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Erwin KomendaAutomobile designer, Volkswagen Beetle body designer
Date of Birth: 06.04.1904
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Erwin Komenda: The Automotive Innovator
- Early Career and Steyr-Daimler-Puch
- Chief Engineer at Daimler-Benz
- Joining Porsche and the Volkswagen Beetle
- Post-War Porsche and the Porsche 356
- Porsche 911 and Legacy
Erwin Komenda: The Automotive Innovator
Erwin Komenda, the renowned automotive designer behind the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, was born on April 6, 1904, in the small Austrian village of Weyer.
Early Career and Steyr-Daimler-Puch
From 1926 to 1929, Komenda worked as an automotive engineer at the Steyr-Daimler-Puch factory. It was during this time that he met Ferdinand Porsche, who had been appointed as the company's technical director.
Chief Engineer at Daimler-Benz
In 1929, Komenda's innovative ideas led to his promotion to chief engineer. He served in this role at Daimler-Benz in Sindelfingen until 1931. During his tenure, he successfully reduced the weight of Mercedes vehicles through design improvements.
Joining Porsche and the Volkswagen Beetle
In October 1931, Komenda left Daimler-Benz to join Ferdinand Porsche in his newly founded company. It was there that he designed the body of the Volkswagen Beetle (VW Beetle). Its sleek sides, recessed headlamps, sloping hood, and curved windshield (albeit with a center pillar) made it one of the most widely produced cars of the 20th century.
Post-War Porsche and the Porsche 356
Following the war, Komenda and Ferry Porsche collaborated to design Porsche's first sports car, the Porsche Type 356. They further developed the 356 model line, including the Porsche 356 Speedster.
Porsche 911 and Legacy
Until his untimely death on August 22, 1966, Erwin Komenda dedicated himself to the creation of the Porsche 911 model. His legacy as an automotive innovator continues to inspire designers and engineers alike.