Zündapp
- Industry: Machine tools, motor vehicles
- Founded: 1917
- Defunct: 1984
- Headquarters: Germany
- Products: Detonators, motorcycles, microcars, sewing machines, mopeds
Zündapp was a German motorcycle and automobile manufacturer that was in operation from 1917 to 1984. Zündapp was founded in 1917 in Nuremberg, Germany, by Fritz Neumeyer and Friedrich Krupp. Initially, the company produced detonators for the military during World War I. After the war, Zündapp shifted its focus to manufacturing motorcycles and bicycles. Zündapp gained recognition for its motorcycles, which ranged from small mopeds to larger models. In the 1930s, Zündapp introduced successful models such as the K-series, which included the K500 and K800. These motorcycles were known for their reliability and performance.
In addition to motorcycles, Zündapp ventured into automobile production in the 1950s. They introduced microcars, including the Janus and the 600. The Janus was a unique microcar with a distinctive two-door design featuring a front-opening and rear-opening door. However, Zündapp's automobile venture was not as successful as its motorcycle business. Despite initial success, Zündapp faced financial difficulties in the 1960s due to increased competition from larger motorcycle manufacturers. In 1958, the company entered into a merger with Fichtel & Sachs AG, but it failed to improve their financial situation. Zündapp eventually stopped motorcycle production in 1984, and the brand ceased to exist.
Although Zündapp as a brand is no longer in operation, there have been attempts to revive the name. In recent years, there have been projects by different entities to produce motorcycles under the Zündapp brand. However, these revival efforts have been independent ventures and not directly connected to the original Zündapp company.
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