Bergmann; Bergmann-Metallurgique (Germany) - AllCarIndex

Bergmann was a German automotive brand that operated from 1907 to 1922, primarily known for its production of electric vehicles. The company was founded by Sigmund Bergmann, who was born in Germany in 1851 and later emigrated to the United States. In America, he partnered with Thomas Edison, and their ventures eventually merged to form General Electric. After returning to Germany in 1891, Bergmann established a business in Berlin focused on manufacturing electrical equipment, including switches, meters, and electric motors.

The production of electric vehicles commenced in 1907 under the trade name Fulgura. In 1908, the company briefly produced petrol-engined cars, but its significant development came in 1909 when it began licensed production of the Belgian brand Metallurgique. These vehicles were marketed as Bergmann-Metallurgique and initially featured Belgian-built components and bodies from Vanden Plas. Over time, the company incorporated a greater proportion of German-made components and coachwork from local manufacturers.

Among the notable models produced were the 7320cc 29/70PS, known as the 38/90CV in Belgium, as well as smaller variants like the 1560cc 6/18PS and the 3565cc 14/40PS. Following World War I, the company simplified its branding to Bergmann and continued to produce a single model, the 2.6-liter 10/30PS, which was based on a Metallurgique design and manufactured in Belgium as the 14CV. After 1922, Bergmann shifted its focus entirely to electric commercial vehicles, which were produced in significant quantities until 1939 and were widely utilized by the German Post Office.

During the interwar period, Bergmann came under the control of Siemens-Schuckert, a large electrical organization that had previously manufactured automobiles. Today, Siemens-Schuckert remains active in Berlin, focusing on telecommunications equipment, electric motors, transformers, and other electrical products.