BBS Autotechnik

File:BBS Herbolzheim.jpg, Germany]]

BBS Kraftfahrzeugtechnik AG began in 1970 in Schiltach, Germany, by Heinrich Baumgartner and Klaus Brand as a manufacturing plant for plastic auto body parts. The initials BBS are based on the last names of the two founders and the city in which the company was founded (Baumgartner, Brand, Schiltach).[http://www.bbs.com BBS Homepage]. Retrieved on 8 March 2007

In 1972, BBS pioneered the development of a three-piece racing wheel, a revolution in motorsport design. This original wheel was called the BBS Mahle, named as such due to its partnership with Mahle for manufacturing.{{Cite web |title=How The Legendary BBS Rims Came To Be |url=https://dyler.com/blog/393/how-the-legendary-bbs-rims-came-to-be |access-date=2022-11-24 |website=dyler.com |language=en}} By 1975, BBS had developed the popular cross-spoke design and the counter pressure process. BBS entered into a technical cooperation agreement in 1990 with ASA, a Korean company that was starting wheel production.{{Cite web |title=:: ASA Alloy Wheel :: |url=http://www.asaalloywheel.com/company/overview.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20081010221843/http://www.asaalloywheel.com/company/overview.html |archive-date=10 October 2008 |access-date=23 April 2009}} In 1993, BBS merged the gap between their three-piece forged wheel and one-piece cast wheel with the two-piece design found in the RSII, defining BBS as a pioneer in one-, two-, and three-piece wheels. BBS developed a magnesium forged wheel in 1994 for motorsports use, especially in Formula One, which was over 20% lighter than the standard cast aluminum wheels. In 1995, BBS developed the first one-piece flow-formed cast wheel, with the use of FEM analysis. The first hollow-spoke wheel was also developed by BBS, in collaboration with Porsche and Kuka, in 2000.{{Cite web |title=BBS Wheels - Home - Technology from motorsport. |url=https://www.bbs.com/en/company/history |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=www.bbs.com}} Many of the design elements that BBS has developed and popularized over the years have gone on to be replicated in the automotive and aftermarket industry, such as stepped-lip barrels, Y-shaped spokes, colored center caps, and lug covers.

In May 1987, BBS had its initial public offering, and continues to be traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

In 2007, the primary country where BBS sourced aluminum from, Guinea, experienced political unrest which caused market prices for aluminum to increase dramatically. This significantly affected the company's business and revenue, leading to bankruptcy for BBS and being taken over by the Belgian firm Punch International.{{cite web |url=http://www.punchinternational.com/web/tpl1.asp?hmain=1844&stype=N&customer=1&ut=L&nid=2181&nlang=E |title=Punch takes over leading wheel manufacturer BBS |publisher=Punch International |date=29 June 2007 |access-date=11 April 2008}} In July 2015, South Korean firm Nice Corp became the majority owner.{{cite web |url=http://www.vwvortex.com/aftermarket-and-industry-news/nice-holdings-co-becomes-majority-shareholder-of-bbs-gmbh/ |title=NICE Holdings Co. Becomes Majority Shareholder of BBS GmbH |first=Will |last=Barber |website=VWVortex |date=2 June 2015 |access-date=4 March 2020}} In 2020, BBS Automotive GmbH filed for insolvency, but was acquired by KW Automotive in March 2021, a multinational automotive suspension parts company.{{Cite web|title=Wheel Manufacturer BBS Has Gone Bankrupt|url=https://www.carthrottle.com/post/wheel-manufacturer-bbs-has-gone-bankrupt/|access-date=20 July 2020|website=Car Throttle|language=en}}{{Cite web |title=BBS Wheels - Home - Technology from motorsport. |url=https://www.bbs.com/en/news/2021/acquisition-of-bbs |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=www.bbs.com}}{{Cite web |date=2021-03-06 |title=KW automotive Group acquires manufacturer BBS |url=https://blog-int.kwautomotive.net/kw-automotive-group-plans-to-acquire-manufacturer-bbs/ |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=KW Automotive Blog |language=en-US}}

In partnership with KW, BBS has since unveiled new partnerships and endeavors, such as BBS Unlimited, a way to customize and order countless configurations of wheels, rather than relying on only model-specific offerings.{{Cite web |title=BBS Unlimited |url=https://bbs.com/en/news/2023/bbs-unlimited |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=www.bbs.com}}{{Cite web |title=BBS Unlimited Revealed at SEMA 2022 |url=https://bbs-usa.com/news/article/72367/BBS_Unlimited_Revealed_at_SEMA_2022/ |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=bbs-usa.com}}{{Cite web |date=2022-05-27 |title=BBS Unveils a Universal Fitment "BBS Unlimited" CI-R Wheel |url=https://www.motortrend.com/news/bbs-unlimited-fitment-ci-r-wheel-universal-fitment/ |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=MotorTrend |language=en}} BBS unveiled a new wheel technology named Fortega in January 2023 at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The Fortega line of wheels utilizes a new proprietary aluminum alloy which was developed over a period of 10 years, which is stronger and more rigid with 10% lighter weight than conventional aluminum alloys, especially for high-weight electric vehicles.{{Cite web |title=時代に合わせた新素材を開発！ BBSホイールは未来を見据える…東京オートサロン2023 |url=https://response.jp/article/2023/01/16/366414.html |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=レスポンス（Response.jp） |language=ja}}{{Cite web |title=FORTEGA {{!}} BBS OFFICIAL WEBSITE ENGLISH |url=https://bbs-japan.co.jp/en/fortega/ |access-date=2023-05-07 |language=ja}}

The multi-stage forging process used by BBS wheels is complex in that it uses multiple stages of compression at 8,000 to 10,000 tons of pressure to densify the wheel blank, while being heated to over {{convert|400|°C|°F|-1}} between steps. This process achieves an ideal material structure with high density and strength, which allows for lightweight and thin milling.{{Cite web |title=BBS Wheels - Home - Technology from motorsport. |url=https://www.bbs.com/en/technology/forging |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=www.bbs.com}}

In modern times, BBS engineered the Air Inside Technology (AIT) in 2002, where hollow chambers are created within the wheel structure to compensate for the small air volume in modern ultra-low-profile tires, reduce unsprung weight, improve handling dynamics, and increase fuel efficiency without sacrificing strength and rigidity. This innovation earned BBS Kraftfahrzeugtechnik the Automechanika Innovation Award 2006 in the tuning segment.[http://automechanika.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en/presse-center_news.html?guid=mf_ddsp147_9647&show_date_detail=yes& Automechanika Innovation Awards] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071026081424/http://automechanika.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en/presse-center_news.html?guid=mf_ddsp147_9647&show_date_detail=yes& |date=26 October 2007 }} 16 August 2006. Retrieved on 8 March 2007

BBS continues to produce one-, two-, and three-piece forged wheels out of aluminum and magnesium alloys, as well as high performance flow-formed wheels and low-pressure cast wheels.{{Cite web |title=BBS USA - Technology Through Motorsports - Braselton, GA - Technology |url=https://bbs-usa.com/expertise/technology/ |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=bbs-usa.com}} BBS also actively uses specialized quality and weight optimization methods, such as CNC back-milled spokes, x-ray inspection, FEM analysis, flow-forming, ceramic polishing, stainless steel lip bumpers, and heat treatment.{{Cite web |title=BBS USA - Technology Through Motorsports - Braselton, GA - Processes and Features |url=https://bbs-usa.com/expertise/processes/ |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=bbs-usa.com}}{{Cite web |title=BBS Wheels - Home - Technology from motorsport. |url=https://www.bbs.com/en/technology |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=www.bbs.com}}

File:Materialprobe BBS.jpg|Metal sampling during manufacturing at BBS

File:Lackierung BBS.tif|Finishing process at BBS

File:BBS Wheel Stamp Meanings.jpg|BBS wheel stamp diagram (1: BBS brand, 2: wheel offset, 3: wheel model, 4: JWL standard certification, 5: wheel size, 6: country of manufacture)

BBS has a long history in the world of motorsport, having produced wheels for Formula One, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, IndyCar, DTM, NASCAR, World Touring Car Championship, and other racing series from as early as 1972. The company pioneered technologies in the production of racing wheels and in making wheels lighter and stronger for race usage.

In 2012, BBS Motorsport & Engineering GmbH, the racing division of BBS, became independent under the Japanese Ono Group (Washi Kosan) and moved to Haslach from Schiltach. Production of all BBS forged racing wheels continues in Japan. Japanese company Washibeam Co., Ltd. manufactures the BBS F1 Magnesium wheel and all racing aluminum wheels.[https://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ono-group.co.jp%2Fhome%2Fgroup%2Fwashi_mai%2Findex.html&langpair=ja%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8 Washibeam manufacturing BBS wheels] Since BBS is a customer of Washibeam, manufacture of the wheel will not be discontinued if BBS goes bankrupt.[https://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbs-japan.co.jp%2Finfo%2Finformation.html&langpair=ja%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8 BBS is an exclusive customer for Washibeam]

The company is the largest supplier of wheels for IndyCar Series and the main supplier of Formula One teams. BBS has also supplied wheels for the NASCAR Cup Series starting in 2022, when the Next Gen car made its debut.{{cite web |last=Albert |first=Zack |date=2 March 2020 |title=NASCAR moving to single lug-nut design for Next Gen car |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2020/03/02/nascar-single-lug-nut-design-wheel-next-gen-car/ |access-date=3 March 2020 |website=NASCAR}}

File:Porsche 996 (Front Right).jpg|BBS wheels on a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.

File:Ferrari BBS Foto1.jpg|Forged magnesium Formula One racing wheel by BBS.

File:Yokohama ADVAN Tires WTCC 2006.jpg|BBS racing wheels for the World Touring Car Championship

File:BBS wheel of BMW 320 Gruppe 5 in BMW-Museum in Munich, Bayern.JPG|BBS wheel on a BMW 320 Group 5 race car

BBS has and continues to supply OEM wheel applications to a number of automobile brands. In road vehicles, their products can be seen on brands such as BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Ferrari, Maserati, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Renault, Saab, Subaru, Volkswagen, and Volvo.{{Cite web |title=OEM Wheels - BBS USA |url=https://bbs-usa.com/oem/?subj=oem |access-date=2023-04-15 |website=bbs-usa.com}}

The highest performance specification of multiple supercars and hypercars, such as the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition, Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Package, and Ford GT Heritage Edition all feature specially-made wheels by BBS.

The RS cross-spoke design, which superficially resembles a wire wheel, was common on many European sports cars produced from the 1980s to the early 1990s. This design was noticeably lighter in weight compared to many other styles of the time.

File:1985 BMW M635CSi - 11.jpg|1985 BMW M635CSi with stock BBS RS007 wheels.

File:Black 997 GT3 RS with Porsche RS Spyder design center lock wheels.jpg|Porsche 911 GT3 RS with OEM BBS centerlock wheels.

File:Mazda RX7 Spirit R (26593591848).jpg|OEM BBS forged aluminum wheels on a 2002 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A

File:BBS and Brembo (5482830699).jpg|OEM BBS wheel on a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X MR.

With the popularization of BBS wheels in the 1970's by motorsports teams and luxury automobile manufacturers such as BMW and Porsche, the demand for BBS wheels in the aftermarket began to grow.

The three-piece RS released in 1977 was one of the most popular BBS-produced wheels for automobile manufacturers,{{Cite web |title=All BBS wheel styles | BBSwheels.info |url=https://www.bbswheels.info/en/rim-models/bbs-rs}} and soon after became a popular aftermarket wheel which was often replicated by other manufacturers. In 1987, BBS released their first one-piece forged wheel, the RG, based on the same wire-wheel design as the RS. In 1992, the RSII was released, their first two-piece wheel. In 1994, the LM was released, a two-piece wheel based on the design of Le Mans race wheels of the era.{{Cite web |title=LM {{!}} BBS OFFICIAL WEBSITE ENGLISH |url=https://bbs-japan.co.jp/en/products/1142/ |access-date=2023-04-03 |language=ja}} In 2011, the RI-D was released, the world's first wheel made of duralumin.{{Cite web |title=RI-D {{!}} BBS OFFICIAL WEBSITE ENGLISH |url=https://bbs-japan.co.jp/en/products/1108/ |access-date=2023-04-03 |language=ja}}

The market of BBS as an aftermarket wheel producer surged in 1983 with the inception of global sales by the company. Rather than selling primarily in Europe, or to OEMs and motorsports teams only, BBS broadened their scope to include sales in the Americas with the founding of BBS of America in 1983, in France with BBS France Co. S.A., and in Japan with BBS Japan Co. Ltd. with partner Washi Beam Co. These companies could then sell not only to their respective domestic automobile manufacturers and motorsports teams, but also to their general regional public.

BBS currently produces the Forged Line, Performance Line, and Design Line of aftermarket wheels. The Forged Line consists of one-, two-, and three-piece die-forged wheels. The Performance Line consists of one-piece flow-formed wheels, while the Design Line consists of one-piece cast wheels.{{Cite web |title=Product Overview - Road Wheels - BBS USA |url=https://bbs-usa.com/road_wheels/ |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=bbs-usa.com}} Within these lines, different road and track wheels are focused on either performance design, motorsport design, utility design, or classic design, to offer customers a wheel with specific emphasis on certain characteristics for performance, weight, strength, or aesthetics.{{Cite web |title=Wheels Program |url=https://bbs.com/en/products |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=bbs.com}}

File:Tuning World Bodensee 2018, Friedrichshafen (OW1A0625).jpg|BBS CC-R on display at Tuning World Bodensee 2018

File:Porsche 911 GT2 (997) - Flickr - Alexandre Prévot (1).jpg|Porsche 911 GT2 (997) with aftermarket BBS E88 wheels

File:Tuning World Bodensee 2018, Friedrichshafen (OW1A0109).jpg|BBS CH-R II wheel on demo vehicle at Tuning World Bodensee 2018

File:Toyota GR Supra with BBS Wheels.jpg|Toyota GR Supra with aftermarket BBS CH-R wheels

File:1994 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II N1 no.10, front left.jpg|alt=

File:1995 BMW 525i Sport, UK (front) (22484472771).jpg|alt=

File:BBS CK014 Octavia 1Z.jpg|alt=

File:Embedded World 2014 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup.jpg|alt=

File:1993 Jaguar XJ220 in Monza Red, front left (BBS).jpg|alt=

File:2011-03-04 Autosalon Genf 1206.JPG|alt=

File:Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid wheel.jpg|alt=

File:Bridgestone Potenza F1 Rear Tire.JPG|alt=

File:BBS CV004.jpg|alt=

File:BBS rim Gazoo Racing Toyota GT86 (7480076242).jpg|alt=

File:Flap and left front tire of the Muscle Milk Team Porsche RS Spyder.jpg|alt=

File:Porsche 956 962 Group C endurance racer (6268287177).jpg|alt=

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://bbs.com/en/home}}

{{Automotive industry in Germany}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Auto parts suppliers of Germany

Category:Wheel manufacturers

Category:Automotive motorsports and performance companies

Category:Companies based in Baden-Württemberg

Category:Companies formerly listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange

Category:German brands

Category:German companies established in 1970

Category:1980s initial public offerings

Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1970

Category:Automotive companies established in 1970

Category:2021 mergers and acquisitions