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NSU: From Knitting Needles to Wankel Engines - A Brief Look at NSU's Automotive History
NSU, a name perhaps less familiar than its German counterparts like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, boasts a rich and fascinating history, evolving from a manufacturer of knitting machines to a pioneer in rotary engine technology. Their automotive journey, though ultimately absorbed into the Volkswagen Group, left an indelible mark on the industry with its innovative engineering and distinctive design.
The story begins in 1873 in Riedlingen, Germany, with Christian Schmidt establishing a mechanical workshop focused on knitting machines. The company, initially named "Mechanische Werkstätte zur Herstellung von Strickmaschinen," quickly grew and moved to Neckarsulm, adopting the name NSU. By the turn of the century, NSU had diversified into bicycle production, and in 1901, they introduced their first motorcycle.
Automobile production followed soon after, with NSU producing their first car in 1905. Early models were heavily influenced by the designs of the Belgian firm, Pipe. These early ventures laid the groundwork for NSU's burgeoning automotive ambitions.
The interwar period saw NSU producing a range of vehicles, focusing on reliability and affordability. They gained a reputation for building well-engineered cars catering to a broader market. However, the devastation of World War II significantly hampered production, and the company faced considerable rebuilding efforts.
The 1950s marked a turning point for NSU. Under the leadership of Dr. Walter Froede, the company embarked on a bold and visionary path, investing heavily in the development of the Wankel rotary engine. This unconventional engine, with its smooth operation and high power-to-weight ratio, held immense promise.
In 1964, NSU unveiled the Wankel Spider, the world's first production car powered by a rotary engine. This innovative roadster cemented NSU's reputation as a technological leader. The more ambitious NSU Ro80 followed in 1967. This groundbreaking sedan featured a futuristic design and advanced features, including a semi-automatic transmission. However, the Ro80 suffered from early reliability issues with its rotary engine, ultimately damaging NSU's reputation and financial stability.
Despite the Ro80's challenges, NSU continued to produce other successful models like the Prinz series, known for their compact size and peppy performance. However, the financial strain of the Ro80 project proved too much.
In 1969, NSU was acquired by Volkswagen, merging with Auto Union (which included Audi), to ultimately form Audi NSU Auto Union AG. While the NSU brand eventually disappeared, its legacy lives on. The Ro80, despite its flaws, remains a significant milestone in automotive engineering, and the Wankel engine, further refined by Mazda, continues to be a testament to NSU's innovative spirit. NSU’s story is a reminder that even amidst challenges, pushing the boundaries of technology can leave a lasting impact on the automotive landscape.
