Tuesday 16 October 2018

1947 CIA Report on the State of Vehicle Production in the Soviet Zone

Central Intelligence Agency Information Report
Classification: Confidential
Report number: 114434
Country: Germany (Russian Zone)
Date Distributed 30 September 1947
Subject: Notes on Automobile Production
Origin: [Redacted]

Introduction is redacted

1. BMW, Eisenach

The BMW production quota for the months of July and August 1947 was 34 two-liter cars per month; actual production 17 July was 220 cars. Before 25 August 1947, the plant crew totals 3000 workers. On that date, a large-scale labor draft was begun in order to provide the necessary manpower for increased production. By 24 August, 1500 skilled workers, mainly mechanics, lathe operators, braisers, etc., had been added to the crew, and the procurement of additional workers was continuing.

On 15 August 1947, production of BMW motorcycles, such as were formerly used by the Wehrmacht, was resumed. A production quota of 50 motorcycles a month was imposed; but up to 24 August, none had been completed.

2. Horch Works, Zwickau

The works have a monthly production quota of 1000 eight-cylinder cars called PKW 12, formerly used by the Wehrmacht; The actual production is not known. The plant now produces 50 ....a month, using twelve-cylinder Maybach motors left over from the car and tank manufacturing period during the war.

3. DKW, Zschopau and Chemnitz

These formerly state-owned enterprises were recently taken over by the Russians. At present they produce no cars, only make repairs on sedans and trucks the Russians requisitioned.

This document contains information affecting the national defense of the United States within the meaning of the Espionage Act, 50, U.S.C. 31 and 32 as amended. Its transmission or the revelation of its contents in any to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.

Confidential

1953 CIA Report on VEB Eisenach: https://dkwautounionproject.blogspot.com/2024/07/1953-cia-report-on-automobile.html

CIA Report 1947 Soviet Zone Auto Industry: https://dkwautounionproject.blogspot.com/2024/07/1947-cia-report-on-state-of-vehicle.html

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