The German Rideshare Union

This is not an Auto-Union brochure but a brochure for the Automobile Union's rideshare service. Auto-Union products however feature quite heavily in their program with two DKW Front models and Wanderer in the range.

The first years of the National Socialist government witnessed a rapid economic revival in Germany. The middle classes, who had borne the brunt of the economic woes of the 1920s and early 30s, saw their prosperity return and the working class, long sunk in poverty, were now earning better wages and beginning the long climb up the economic ladder. Massive public works projects, such as the autobahns, ensured that everyone was employed, as well as encouraging the expansion of internal trade. Prior to this, intercity travel had been slow and difficult due to poor quality roads, such that the average speed of a vehicle traveling between cities was little better than 45 kilometres per hour. Suddenly, with the autobahns, cars were able to travel at formerly unheard of speeds of over 100 kilometres per hour. All the automobile manufacturers flew into overdrive to develop better and faster cars to travel these new highways. Streamlined buses and trucks also made their appearance at this time.

For many Germans however, all this mobility and freedom remained out of their reach. The National car project, the Volkswagen, was still in development and unlikely to reach the market until 1940. At 995RM, the Volkswagen was priced right on the cusp of affordability for a working man and nearly half a million Germans had signed up to the purchase scheme. https://heinkelscooter.blogspot.com/2012/03/volkswagen-world-beating-peoples-car.html

In the meantime, the Automobile Union stepped into the gap between those who could afford a vehicle of their own and those who did not quite have the means. For a subscription fee, Automobile Union members could rent a vehicle. This rideshare service allowed members to enjoy the benefits of travel without all the associated costs. The target market was holiday making working class and lower middle class customers. DKW Front models were available at the bottom of the range and the Adler Autobahn was at the top of the range. It proved not to be as successful a venture as the Automobile Union hoped and, of course, the service was withdrawn during the war.

For a glimpse into the world as it could have been if a different course had been taken, check out the wonderful contemporary home movies set to German jazz at Deutschlandsender...