The term "BMW AG" stands for "Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft." The acronym "AG" is derived from the German term "Aktiengesellschaft," which translates to "public limited company" or "corporation" in English. It is a legal form used in Germany and some other European countries to denote a type of company that is publicly traded and has its capital divided into shares.
"Bayerische Motoren Werke" translates to "Bavarian Motor Works" in English, referring to the company's origins in Bavaria, Germany. The name "BMW AG" is used to formally identify the company and distinguish it from other entities within the BMW Group, which includes various subsidiaries and brands such as MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
The use of "AG" in the name BMW AG signifies the company's corporate structure and legal status as a publicly traded corporation under German law.