Borgward

Year of foundation 1929-1963

The history of the Borgward automobile company is a fascinating tale of success, innovation, and an unexpected downfall, followed by a recent attempt at revival.

Foundation and Postwar Success:

Borgward was founded in 1929 in Bremen, Germany, by Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Borgward, a visionary engineer.

Before producing automobiles under its own name, Borgward was known for three-wheeled vehicles such as the "Blitzkarren," a small means of transport that was very popular in the hyperinflationary Germany of the 1920s.

After World War II, the company enjoyed great success. In the 1950s, the Borgward Group, which also included the Goliath and Lloyd brands, became the third-largest automobile manufacturer in Germany.

The most iconic and famous model was the Borgward Isabella, introduced in 1954. With its elegant design and excellent performance for its time, the Isabella became a symbol of German style and engineering.

The Crash of 1961:

Despite its success, the company suffered a dramatic bankruptcy in 1961, under circumstances that remain controversial today. In less than 24 hours, the entire industrial empire collapsed, resulting in the loss of 20,000 jobs.

Production of the Isabella and other models continued for a short time after the bankruptcy, with the sale of the assembly lines in Mexico, where production continued until 1970.

The Attempted Rebirth:

After decades of neglect, the brand attempted a revival. In 2008, Christian Borgward, grandson of the founder, announced his intent to resurrect the company.

With the support of a Chinese partner, Foton Motor, the brand was relaunched, and a new SUV, the BX7, was presented at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

However, this second chapter was also unsuccessful. After facing further financial difficulties and a change of ownership, Borgward Group was declared bankrupt again in 2022.