Is BMW a Foreign Car?

BMW is a world-class luxury automaker backed by more than 100 years of experience and engineering. 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 Pekin.

Find out more about this automaker with our guide.

We cover:

• Is BMW German?
• Who Makes BMW?
• Where Are BMWs Made?

Is BMW German?

Yes, BMW is a German automaker. BMW is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and owned by the parent company BMW Group, which also owns the luxury brands MINI and Rolls-Royce. BMW has some of the most high-performing autos in the world. It’s also a world leader in EV production, and you might see more and more BMW EVs on Dunlap streets in the coming years. When answering, “Is BMW German?”, it’s because of the rich history of the brand.

Who Owns BMW?

The BMW Group, called BMW AG in Germany, is an incorporated entity owned by shareholders. The full German name of the group is Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, with the first part translating to “Bavarian Motor Works” and the “AG” indicating its status as a shareholder company that sells shares publicly.

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?

Who makes BMW vehicles? 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 brand all over the planet.

Where Are BMWs Made?

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.

See this list of all 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
• United States: Greer, SC

Additional production plants are part of the BMW Group Production Network. These facilities make new BMW models and BMW OEM parts.

See the production facilities listed here:

• 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
• United States: Spartanburg, SC

As you can see, when asking, “Where are BMWs made?”, the answer is multifaceted, just like BMW vehicles!

What BMWs Are Made in the United States?

SUVs are popular in the United States, which is why BMW built its sprawling assembly plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It produces many of the BMW Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs) you see on the road in Galesburg. To learn more about who owns BMW or anything else about this iconic brand, visit BMW of Peoria!

Test Drive a Luxury BMW in Peoria

Ready to experience the full BMW luxury? Contact us or call (309) 316-0835 to schedule a test drive. We think you’ll fall in love as soon as you grip the wheel!