Writing history
Eberspächer has been developing innovations for 160 years - always with a focus on the needs of the markets. With its exhaust technology, thermal management solutions and vehicle electronics, the company is one of the leading system developers and suppliers to the automotive industry. In its anniversary year, the company is celebrating a number of “birthdays” in addition to the organization.
29 September 2025 – Eberspächer always focuses on the future. However, in the year of its 160th anniversary, it is worth taking a look back. After all, technological solutions have set standards at regular intervals in the company's history.
FROM SILENCER TO FRACTAL HEATER
The foundation stone of today's Purem by Eberspächer Division was laid in the 1930s – with the start of series production of silencer systems for passenger cars. As early as 1954, the company celebrated its millionth silencer. With the first production-ready thermal and catalytic exhaust gas aftertreatment systems for the US market, the production of innovative solutions began in 1974, long before these were introduced in Europe through corresponding legal requirements. It was not until the 1980s that the catalytic converter became established in Germany and Europe. Over the decades, the component has remained at the heart of exhaust technology and is still one of Purem by Eberspächer's most important areas of expertise today.
The technologies have continued to develop, not least due to ever stricter global legislation. SCR technology has been part of the portfolio for 15 years now. This significantly reduces nitrogen oxides and is now not only used in exhaust gas aftertreatment systems in conventional drives but can also be found in the exhaust systems of hydrogen engines in commercial vehicles. With the AVG2, an innovative acoustic valve, Purem by Eberspächer set new standards in noise reduction in 2022. Another milestone followed just one year later: the EHC Fractal Heater (2023) already meets the requirements of the upcoming Euro 7 standard and reduces emissions in passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
For Purem by Eberspächer, the view to the future is clear: solutions for hydrogen applications and alternative drive types are being developed on the basis of existing core competencies from almost one hundred years of experience. For a clean future, the focus is also on approaches for generating the energy source and concepts for DAC technology.
HEATING AND COOLING SOLUTIONS FOR VEHICLES OF ALL KINDS
Eberspächer has been developing heating systems for vehicles since the 1930s. There has been intensive cooperation with numerous manufacturers – heaters for the VW Beetle were a great success from the 1950s on. A particular breakthrough came in 1975 with the “B1L” – the first auxiliary heater to be integrated directly into the passenger compartment. In the same year, the B/D 4W water heater and the “Telepuls”, the first radio remote control, brought real comfort gains for drivers to the market.
Thermal management system for buses have been part of the Group of Companies' range of services since 2010. The Hydronic water heater also celebrated its premiere 15 years ago, followed by the compact and quiet Airtronic air heater in 2018. With the consistent further development of the portfolio, Eberspächer is setting standards and keeping an eye on the requirements of the markets. During the coronavirus pandemic, UV-C LED modules and electronic air cleaners improved the air quality in public transport – an important contribution to infection protection and safe travel.
A recent highlight: the Breezonic air conditioning system with heat pump (2023). This combines heating and cooling in one system – efficient, electric and future-proof. And since 2025, a new joint venture with Zeliox has complemented the portfolio and offers energy storage systems for mobile power supply.
FROM START-STOP TO BATTERY MANAGEMENT
Eberspächer has been writing a new success story since 2009 with its newest Division Automotive Controls. At that time, the development of start-stop control units, DC/DC converters and semiconductor switches began. Supercapacitor modules were added in 2015, followed in 2017 by innovative wiring system management systems that meet the highest safety standards and enable fully autonomous driving (Level 5) for the first time. In 2024, the 12 V battery management system was added to the portfolio – a key technology that positions Eberspächer as a strong partner for sustainable vehicle technologies.
And for the future? Further innovation projects are already being planned. The Group of Companies relies on intensive cooperation across divisions and national borders. Synergies, pooled expertise and committed employees create solutions for the automotive industry and beyond.