1920. Pistons made of heavy gray cast iron are used in the internal combustion engines of automobiles. On the other hand, the Mahle brothers continue to develop light alloy pistons in their small, newly-founded company. In spite of technical difficulties, such as piston knocking and seizing as well as dominating American competition that prefers the gray cast iron piston, the two never give up. To keep dust and dirt away, they finally develop air filters and oil filters. And their perseverance pays off. The conquest of the light alloy piston begins.

1927. The company develops the first controlled expansion piston in Germany and in 1931, the first aluminum piston in the world for diesel engines. In 1976, MAHLE goes onto the market with the first European aluminum engine blocks made of hypereutectic alloy. In 1988, the assembled camshaft is developed to be ready for series production and in 2001, a revolutionary cooling concept for pistons of high-speed passenger car diesel engines is presented. This is followed in 2003 by the first allplastic oil filters worldwide. In addition, MAHLE develops and builds its first complete engine to demonstrate its system competence.

Long before “globalization“ becomes a buzzword, an international organization is already in place. In the seventies, MAHLE rounds out its product portfolio through holdings in Europe as well as in North and South America. From the change of the millennium, the company finally strengthens its presence in Asia through acquisitions.

At the beginning of the nineties, MAHLE already decides for the strategic option of becoming a systems supplier. With five product lines today – Piston Systems, Cylinder Components, Valve Train Systems as well as Air Management and Liquid Management Systems – we rank amongst the leading suppliers on the world market. Our original Swabian company becomes a global player which stands on a solid foundation, develops and sells innovative products, and can count on a motivated workforce.

Over 2,500 engineers and technicians work in seven research and development centers on futuristic new concepts, products and systems to fulfill the requirements of our customers for ecologically and economically optimized solutions. Numerous awards which distinguish us as an innovative, dedicated and reliable supplier show that our performance is convincing, not only in development, but also in series production.