Dr. Ernst MahleDr. Ernst MahleInnovation—the engine of success
Innovative strength has always been the engine of our success. MAHLE has grown from a small test workshop into a global company and technology leader.
The success story begins in 1920 when pistons made of heavy gray cast iron were being used in internal combustion engines for automobiles. The Mahle brothers, in contrast, were producing light alloy pistons at their small, newly established company. To keep dirt and dust out of the engine, they eventually developed air and oil filters. Their perseverance paid off as the light-alloy pistons began to take over the market.
Major milestones in the success story: 1927—First controlled-expansion piston. 1931—The world's first aluminum ring carrier piston for diesel engines. 1976—First European aluminum engine blocks made from hypereutectic alloy. 1988—Composite camshaft ready for series production. 2001—Revolutionary cooling concept for pistons in highspeed passenger car diesel engines. 2003—First all-plastic oil filter in the world. 2004—MAHLE develops and constructs its first complete engine. 2007—1.2-l MAHLE downsizing engine as demonstrator for forward-looking engine technology with 144 kW power output and up to 30 percent less fuel consumption. First MONOBOLT® pistons, a composite piston with central bolting for large engines. Start of production of switched impactor with nonwoven insert for highly efficient oil mist separation. Development of first MAHLE exhaust gas turbocharger prototypes for gasoline and diesel engines to be used in customer tests. 2008—Start of production of electrical MAHLE EGR valves. First EvoTec® pistons as innovative lightweight pistons for gasoline engines.
Today, every second automobile produced worldwide contains MAHLE components. MAHLE offers systems solutions ranging from power cell units and fully assembled cylinder heads to complete engine assembly and also provides expertise in the entire air management system. At our research and development centers worldwide, we are working on innovations for greater power, reduced consumption and emission values, and better performance throughout the complete system.