The 4th Edition of the European Conference for Automotive History was a resounding success. Held in Wolfsburg, the heart of Germany's automotive industry, the event was made possible by the generous hospitality of Autostadt. For the first time, FIVA took the lead as the official organizer, working closely with Mr. Anders Ditlev Clausager, the founding father of the event alongside Thomas Ulrich.
The conference started off on a high note, with inspiring opening speeches from Anders Ditlev Clausager (SAHB), Nataša Grom Jerina (FIVA), and Armin Maus (Autostadt). A shared theme throughout the speeches was the importance of viewing automotive heritage and history as a source of inspiration for the future.
The morning session featured captivating presentations. Hans Lipp offered a detailed history of Wolfsburg, followed by Klaus Preuschhof’s insights on rear-engine design, and Armin Maus shared Autostadt’s vision and future plans. After a brief coffee break, Stefan Dierkes presented the story of Italsuisse, while Susan Grunewald delved into the transfer of German automobile technology to the Soviet Union between the 1940s and 1990s. Claus Wulff closed the morning with an intriguing discussion on AGA, the automobile company founded by a Nobel prize winner.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to automotive heritage, research techniques, and the role of classic vehicles in history and literature. Anders Ditlev Clausager started with an engaging talk on the history of the historic and classic vehicle movement in Britain, tracing its evolution since 1909. Jaap Horst followed, demonstrating how patent databases can be used to research specific automobile marques and technological advancements, offering historians valuable research tools.
A panel discussion on Volkswagen Group’s work with classic vehicles featured Stefan Trauf (Audi Tradition & Auto Union GmbH) and Armin Maus (Autostadt). The discussion highlighted Volkswagen’s dedication to preserving its automotive legacy and Autostadt’s key role in these efforts. Jens Møller Nicolaisen then presented his decade-long research on Citroën Traction Avant production records, offering new insights into this iconic model, and introduced his book on the subject.
Dr. Wolfgang Munzinger (AHG, Germany) explored the significance of automobiles in 1920s literature, focusing on Michael Arlen’s The Green Hat and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Anette Vogel (ADAC & FIVA) followed, discussing the importance of preserving automotive heritage through art and archives, emphasizing their role in keeping the legacy of classic vehicles alive. The final presentation of the day came from Dejan Breznik (FIVA), who shared his personal story, “Collector's Dream: How I Bought a Never-Unpacked Norton Motorcycle,” providing a rare glimpse into the world of motorcycle collectors.
On Sunday morning, the final session of presentations took place. Pal Negyesi explored the history of Ford in Hungary, emphasizing the influence of Hungarian designers on Ford’s global presence. Dr. Michael Edwards followed with an analysis of the rapid rise and eventual decline of the De Dion Bouton company, shedding light on one of the most influential early car manufacturers. Dr. Alessandro Silva provided insights into the Diatto company from Torino, detailing its role in Italy’s automotive history.
Prof. Rosella Maspoli concluded the morning with a presentation titled Motor Towns: Innovation, Redevelopment, and Tourism, comparing Turin’s automotive legacy with other global industrial centers. The conference ended with closing remarks from Tiddo Bresters (FIVA) and Armin Maus (Autostadt), followed by a light lunch, allowing participants to reflect on the extensive knowledge shared throughout the weekend.
This year’s conference successfully brought together a diverse group of experts and enthusiasts from across Europe to explore the rich history of automotive innovation and heritage. FIVA remains dedicated to preserving the legacy of classic vehicles and fostering an appreciation for their cultural and historical significance. We look forward to next conference in 2026 and continuing the conversation on automotive history.
FIVA extends its heartfelt gratitude to Autostadt, and especially to Armin Maus, Petra von Wahlberg, and their outstanding team, for graciously hosting and making this event possible.
