When admiring German automotive Borgward’s history, it comes as no surprise to learn that this giant’s modern operations span from Stuttgart, Germany all the way to China, Russia, India, Brazil, the Asia-Pacific region, the rest of Europe, as well the Middle East. Now available in Kuwait, Borgward’s incredible story began with one sentence by its founding father Carl F.W. Borgward when he firmly stated, “I want to make a car.”
Fast forward to present day, Borgward’s core values are steeped in quality craftsmanship, intelligence, forward-thinking and accessibility. Passionate about creating intelligent premium vehicles, this German brand’s mission is to ‘feel the future’ by revolutionizing the automotive industry itself. Borgward offers an extremely diverse product line, which includes epoch-making sedans, race cars, buses, fire trucks and even helicopters.
Stepping into 1919
A look back at Borgward’s impressive fleet of vehicles is never complete without paying homage to its innovative automotive pioneer Carl F.W. Borgward. His legendary story began at the end of the 19th century. Carl F.W. Borgward (hereafter as Carl Borgward) was born as the German auto industry was merely in its infancy. As if by the hand of fate, his life was connected to automobiles since birth. Some say he was the pioneer of the future car, others credited him as an automotive genius, but he was truly much more. Carl Borgward shined as a lifetime achiever.
Raised as the son of a coal merchant with twelve brothers and sisters, Carl Borgward came from a modest background. What differentiated Carl Borgward from his other siblings was his fascination and immersion in the study of mechanical engineering. His inherent childhood curiosity led him to often dismantle and reassemble his toys and by 1890, ten-year old Carl was able to repair clocks and even sewing machines. More surprisingly, he used scrapped springs, gears, plastic boxes and other materials to produce small model car. From then on, making cars became his greatest pleasure, which attracted great attention from acquaintances. At 18, he studied at the Hamburg Engineering School and Hanover Royal Institute of Technology, systematically accumulating professional knowledge in mechanical engineering, thus laying the solid foundation for his creation of the prominent Borgward automotive brand.
After ten years’ study and practical experience, the 29-year old would have his breakthrough. Stimulated by German efforts to rebuild after World War I, the huge demand for industrial development became a phenomenon in 1919. Borgward seized the opportunity and became partner and general manager of Bremen Tire Industrial Co., Ltd., embarking on his journey to establish an automotive empire.
Enter the HANSA
An engineer with marketing vision, he was well aware of consumer demand and knew how it could be quenched. Mainstream automotive brands had not yet reached potential markets outside of Germany or Europe, and weren’t mindful of the huge potential of Bremen, Germany’s biggest port city, while he made an extraordinary move to bolster the export business, rapidly enriching his product line for foreign trade. This earned Borgward the title of most exported automotive brand in the industry and by 1939, his automotive empire dominated Northern Germany. As history has shown us, however, industry progress was halted immediately after the announcement of World War II.
What was once a tranquil era had turned to ruin, and German industry was nearly devastated, which included the destruction of the Borgward factory. Facing this disheartening situation, Carl Borgward had, before him, unprecedented challenges. A judgement loomed over the 40-year-old tycoon. But yet, the war didn’t shatter Carl Borgward’s dream. He was sure that a new opportunity would materialize, and in 1949, as the world re-embraced peace, the German economy showed signs of recovery. With courage and perseverance, Carl Borgward gathered former company engineers and designers once more to formulate a comeback which materialized in the Hansa 1500. Inspired by the military “pontoon” design that was quite popular in the US which then dominated the car design industry from 1930s-1960s, his first new model after the war was inventively different from what his competitors offered in the market. As a result, the Hansa 1500 was an instant sensation at the 1949 Geneva Motor Show!
Against all odds
By then, Borgward had become a well-known name in the industry and post-war Germany’s automotive industry experienced a new “renaissance” in German automobile demand following the introduction of Borgward’s Hansa 1500. Other automobile companies like Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Opel successively adopted the “pontoon” design, which remained popular for ten years following Borgward’s initial release of the Hansa 1500 in 1949. But complacency never factored into this automotive genius’ playbook. In his mind, peak speed and excellent control are tantamount to high quality automobiles, and given his keen interest in car racing, Borgward was credited as the first German car brand to return to the race track after the war.
Due to the seemingly prohibitive sums required to enter auto racing, his team of employees opposed the decision. Carl, however, stood firm on his decision despite the detractors to create INKA, a sports car with a streamlined aluminum alloy body. Borgward’s INKA raced on the Montlhéry track in France, breaking a dozen world records and it, along with Porsche Spyder, were benevolently nicknamed Heroic Duo, as Borgward tied Porsche for this coveted title.
As the years progressed, Borgward continued to cement his company’s market leadership position, and invested heavily in engine technology, leading Borgward to present a giant leap in the field of automotive engines when FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) was applied for the first time into the Goliath GP700, bringing even more efficiency to automobile engines. From then on, other automotive brands in turn heavily invested to strengthen this technology. Take a quick glance at any car model’s specs and you will notice that FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) technology is an essential feature standard for nearly every car brand—all thanks to Borgward!
Constantly beating out the competition, Borgward was also first to diversify his company’s production, giving us the world’s first compact car with the Lloyd LP300. Leading the way, the Lloyd LP300 featured the first-time technique of replacing the conventional heavier steel body of the car. For the first time, it adopted new materials to replace the steel body, ushering in a new epoch with a lightweight body to compete. While compact cars failed to attract attention in the traditional dealer showroom, this didn’t deter Borgward, as he built an independent sales network, recruited car dealers and setting up sales and repair shops across Germany which led to rapid sales.
Yet another new technological breakthrough was revealed in 1953. At the time, no car manufacturer in Europe was able to integrate automatic transmission into a car, as this was seen as a very advanced concept. While others shied away, Carl Borgward saw this as an opportunity and began to experiment, until he successfully created the Hansa 2400, the first luxury car with an optional automatic transmission. The innovative three-gear transmission and hydraulic torque converter were independently developed in-house, highlighting Borgward’s innovative organization.
In 1954, Borgward’s greatest masterpiece was created. At the age of 64, he designed the Isabella, his most aesthetically-pleasing vehicle to date. Isabella became an instant sensation. It was a car full of gusto, including a new engine, chassis and body. Isabella had an elegant aerodynamic body with extensive use of chrome trims. Once launched, it competed directly with the Mercedes 180 and received wide fanfare: “Isabella has an irresistible charm. With its streamlined appearance, spacious interior, outstanding temperament and amazing speed, it is such a marvelous model.” Market feedback and consumer demand greatly encouraged Carl Borgward to extend the vehicle line-up to include the Isabella convertible sedan, TS version, station wagons and various other models.
Make 2020 the year you met the BX5 AND BX7
With its history deeply steeped in a passion for the automotive industry, it is perseverance, boldness, and capability which merits Borgward its worldwide attention and respect. What are you waiting for? Make 2020 the year you’re properly introduced to the BX5 and BX7.
The BX5 and BX7
The Borgward BX5 brings a breath of fresh air to the more compact SUV car segment with its youthful design, while still embodying all the classic SUV qualities, such as versatility, spaciousness, comfort and off-road capability at the same time. It’s dynamic, elegant and sporty, giving the BX5 superior and confident appearance. The Borgward BX7 is characterized by its advanced design, dynamically athletic and confident performance.
With the design of both models born in the Borgward design center in Renningen near Stuttgart, their committed team of designers are working hard to consistently ensure that aesthetic standards are surpassed while also committing to Borgward’s legacy of innovation and technology.
From the Octagon-shaped grille featuring the brand’s signature diamond, and the side wing lines that make the BX5 instantly recognizable, you’ll love the side electronic folding and anti-fog heated mirrors, 18″ aluminum wheels, LED Daytime running, insulating glass, Fog lights, Xenon Headlights, and rear electric rear gate. Inside the BX5, you’ll find five premium leather seats with a panoramic sunroof, dual zone air condition, ambient lights, and all of the other expected interior features that will give you an ultimately comfortable and beautiful drive. Luxury is at the helm of the BX7 experience, and inside the car you’ll find seven premium leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, amenities like a dual zone and third row vent Air Con system, a 12.3” smart Touch Screen featured with mobile synchronization, Bluetooth, WIFI, ten speakers, voice recognition, GPS, 360 Degree Park Assist, USB and AU, gear selector, Start & Stop Engine Button, Powered Seats, Rear Electric Door, Cruise Control, as well as insulated windows.
You can comfortably, ergonomically and confidently operate the BX5 and BX7 from the center console, complete with a multimedia 4.2” colored smart touch screen that easily syncs with mobile synchronization, Bluetooth, Wifi, eight speakers, voice recognition, GPS, as well as 360-degree Parking Assist.
Enjoy the best drive with the BX5’s 1.4L turbo charged engine with 147HP with max torque 250NM. Complete with Intelligent transmission with 6 Automatic Speed and permanent torque, as well as on-demand All Wheel Drive.
Expect even more power from the BX7, with its 2.0L turbo charged engine with 221HP with max torque 300NM. The BX7 also offers intelligent transmission with six automatic speeds and permanent torque, as well as on-demand all-wheel drive to suit all terrains.
Your safety is also paramount to Borgward, this is why both the BX5 and BX7 models are fitted with the latest safety measures for maximum protection. Crucial body sections are reinforced with high-strength, ultra-high-strength or hot-rolled steel. In the case of any accidents, the deceleration values to the passive safety equipment and are as balanced as possible. Six airbags are also activated as required depending on the severity of the accident, and can dramatically mitigate the consequences of an accident on the occupants. The passive safety equipment unfolds its maximum protection potential. The “B-Safe” system includes electronic brake force distribution, Traction Control System, Electronic Stability Program, Antiblock Brake System, Electronic Differential System, AutoHold, Tire Pressure Monitor System, Hill Start Assist Control, Hill Decent Control, Vehicle Stability Control, and many other impressive features to ensure maximum safety.
Borgward’s official dealer in Kuwait is Al Zayani Trading Co.
Please visit the Borgward showroom located in Al Rai on Gazali Street to check out their latest models.
For more information and for their latest updates, follow them on Instagram @borgward_kw or call 1821 222.
