The origins of today's modern Brilliance can be traced to a state-owned auto factory, which, under the guiding hand of the infamous Yang Rong, became a leading Chinese maker of mini-buses during the 1990s. The Chinese State continues to retain ownership in Brilliance.
In 2003 BMW and Brilliance signed a deal for the production of BMW-branded sedans in China. While these vehicles retain the same names as those sold in other markets, they may differ significantly.
In 2009 the company was the eighth-largest automaker in China.
