Is BMW a Foreign Car?

BMW is a world-class luxury automaker backed by more than 100 years of experience and engineering. While many drivers can spot their iconic design on Pekin roads, some are left wondering about the BMW origins. With outstanding performance and luxury accouterments inside, it’s no wonder BMW fans fall in love with these new vehicles and remain loyal for years around Peoria.

In this BMW origins guide, we’ll cover:

• What country is the BMW from? Where did BMW originate?
• Who makes BMW?
• Where are BMWs made?

Be a part of BMW history and take home a model that fits your lifestyle with BMW of Peoria. Explore our inventory of gas and electric sedans and SUVs today.

What Country is the BMW From?

Many drivers look at the sleek European styling of these luxury vehicles and ask, “Where did BMW originate?” or “Is BMW German?” BMW is a German automaker, originating in Munich Germany, where it is still headquartered. The parent company, BMW Group, owns the luxury brand, which includes MINI and Rolls-Royce in their portfolio. You can expect some of the most high-performing automobiles in the world to come from the company that owns BMW.

Since its inception in 1916 manufacturing aircraft engines, the company has since made a name for itself as the world leader in EV production. That’s why you’ll see many more BMW EVs on Washington streets in the coming years.

What Does the “B” in BMW Stand For?

Although we immediately picture luxury vehicles when we hear the acronym “BMW,” what does the “B” in BMW stand for? The BMW Group is known as BMW AG in Germany. The full German name of the group is Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, with the first part translating to “Bavarian Motor Works,” nodding to the BMW origins. The “AG” in the name indicates its status as a shareholder company that sells shares publicly.

Who Owns BMW?

The BMW Group is an incorporated entity owned by shareholders. Half of the BMW Group is owned by the Quandt family, who are long-time shareholders, and the other half is owned by the public.

• 29% – Stefan Quandt: A German industrialist and engineer
• 21% – Susanne Klatten: Successful investor and sister to Stefan Quandt
• 50% – Public Float: The shares that are owned by public investors

Who Makes BMW Vehicles and Where Are BMWs Made?

While you now know what country the BMW is from, where are these stunning vehicles made? This luxury brand has manufacturing and assembly facilities all over the world. BMW Group frequently ranks as one of the top 10 automakers in the world among many popular brands, so it’s a bestselling name all over the planet.

BMW manufacturing plants are primarily in Germany, with the largest manufacturing facility in Dingolfing. Yet, there are many more manufacturing facilities and assembly plants around the world. Here are the production facilities that you can visit and tour:

• Germany: Berlin, Dingolfing, Landshut, Leipzig, Munich, Regensburg, and Wackersdorf
• Austria: Steyr
• Great Britain: Oxford (where MINI cars are produced)
• China: Shenyang

Additional production plants are part of the BMW Group Production Network. “Where are BMWs made?” can also be answered with the location of facilities that make new BMW models and BMW OEM parts. Those production facilities include:

• Austria: Graz
• Brazil: Manaus
• Egypt: Cairo
• Germany: Eisenach
• Great Britain: Goodwood and Swindon
• Indonesia: Jakarta
• India: Chennai
• Italy: Cassinetta
• Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur
• Mexico: San Luis Potosi
• Russia: Kaliningrad
• South Africa: Rosslyn
• Thailand: Rayong

As you can see, when asking, “What country is the BMW from?”, the answer is multifaceted, just like BMW vehicles!

Test Drive a Luxury BMW in Peoria

Whether you’re interested in the powerful BMW 2 Series or the stunning electric BMW i5, experience the BMW lineup with BMW of Peoria. Contact us or call (309) 316-0835 to schedule a test drive. Rediscover the roads around Peoria with the luxurious performance of a BMW model. We think you’ll fall in love as soon as you grip the wheel!