 new jobs, of which 500 have been filled.
Canada

In October 2008, BMW Group Canada as one of the greater Toronto Top Employers by Mediacorp Canada Inc., which was announced by the Toronto Star newspaper.
Chinese

Signed an agreement in 2003 for a production sedan in China, May 2004 saw the opening of a factory in the north-eastern city of Shenyang where Brilliance Auto produces BMW-brand cars in a joint venture with the German company.
Egypt

Bavarian Auto Group is a multinational group of companies was established in March 2003 when it was designated as the sole importer of BMW and Mini in Egypt, with a monopoly for the importation, assembly, distribution, sales and after sales support of BMW products in Egypt. Since that date, BAG invested a total amount of US $ 100 million distributed in seven companies and 11 places in addition to the three stores.
India
BMW X1 sDrive 18I - Chennai, India

BMW India was established in 2006 as a sales subsidiary in Gurgaon (National Capital Region). A state-of-the-art assembly plant for BMW 3 and 5 Series started operation in early 2007 in Chennai. Construction of the plant began in January 2006 with an initial investment of over one billion Indian Rupees. The plant began operating in the first quarter of 2007 and produces the different variants of the BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW 7 Series, BMW X1, BMW X3, Mini Cooper S, Mini and Mini Cooper D Countryman.
Japan

Yanase Co., Ltd is the exclusive retailer of all BMW (car and motorcycle passenger) imported products to Japanese consumers, and has had exclusive rights to do so since the end of World War II.
Mexico

BMW announced in July 2014 set up factories in Mexico, in the city and state of San Luis Potosi involves an investment of $ 1 billion. Taking advantage of lower wages in this country, and Mexico has a free trade agreement with a number of other countries, the factors motivating the company said. The factory will employ 1,500 people and produce 150,000 cars per year, starting in 2019.
South Africa

BMW has been assembled in South Africa since 1968, when the plant Praetor Monteerders' opened in Rosslyn, near Pretoria. BMW initially bought shares in the company, before fully acquired in 1975; thus, the company became BMW South Africa, the first wholly owned subsidiary of BMW to be established outside Germany. Three unique models that BMW Motorsport created for the South African market is E23 M745i (1983), which uses M88 engine from the BMW M1, BMW 333i (1986), which adds a 3.2-liter six-cylinder M30 engine to the E30, and E30 BMW 325is (1989 ) supported by Alpina -derived 2.7-liter engine.

Unlike US manufacturers, such as Ford and GM, which divested from the country in the 1980s, BMW remains full ownership of its operations in South Africa. Following the end of apartheid in 1994, and a decrease in import tariffs, BMW South Africa ended local production of the 5-Series and 7-Series, to concentrate on the production of 3-Series for the export market. South African-built BMW is now exported to right-hand drive markets including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, England, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, as well as Sub-Saharan Africa. Since 1997, BMW South Africa has produced vehicles in left-hand drive for export to Taiwan, the United States and Iran, as well as South America.

BMW with the VIN starts with "NC0" produced in South Africa.
USA
BMW Spartanburg plant

The BMW Manufacturing Company opened in 1994 and has been producing all Z4 models and X5, and X6 recently and X3, including for export to Europe, on the same assembly line in Greer near Spartanburg. In an average working day the company to build 600 vehicles: 500 100 X5s and Z4s. Engines for vehicles built in Munich, Germany. BMW's with a VIN starting with "4US and 5US" manufactured in Spartanburg.

In 2010 BMW announced that it would spend $ 750 million to expand operations in Greer plant. This expansion will enable the production of 240,000 vehicles per year and will make the plant the largest car factory in the United States with a number of employees. BMW's largest single market is the United States.

Currently, the facility produces all BMW X3, X5 and X6 models. X4, which will be launched in 2014, will also be produced in Spartanburg.
Marketing

BMW started using the slogan "The Ultimate Driving Machine 'in the 1970s. In 2010, long-lived campaign was largely replaced by the 'Joy', the campaign is intended to make the brand more "approachable" and better appeal to women, but in 2012 they returned to "The Ultimate Driving Machine", which has a strong relationship with the community of BMW.
Audio logo

In 2013, BMW replaced the sound of 'double-gong' used in TV and Radio advertising campaign since 1998. New Voice, which was developed to represent the identity of the future of BMW, described as "introduced by riding, resonant sound and confirmed by a two-tone distinctive bass form the melodic and rhythmic sound foundation logo. "New Voice was first used in the BMW 4 Series Coupe Concept of commercial TV. The sound produced by Thomas Kisser of HASTINGS media music.
Roundel logo
BMW logo round were used for all models

Circular blue and white BMW logo or roundel evolved from the circular Rapp Motorenwerke company logo, from which the BMW company grew, combined with blue and white colors of the flag of Bavaria. The logo has been described as the movement of a propeller plane with white blades cutting through the blue sky-first used in ads BMW in 1929, twelve years after the roundel was created-but this is not the origin of the logo itself.
Theft using OBD

In 2012, BMW vehicles are stolen by programming a blank key fob to start the car through an on-board diagnostic (OBD) connection. The primary cause of this vulnerability lies in the lack of appropriate authentication and authorization in OBD specifications, which rely mostly on security through obscurity.
Article source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW