For many years, KW automotive GmbH has been the epitome for premium products in the car customization world. KW offers its customers the largest collection of suspension solutions in the world. The assortment includes everything from springs for sports suspensions to the “inox line” coilover suspensions available in three versions. Moreover, KW automotive GmbH develops racing solutions for national and international championships. The KW racing program brought success to numerous racing teams on many race tracks around the world.
KW automotive North America Inc. is also an important partner for a large number of renowned automotive companies.
An enormous number of manufacturers of large and small scale vehicles likewise rely on the profound knowledge of KW automotive North America Inc.
The company was founded in 1995, and in the beginning, it only consisted of three employees and had an operating area of around 1600 sq. ft. Today KW automotive GmbH is represented all over the world and has approximately 200 employees in five locations. After numerous expansions in Fichtenberg, the overall area of the production and storage facilities reaches 247,500 sq. ft.
The LSD-Doors brand is also a company under the umbrella of KW automotive GmbH. The patented wing-door kits – one of the most extraordinary vehicle modifications – are available for nearly all existing car makes. The unique door hinge system makes it possible to open car doors upwards like in a Lamborghini. Stock hinges are replaced by the vehicle-specific LSD fittings. Bets yet. You can get back to the factory look in no time because the kit installation requires no modifications whatsoever.
The WEITEC brand also belongs to the KW automotive GmbH family. Their award-wining suspension solutions offer excellent driving characteristics and a unique price-performance ratio for beginners.
In 2006, a state-of-the art 7-post drive dynamics test bench has been put into operation at the KW automotive GmbH headquarters in Fichtenberg. This test bench can simulate different race track conditions. There are only 15 hydraulic test benches of this kind available around the world and most of them are used by Formula 1 teams for their research and development procedures.
The KW automotive GmbH also uses this innovative test opportunity to develop new suspensions and optimize suspension set-ups.
Moreover, KW offers all racing teams and commercial partners to carry out vehicle adjustments with the help of its 7-post drive dynamics test bench at its test facility in Fichtenberg.
For the teams, this enormously saves both costs and time because all vehicle-relevant race track characteristics can be simulated with this test bench without exposing the car to unnecessary wear. This technology offers the company unprecedented testing opportunities.
KW automotive GmbH is a partner of various racing teams. For the high-performance cars created by Mercedes-AMG – the SLK 55, CLK 63 and SL 65 AMG Black Series – KW has developed a special suspension that meets the highest demands of Mercedes-AMG.
For already several years, KW is an official development and production partner of Roush Performance from the United States.
KW automotive GmbH equips all high-performance Ford Mustang models by Roush with KW sports suspension. Moreover, KW co-operates with Chrysler USA whose Viper SRT10 ACR has entered the market in 2007. This limited edition race car rated at 600 hp is based on the Dodge Viper 2008 and is equipped with a KW coilover suspension developed by KW for Chrysler only.
For many years, the suspension technology created by KW competition is successfully used by renowned teams at numerous racing events around the world, e.g. the 24h-race at the Nurburgring, the BFGoodrich long distance championship, the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), the FIA GT and many more.
KW supports WTCC again
KW renews its partnership with the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). During the 2010 racing season, the logo of KW who was the official championship partner could be seen on front and rear license plates of all cars in all races.
Reunion with Chrysler
In 2010, Dodge launches a race Viper - the SRT10 ACR-X. This bolide was designed for the race track only and will be used in various US championships like SCCA and the Nasa Viper Racing League. The suspension, which comes from KW, was optimized for the race track. It is a 2-way adjustable competition kit which was developed specifically for the ACR-X and whose setup and springs were adjusted for the race conditions.
KW equips the BMW M3 GTS
BMW improves its M3 and broadens its portfolio with the BMW M3 GTS. The 450-hp BMW M3 GTS, made for the road and race track, got an optimized drive system and suspension and will be made to order only. The company chose KW suspensions, which means that all GTS models will be delivered with a KW Clubsport suspension kit with the separately adjustable compression and rebound damping.
Chinese branch
KW opens a sales office in Ningbo, China.
KW becomes a series partner for WTCC
The World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) starts with KW as a series partner. KW supports the championship and represents itself with the KW-Logo on the license plates of all race cars.
KW - Made for winners
Sensation at the 24h race: The 4th victory in a row for Manthey Racing, which brings a sensational success to KW competition. Both the victorious driving team and the suspension technology from KW stand the test in the hardest long-distance race in the world. More than 60 teams confided in KW and four of them reached the Top Ten.
KW test facility in the Nurburgring ring werk
The "ring werk," which is a 15,000 sq m leisure park created in 2009, makes the world of the Nurburgring and motor sports an exciting experience. In this diversified theme park, the KW "test facility" is the place where all the technical knowledge is gathered. All important information about suspensions is presented by KW in a new, exciting way. By visiting the facility with the total area of about 80 sq m people can find out secrets of the suspension technologies by means of interactive displays, exciting animation, movies and a lot more.
Nordschleife record with KW
GUMPERT Apollo sets a new official round record on the legendary Nordschleife. KW contributes a great part to the record with its ideal suspension setup. For the suspension adjustment, KW tested and adjusted the Apollo on the 7-post bench and so it was well-tuned for the record drive.
KW as a commercial partner
KW automotive GmbH co-operates with Chrysler USA and equips their latest racing car, the Viper SRT10 ACR, with a KW coilover suspension. This limited edition Viper is an optimized Dodge Viper SRT10 model approved for the road-use, which is great for the drivers who wish to use their racing car as a daily driver.
After the SLK 55 and CLK 63, the SL 65 in the Black Series Edition is available starting January 2009. Like the previous performance models, the limited edition SL 65 AMG Black Series is equipped with a KW coilover suspension.
KW HLS (Hydraulic Lift System)
At the Tuning World Bodensee trade show, KW introduces its latest innovation KW HLS (Hydraulic Lift System). Equipped with the KW HLS a vehicle can be lifted up to 45 mm, depending on its specifications. This is especially useful for lowered sports cars. The system allows a car to easily pass over underground parking entrances, on and off ferries, over car washing plants, speed blocks, construction sites or other obstacles without any damage.
KW - Made for winners - to be continued
After another double victory in the hardest long-distance race in the world, the 24h-race at the Nurburgring-Nordschleife and the 3rd victory in a row for Manthey Racing, KW is now considered to be the most successful suspension manufacturer at the Nurburgring-Nordschleife. During the race, two winners as well as 70 other racing teams relied on the racing technologies offered by KW automotive GmbH. Vehicles equipped with the KW products got the 1st and 2nd place and also won the 4th, 5th, 6th and 8th place too. The impressive results proved that the company knows how to create champion cars. Altogether, KW celebrated six Top-10 results and seven class victories.
KW - Made for winners
At the 24h-race at the Nurburgring, KW equips both the Manthey Racing's Porsche GT3 RS-R and the Dodge Viper GT-S by Zakspeed Racing with a KW competition racing suspension. Altogether, KW is responsible for six Top-10 results and six class victories at the hardest long-distance race at the Nurburgring Green Hell. More than 70 teams relied on KW suspension technology during the race.
KW equips the Mercedes AMG Black Series
KW equips the CLK 63 AMG Black Series, technically and visually based on the Formula 1 Safety Car, with its coilover suspension specially developed for AMG.
“Yellow-Purple“
KW colors, yellow and purple, are registered as trademark colors in Europe. Therefore, KW is one of the few companies whose company colors are so popular that they were patented. So far, only large brands such as Nivea, Coca-Cola or Telecom achieved this.
10th anniversary of KW coilover suspensions
The KW automotive GmbH celebrates 10th anniversary of KW coilover suspensions.
The celebration summarized by its slogan “KW-Days“ gathered all motor sports fans and KW friends and provided them with an opportunity to look behind the scenes and join an amazing framework program.
7-post drive dynamics test bench
The 7-post drive dynamics test bench is put into operation. So far, only 15 such test benches have been produced and they are mainly used by nine of 11 Formula-1 teams.
With the drive dynamics test bench, KW offers motor sports teams and commercial partners a possibility to simulate various track conditions with one car. This technology saves time and costs that would normally be spent on the race track.
New KW product lines
KW automotive GmbH celebrates introduction of three new product lines at the Essen Motor Show: KW street comfort (coilover suspensions for the maximum comfort), KW clubsport (coilover suspensions for the road use and race tracks), and KW quad suspensions (coilover suspensions and lowering springs for quad bikes and ATVs).
KW automotive North America Inc.
KW automotive North America Inc. is registered in Fresno, California.
The new Californian company takes over assets of Belltech Corp. and ST Racing. The product range is complete and the structure that enables optimal distribution of all KW automotive GmbH products is finally established.
Expansion of the company premises
Construction of Hall 5 in Fichtenberg (approx. 6,000 sq m floor space on two levels).
The facility is opened up for operations on schedule, at the turn of the year 2005/2006.
The company headquarters in Fichtenberg now has an overall operating space of approx. 23,000 sq m.
LSD-Doors world-wide
The entirely new brand, LSD-Doors, is first distributed in Germany and then is patented in Europe and the rests of the word.
LSD Doors is introduced at the Tuning World Friedrichshafen trade show and enjoys an unexpectedly large media interest.
The new shop floor and R&D department for LSD Doors is put into operation.
The North American subsidiary is established
KW Suspensions North America Inc. is established an registered in Vancouver, Canada.
LSD-Doors goes to the United States
LSD Doors are introduced to the US audience at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. In co-operation with the DUB magazine, a few Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum cars are equipped with LSD doors for celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Nelly, Chingy, Bernhard Hopkins and others.
Re-structuring of WEITEC
All Weitec products are now stored in the new warehouse. All product lines are distributed from one single warehouse.
Inox-Line
The entire KW coilover suspension product line is exclusively produced using “inox-line“ corrosion-resistant stainless steel.
5th anniversary of KW in Fichtenberg
KW's 5th anniversary is celebrated in Fichtenberg with a large party which also serves as an inauguration for the newly built offices.
More than 5,000 guests join in; one of the guests was Walter Doering, minister of economic affairs.
LSD-Doors is born
At the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the company decides to create a new product line – Lambo Style Doors.
Expansion of the company premises
The company's sales department moves into the new office.
Construction of the second part of the new warehouse begins.
Construction of the Hall 4, which accommodates all machinery and the “inox-line“ stainless steel spring struts production, begins.
Production starts in the newly built Hall 4.
Swiss subsidiary changes its name
The company's Swiss subsidiary changes its name to KW Fahrwerktechnik AG and gets ready for the distribution of all KW product lines.
KW Variant 3 and “inox-line“
The company launched a new product line “Variant 3“ damping system featuring a patented double adjustable technology and “inox-line“ corrosion-resistant stainless steel.
First foreign subsidiary
The KW's first foreign subsidiary is incorporated in Switzerland and named Weitec Fahrwerktechnik AG.
KW warehouse
A new warehouse is planned to be built in Fichtenberg.
The first part (around 1,100 square meter) of the new warehouse with new high-density storage racks (1,500 spaces) is ready for operation by September.
The end of KW Wheels
After five years of its existence the KW Wheels product line is terminated and now KW can fully focus on development of suspension systems.
KW as a technical motor sports partner
KW competition starts co-operation with various teams in national and international championships as a technical partner for racing suspensions.
The WEITEC brand
KW automotive GmbH takes over a two-third majority of another suspensions manufacturer. After the company restructuring, its products are distributed under the WEITEC brand name.
KW succeeds in motorsports
KW starts at the German DTC Championship with two Honda Integra cars, customized by the company, and a team of two drivers. Ellen Lohr, the first and only female race driver who has ever won a DTM Championship, starts from the pole position twice and wins several races.
KW Coilover Suspensions becomes a sponsor for the “STW“ Super Touring Car Championship and Thomas Stingl rides in the KW's Honda Accord.
KW goes to the United States
First presentation of the KW automotive GmbH products to the North America market. In co-operation with HPA, the United Stated and Canada importer, KW participates in the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
KW automotive GmbH is established
The company changed its legal status and turned into a corporation named KW automotive GmbH. The 1,000 square meter production and storage facility is finally ready.
Construction of a new 480 square meter administration building is finished and the office is opened.
Construction of another 600 square meter warehouse for the fast-growing “KW wheels“ starts.
Relocation to Fichtenberg
The operational space is expanded to 500 square meters. The company plans to build a 1,000 square meter production facility in Fichtenberg. Construction starts in August.
The company name is changed to KW Coilover Suspensions
The company name is changed to KW Coilover Suspensions and it is relocated to a 150 sq m production and storage facility. A team of only three people is developing all coilover suspensions.
The KW coilover suspension is born
The lowering solution that could fulfill all requirements of the customers is born – the KW coilover suspension!
The entire suspension line gets the Technical Control Board (TÜV) approval.
KW suspensions are presented at the Essen Motor Show.
„KW Tuning“
KW Tuning successfully sells car parts from their 75 square meter retail store in Murrhardt (Germany).