Borgward AG: Pioneering German Automaker's Rise and Fall
Borgward AG, once a prominent German automaker, was established in 1924 by Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Borgward. By the late 1920s, one in four commercial vehicles in Germany was a Goliath, one of their popular models. However, the company faced challenges, including financial difficulties that led to bankruptcy in 1961.
Borgward AG began with the 'Blitzkarre', a motorized tricycle. High demand allowed for eight units of 'Blitzkarre' and 'Goliath' models to be built and sold daily. The 'Goliath Standard' was introduced, featuring a 350-cm3 engine and a 500 kg payload. The 'Goliath Rapid', a front loader with a cargo bed, followed.
In the 1950s, Borgward AG grew to become the fourth-largest German manufacturer and employer in Bremen. They expanded production by acquiring a factory site in Industriestraße with Tecklenborg. The 'Isabella' model was a notable success during this period.
However, the company faced obstacles. A traffic police regulation requiring reverse gears posed difficulties. Financial struggles ultimately led to the company filing for bankruptcy in 1961. The fate of their production facilities after this point remains unclear.
Borgward AG's legacy includes pioneering German automotive history. Despite facing challenges and eventual bankruptcy, their impact on the industry was significant. Their models, like the 'Goliath' and 'Isabella', left a mark on the market. The company's influence on Bremen's economy as a major employer in the 1950s is also notable.
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