Editor’s note: Happy birthday, Nana!
1927 – The First DKW Automobile Is Built
In 1927, the first automobile from DKW was produced, marking the beginning of one of Germany’s most influential early automotive brands. Originally known for motorcycles and small engines, DKW quickly became a major force in affordable transportation and later played a key role in the formation of Auto Union alongside Audi, Horch, and Wanderer. The company became especially known for its compact front-wheel-drive cars and innovative two-stroke engines.
1990 – Lamborghini Ends Countach Production
In 1990, production of the Lamborghini Countach officially came to an end after more than 15 years. First introduced in the 1970s, the Countach became one of the defining supercars of the 1980s with its sharp wedge styling, scissor doors, and outrageous presence. Beyond performance, it became a symbol of excess and aspiration, famously appearing on bedroom posters, in movies, and across pop culture. Even today, the Countach remains one of the most instantly recognizable exotic cars ever built.
1998 – Daimler-Benz Acquires Chrysler
On May 7, 1998, Daimler-Benz announced its $36 billion acquisition of Chrysler, creating what was billed as a “merger of equals.” At the time, it marked the largest foreign acquisition of a U.S. company in history. The deal aimed to combine German engineering with American manufacturing scale, but cultural clashes and financial struggles ultimately weakened the partnership. The merger unraveled less than a decade later, becoming one of the most discussed corporate combinations in automotive history.
2016 – First Fatal Crash Involving Tesla Autopilot
In 2016, Joshua Brown was killed when his Tesla Model S collided with a truck near Williston, Florida, while the vehicle’s Autopilot system was engaged. The crash marked the first widely publicized fatality involving modern hands-free driving technology and ignited a global debate about autonomous systems, driver responsibility, and the future of vehicle safety. Investigators later reported that Brown’s hands had been detected on the steering wheel for only about one minute during the previous 37 minutes of driving. MORE: Who is Elon Musk?
