Automotive History Bavarian Motor Works
BMW, what confusion those three letters have created. Is it British Motor Works, or is it Bavarian Motor Works. The Bavarian version is clearly German, and includes such products as fine automobiles sporting the familiar emblem containing blue and white alternating quarter circles, surrounded with a black band emblazoned with the bold letter BMW. This same symbol labels a fine motorcycle, well know for it's apposing flat four cylinder configuration.
Moving on to the British side of the story. Sometimes referred to as British Motor Works, It's usually making reference to the British Motor Corporation. Formed by the merger of the Austin Motor Company, and the Nuffield Organization, which was the owners of the Morris Car Company. When they joined forces in 1952 they became the largest British car company of the time.
BMC's product line was long and varied, the familiar Austin, Morris, MG and Austin Healy brands were supplemented by commercial vehicles, tractors, and light trucks.
In 1966 BMC joined forces with Jaguar and became BMH, British Motor Holdings. Again in 1968 more mergers took place and they emerged as BLMC, British Leland Motor Corporation.
Eventually this corporation transformed into the Rover Group, which is now part of the German BMW corporation. Thus spelling the end of any British rights to the BMW moniker. Today the confusion is perpetuated by a number of local level business's that have taken up the name of British Motor Works.
By specializing in the maintenance and repair of primarily British cars, they have adopted the familiar BMW as a way to advertise their services. Even the name British Motor Corporation has been revived and is in reference to a company that specializes in the high quality restoration of British Sports cars of the 1950's and 1960's.
By including the familiar British Motor Works, or BMW, in their name, they are trying to capitalize on a familiar German emblem and trade mark. Doing so in a somewhat fraudulent manner. An MG is recognized by the large "MG" in the center of their emblem, a Ford is famous for the blue oval, and a Chevrolet Bow Tie is recognized all over. There should be no confusion about the Blue, White, and Black BMW emblem, as it has always been German in origin.
The confusion is strictly between the various names attached to the different corporations that controlled many British brands.
As a disclaimer, this information is a correct as could be ascertained from many different sources on the internet, with www.Wikipedia.org as the leading provider.
