Car culture in Saxony

A region driven by mobility innovation

More than 100 years ago, August Horch founded the world-famous Audi car brand in Zwickau. Legendary cars such as the "Silver Arrows" Grand Prix racing cars and the classic East German car Trabant originated in Zwickau. Today, about one in eight cars built in Germany comes from Saxony. With four vehicle and engine plants and countless suppliers, Saxony is a major automotive industry hub. There seems to be something in the region’s air that drives innovation in mobility, which might well be a special mix of traditional inventive spirit and modern start-up entrepreneurship. Not too surprising then that Volkswagen has turned its Zwickau site into a centre of excellence for e-mobility. All of this makes for a range of inspirational visitor experiences all around cars, be it historical, about manufacturing or with a view to the future of driving.

Cars in Saxony

Facts and figures

number of people visiting Volkswagen’s “Transparent Factory” in Dresden since its opening in 2001

“Transparent Factory”

number of cars and vehicles exhibited in the August Horch Museum in Zwickau

August Horch Museum

number of people working in Saxony’s car industry

Car lovers delight

Car museums in Saxony

The August Horch Museum on the premises of the first Audi factory in Zwickau is a must-see: Discover the pioneering spirit and inventiveness of Zwickau's more than 115-year car-building tradition in permanent and special exhibitions.
The Stern garages are among the oldest surviving multistorey garages in Germany and provide a fitting setting for the Saxon Motoring Museum in Chemnitz with around 200 exhibits from more than 70 manufacturers.
You prefer two wheels? The Motorbike Museum in Augustusburg Castle houses one of the most important motorbike collections in Europe.
Dresden Transport Museum invites you on a fascinating (time) journey into the world of mobility and the history of transport. Great family outing!
Less well-known but no less interesting: The history of commercial vehicle construction in Saxony is presented by the Saxon Commercial Vehicle Museum in Hartmannsdorf.
The Saxon Museum of Industry in Chemnitz offers an exciting insight into Saxony's wide-ranging industrial history including automotive engineering.

I endeavoured in all circumstances to build only strong and good cars.

August Horch, German car pioneer and founder of the Horch and Audi brands (1868 – 1951)

Look behind the scenes

Car manufacturing in Saxony

BMW

BMW Group Plant Leipzig is one of the most cutting-edge and sustainable car plants in the world. Series production was launched in 2005, and today some 1,100 vehicles a day roll off the production lines. The current product portfolio comprises the BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and the BMW i3. Past products include the ground-breaking i3 electric sports car. The spectacular central building was designed by star architect Zaha Hadid, re-interpreting the traditional office and replacing it with a “nerve-center” or “communication knot”. All movement around the manufacturing process is funneled through a space that overcomes the traditional white collar/blue collar division. Tours through the plant are available, offering a look behind the scenes.

Porsche

Porsche’s biggest plant is located in Leipzig and has been steadily expanded in recent years. Two of the iconic car makers hybrid models, Macan and Panamera, are manufactured here. But it is far more than a production facility. The diamond-shaped Experience Center with its combination of conference facilities for up to 680 guests, restaurant, modern equipment, guided tours of the production facilities and exciting driving events on tarmac or cross-country makes Porsche Leipzig also a unique location for events and incentives. The opportunity to drive a Porsche on the FIA-certified on-road circuit, as a "co-pilot" next to a professional Porsche instructor or directly behind the wheel, is a unique experience. The course is modelled on famous sections from racetracks around the world, for example Monza, Spa or Rio de Janeiro. And even aurochs and wild horses are at home in Leipzig, in the pastures of the dedicated off-road track. This 6-kilometre stretch can be tested with the Cayenne or the Macan.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen operates two car plants in Saxony, as well as an engine plant. The so-called “Transparent Factory” in the centre of Dresden is a unique venue for exploring mobility, technology and innovation. Once a production site for the Phaeton and electric vehicles, it is now an experience and event centre focusing on future mobility. Visitors can take part in guided tours, discover the world of electric mobility, enjoy test drives and learn more about innovative technologies. The striking glass architecture also provides an exceptional setting for events and other experiences.

The Zwickau plant, meanwhile, has been fully converted to produce electric vehicles for the entire Volkswagen Group. Guided tours offer visitors an insight into modern vehicle production.

The future of driving

E-mobility made in Saxony

With BMW, Porsche and Volkswagen producing their electric and hybrid cars in Saxony, the region is contributing to shaping the future of mobility in a significant way. Industry and research work hand in hand to drive new solutions forward.

Not to be missed: Volkswagen's "Transparent Factory" in Dresden offers unique insights into the production of the latest electric models!

Special tip

Sachsenring racing circuit

The sound of engines is music to the ears of true car fans: At the Sachsenring (meaning "Saxony circuit") racing circuit near Chemnitz, racing history comes to life. For almost 100 years, legendary car and motorcycle races have been held here. In 1927, a 9 kilometer or 6 miles circuit around the town of Hohenstein-Ernstthal was first used for a motorcycle race. Seven years later, it became the venue for the German Moto GP. After World War II, numerous motorcycle, car and even bicycle races took place there. After the German Reunification, the circuit was closed down since it did not comply with modern safety standards. But in 1995, in the former start and finish area, a new racetrack was opened as part of a training centre for drivers and racing drivers. In 1998, the German Moto GP returned to the Sachsenring, now attracting around 200,000 spectators every year. This event is so popular that, unlike at other race tracks, people not only attend the race itself, but also the training times. Other racing events have proved to be popular as well, especially the GT Masters car race. Today, Sachsenring is also more than just a racetrack, offering driver safety and sports driver training courses. The training centre also serves as an event location, and the buildings and the circuit can be rented in parts or as a whole.