Innovation—the engine of success
The idea on which MAHLE was founded was new and different, and it went one step further. This idea, conceived almost one hundred years ago, was to replace pistons made of heavy gray cast iron with light-alloy pistons, thus revolutionizing the entire automotive industry. By thinking differently, MAHLE has developed into one of the largest suppliers in the automotive industry.
The success story begins in 1920 when pistons made of heavy gray cast iron were being used in internal combustion engines for automobiles. The Mahle brothers countered this trend by producing light-alloy pistons at their small, newly established company—but the technology is still finicky and problems come up frequently. To keep dirt and dust out of the engine, they eventually developed air and oil filters as well. Their perseverance paid off: the light-alloy pistons began to take over the market.
Nowadays, half of all automobiles produced worldwide contain MAHLE components. MAHLE has developed from a small test workshop to a technologically leading, globally active Group.
From Versuchsbau Hellmuth Hirth to Elektronmetall G.m.b.H., Stuttgart-Cannstatt (EC )
From Elektronmetall G.m.b.H., Stuttgart-Cannstatt (EC) to MAHLE KG
Economic recovery
Internationalization
Introduction of FERROTHERM® pistons
From systems partner to technology leader
Expansion
Shaping the future with innovative strength