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Pioneering work and engineering skill for over 130 years.

VARTA® Automotive batteries have stood for innovative technology and first-class service worldwide since 1878. Here are a few selected highlights of the historical milestones.
About History

1887 to 1936 - Foundation and inventiveness.

While X-rays and electric lighting come as gamechangers into the world, VARTA® is also in the starting blocks of its success story. With impressive pioneering work such as the invention of rechargeable batteries, an innovative episode is started.

1887: The founder - Adolf Müller

  • 01. 1887: The founder - Adolf Müller.

    In the 1880s, numerous technical innovations change people's everyday lives, such as the internal combustion engine, X-rays and electric light. At the same time, Adolf Müller found the equally innovative company Büsche & Müller in Hagen, setting the foundations for the future brand VARTA®.
    1887: The founder - Adolf Müller

  • 02. 1893: VARTA® used in primary electric cars in Germany.

    The Baker "Runabout", the first vehicle bought and driven by Thomas Edison, becomes known as the first American electric car in Germany thanks to Adolf Müller. It is powered by AFA batteries, the precursor of VARTA®.
    sketch of electric car

  • 03. 1904: The name VARTA® is born.

    AFA creates the VARTA brand ("Vertrieb" (distribution), "Aufladung" (charging), Repair of Transportable Accumulators"). Reason: Marketing of compact rechargeable batteries. With their use in combustion engines, the unreliable cranking of engines has stopped.
    Varta name

  • 05. 1936: VARTA® Automotive batteries are setting the standard.

    VARTA® offers the first batteries in standard sizes. They fit in every car and make replacements quick, easy and inexpensive.
    Varta old ad

  • 4. 1914: VARTA® as a pioneer.

    VARTA® lead-acid batteries are becoming increasingly popular as a means of starting car engines quickly and reliably.
    old truck
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1955 to 1995 - the period of mass production.

Technology is making great progress and VARTA® is also focusing on innovations for development and production. These successful milestones in battery manufacturing result in additional cost reduction and ease of maintenance for automobiles and construction machinery.

1955: Victory with a patent.

  • 01. 1955: Victory with a patent.

    Shortly before the start of mass production, the VARTA® factory for portable batteries in Ellwangen develops a paper-lined battery with a double-laminated separator. This innovation has been celebrated as a huge success and the patent was adopted directly in 23 countries.
    1955: Victory with a patent.

  • 02. 1960: Giving power to the swinging sixties.

    The changing energy requirements of the vehicle models of the 1960s bring a major change for VARTA®. The switch from 6-volt to 12-volt batteries in vehicles took place.
    1960: Giving power to the swinging sixties.

  • 03. 1962: Plastic replaces wood.

    VARTA® renews a key component of its batteries: The separators are now made of plastic instead of wood, which improves the robustness and reliability of the products.
    1962: Plastic replaces wood.

  • 04. 1965: VARTA® goes into series production.

    The production of dry starter batteries is launched in Germany.
    1965: VARTA® goes into series production.

  • 05. 1966: A simple box with a big impact.

    The hard rubber housings previously used for starter batteries are replaced by simple plastic boxes - for lighter and more convenient transportation.
    1966: A simple box with a big impact.

  • 06. 1970: No more battery leaks.

    VARTA® introduces the VARTA® Super Dry, the first leak-proof car battery. This unique quality confirms VARTA® as a manufacturer of reliable products.
    1970: No more battery leaks.

  • 07. 1977: Batteries are increasingly robust

    The first vibration and cycle-resistant starter batteries are developed to meet the considerable demands of construction machinery and vehicles.
    1977: Batteries are increasingly robust

  • 08. 1978: Efficiency innovation made in Hanover.

    Selenium technology makes it possible: the first maintenance-free starter batteries are launched on the market. Low self-discharge and less water consumption lower running costs.
    1978: Efficiency innovation made in Hanover.

  • 09. 1983: Good news for the automotive industry.

    VARTA® launches a new type of truck battery with a calcium alloy grid. This makes them maintenance-free and reduces the total cost of ownership.
    1983: Good news for the automotive industry.

  • 10. 1986: The end of the maintenance.

    VARTA® supplies the world's first maintenance-free LF starter batteries (LF = liquifix) with bound electrolyte.
    1986: The end of the maintenance.

  • 11. 1993: VARTA® Super Heavy Duty.

    The VARTA® Super Heavy Duty (SHD) battery for trucks is launched on the market with a 10-fold increase in vibration resistance. It provides innovative glass fleece layers, enhanced cycle stability and starting capability - a perfect solution for construction machinery.
    1993: VARTA®Super Heavy Duty.

  • 12. 1995: The ultimate power appears.

    Europe enjoys silver technology for automotive batteries and is quickly adopted by leading manufacturers. The first VARTA® Silver Dynamic becomes the ideal partner for high-performance vehicles with extended equipment - for a long battery life, maintenance-free operation and outstanding performance.
    1995: The ultimate power appears.
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2002 to today - world market leader in innovation.

The previous  decades have led VARTA® as a brand and company into the premium segment and to the top. VARTA®'s remarkable portfolio, engineering services and operational management have prepared it perfectly for the fast-moving future. Everything is changing and VARTA® Automotive remains one of the first movers in the industry at the highest level.

2002: Johnson Controls invests in the future.

  • 01. 2002: Johnson Controls invests in the future.

    In November 2002, world market leader Johnson Controls, Inc. acquires the automotive battery division VARTA®, thus providing this business unit with a solid basis for future growth.
    2002: Johnson Controls invests in the future.

  • 02. 2003: Benchmark: AGM Technology.

    Vehicle manufacturers adopt the maintenance-free AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries from VARTA® for sophisticated cars with extensive equipment.
    2003: Benchmark: AGM Technology.

  • 03. 2003: Commercial vehicles on a new level.

    The powerful silver technology is now also available for truck batteries. The maintenance-free VARTA® ProMotive Silver is the perfect energy source for high-performance commercial vehicles, from luxury coaches to the latest truck models.
    2003: Commercial vehicles on a new level.

  • 04. 2006: VARTA® Dynamic Trio.

    Johnson Controls launches the first-class SLI battery series VARTA® Dynamic Trio. The model variants Silver, Blue and Black provide the right solution for the individual requirements of cars of any year of manufacture.
    2006: VARTA® Dynamic Trio.

  • 05. 2007: Start-stop batteries conquer manufacturers.

    Manufacturers such as BMW and Mini rely on VARTA® start-stop batteries. Johnson Controls quickly becomes the leading supplier of batteries for vehicles with start-stop systems as well as for hybrid and electric cars.
    2007: Start-stop batteries conquer manufacturers.

  • 06. 2008: The PowerFrame® Technology.

    The patented grid technology is one of VARTA®'s greatest innovations. This pioneering engineering breakthrough provides optimum energy flow, unbeatable performance and uncompromising reliability in every application.
    2008: The PowerFrame<sup>®</sup> Technology.

  • 07. 2010: 125 years of corporate history

    Under the name "Johnson Controls", VARTA® celebrates 125 years at the top of battery technology.
    2010: 125 years of corporate history

  • 08. 2010: The VARTA® portfolio expands.

    The VARTA® Automotive innovation story sets new standards - with the optimized VARTA® Start-Stop Plus based on AGM technology for cars with an advanced start-stop system, as well as with the VARTA® Start-Stop, which is based on EFB technology (Enhanced Flooded Battery) and is intended for vehicles with an entry-level start-stop system.
    2010: The VARTA® portfolio expands.

  • 09. 2013 From now on, the slogan goes: "It all starts with VARTA®."

    The company launches the claim: "It all starts with VARTA®." / "Alles startet mit VARTA®". Confident and unmistakable, the brand gets to the heart of performance, quality and reliability. The new brand identity includes a new logo, completely new battery labels, a revised product range, a complete website relaunch, as well as new catalogs and customer service materials.
    2013 From now on, the slogan goes: "It all starts with VARTA®

  • 10. 2018: The VARTA® Training Academy.

    The VARTA® Training Academy provides professionals across Europe with knowledge through exclusive e-learning tools from and with VARTA® technology experts.
    2018: The VARTA<sup>®</sup> Training Academy.

  • 11. 2019: Clarios®

    Johnson Controls Power Solutions separates from Johnson Controls International, LLC. and becomes Clarios® as a new entity.
    2019: Clarios®

  • 12. 2021: The VARTA® Partner Portal is live.

    VARTA® Automotive is committed to making the job of workshops and their technicians easier. For this purpose, VARTA® Automotive has developed the online Partner Portal. Here, professionals and experts can access everything to do with batteries to refresh their knowledge and expertise and discover new products.
    2021: The Partner Portal is live.

  • 13. 2022: VARTA® for xEV at the Automechanika.

    VARTA® Automotive has also fully entered the hybrid and electric vehicle segment with premium quality. Ready for the future, VARTA® Automotive is expanding its AGM portfolio with VARTA® for xEV and was showcasing it at Automechanika.
    2022: VARTA® for xEV at the Automechanika.
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More about VARTA® Automotive

VARTA® as a Brand

VARTA® Automotive stands for the future of energy and for powerful energy performance that is used in millions of vehicles, boats, motorcycles and motorhomes.

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Manufacturers

Why vehicle manufacturers rely on the VARTA® product range is no secret, but proof of outstanding quality.

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