History and Growth In 1916, Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto created BMW. It began with building engines for military aircrafts. The company has survived through three major crises that threatened its very existence. The company has been shaped and strengthened by surviving World War I, World War II, and a takeover bid by Daimler Benz. As a result of World War I, BMW experienced rapid growth, went public, and was forced to close down. By the end of World War II, the Munich plant was completely destroyed and the Allies banned BMW from manufacturing for three years.. In 1959 BMW played with the idea of selling the company to Daimler-Benz. Herbert Quandt, a major share holder, increased his share to 50% and dedicated himselftto turning the company around. By 1963, BMW was back on their feet again. In 1966, BMW expanded by buying Hans Glas GmbH factories as a result of the Munich plant reaching the their production capacity limits. Von Keunheim led BMW from 1970 to 1993, where the company’s turnover increased 18-fold, motorcyle production tripled, and car production quadruled. Then from 1994 to 2000, the company followed Bernd Pischetsrider lead. The company owned the Rover Group as a way to get into mass market production. This strategy was unsuccessfully because of Rover’s constant rivalry, and eventually sold the rights to the Rover brand in 2000, but still retained the MINI brand. Currently, BMW has 23 production and assembly plants in 13 countries; 41 sales subsidaries all over the world; and 10 lecations in the Resarch & Development networks in 5 countries. BMW Group is one of the ten alrgetst car manufacturers in the world. Its target market is focused on the premium sector of the internation automobile market with their three brands; BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Strengthens BMW has a reputation for luxury, they are known for being smooth and refined. Additionally, the BMW brand reinforces BMWs reputation for quality, reliablility, and their company’s...