The Evolution of the BMW logo

I came across this article today while perusing Twitter feeds.  I have worked at Keeler Motor Car Company and Keeler BMW for 10 years now and never knew how the logo originated.  I guess the old saying is true, "You learn something new everyday!"

(Source:  www.logodesignlove.com)

BMW logo evolution

The four-minute video embedded below (email subscribers can view it on-site) talks about the origins of the BMW logo, dispelling the myth that the emblem was created around aircraft propellers.
The following info was transcripted from the video:
—
Aircraft engines are the origin of the myth. People think that the BMW logo is based on a rotating airscrew. The origin of this interpretation is the cover of a BMW aircraft magazine. This picture (shown below) was taken in 1929, years after the logo first came into existence. Respect for the publicity department back then for the fact that the airscrew myth continues today.

1929 BMW aircraft magazine cover illustration (close-up)
But what’s really behind the origin of the logo? For those who are trying to answer this question unavoidably come across the aircraft engine manufacturer Rapp.

“As Rapp grew into BMW, BMW assumed all the business segments, and the company wanted the logo to be oriented on Rapp’s logo. As you can see here on this example, Rapp has a black horse as a symbol on its logo. BMW chose the Bavarian national colours as a symbol, but arranged the letters exactly like Rapp. So you can see very clearly how the BMW logo was developed.”
— KAI JACOBSEN, AUTOMOBILE HISTORIAN, BMW GROUP

Rapp Motoren Werke logo, Bayerische Motoren Werke logo

Flag of Bavaria, courtesy of Thinkstock





Other logo transitions through the years:

The All-New BMW 3 Series Sedan Earns "Top Safety Pick" from IIHS

All-New BMW 3 Series Sedan Earns “Top Safety Pick” from IIHS

Newest sports sedan continues BMW long tradition of class-leading safety. Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 21, 2012 10:00am EDT … The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety today named the all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan a “Top Safety Pick,” continuing the company’s long-standing commitment to offering class-leading safety with each new model. In order to earn “Top Safety Pick,” a car must receive a rating of “good,” the Institute’s highest rating, in all of four tests – 40 mph frontal offset impact, side impact, rear impact protection/head restraint and rollover protection – and must be equipped with an electronic stability control system like BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control. “The new 3 Series is a testament to BMW’s long tradition of passenger safety, as well as to the men and women who engineer and build them,” noted Tom Baloga – Vice-President, Engineering (US) for BMW. “While we remain committed to providing the best possible passenger protection, we believe that the best crash is the one avoided. The new 3 Series offers even more active safety technology, firmly rooted in the dynamics and handling that have made it the quintessential sports sedan through six generations.” The newest crash test being conducted by the Institute as part of its overall evaluation is the rollover protection test. Rollover ratings assess vehicle roof strength for protection in rollover crashes. To measure roof strength, a metal plate is pushed against one corner of a vehicle’s roof at a constant speed. The maximum force sustained by the roof before 5 inches of crush is compared to the vehicle’s weight to find the strength-to-weight ratio.  (Source:  bmwusa.com)   To see Keeler BMW inventory of the 3 Series click here or you can always call a sales representative at Keeler BMW by calling 518-724-1015   Keeler BMW, 1111 Troy-Schenectady Rd., Latham, NY  12110

Keeler BMW receives another amazing testimonial

We don't like to toot our own horn at Keeler Motor Car but we certainly LOVE it when our customers do it for us.  Mark from Virginia did just that:

I just want to say thank you for your great service in an emergency. I live in Alexandria, Virginia, and was visiting my father in Schenectady over the weekend when I hit a very bad pothole on the way up and busted the sidewall of a runflat front tire on my BMW 3351. It hobbled along but clearly need replacement before I could return home. I've come to expect great service from BMW in my area but wasnt sure what I'd find when I showed up at your service bay door at 7:30 on Monday. What I found was fast and efficient service, a tire in stock, and a great young rep -- was it Sean? It was early -- who handled it from start to finish. I was thrilled with your ability to help me get home to Virginia in the afternoon and happy to see that the great service for whcih BMW has developed a name was running on all cylinders at your place.You have a great crew and I much appreciate it. Thanks again, Mark S.

Keeler Motor Car proudly sponsors the Business Review's 40 Under Forty Event

Keeler Motor Car has been a long time sponsor of the Business Review's 40 Under Forty event.  2012 was no exception.  On Thursday, May 10th, we were honored to help celebrate the Class of 2012 at the newly named Hotel Albany.  It was a fantastic luncheon and it such a privelege for Keeler Motor Car to see these up and coming business leaders take the stage to accept their award. 
Congratulations to the Class of 2012 of 40 Under Forty!  Best of luck in your future endeavors.

Luis Pabon, Keeler BMW General Manager, Graduates from NADA Academy

Luis Pabon, of Keeler Motor Car Company, LP - dealer Alexander Keeler, graduated from the presitgious NADA General Dealership Management program in McLean, VA on March 23, 2012.  Luis was honored at a graduation ceremony held at the Westwood Country Club in Vienna, VA.

The Academy is the premier management education and training center in the U. S. for current and future automobile and truck dealers and managers.  Led by NADA University, a division of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), it is desgined to build business performance, leadership skills and customer service in all areas of the dealership.

Luis was among a select group of 28 dealers and managers nationwide to graduate from the Academy in this class, following 11 months of intensive classroom and in-dealership training.

"Graduating from the Academy is a great honor, and I'm especially proud that I can bring all that I learned back home to Keeler BMW so we can serve our customers even better," said Luis Pabon.

The 5th Annual Keeler Moto Car Indoor Sidewalk Sale

We know you've been waiting and now it's here!

Keeler Motor Car Company's 5th Annual Indoor - yes, Indoor - Sidewalk Sale. Never, over the last 4 years, have we been able to offer such real values. With over 200 low mileage pre-owneds including demos, leftovers and one-of-a-kinds.

Come in out of the cold to Keeler Motor Car Company in Latham on Rt. 7 Saturday, February 25th and Sunday, February 26th to browse our 30,000 square foot showroom packed with imports and domestic cars, trucks, SUVs, SAVs and even convertibles, starting as low as $6,990*. We'll even waive your first 2 payments on select BMW models**. All of our vehicles are inspected by Keeler Motor Car Company, which provides over 40 years of auto buying integrity.

This Saturday, February 25th and
Sunday, February 26th.

Keeler Motor Car Company's 5th Annual Indoor Sidewalk Sale. Why shop for a car in the cold? Follow the footprints to our warm showroom and you'll save thousands.

Sale hours are from 10am - 5pm on Saturday and 11am - 4pm on Sunday

Search us on Facebook or go to keeler.com for special sale listings.

*Stock #B111308A 2005 Mazda 3, 99,917 miles.

**This offer is valid only for qualified customers who finance or lease a Certified Pre-Owned BMW 2008 model year 1, 3, 5, 6 or 7 Series (M models included) through BMW Financial Services and a participating BMW center. Leasing and financing restrictions apply. Other model year Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are excluded from the 2 payment special offer. Not all BMW centers participate. To qualify, you must enter into a retail installment sale or lease contract before February 29, 2012 at a participating BMW center. Minimum and maximum lease and financing terms apply. BMW Financial Services will reimburse up to $500 per month of your first two payments due. The $500 will be applied towards payment only, not tax, title and destination charges. This offer is subject to credit approval. Not all customers will qualify. See Keeler BMW for details about minimum and maximum lease and financing terms, and vehicle availability. Program not available to customers refinancing or leasing a vehicle currently financed or leased through BMW Financial Services. Other terms and conditions apply. See Keeler BMW for details.

Keeler Private Sale!

Shhhh - for your eyes only!!

Keeler Motor Car Company is holding it's first Keeler Private Sale.  Have you registered yet??  Click here to register for amazing discounts and have the chance to win great giveaways and prizes!