DEUTZ AG has founded an association in cooperation with Cologne City Museum to maintain and look after its historical collection of engines. The purpose of the 'Friends of DEUTZ's Engine Collection' association is to safeguard and maintain DEUTZ's unique collection, which is protected through its inclusion on the official national list of valuable cultural assets of the Federal Republic of Germany.
DEUTZ AG's engine collection is one of the most important of its kind in Germany. Its treasuresinclude a fascinating gas-powered engine from 1867, which is still in running order. Designed by
Nicolaus August Otto, this was the world's first internal combustion engine to be produced in large numbers. The collection also contains the first mass-produced four-stroke engine from 1878, which is also still operational. The historically unique collection dates back to 1875 and the company has exhibited models to the public at its plant museum since 1925.The association aims to give broad public access to the engine collection through initiatives such as visitor programmes and will finance new exhibits and restoration projects. Academic research work and popular scientific publications will also receive support to help increase knowledge of the history of the internal combustion engine.
Helmut Müller, Head of Corporate History at DEUTZ AG, is the Chairman of Trustees for the 'Friends of DEUTZ's Engine Collection' association. Dr. Michael Euler-Schmidt, Director of Cologne City Museum, is the association's Vice Chairman of Trustees.
