March 7th officially marks 100 years of BMW, and to celebrate its centenary the legendary Bavarian marque has released a teaser image of a new vehicle.
Founded in 1916 as Bayerische Flugzeugwerke to make engines for aeroplanes during the First World War, the company would metamorphose into Bayerische Motoren Werke 16 months later.
In celebration, the manufacturer will hold a birthday event which will be streamed live over the internet and attended by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
100 years of BMW
A statement from the company said: “Over the course of its history, time and again, the BMW Group has proven its versatility and confirmed its role as a future-orientated, innovative company.
“Since the company was formed 100 years ago, the BMW Group has always set its sights on the future and been a consistent, innovative force for progress.
“This is what defines the company and forms its employees’ sense of identity. We live and shape change, acting in a responsible manner towards society and our environment. We overcome challenges and emerge stronger than ever.”
New model on the way
BMW also released a teaser image for a new car, as part of its new campaign titled ‘The Next 100 Years’, and the rumour mill has gone into overdrive trying to guess what it could be.
Predictions are ranging from everything from a facelift for the 5 Series to a new futuristic supercar concept harking back to the days of the radical and much-loved M1.
However, given that the twin-kidney grille in the teaser image looks similar to that sported by BMW’s i8 hybrid sports car, it’s possible that the new model could be an addition to the i range.
Expansion of the i-electric range
Last year, BMW CEO Harald Krueger said that a new electric/hybrid model to sit between the i3 and i8 would be on its way in the near future given the popularity of the initial two models.
Since their launch, the i3 and i8 together have sold more than 30,000 units, and it’s believed that a possible i5 based on the existing 5 Series could soon join the roster.
In any case, the rumours have yet to be confirmed, but it’s expected that more will be known from today onwards.
