What BMW does: BMW USA designs. manufactures, and markets an impressive portfolio of premium quality mobility options.
Mission: Through consistency and sheer innovation, BMW aims to become the most sustainable producer of premium mobility vehicles.
Size and Presence: BMW USA currently operates with around 7,000 workers in 10 states within the United States.
Best Known For: BMW is popular for its effective use of technology to design ultra-modern machines that present the latest features and guarantee comfort topped up by its excellent driving.
The good bits: As a constantly evolving manufacturer, BMW offers its employees an introduction to the latest technologies while they constantly upgrade their skill set.
The not-so-good bits: To keep up with the demands of innovation and a constantly evolving model, working at BMW USA comes with dedication to long working hours.
Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto are credited with pioneering the revolutionary BMW company. In 1916, Otto’s company merged with Bayerische Flugzeug-Werke AG (BFW). In 1917, Rapp’s company became Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH.
In 1918, BMW GmbH became BMW AG. BMW then transferred its manufacturing operations to BFW AG, Otto’s company.
Till today, the corporate headquarters of BMW is still on BFW AG’s original site.
BMW developed its first motorcycle in 1928 named the R32 motorcycle which set a world speed record at the time. BMW also manufactured the first jet plane engines during the 2nd World War.
In 1959, BMW introduced the 700 series and 1500 models which improved its popularity across Europe. A new motorcycle model also improved the company’s popularity in North America.
BMW added Rolls Royce to its roster in 2003 after its sale of the Land Rover brand to Ford in 2000.
BMW AG continues to maintain its reputation for combining exceptional engineering with luxury. In 2022, BMW was awarded the best car manufacturer in the 2022 Autocar awards.
Headlining the BMW culture is progress and equal opportunities. BMW claims to foster a progressive environment where everyone enjoys equal opportunity for growth.
They create a passion for excellence in employees through core principles of; responsibility, appreciation, transparency, trust, and openness. Everyone at BMW enjoys a sense of belonging and feels valued and appreciated throughout the company.
Despite a relatively high-tech environment, employees at BMW never forget the little things that’ll bring smiles and happiness to each other. The vibe at BMW is calming and refreshing with each day presenting unique opportunities for everyone to learn something new.
The recruitment process at BMW is designed to allow graduates and Internship candidates to be their best selves. Graduate entry-level and internship vacancies are displayed on the brand's Job Finder page. Interested candidates are required to create an application profile providing their basic information.
Graduates and interns who see themselves as a cultural and talented fit for the company begin the recruitment process by submitting a resume that highlights their strongest skills.
Selected applicants then go through four other selection processes including; a telephone interview, a job interview, online tests, and an assessment center.
For various roles in the company, the recruitment process may vary but follow the standard process listed above. Graduate and internship applicants can also apply for numerous positions at once with the same application profile.
BMW is extremely focused on its employee development programs. As a part of a culture that makes them tick, progress plays a prominent role.
The company has invested over €350 million in its employee development. This investment is aimed at helping workers at the company develop soft skills, and technical skills, and foster their overall professional growth.
The company also claims to provide a plethora of vocational and apprenticeship programs across its facilities worldwide.
Employees at BMW earn an average salary of around $97,150 annually and interns earn around $30,000 annually.
Before anything, BMW claims to be a responsible corporate citizen. They channel their social influence into over 100 individual projects across HIV/AIDS, Local Community Development, and Science/Maths/Technology Education.
Against just making charitable donations, BMW invests itself considerably in the growth of communities. They invest their technology into ensuring sustainable growth in the communities it operates.
They work in tandem with families, communities, and employees to drive sustainable growth and improve the quality of life over time.
One of the latest controversies involving the mega engineering brand is from one of its promotional videos.
The advert was made to show advancement in the driving technology of modern products but only provided more backlash. The advert compared the iDrive infotainment system to be introduced in its electric vehicle.
Older customers of the brand claimed that the advert was offensive and it drew quite some backlash on social media.