No, BMW did not make the flying car known as the AirCar.
While the concept of flying cars captures the imagination, the flying car referenced in recent news reports that has been successfully test-flown and sold is not a BMW creation.
The AirCar: A Slovakian Design with BMW Power
The specific vehicle often discussed in the context of BMW and flying cars is the AirCar. According to the provided reference:
- The AirCar is a Slovakian-designed two-passenger vehicle.
- It features four wheels and can transform into a road-legal vehicle in just under three minutes.
- Crucially, it is described as being BMW-powered. This means it utilizes an engine manufactured by BMW, but BMW itself was not the builder or designer of the entire vehicle.
Think of it like an airplane engine: a company like Rolls-Royce or GE might make the engines, but Boeing or Airbus builds the plane. Similarly, BMW provided the power source (the engine) for the AirCar, which was developed by KleinVision in Slovakia.
Ownership and Future of the AirCar Technology
The reference also notes a significant development regarding the AirCar's technology:
- A Chinese firm has purchased the technology behind this BMW-powered flying car.
This acquisition points to the potential future development and perhaps mass production of flying cars based on the AirCar's design and technology, although it remains independent of BMW's manufacturing or design activities for the vehicle itself.
Key Takeaways
- Developer: KleinVision (Slovakian) designed the AirCar.
- Engine: The AirCar uses a BMW engine.
- Manufacturer: BMW did not manufacture the AirCar vehicle.
- Technology Ownership: A Chinese firm has acquired the underlying technology.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Name | AirCar |
| Designer | Slovakian firm (KleinVision) |
| Engine Source | BMW |
| BMW's Role | Engine supplier, not vehicle maker |
| Recent News | Technology sold to a Chinese firm |
| Type | Two-passenger, road-legal flying car |
In conclusion, while BMW supplied the engine for the innovative AirCar, they did not manufacture the vehicle itself.
