HISTORY OF THE KOENIGSEGG
What began as an ambition and a love for automobiles has, over 25 years later, seen the emergence, establishment and recognition of one of the biggest names in the industry. The journey that started in 1994 has seen the pioneer, Christian von Koenigsegg name permanently etched in the history books as one of the greatest in the automotive world. With only a sketch done on Microsoft Paint, a dream, determination and ambition, Koenigsegg decided to rattle an industry that, only then, had a lone player in McLaren F1.
The humble beginnings, the determination and focus set the stage for the establishment of what would letter be a household name, an award-winning brand in the automotive industry. Christian prototype did not take off instantly, taking him two tough and painstaking years to get it first tested. The first successful car was only realized six years later, in 2002, and was set for delivery in 2003. It has not been a smooth ride for the firm as it has encountered numerous challenges that include a factory fire in 2003 just days before the company’s first production car at the prestigious Geneva Motor Show of the same year.
Giant steps
With the trial times and rough tidings over, Koenigsegg journey to success was well laid out, and the firm has grown stronger every passing year. The company has seen a revolution in the automotive industry, resulting in new designs and ultimate re-definition of set limits and records in automotive performance. Each design and model churned out of the company has seen new records set, and the performance bar reset even higher.
Koenigsegg has several world records to its name, notably the 2002 Guinness World Record for the most potent production car awarded to the CC8S, a record previously held by the McLaren F1. Other remarkable records include the CCXR world’s first ‘green’ hypercar, massive performance success of the Agera R and Agera RS among many other recognitions.
A peek into the future
The drive, dedication and ambition that put Koenisgegg onto the world map continue to define the success and direction the firm is taking into the future. The company continues to define the new market of ultra-high performance automotive, setting standards that only others can emulate.
Koenigsegg looks poised to continue leading the way into the future. The firm, has, between 2015 and 2018, almost tripled its employee size, bringing together a formidable team to keep the company’s ambition and dream alive. An addition of 50% of its factory footprint during the same period is an indication of a company that is taking great leaps, a centre stage for one of the most iconic, trailblazing high-performance automobile manufacturers.
Other ventures that show the determination of the Koenigsegg team is in collaboration with other like-minded companies, joining forces for a better course.
Koenigsegg is equally ready for any challenge, with perfection its main moving target. From humble beginnings, the firm continues to shape the direction of the automotive industry and seems to keep doing so into the foreseeable future.