Das Magazin was an East German cultural and entertainment magazine. In March 1954, East German senior automotive technical engineer, Seigfried Rauch, wrote a brief update on the state of development of East Germany's auto industry. Big news was the 'arrival' of the new IWL Pitty on the market. Unfortunately, this claim was overstated and the Pitty wouldn't actually arrive in stores until 1955. Also news was the planned improvements to the IFA F9 with new variants and better features.
Full magazine can be found here: https://archive.org/details/das-magazin-1954-03/Das%20Magazin%20-%201954-03/
English translation:
"Each of us has a secret desire to drive to work in our own vehicle, to go on vacation or away for the weekend. If you don't have your own car, this wish can certainly be fulfilled today, and many will have put a small sum aside for it.Problems with the IWL Pitty:
But everyone else will also be interested in what our state-owned vehicle industry has to offer this year.
Let's start with the bikes. There will no longer be just one or two standard models but an extensive range that starts with the stable utility bike in nice and cheerful colors and goes far beyond the light, sleek sports machine, equipped with a three-speed gearshift, rim brakes and stem handlebars. In 1954 we will finally be given the motorized bicycle. By the summer a small, light two-stroke engine will be on the market, which is undemanding, cheap and dimensioned in such a way that we don't run the risk of ruining the bike by going too fast.
The motorbikes start with the world-famous and justifiably popular RT 125, the fast and economical small two-stroke machine, which will appear this year in a significantly improved version and on a par with any international competition, as the RT 125/1: with a more powerful engine, improved suspension, swing saddle and drive chain enclosed in a completely dirt-proof cover. Despite its relatively small cylinder capacity, the RT 125/1 is also suitable for a pillion passenger and luggage.
If you drive faster and sportier, if you want to use the motorcycle mainly for two people or even with a sidecar, you will find the right machine in the AWO 250. The 1954 model has a number of improvements that have made this machine, which is also popular abroad, even more powerful, more reliable and more economical. The successful AWO racing machines were the inspiration for these innovations, so that the buyer of the new model is the direct beneficiary of the racing experience.
In the 350cc class, there are two models with fundamentally different engine and chassis designs -the BK 350 from Zschopau with a state-of-the-art two-cylinder two-stroke boxer engine that has been tried and tested in international performance tests, and the R 35, which has continued to be built with its basic features unchanged for years - single-cylinder four-stroke engine, foot-switched four-speed gearbox, a massive sheet steel frame and all-wheel suspension like all GDR models.
Before we move on to the "four-wheeled competition", we still have to talk about the big surprise of 1954: the motor scooter, the motorcycle with the comfort of the car. In an incredibly short development time, the "Pitty", the motor scooter, is in the GDR, which will hopefully go into series production very soon. On this outwardly successful and "inwardly" very confidence-inspiring youngest child of our nationally-owned vehicle industry, you can reach a maximum speed of 70 to 75 km per hour, protected from dirt, and comfortably seated. Fuel consumption is around 3 litres for 100 km.
However, the mirror of the efficiency of an automotive industry, the proof of the skill of technicians and workers, is the car. The F9 is this proof of the automotive industry of the GDR. Its performance, its superior road holding, its elegant form, which was admired again and again, and the numerous harmonious color schemes make many people want to own this car more and more. We know today, this is our car - one day we will drive it too! Because the F9 is being built in ever-increasing numbers, not only as a sedan, but also as an attractive, elegant cabriolet, as a sunroof sedan and as a station wagon, which allows all kinds of transport on weekdays and yet at the weekend is available for the whole family. The F9 will be manufactured with heating this year and radio installation is planned. The engine will be even more powerful, quieter and more economical. Although the F9 is still a desirable item in European and overseas countries, domestic needs will also be met.
Finally, a little consolation for those who have more urgent things to buy in 1954 than a vehicle. We have also thought of them - new, spacious and comfortable type H 6 B high-capacity buses equipped with powerful engines will be used for transport to work as well as for excursions and vacation trips.
And have a good journey!"
https://dkwautounionproject.blogspot.com/2020/06/soviet-zone-scooter-debacle-der-speigel.html
Development of the IFA F9:
https://dkwautounionproject.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-development-of-ifa-f9.html
State of our automotive industry:
https://dkwautounionproject.blogspot.com/2020/12/basic-problems-of-motor-vehicle-and.html
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