BMW goes all out to celebrate 100 years

MUNICH — German luxury car manufacturer BMW will throw a lavish 100th birthday party on Monday, looking back at its often troubled history and forward as it seeks to adapt to the age of "personal mobility".

 

Since its First World War beginnings, it has grown into a multinational company with plants in 14 countries, 116,000 employees and €80bn in annual sales. BMW today makes cars and motorcycles and its brands include Rolls-Royce and Mini.

Leading its rival Daimler-Benz in units sold, and with VW damaged by the emissions scandal, BMW remains in pole position at the high end of the motor vehicle industry and is seen as a symbol of German engineering prowess. It started life in troubled times — on March 7 1916, making aircraft engines as Germany’s "Bavarian Aircraft Factory".

BMW tells UK Rolls-Royce and Mini workers of EU 'benefit'

While stressing the decision is ultimately a matter for the British public, BMW highlights the "significant benefit" the company derives from the free movement of people within the EU.

Without that, it says, the employment base of the company could be affected.

Meanwhile, 200 small companies' bosses have signed a letter backing an exit.

A referendum on whether the UK should stay in the EU will be held on 23 June.