Simson Suhl: From the cult vehicle to the legend of automotive history!

Simson Suhl: From the cult vehicle to the legend of automotive history!

Suhl, Deutschland - With the name Simson, a rich story connects that goes back to 1856 when the Simson family founded the company in Suhl. Originally designed as a steelworks and weapons factory, Simson quickly developed into one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in Germany. The company not only produced bicycles, but also a variety of other products, from cars to household appliances to weapons. Production became an important industry that was far -reaching in the GDR, even if the company lived through difficult times during National Socialism and in the years after. Coolis reports that the expropriation of the Simson family was a turning point in the history of the company after the National Socialists.

In the war years, the production capacities shifted to weapons production. After the Second World War, the company experienced a complicated reconstruction situation. Many buildings were destroyed and there was a lack of material. In 1947 Simson was integrated into the Soviet stock corporation "Awtowelo". Production started with new state requirements, and in 1950 the AWO 425, a motorcycle, celebrated its premiere. This model became a decisive turning point in the reconstruction of the company. From 1950 to 1961 a total of 124,000 units of the AWO 425 were manufactured until moped production won the upper hand from 1961. This shows the wide range of products that Simson developed over time, as well as the changes in the market in the GDR. AWO 425 adds that the AWO models also contested a few races in the late 1950s and thus achieved a certain cult status in the motorcycle and motorsport community.

the legendary vehicles and their influence

The "bird series", which includes models like the Schwalbe, was produced more than a million times between 1964 and 1986. These vehicles became known not only in the GDR, but also beyond and enjoyed great reputation. They were symbols for mobility and joie de vivre under difficult conditions of the socialist planned economy. The Schwalbe, the most sold moped of the company, was used in the GDR as an everyday vehicle and was considered an indispensable companion of many people. Direct sales by the company and the high demand often led to paradoxical situations, such as small motorcycles were more expensive than the operating costs. GDR Bicycle Wiki illuminates the various production methods and techniques that were used in the company to master the large number of vehicles.

Despite the successes, Simson also had to fight with considerable challenges. In the 1980s, delivery difficulties and outdated machines broke into the production peaks, which led to a decline in quality and efficiency. This finally resulted in the setting of production after reunification in 1990. At that time, a 150-year era ended, and the factory premises transformed into a business park, a symbol of the end of a capital chapter in German industrial culture. However, the cult status of the vehicles is unbroken, and many older generations still tell of their experiences on a Simson. Some of the success models are also very popular with collectors today.

The history of Simson is not only that of a company, but rather a reflection of social and economic changes in Germany over more than a century. The connection to the city of Suhl and the lasting memories of the legendary vehicles make Simson an impressive legacy that should not be forgotten.