Driven: Inside BMW, the Most Admired Car Company in the World

Every owner or potential owner needs to read this to appreciate and understand the heritage behind their "Ultimate Driving Machine".

Anyone who has ever driven a BMW wonders why the car feels so uncannily nimble and supple. Automotive journalist David Kiley answers that question with an intriguing book that strikes just the right balance between gearhead details, behind-the-scenes corporate maneuvering and compelling story telling. Along the way, Kiley offers insight into BMW's mostly successful efforts to build its brand. While Kiley sings BMW's praises, and presents a convincing case that BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) produces the world's best cars, he doesn't shy away from the details of the owning family's ups and downs, the company's disastrous Rover deal or the public's tepid response to its latest redesigns. We recommend this fascinating book to auto enthusiasts and to managers in any industry who aim to build a brand while staying true to their core values.

Driven captures BMW at a very interesting time. As a three-time BMW owner, I have been facinated by how this company I love so much has been changing and shaking things up. Why have the designs been shaken up so much? Why did they acquire Rolls Royce and Mini? Kiley does a splendid job of exploring this, as well as a terrific chapter on the mysterious Quandt family that conrols BMW, and another on the ill-fated attempt to run the British company Rover. A great peak inside one of the world's most intriguing companies.