60 delegates from 20 countries gather for history presentations

Published: 21/10/2024

The fourth European Conference for Automotive history – organised by Anders Ditlev Clausager of FBHVC member, Society of Automotive Historians in Britain, together with the culture commission of FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) – was hosted by Autostadt, at Wolfsburg in Germany from 4 to 6 October.

The 60 delegates came from 20 different countries, and were treated to 18 presentations on subjects varying from research into Citroën chassis numbers or patent databases, to cars in literature and in art, as well as the preservation and use of historic car factories, the history of the historic vehicle movement in Britain, the transfer of automobile technology from Germany to the Soviet Union, and aspects of the histories of various brands including AGA, De Dion-Bouton, Diatto, Ford, and the Swiss coachbuilder Italsuisse.

A number of presentations nodded to the history of Volkswagen, including on the history of the City of Wolfsburg, and the history of the rear-engine powertrain.

Stefan Trauf, head of Audi Tradition, and Armin Maus, CEO of Autostadt, gave presentations about the classic work in the Volkswagen group. The Autostadt facility understandably came in for much praise by delegates, especially the highly professional work by the team of technicians.

Many delegates took the opportunity to visit the Zeithaus museum and the brand pavilions within the Autostadt complex, including a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the museum depot, or the Stiftung Auto Museum Volkswagen also in Wolfsburg.

It is hoped that the next conference will be held in 2026, with a number of locations being under consideration.

All pictures: Anej Ferko/FIVA