Rapp Motorenwerke GmbH was a German aircraft engine manufacturer based in Munich, Bavaria. Founded in 1913, the firm changed its name in 1917 to Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH (BMW). The company later became known as Süddeutsche Bremsen-AG after its engine-production assets and the BMW name were transferred in 1922 to Bayerische Flugzeugwerke, which was then renamed to Bayerische Motoren Werke AG and subsequently evolved into the automotive manufacturer known today as BMW.
Share certificate with the BMW logo showing the change of name from Bayerische Motoren Werke to Süddeutsche Bremsen in 1922
Gustav Otto Flugmaschinenfabrik was a pioneering German aircraft producer during the early part of the 20th century. Founded in 1910 by Gustav Otto in Bavaria, the firm was reorganized on 7 March 1916 into Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW). In 1917, a Bavarian aircraft engine maker called Rapp Motorenwerke changed its name to Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH (BMW). That company transferred its engine-production assets and the BMW name in 1922 to Bayerische Flugzeugwerke, which was then renamed to Bayerische Motoren Werke AG and subsequently evolved into the automotive and motorcycle manufacturer that is now known as BMW.
Biplane produced by Gustav Otto Flugmaschinenfabrik in 1914
Ottowerke Gustav Otto München advertisement in early 1916