BMW (Bavarian Motor Works) was founded in 1916 and currently builds cars and motorbikes. The German company also owns Rolls-Royce and MINI, both of which build cars in the UK.

BMW is one of the most successful purveyors of premium cars, partly in thanks to the success of the long-running 1 Series hatchback, 3 Series saloon and 5 Series saloon. The company has also diversified with GT versions of the 3 and 5 Series, with sport cars such as the convertible Z4 and 6 Series 2+2 coupe plus a 4×4 family of cars with the X1, X3, X5 and X6.

BMW’s diversification has continued more recently with the launch of its electric-powered i3 and the creation of two new coupes: the 2 Series and the 4 Series. The German company also continues to build high performance versions of its vehicles, not least the iconic M3, M5 and M6, plus it has revealed a new M4, a hot version of the two-door 4 Series.

The creation of new niche models is likely to continue with such models as the i8 and different body styles of existing models. BMW, with its distinctive roundel badge, seeks to innovate not only with new models but also with new technology and design.