NSU Motorenwerke AG stands as a legendary German manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and pedal cycles founded in 1873 in Riedlingen before relocating to Neckarsulm.
Originally established as a knitting machine manufacturer by Christian Schmidt, the company rapidly evolved into bicycle production before introducing its first motorcycle in 1901 and its first car in 1905.
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SubscribeDuring the mid-20th century, brilliant engineering under chief designer Albert Roder propelled NSU to become the largest motorcycle producer in the world by 1955, accompanied by multiple world speed records.
The company later made automotive history by introducing the world's first Wankel-engined car, the Wankel Spider, followed by the critically acclaimed four-door NSU Ro 80.
Integration and Legacy within Audi
High development costs for the rotary engine and subsequent warranty challenges severely strained the company's finances, leading to its acquisition by Volkswagenwerk AG in 1969.
Volkswagen merged NSU with Auto Union to form Audi NSU Auto Union AG, which eventually became modern-day Audi AG and established its prominent production plant in Neckarsulm.
Although the NSU brand name was phased out in the late 1970s, its engineering DNA lived on through shared components and technologies adopted by Volkswagen and other major automakers.
Today, NSU is remembered worldwide as an innovative trailblazer that left an indelible mark on both motorcycle racing history and rotary engine development.