History - DKW 3

In order to classify once the whole temporally, the fundamental works of obtaining a utility model go back to the years before 1904. 1904/05 are filled with travel and sales activities, wherein the execution will slow more quickly. The number of employees is growing slowly. The economic crisis triggered in the U.S. has little effect to the success of the company.

The company with office and factory and the residence of the couple Rasmussen are in a large building in Chemnitz, called the 'old art hut'. One should not imagine the company's products too small. After all, they must be transported with a horse and wagon to the station and then further. Of motor vehicles also for the private use is mentioned still nothing

The company needs extension. 1906 it succeeds Rasmussen for a relatively small amount with almost ridiculous amount of equity, to acquire a former textile mill in Zschopau capitalise and thereby to capitalise on the sale not required machines. In 1907, he still leaves the company with the addition of '& Ernst', although he describes himself the sole owner.

He has once again found a donor. The new company will be radically changed to meet the needs of planned production and continuously developed. The number of 20 employees multiplied, the range of products decreases in clarity. In any case, until the beginning of the First World War, there is nothing on the subject 'vehicle'.

Also the division of existing firms will not be discussed. The fact remains that Rasmussen succeeds to get army orders which make grow his factory and the number of employees. That's not the only new manufacturing facilities but also a villa as a new home for the family in 1917.

Shortly before completion of the villa is also the first time mention of Rasmussen's private car, a small Wanderer, its relatively low fuel thirst probably may have made a little more bearable the rationing in wartime. Nevertheless, he will have thought of the time after and it comes to the development, from where the company finally gets its name, the DampfKraftwagen (steam power vehicle). 06/12