Puch - Revision history

Red marquis at 05:16, 19 February 2007

2007-02-19T05:16:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:16, 19 February 2007
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	{{List of ~~(Insert Marque)~~ Models}}'''Puch''' was a manufacturing company located in Graz, Austria. The company was founded in 1889 by the industrialist [[Johann Puch]] and produced [[automobiles]], bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles.		{{List of {{PAGENAME}} Models}}'''Puch''' was a manufacturing company located in Graz, Austria. The company was founded in 1889 by the industrialist [[Johann Puch]] and produced [[automobiles]], bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles.

	==Pre-war years==		==Pre-war years==

Red marquis at 04:20, 19 February 2007

2007-02-19T04:20:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:20, 19 February 2007
Line 1:		Line 1:
	'''Puch''' was a manufacturing company located in Graz, Austria. The company was founded in 1889 by the industrialist [[Johann Puch]] and produced [[automobiles]], bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles.		{{List of (Insert Marque) Models}}'''Puch''' was a manufacturing company located in Graz, Austria. The company was founded in 1889 by the industrialist [[Johann Puch]] and produced [[automobiles]], bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles.

	==Pre-war years==		==Pre-war years==

Red marquis at 06:59, 2 February 2007

2007-02-02T06:59:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:59, 2 February 2007
Line 1:		Line 1:
	'''Puch''' was a [[manufacturing]] company located in [[Graz]], [[Austria]]. The company was founded in [[1889]] by the industrialist [[Johann Puch]] and produced [[automobiles]], [[bicycles]], ~~[[moped]]s~~, and [[motorcycles]].		'''Puch''' was a manufacturing company located in Graz, Austria. The company was founded in 1889 by the industrialist [[Johann Puch]] and produced [[automobiles]], bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles.

	==Pre-war years==		==Pre-war years==
	Johann Puch first produced bicycles in [[1889]] in a small workshop called "''Fahrradfabrikation Strauchergasse 18 a''" in [[Graz]]. Ten years later he founded his company, ''"Erste Steiermärkische Fahrradfabrik AG"'' (~~[[English language\|~~en]]: "First Styrian Bicycle AG"). Puch's company became successful through innovation and quality handicraft, rapidly expanding over time. It soon began producing motorcycles and ~~[[moped]]s~~.		Johann Puch first produced bicycles in 1889 in a small workshop called "''Fahrradfabrikation Strauchergasse 18 a''" in Graz. Ten years later he founded his company, ''"Erste Steiermärkische Fahrradfabrik AG"'' (en: "First Styrian Bicycle AG"). Puch's company became successful through innovation and quality handicraft, rapidly expanding over time. It soon began producing motorcycles and mopeds.

	The main production plant, later called "''Einser-Werk''", was constructed in the south of Graz, in the district of [[Puntigam]]. Production of [[engines]] was started in [[1901]] and [[Automobile\|cars]] followed in [[1904]]. In [[1906]] the production of the two-[[cylinder (engine)\|cylinder]] [[Puch Voiturette]] began and in [[1909]] a Puch car broke the world high-speed record with 130,4 km/h. In [[1910]], Puch even produced [[sedans]] for members of the imperial family.		The main production plant, later called "''Einser-Werk''", was constructed in the south of Graz, in the district of Puntigam. Production of [[engines]] was started in 1901 and [[Automobile\|cars]] followed in 1904. In 1906 the production of the two-[[cylinder (engine)\|cylinder]] [[Puch Voiturette]] began and in 1909 a Puch car broke the world high-speed record with 130,4 km/h. In 1910, Puch even produced [[sedans]] for members of the imperial family.
	In [[1912]], the 38 ~~[[horsepower#PS\|~~PS (horsepower)]] Type VIII "''[[Puch Typ VIII Alpenwagen\|Alpenwagen]]''" was developed.		In 1912, the 38 PS (horsepower) Type VIII "''[[Puch Typ VIII Alpenwagen\|Alpenwagen]]''" was developed.

	In [[1912]] Johann Puch went into retirement and became the company's honorary president. In that year the company employed about 1,100 workers and produced 16,000 bicycles and over 300 motorcycles and cars annually. During [[World War I]], Puch became an important [[vehicle]] supplier to the [[Austro-Hungarian Army]]. However with the collapse of the empire following the War, the market for automobiles shrank and production was discontinued.		In 1912 Johann Puch went into retirement and became the company's honorary president. In that year the company employed about 1,100 workers and produced 16,000 bicycles and over 300 motorcycles and cars annually. During World War I, Puch became an important vehicle supplier to the Austro-Hungarian Army. However with the collapse of the empire following the War, the market for automobiles shrank and production was discontinued.

	In [[1923]] the double-[[piston]] motor was ~~[[patent\|~~patented]].		In 1923 the double-[[piston]] motor was patented.

	In [[1928]] the company merged with [[Austro-Daimler]] and became a part of the new [[Austro-Daimler-Puchwerke]]. This company in its turn merged in [[1934]] with [[Steyr AG]] to form [[Steyr-Daimler-Puch]]. Like all enterprises of its kind, the Puch production plants had to change to arms production during [[World War II]]. The existing capacity was insufficient, therefore a second plant was constructed and opened in [[1941]] in [[Thondorf]], Graz. In the three original assembly halls, luxury vehicles for the ~~[[United States\|~~American]] market were produced.		In 1928 the company merged with [[Austro-Daimler]] and became a part of the new [[Austro-Daimler-Puchwerke]]. This company in its turn merged in 1934 with [[Steyr AG]] to form [[Steyr-Daimler-Puch]]. Like all enterprises of its kind, the Puch production plants had to change to arms production during World War II. The existing capacity was insufficient, therefore a second plant was constructed and opened in 1941 in Thondorf, Graz. In the three original assembly halls, luxury vehicles for the American market were produced.

	==WWII==		==WWII==
	Puch is on Wikipedia's list of companies using [[slave labour]] from the [[Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp]] system. The list of companies using slave labour from the Mauthausen-Gusen camp system was long, and included both national corporations and small, local firms and communities. Some parts of the quarries were converted into a [[Mauser~~]] [[~~machine pistol]] assembly plant. In 1943, an underground factory for the [[Steyr-Daimler-Puch]] company was built in Gusen.		Puch is on Wikipedia's list of companies using slave labour from the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp system. The list of companies using slave labour from the Mauthausen-Gusen camp system was long, and included both national corporations and small, local firms and communities. Some parts of the quarries were converted into a Mauser machine pistol assembly plant. In 1943, an underground factory for the [[Steyr-Daimler-Puch]] company was built in Gusen.

	==Post-War years==		==Post-War years==
	In [[1949]], an assembly cooperation agreement was signed with [[Fiat]] in [[Turin]]. The [[1950s]] to the mid-[[1970s]] saw a sharp increase in production of motorcycles, bicycles and mopeds. Even though Puch was a part of Steyr-Daimler-Puch, it still produced products under its own name, as well as for Steyr-Puch and other companies.		In 1949, an assembly cooperation agreement was signed with [[Fiat]] in Turin. The 1950s to the mid-1970s saw a sharp increase in production of motorcycles, bicycles and mopeds. Even though Puch was a part of Steyr-Daimler-Puch, it still produced products under its own name, as well as for Steyr-Puch and other companies.

	* ~~[[1953]]: Puch presented its motorbikes [[Puch 125\|125]] and [[Puch 175 SV\|175 SV]].~~		* 1957: The legendary [[Puch 500]] small car came on the market.
	* [[1954]]: The [[moped]] [[Puch MS 50\|MS 50]] was launched, which was very successful.		* 1958: Production of the Steyr-Puch [[Haflinger]]s started. 16,657 vehicles are produced in total and exported into 110 countries.
	* [[1957]]: The legendary [[Puch 500]] small car came on the market.		* 1966 [[Sobiesław Zasada]] wins the [[European Rally Championship]] on a [[Puch 650 TR II\|650 TR II]].
	* [[1958]]: Production of the Steyr-Puch [[Haflinger]]s started. 16,657 vehicles are produced in total and exported into 110 countries.		* 1970: The cross-country Steyr-Puch vehicle [[Pinzgauer]] was launched - production continued until 1999 with over 24,000 built.
	* [[1966]] [[Sobiesław Zasada]] wins the [[European Rally Championship]] on a [[Puch 650 TR II\|650 TR II]].		* 1973: Production of the [[Fiat 126]], containing a Puch engine, commenced.
	* ~~[[1969]]: The most successful Puch product is launched, [[Puch Maxi]] moped, 1.8 million of which are built.~~		* 1979: A joint-venture with [[Mercedes-Benz]] saw Puch building the engine for the [[Mercedes-Benz G-Class]] in Graz.
	~~[[Image:puch-p1020657.jpg\|thumb\|Steyr-Puch [[Pinzgauer]] vehicle]]~~		* 1983: A joint-venture with [[Volkswagen]] saw the [[Volkswagen Type 2 (T3)\|Volkswagen Type 2 (T3)'s]] engine being built in Graz.
	* [[1970]]: The cross-country Steyr-Puch vehicle [[Pinzgauer]] was launched - production continued until [[1999]] with over 24,000 built.
	* [[1973]]: Production of the [[Fiat 126]], containing a Puch engine, commenced.
	* ~~[[1975]]: Harry Everts wins the 250cc [[Motocross]] World Championship for Puch.~~
	* [[1978]]: Record-setting year, seeing the production of over 270,000 mopeds and motorcycles as well as 350,000 bicycles.
	* [[1979]]: A joint-venture with [[Mercedes-Benz]] saw Puch building the engine for the [[Mercedes-Benz G-Class]] in Graz.
	* [[1983]]: A joint-venture with [[Volkswagen]] saw the [[Volkswagen Type 2 (T3)\|Volkswagen Type 2 (T3)'s]] engine being built in Graz.

	~~==Puch scooters==~~
	~~[[Image:Puch motorcycle.jpg\|right\|thumb\|Puch motorcycle 250 SGS]]~~
	The late [[1950s]] saw strong sales of the [[Puch 125cc]] two-stroke single [[motorscooters]], which had three gears shifted from the left twistgrip. These machines developed a reputation for reliability and were popular for daily commuting, providing good weather protection and ease of use with an electric starter. In this role their moderate performance, with a top speed of around 45mph, was not a problem. Later models had a 150cc engine and foot-operation, giving better performance of 6 [[horsepower\|hp]] instead of 5 hp but retaining the three gears.

	~~Puch produced the famous [[Twingle engine]] and the Maxi, [[Puch Newport]], and MK mopeds, which were popular from the late [[1970s]] to early [[1980s]].~~

	~~In Austria and [[the Netherlands]], Puch mopeds played a big role in the [[1960s]] [[popular culture]]~~.

	==Legacy==		==Legacy==
	In the late [[1980s]], the company was being squeezed out by competition. In [[1987]] massive restructuring of the company led to the end of the production of two-wheelers in Graz. The company's technical know-how was always better than its marketing and commercial success. The Puch motorcycle company was sold to [[Piaggio]], maker of the [[Vespa]], in [[1987]] and still produces bikes under the name "Puch".		In the late 1980s, the company was being squeezed out by competition. In 1987 massive restructuring of the company led to the end of the production of two-wheelers in Graz. The company's technical know-how was always better than its marketing and commercial success. The Puch motorcycle company was sold to Piaggio, maker of the Vespa, in 1987 and still produces bikes under the name "Puch".
	[[Steyr-Puch]], assembler of [[four wheel drive]] vehicles and parts, still exists next to the Piaggio division.		[[Steyr-Puch]], assembler of [[four wheel drive]] vehicles and parts, still exists next to the Piaggio division.

	The so-called "''Einserwerk''", the first production plant, shut down in the early [[2000s]]. The historical assembly-hall was declared a protected ~~[[industry\|~~industrial~~]] [[~~monument]]. When Graz became [[European Capital of Culture]] in 2003, a Puch museum was opened in one of the former assembly halls [http://www.graz03.at/].		The so-called "''Einserwerk''", the first production plant, shut down in the early 2000s. The historical assembly-hall was declared a protected industrial monument. When Graz became European Capital of Culture in 2003, a Puch museum was opened in one of the former assembly halls [http://www.graz03.at/].

	==See also==		==See also==

Red marquis at 06:54, 2 February 2007

2007-02-02T06:54:27Z

New page

'''Puch''' was a [[manufacturing]] company located in [[Graz]], [[Austria]]. The company was founded in [[1889]] by the industrialist [[Johann Puch]] and produced [[automobiles]], [[bicycles]], [[moped]]s, and [[motorcycles]].

==Pre-war years==
Johann Puch first produced bicycles in [[1889]] in a small workshop called "''Fahrradfabrikation Strauchergasse 18 a''" in [[Graz]]. Ten years later he founded his company, ''"Erste Steiermärkische Fahrradfabrik AG"'' ([[English language|en]]: "First Styrian Bicycle AG"). Puch's company became successful through innovation and quality handicraft, rapidly expanding over time. It soon began producing motorcycles and [[moped]]s.

The main production plant, later called "''Einser-Werk''", was constructed in the south of Graz, in the district of [[Puntigam]]. Production of [[engines]] was started in [[1901]] and [[Automobile|cars]] followed in [[1904]]. In [[1906]] the production of the two-[[cylinder (engine)|cylinder]] [[Puch Voiturette]] began and in [[1909]] a Puch car broke the world high-speed record with 130,4 km/h. In [[1910]], Puch even produced [[sedans]] for members of the imperial family.
In [[1912]], the 38 [[horsepower#PS|PS (horsepower)]] Type VIII "''[[Puch Typ VIII Alpenwagen|Alpenwagen]]''" was developed.

In [[1912]] Johann Puch went into retirement and became the company's honorary president. In that year the company employed about 1,100 workers and produced 16,000 bicycles and over 300 motorcycles and cars annually. During [[World War I]], Puch became an important [[vehicle]] supplier to the [[Austro-Hungarian Army]]. However with the collapse of the empire following the War, the market for automobiles shrank and production was discontinued.

In [[1923]] the double-[[piston]] motor was [[patent|patented]].

In [[1928]] the company merged with [[Austro-Daimler]] and became a part of the new [[Austro-Daimler-Puchwerke]]. This company in its turn merged in [[1934]] with [[Steyr AG]] to form [[Steyr-Daimler-Puch]]. Like all enterprises of its kind, the Puch production plants had to change to arms production during [[World War II]]. The existing capacity was insufficient, therefore a second plant was constructed and opened in [[1941]] in [[Thondorf]], Graz. In the three original assembly halls, luxury vehicles for the [[United States|American]] market were produced.

==WWII==
Puch is on Wikipedia's list of companies using [[slave labour]] from the [[Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp]] system. The list of companies using slave labour from the Mauthausen-Gusen camp system was long, and included both national corporations and small, local firms and communities. Some parts of the quarries were converted into a [[Mauser]] [[machine pistol]] assembly plant. In 1943, an underground factory for the [[Steyr-Daimler-Puch]] company was built in Gusen.

==Post-War years==
In [[1949]], an assembly cooperation agreement was signed with [[Fiat]] in [[Turin]]. The [[1950s]] to the mid-[[1970s]] saw a sharp increase in production of motorcycles, bicycles and mopeds. Even though Puch was a part of Steyr-Daimler-Puch, it still produced products under its own name, as well as for Steyr-Puch and other companies.

* [[1953]]: Puch presented its motorbikes [[Puch 125|125]] and [[Puch 175 SV|175 SV]].
* [[1954]]: The [[moped]] [[Puch MS 50|MS 50]] was launched, which was very successful.
* [[1957]]: The legendary [[Puch 500]] small car came on the market.
* [[1958]]: Production of the Steyr-Puch [[Haflinger]]s started. 16,657 vehicles are produced in total and exported into 110 countries.
* [[1966]] [[Sobiesław Zasada]] wins the [[European Rally Championship]] on a [[Puch 650 TR II|650 TR II]].
* [[1969]]: The most successful Puch product is launched, [[Puch Maxi]] moped, 1.8 million of which are built.
[[Image:puch-p1020657.jpg|thumb|Steyr-Puch [[Pinzgauer]] vehicle]]
* [[1970]]: The cross-country Steyr-Puch vehicle [[Pinzgauer]] was launched - production continued until [[1999]] with over 24,000 built.
* [[1973]]: Production of the [[Fiat 126]], containing a Puch engine, commenced.
* [[1975]]: Harry Everts wins the 250cc [[Motocross]] World Championship for Puch.
* [[1978]]: Record-setting year, seeing the production of over 270,000 mopeds and motorcycles as well as 350,000 bicycles.
* [[1979]]: A joint-venture with [[Mercedes-Benz]] saw Puch building the engine for the [[Mercedes-Benz G-Class]] in Graz.
* [[1983]]: A joint-venture with [[Volkswagen]] saw the [[Volkswagen Type 2 (T3)|Volkswagen Type 2 (T3)'s]] engine being built in Graz.

==Puch scooters==
[[Image:Puch motorcycle.jpg|right|thumb|Puch motorcycle 250 SGS]]
The late [[1950s]] saw strong sales of the [[Puch 125cc]] two-stroke single [[motorscooters]], which had three gears shifted from the left twistgrip. These machines developed a reputation for reliability and were popular for daily commuting, providing good weather protection and ease of use with an electric starter. In this role their moderate performance, with a top speed of around 45mph, was not a problem. Later models had a 150cc engine and foot-operation, giving better performance of 6 [[horsepower|hp]] instead of 5 hp but retaining the three gears.

Puch produced the famous [[Twingle engine]] and the Maxi, [[Puch Newport]], and MK mopeds, which were popular from the late [[1970s]] to early [[1980s]].

In Austria and [[the Netherlands]], Puch mopeds played a big role in the [[1960s]] [[popular culture]].

==Legacy==
In the late [[1980s]], the company was being squeezed out by competition. In [[1987]] massive restructuring of the company led to the end of the production of two-wheelers in Graz. The company's technical know-how was always better than its marketing and commercial success. The Puch motorcycle company was sold to [[Piaggio]], maker of the [[Vespa]], in [[1987]] and still produces bikes under the name "Puch".
[[Steyr-Puch]], assembler of [[four wheel drive]] vehicles and parts, still exists next to the Piaggio division.

The so-called "''Einserwerk''", the first production plant, shut down in the early [[2000s]]. The historical assembly-hall was declared a protected [[industry|industrial]] [[monument]]. When Graz became [[European Capital of Culture]] in 2003, a Puch museum was opened in one of the former assembly halls [http://www.graz03.at/].

==See also==
{{commons2|Puch vehicles}}
*[[Steyr-Daimler-Puch]]
*[[Austro-Daimler]]

==External links==
* [http://www.ptsite.nl/ Dutch Puch and Tomos discussion board (a lot of members speak English too)]
* [http://www.puch.at/ Puch homepage]
* [http://www.johann-puch-museum-graz.com/e-info.php Johann-Puch-Museum in Graz]
* [http://www.puch500.com/ Puch 500 car]
* [http://www.puchklub.at/ Puch Klub (Austrian fansite)]
* [http://www.puch.se/english.htm Puch mopeds (Swedish fansite)]

[[Category:Makes]]
[[Category:Motorcycle manufacturers of Austria]]