Automobilwerke Zwickau AWZ’s can trace its roots to the pre-war Auto Union factories (Audi and Horch) in Zwickau, Germany. Post-war, the factories were nationalized under the name Volkseigener Betrieb and became part of East Germany. Initially produced re-badged pre-war DKW designs (IFA F8 and IFA F9 – see DKW), using existing tooling and designs (remember that Auto Union was effectively a conglomerate of 4 brands, DKW, Wanderer, Horch and Audi). This effectively transformed IFA into a state-owned brand. Later in 1949, the factory officially became Automobilwerke Zwickau (AWZ). They went on to design and produce the P70, which had a wooden frame enclosed in a plastic body. With the use of plastic being relatively new and unproven, AWZ produced Ads attesting to its strength. It was front wheel drive sedan powered by a 2-stroke engine.
In 1958, there was further East German consolidation, and AWZ was merged with other factories to create the brand Sachsenring. This move effectively ended the production of the P70. Sachsenring went on to become famous as the manufacturer of the iconic East German Trabant. However, although Sachsenring became known for the Trabant, the car’s production took place at the former AWZ facilities, and the AWZ legacy was part of the Trabant’s production line. In this way, AWZ was fundamental to establishing the East German automotive industry, serving as a launchpad for the vehicles that would define East German motoring.