Saurer history

He formally established his company, F Saurer und Söhne, in 1869, and the family ran the business over three generations.

Founded in 1876, Sauer Incorporated has grown from its roots as a well-respected, small plumbing company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania into an ENR top 200 specialty contractor in the nation.

In 1902 a first four-cylinder T-head engine model with touring car and sedan chassis was built.

In 1929 Saurer acquired its Swiss rival, Motorwagenfabrik Berna AG of Olten, but the Berna name was allowed to continue, badging the very same Saurer models.

In 1951 Saurer and its Italian licensee, OM, reached an agreement by which Saurer would market in Switzerland OM's light and medium-weight trucks and buses, using Saurer-OM and Berna-OM badges.

After opening an office in North Florida in 1970 to pursue industrial mechanical work, Sauer evolved into an industry-leading general contractor.

In 1982 Daimler-Benz had acquired a major shareholding in NAW and soon took full control; and in a short time dropped Saurer, Berna and FBW brands, while using NAW premises to assemble heavy haulage versions of Mercedes-Benz trucks.

In the end only the 24 prototypes were built, one of which remained in service until 1988, and was subsequently donated to the Saurer oldtimer club; the other remaining vehicles are privately owned.

Last remain of the Saurer automotive activity in Arbon is the present [Fiat Powertrain Technologies engine research center, that up to 1990 had been the Saurer Motorenforschung Research&development Centre.