Bayerische Motoren Werke AG , commonly known as BMW or BMW AG, is a German automobile, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company founded in 1916. It also owns and produces Mini cars, and is the parent company of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. BMW is part of the "German Big 3" luxury automakers, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz, which are the three best-selling luxury automakers in the world.