The wheel hub is a very important component in daily use of the car, and it is also one of the most important parts when modifying the car. Whether you have HF style, VIP style or performance style, a good pair Wheel hubs are essential components. There are quite a few wheel hub brands around the world. Today we are going to talk about BBS.
BBS was founded in 1970 by Baumgartner and Brant in the small town of Schiltach, Germany. The brand was named after the initial letters of the two founders and the place name, and BBS was born.
BBS’s initial business was to supply plastic body parts to BMW and Ford. It stands to reason that if you hug these two thighs, you should have no worries about food and drink. However, the brothers were not satisfied and instead focused on wheel hubs. Facing the "money" scene in the market, he plunged in resolutely and developed a three-piece racing wheel in 1972. Advanced technology and powerful performance made BBS famous in one battle. It not only established its position in the industry, but also became well known in the car fan circle.
In 1976, BBS opened its first branch in France. In the following years, BBS also opened branches in the United States, South Korea, Bahrain and other places.
1983 should be the most celebrated year for BBS. In addition to establishing a branch in the United States, in the same year in Tokyo, Japan, the Japanese company WashiBeam obtained the BBS forged wheel hub OEM qualification and entered into a partnership with the German BBS company. **With the same investment, Japan BBS Co., Ltd. was established.
BBS, which has markets in Europe, North America, Japan and other countries, worked hard to become stronger and was listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange on January 1, 1987.
The out-of-control BBS is frantically expanding the OEM market, and first-tier companies such as Audi, BMW, and Volkswagen have cooperated with it. In 1991, BBS established a branch in Italy and started OEM cooperation with Bugatti and Ferrari simultaneously. In 1992, BBS once again released a new technology: magnesium-aluminum alloy forged wheels, which successfully achieved about 20% lighter weight than before, and were once again favored by supercar manufacturers and racetracks.
In 2003, BBS designed special wheels for the Porsche Carrera GT. Bentley and Aston Martin also became loyal customers of BBS. In 2004, it launched AlT technology (Air?lnside?Technology?Hollow forging) , the expansion of BBS's Herbolzheim factory was completed in 2005. Provide high-strength wheels for the BMW X3 that participated in the Dakar Rally.
However, the good times did not last long. In 2006, global economic trends led to a serious increase in aluminum costs. BBS suffered large losses in sales and applied for bankruptcy protection in Germany. It was subsequently acquired by a Belgian manufacturer. The most direct impact of this incident is that Japanese BBS has obtained the right to use the golden "BBS" letter logo, and has full independent operation, and has obtained the entire forged series wheel business. At this point, German BBS and Japanese BBS have separated.
In 2010, German BBS filed for bankruptcy protection again and was acquired by an Austrian industrial giant. Although BBS has filed for bankruptcy protection many times, the quality of its wheels has remained consistent and has not been affected.
With the turmoil in the German BBS, the Japanese BBS is getting stronger. In 2011, Japan's BBS, which gained independence and freedom, concentrated on practicing, developed and started mass production of "superduraluminum forged wheels". Through a unique heat treatment process, JIS? A-7000 series duralumin for aircraft was used as the raw material of the wheel rim. The first product released was the now world-famous Dura series RI-D wheel hub, and then made great achievements in forged wheel hubs. Almost all achievements come from Japanese BBS.
This year, on July 17, 2020, German BBS filed for bankruptcy for the third time. The company with more than 500 employees will be reorganized. Although the amount of money involved is not yet known, the impact of this epidemic on the world must be huge. I hope this manufacturer that has contributed countless excellent wheels to car enthusiasts will have a good future.
The historical evolution of BBS is roughly as follows. A wheel manufacturing brand originating from Germany, it has built a reputation and conquered technology. Its whole life has been nothing more than expansion, cooperation, cooperation, and multiple shareholdings. The reorganization does not affect its continued expansion, nor does it affect its status in the hearts of fans around the world. It has also spawned a well-known Japanese BBS (Japanese BBS is the only one to obtain a "golden brand" and independent operation, R&D and beneficiaries of mass production).
Finally, let’s enjoy the BBS wheels that are like works of art!
This article comes from the author of Autohome Chejiahao and does not represent the views and positions of Autohome.