BMW

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft

A German maker of luxury cars, motorcycles and premium mobility, BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke, or "Bavarian Motor Works") builds the familiar BMW lineup plus the MINI and Rolls-Royce brands, with vehicles driven the world over. Founded in 1916 as an aircraft-engine builder, it switched to motorcycles and then cars, and its name simply reflects its Bavarian roots and engine-making heritage. Fun fact: the iconic blue-and-white roundel is said to echo the spinning blades of a propeller—and the firm once made airplane engines before it ever built a car.