Bovensiepen

The company's origins date back to 1962 when Burkard Bovensiepen developed a dual carburetor kit for the BMW 1500, earning praise from BMW’s sales chief for its quality. On January 1, 1965, ALPINA was officially established in Kaufbeuren, Bavaria, focusing initially on engine tuning and performance components for BMW vehicles. By the late 1960s, the company gained international acclaim through its dominant presence in touring car racing, employing legendary drivers like Niki Lauda and Derek Bell. In 1970, the company moved to its current headquarters in Buchloe, where it continued to refine its manufacturing processes. A pivotal moment occurred in 1983 when the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) officially recognized ALPINA as an independent automobile manufacturer. This distinction allowed the company to issue its own Chassis Numbers (VIN), marking a transition from a tuning house to a boutique OEM that integrates its production directly into BMW's assembly lines. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, ALPINA solidified its market position as the 'gentleman’s choice' for high-performance driving, focusing on high-torque engines and superior interior comfort rather than the track-focused rigidity of BMW’s own M division. The relationship with BMW evolved into a deep technical partnership where ALPINA engines and components are installed at BMW factories, with final assembly and hand-finished interiors completed in Buchloe. In March 2022, a major strategic shift was announced: the BMW Group reached an agreement to acquire the rights to the ALPINA brand. This landmark deal ensures the long-term future of the brand while signaling a transformation for the Bovensiepen family business. The current vehicle production program in Buchloe is set to continue through the end of 2025, after which the facility will pivot toward engineering services and the maintenance of classic ALPINA models. Today, the company remains a symbol of German engineering excellence, balancing its heritage in high-performance internal combustion engines with the challenges of the modern automotive landscape. While the manufacturing of new vehicles will transition to BMW-controlled facilities in 2026, the Bovensiepen family continues to operate their renowned wine division alongside the emerging ALPINA Classic and engineering consulting business units.