Alpina

Founded in 1965 by Burkard Bovensiepen in Buchloe, Germany, Alpina began by developing a dual-carburetor system for the BMW 1500. The company's focus on quality led BMW to certify their products in 1964, allowing BMW's factory warranty to remain valid on Alpina-modified cars. During the 1970s, Alpina achieved notable success in international touring car racing, winning the European Touring Car Championship and the Spa 24 Hours.

In 1983, Alpina was officially recognized as an independent automobile manufacturer, a status that allowed vehicles to be issued with Alpina-specific VINs. The production process is uniquely collaborative: BMW plants build the base vehicles with Alpina engines and components, which are then shipped to Alpina's facility for final hand-finished assembly and interior trimming. This partnership has allowed Alpina to maintain a niche market position as a provider of 'gentleman's express' luxury cars.

In March 2022, it was announced that the BMW Group would acquire the Alpina brand. The current cooperation agreement will continue until the end of 2025, after which the existing vehicle program at the Buchloe site will conclude. The brand will then be repositioned within BMW's luxury segment to address the challenges of electrification and evolving emissions regulations, marking a new chapter for the historic nameplate.