Nsu 

Detailed History of NSU Car Manufacturer

Origins and Early Years

NSU (Neckarsulmer Strickmaschinen Union) began its journey in 1873 in Riedlingen, Germany, as a knitting machine factory founded by Christian Schmidt. In 1880, the company moved to Neckarsulm, from where it takes its name. In the 1890s, NSU started diversifying into bicycle production and later into motorcycles.

Entry into the Automotive Industry

In 1905, NSU entered the automotive industry with the production of its first car, the NSU 6/10 PS, notable for its two-cylinder engine. Over the following decades, NSU continued developing its car lineup, gaining recognition for its quality and performance.

Innovations and Expansion

The 1920s saw a series of innovations from NSU. In 1923, they introduced the company's first six-cylinder engine. Additionally, NSU began making a name for itself in automotive racing, winning several races and setting speed records.

Crisis and Rebirth

The Great Depression of 1929 significantly impacted NSU, forcing the company to sell its automotive division to Fiat in 1932. NSU then focused on motorcycle production, becoming one of the world's leading manufacturers in this category.

World War II and Reconstruction

During World War II, NSU was dedicated to producing military vehicles and other equipment for the German army. After the war, the company had to rebuild almost from scratch. In the 1950s, NSU re-emerged as an innovative manufacturer of motorcycles and automobiles.

The Wankel Engine Era

One of the most significant milestones in NSU's history was the adoption of the Wankel rotary engine. In 1957, NSU began working on this innovative engine, and in 1964 launched the NSU Wankel Spider, the first mass-produced car with a rotary engine. This was followed by the NSU Ro 80 in 1967, a luxury sedan that won the prestigious European Car of the Year award in 1968.

Merger with Audi and Legacy

Despite its innovations, financial problems and reliability issues with the Wankel engine led to NSU's merger with Auto Union in 1969, forming Audi NSU Auto Union AG, the predecessor to today's Audi AG. The NSU brand was discontinued in 1977, but its legacy of innovation and quality continues to be an important part of Audi's history.

Impact and Contributions

NSU has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry, particularly for its role in developing and popularizing the Wankel engine. Its vehicles were known for their innovative design and superior performance, setting standards that continue to influence the industry today.