Kw history

In 1992, with lots of enthusiasm and little experience, Klaus Wohlfarth opened a small retail outlet in his home town of Murrhardt in Swabia.

The year 1995 marks the first important milestone in the company’s history, and was the basis for today’s success.

By 1996, KW had changed its concentration from tuning in general to become a coilover specialist to serve the German market and its stringent TUV certification demands for all aftermarket products on the road.

KW History 1997 Relocation to Fichtenberg The operational space is extended to altogether 500 square metres.

With the move to Fichtenberg and the transformation of the joint partnership into “KW automotive GmbH” in 1998, the Wohlfarth brothers had paved the way for the growth of their young business.

Since 1999 they have developed numerous valve systems of their own, and now produce as many dampers in one day as they did in one year at that time.

Nevertheless, KWS stands by its historical and moral responsibility and participates in the financing of the Foundation “Erinnerung, Verantwortung und Zukunft” [Remembrance, Responsibility and Future], founded in 2000.The Second World War is the biggest break in the history of the company.

The year 2001 is another milestone in the growth of the company and also a new experience.

A historic motor sports success in 2002 marked the beginning of a new era in KW’s commitment to motor racing.

KW History 2003 Re-structuring of WEITEC All articles of the product line Weitec are integrated into the new storage- and logistics hall.

The US American Chris Forsberg who participates at the Formula D since 2004, was able to win the championship against the strong competitors with his “NOS Energy Dring Hankook Tire 370Z”. The 1000 hp bolide is equipped with a KW Competition 3A coilover kit.

In 2005, with the takeover of the assets of the United States suspension manufacturer “Belltech Sport Trucks and Suspension Techniques” the expansion of the German company from the Swabian village of Fichtenberg to America begins.

KW History 2006 “Yellow-Purple“ The KW colours “yellow-purple” are registered as trademark colours all over Europe! Therefore, KW is one of the few companies whose company colours are so popular that they were patented.

KW History 2007 KW – Made for winners At the 24h-race at the Nurburgring, KW does not only equip the Porsche GT3 RS-R of the overall winner Manthey Racing, but also the runner-up Dodge Viper GT-S by Zakspeed Racing with KW competition racing suspensions.

KW History 2008 KW as a commercial partner KW automotive GmbH co-operates with Chrysler USA and equips their latest racing car - the Viper SRT10 ACR - serially with a KW coilover suspension.

Being able to experience these very emotions in a simulator led to the pursuit of a new vision on the KW premises: since 2009 anyone who wants can launch a racing career and test themselves against other race drivers in the RaceRoom.

KW - Made for winners - the success goes on Sensation at the 24h race 2010: The 4th overall victory in a row for Manthey Racing which creates a sensational success on KW competition.

The fastest car with rear wheel drive at the long distance race in 2011 was the Porsche 911 GT3 R from Manthey-Racing.

KW History 2012 Introduction of KW dlc airsuspensions Once again the suspension manufacturer meets its joy of innovation and introduces as the first aftermarket manufacturer a suspension control unit for vehicles with standard air suspension that enables a continuously lowering by smart phone App.

To the first quarter 2013, KW has taken over the company PowerTech and extends the wide range of suspensions by wheel spacers, rim locks and bolt pattern.

With an outstanding leading, the long-term KW customer “Team Derscheid Motorsport” with the drivers Rolf Derscheid and Michael Flehmer and their BMW 325i became Champions in 2014.

In 2016 the most extensive construction and investment projects in the history of the young company were set in motion.

At the 2017 Wörthersee meeting, Audi will be presenting a real jaw-dropper in the form of the TT Clubsport Turbo Concept.