husqvarna

Husqvarna is a brand used by several companies, all related to Husqvarna Vapenfabrik (Husqvarna weapons factory), founded in 1689 to produce muskets for the Swedish military. The Husqvarna logo is based on a cross section through a gun barrel and sight.

The name is a spelling variant of the company's hometown, Huskvarna. There is a small company museum in the city, situated next to the oldest production facilities.

History

Motorcycles

As with many motorcycle manufacturers, Husqvarna first began producing bicycles in the late 19th century. In 1903, they made the jump to motorcycle manufacturing. In 1920 Husqvarna established its own engine factory and the first engine to be designed is a 550 cc four-stroke 50-degree side-valve V-twin engine, similar to those made by companies like Harley-Davidson and Indian. Although they once made motorcycles for street use, and raced at road circuits such as the Isle of Man TT prior to World War II, they are more well known for producing World Championship winning motocross and enduro bikes. In the 1960's, their lightweight, two-stroke engined off-road bikes made the once dominant British four-stroke bikes obsolete. Throughout the 60's and 70's they were a force to be reckoned with in the motocross world, winning 14 Motocross World Championships in the 125cc, 250cc and 500cc divisions and 24 Enduro World Championships. The Husqvarna motorcycle division was sold to Italian motorcycle manufacturer Cagiva in 1987. The motorcycles (affectionately known as "Huskys") are now produced in Italy. A group of former Husqvarna employees started a new motorcycle company named Husaberg that won the 500cc Motocross World Championship 3 times in the 1990s.

Automobile manufacturing

Toward the end of World War II, the company started thinking about making a small, simple, inexpensive car. A team consisting of Bengt Magnusson (head of R&D), Stig Tham (engineer), Calle Heimdal (engine designer) and Birger Johansson. The design came to look somewhat like the Saab 92, but with three wheels (two front, one back), and a strange split rear window. According to some sources the similarities with the Saab 92 may have something to do with that Sixten Sason worked as designer at Husqvarna. A prototype was built in 1943, powered by a 20 hp two cylinder 500cc DKW motorcycle engine with chain drive to the rear wheel. The wheels came from a Fiat 500. The project was cancelled in 1944, and the prototype was scrapped in the end of the 1950s.

Chainsaws and lawn equipment

Husqvarna AB is a company, based in Huskvarna, Sweden, that is producing power lawn equipment and chainsaws under the brands Husqvarna, Jonsered and Partner. The company was owned by the conglomerate Electrolux but was spun off to Electrolux shareholders in 2005 and is now independent.

Sewing machines

VSM Group AB (Viking Sewing Machines), previously named Husqvarna Sewing Machines is a company based in Huskvarna, Sweden. The company is best known for "smart" (computerized) sewing machines and sergers under the brands Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff. The VSM brand produces several lines of sewing machines, the top being the Designer series and the lowest being the mechanical (non-computerized) Huskystars. The sewing machines change every year or so as the experts create upgrades. In February 2006 VSM Group was bought by Kohlberg & Co., who already owned the brand Singer. Singer and VSM Group will be merged into a company named SVP Holdings, where the initials are reflecting the brands Singer, Viking and Pfaff.

Household appliances

Electrolux is using Husqvarna as one of their brands for household appliances. The products are produced in several countries. Husqvarna has a long history in producing iron stoves.

Motorcycle Championships

• 1959 - Rolf Tibblin, European Motocross Champion, 250cc class.
• 1960 - Bill Nilsson, Motocross World Champion, 500cc class.
• 1962 - Rolf Tibblin, Motocross World Champion, 500cc class.
• 1962 - Torsten Hallman, Motocross World Champion, 250cc class.
• 1963 - Rolf Tibblin, Motocross World Champion, 500cc class.
• 1963 - Torsten Hallman, Motocross World Champion, 250cc class.
• 1966 - Torsten Hallman, Motocross World Champion, 250cc class.
• 1967 - Torsten Hallman, Motocross World Champion, 250cc class.
• 1969 - Bengt Åberg, Motocross World Champion, 500cc class.
• 1970 - Bengt Åberg, Motocross World Champion, 500cc class.
• 1974 - Heikki Mikkola, Motocross World Champion, 500cc class.
• 1976 - Heikki Mikkola, Motocross World Champion, 250cc class.
• 1979 - Håkan Carlqvist, Motocross World Champion, 250cc class.

External links

• Husqvarna chainsaws and lawn equipment
• Husqvarna Viking sewing machines
• Husqvarna household appliances
• Husqvarna motorcycles
• Husqvarna Motorcycles USA