WesWorld

(Placeholder for information relating to the motor vehicles of the German Army)

(Data on motor vehicles procured specifically for the Luftwaffe will also appear in this section. See also Air Forces - Luftwaffe Ground Equipment)

(Light Cross-Country Uniform Personnel Car)

The Light Cross-Country Uniform Personnel Car (le.g.E-Pkw) was designed in 1936 to Heer specifications as a replacement for the many models of civilian-type automobiles then in military service. Standardisation of components and automotive equipment was carried out to the maximum extent considered practical. The design parameters were decided upon early in 1937 with three manufacturers selected to undertake production:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Eisenach
Hannoversche Maschinenbau AG, Hannover-Linden
Gebrüder Stoewer, Fabrik für Motorfahrzeugen, Stettin

The Light Cross-Country Uniform Personnel Car is used by the Heer in four basic configurations:

Motor Vehicle 1 (Kraftfahrzeug 1): Four seat light personnel carrier, fitted with towing pintle
Motor Vehicle 2 (Kfz 2): Three seat light maintenance vehicle
Motor Vehicle 3 (Kfz 3): Three seat light survey vehicle for Pioniere (engineers)
Motor Vehicle 4 (Kfz 4): Three seat light wireless communication vehicle

By the close of December 1939 more than 10,000 vehicles of this type had been delivered to the Heer and production was continuing.

(Medium Cross-Country Uniform Personnel Car)

The Medium Cross-Country Uniform Personnel Car (m.g.E-Pkw) was designed in 1936 to Heer specifications as a replacement for the many models of civilian-type automobiles then in military service. Standardisation of components and automotive equipment was carried out to the maximum extent considered practical. The design parameters were decided upon early in 1937 with three manufacturers selected to undertake production:

Auto-Union AG, Werke Horch, Zwickau
Auto-Union AG, Wanderer Werke, Siegmar
Ford Werke AG, Koln

The Medium Cross-Country Uniform Personnel Car is used by the Heer in six basic configurations:

Motor Vehicle 11 (Kraftfahrzeug 11): Six seat medium personnel carrier, fitted with towing pintle
Motor Vehicle 12 (Kfz 12): Four seat maintenance vehicle, fitted with equipment box
Motor Vehicle 13 (Kfz 13): Four seat medium survey vehicle for Pioniere (engineers)
Motor Vehicle 14 (Kfz 14): Four seat command reconnaissance car for officers
Motor Vehicle 15 (Kfz 15): Telephone communications vehicle (enclosed cab)
Motor Vehicle 16 (Kfz 16): Wireless communications vehicle (enclosed cab)

By the close of December 1939 more than 8,000 vehicles of this type had been delivered to the Heer and production was continuing.

(Light Cross-Country Uniform Cargo Truck)

The Light Cross-Country Uniform Cargo Truck (le.g.E-Lkw) was designed in 1936 to Heer specifications as a replacement for the many models of civilian-type motor trucks then in military service. Standardisation of components and automotive equipment was carried out to the maximum extent considered practical. The design parameters were decided upon early in 1937 with six manufacturers selected to undertake production:

Bussing-NAG Vereinigte Nutzkraftwagenwerke AG, Braunschweig
Daimler Benz AG, Gaggenau
Fahrzeugfabriken Ansbach und Nurnberg AG, Nurnberg
Frankenbergische Motorenwerke, Hainichen
Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nurnberg AG, Nurnberg
Vogtlandische Maschinenfabrik AG, Plauen

The Light Cross-Country Uniform Cargo Truck is used by the Heer in many configurations, including:

Motor Vehicle 20 (Kraftfahrzeug 20): General cargo truck, fitted with towing pintle
Motor Vehicle 21 (Kfz 22): Troop transport vehicle
Motor Vehicle 22 (Kfz 22): Light equipment vehicle for Pioniere (engineers)
Motor Vehicle 23 (Kfz 23): Light limber vehicle (Gun tractor for leFlaK or PaK)
Motor Vehicle 24 (Kfz 24): Wireless communications van
Motor Vehicle 25 (Kfz 25): Telephone/telex communications van
Motor Vehicle 26 (Kfz 26): Light motor workshop van
Motor Vehicle 27 (Kfz 27): Light ordnance workshop van
Motor Vehicle 28 [Kfz 28]: Petrol supply vehicle (fuel bowser)
Motor Vehicle 29 (Ktz 29): Water supply vehicle (water bowser)

By the close of December 1939 more than 11,000 vehicles of this type had been delivered to the Heer and production was continuing.

(Krupp L2H143 Light Cross-Country Cargo Truck)

The Krupp L2H143 Light Cross-Country Cargo Truck (le.g.Lkw) was adopted by the Heer in 1935 to fulfill the needs of motorized formations for a reliable cross-country cargo and personnel carrier. The first vehicles were delivered to the troops in early in 1936 and were immediately issued to the rifle troops of the Panzer divisions. The type has also been exported to friendly nations. Manufacture is undertaken by Friedrich Krupp AG, Abteilung Kraftwagenwerke, Essen.

The Krupp L2H143 Light Cross-Country Cargo Truck is used by the Heer in four basic configurations:

Motor Vehicle 69 (Kraftfahrzeug 69): Light towing vehicle
Motor Vehicle 70 (Kfz 70): Troop carrying vehicle
Motor Vehicle 71 (Kfz 71): Troop and equipment vehicle for Pioniere (engineers)
Motor Vehicle 72 (Kfz 72): Van for special employment

By the close of December 1939 more than 8,000 vehicles of this type had been delivered to the Heer and production was continuing.

(Steyr 640 Light Cross-Country Cargo Truck)

The Steyr 640 Light Cross-Country Cargo Truck (le.g.Lkw) was adopted by the Heer in 1935 to fulfill the needs of infantry formations for a reliable cross-country cargo and personnel carrier. The first vehicles were delivered to the troops in early in 1936 and were issued primarily to the supply and transport units of infantry divisions. The type has also been exported to friendly nations. Manufacture is undertaken by Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG, Steyr.

The Steyr 640 Light Cross-Country Cargo Truck is used by the Heer in three basic configurations:

Motor Vehicle 70 (Kraftfahrzeug 70): Troop carrying vehicle
Motor Vehicle 71 (Kfz 71): Troop and equipment vehicle for Pioniere (engineers)
Motor Vehicle 72 (Kfz 72): Van for special employment

By the close of December 1939 more than 4,000 vehicles of this type had been delivered to the Heer and production was continuing.

(Mercedes-Benz LG63 Medium Cross-Country Cargo Truck)

The Mercedes-Benz LG63 Medium Cross-Country Cargo Truck (m.g.Lkw) was adopted by the Heer in 1935 to fulfill its need for a cross-country cargo carrier. The first vehicles were delivered that year and production continued through 1938, with the Daimler Benz AG Berlin-Marienfelde and Gaggenau factories delivering a total of 7,434 examples to the Heer, in addition to exports to friendly countries.

The Mercedes-Benz LG63 Medium Cross-Country Cargo Truck continues to be used by the Heer in many configurations, primarily as a chassis for specialist vehicles. These include:

Motor Vehicle 61 (Kraftfahrzeug 61): Large signals motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 64 (Kfz 64): Large measuring instruments motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 68 [Kfz 68]: Radio mast motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 92 (Kfz 92): Decontamination motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 93 (Kfz 93): Workshop motor vehicle for weapons and electronics

(Krupp L3H163 Medium Cross-Country Cargo Truck)

The Krupp L3H163 Medium Cross-Country Cargo Truck (m.g.Lkw) was adopted by the Luftwaffe in 1936 to fulfill its need for a specialist towing vehicle for anti-aircraft guns and other specialist air defence equipment. The first vehicles were delivered that year and the Krupp Abteilung Kraftwagen plant in Essen delivered a total of 2,175 examples to the Heer. Similar vehicles were also sold on the civilian market, and others were sold abroad for both civil and military use.

The Krupp L3H163 Medium Cross-Country Cargo Truck continues to be used by the Luftwaffe in a number of roles, under the following designations:

Motor Vehicle 305/80 (Kraftfahrzeug 305/80): Weapons maintenance motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 305/81 (Kfz 305/81): Anti aircraft motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 305/82 (Kfz 305/82): Searchlight motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 305/83 (Kfz 305/83): Motor vehicle workshop motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 305/84 (Kfz 305/84): Motor vehicle spare parts depot motor vehicle

(Henschel 33 Medium Cross-Country Cargo Truck)

The Henschel 33 Medium Cross-Country Cargo Truck (m.g.Lkw) entered service with the Heer in 1933 to fulfill its need for a cross-country cargo carrier. The first vehicles were delivered that year to the motor transport battalions of the newly-formed Panzer divisions; subsequently it has been issued to formations and specialist units throughout the Heer and the Luftwaffe. Production continues at the Henschel und Sohn motor vehicle works in Kassel, and in 1938 the type was also put into production at the works of Klockner-Humboldt-Deutz AG, Abteiling Magirus, Ulm.

The Henschel 33 Medium Cross-Country Cargo Truck continues to be used by the Heer in many configurations, primarily as a chassis for specialist vehicles. These include:

Motor Vehicle 61 (Kraftfahrzeug 61): Large signals motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 64 (Kfz 64): Large measuring instruments motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 68 (Kfz 68): Radio mast motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 70 (Kfz 70): Troop carrying vehicle
Motor Vehicle 71 (Kfz 71): Troop and equipment vehicle for Pioniere (engineers)
Motor Vehicle 72 (Kfz 72): Van for special employment
Motor Vehicle 92 (Kfz 92): Decontamination motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 93 (Kfz 93): Workshop motor vehicle for weapons and electronics

By the close of December 1939 more than 14,000 vehicles of this type had been delivered to the Heer and to the Luftwaffe and production was continuing.

(Mercedes Benz G3a Light Cross-Country Cargo Truck)

The Mercedes Benz G3a was taken into service with the Heer in 1929, following trials for light cross-country vehicles conducted in 1928. It entered production in 1929, and 2,100 vehicles of this type were procured by the Heer between 1929 and 1935, when production ceased. It fulfilled a wide variety of roles and since being displaced from first-line service with the Heer the survivors continue to soldier on with reserve and training formations as troop and cargo carriers or as ambulances.

(Büssing-NAG G31 Light Cross-Country Cargo Truck)

The Büssing-NAG G31 was taken into service with the Heer as one of its first generation cross-country vehicles. It entered production in 1929, and 2,400 vehicles of this type were procured by the Heer between 1929 and 1935, when production ceased. It fulfilled a wide variety of roles and since being displaced from first-line service with the Heer the survivors continue to soldier on with reserve units as pioneer equipment carriers or as specialist vehicles such as telephone exchanges.

(Magirus M206 Light Cross-Country Cargo Truck)

The Magirus M206 Light Cross Country Truck entered service with the Heer and with the Luftwaffe in 1933, serving as a troop and equipment carrier with the former and with the latter as the chassis for a large number of specialist vehicles required by that service. Among the vehicle configurations in service with the Heer are:

Motor Vehicle 69 (Kraftfahrzeug 69): Limber motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 70 (Kfz 70): Personnel carrier
Motor Vehicle 94 (Kfz 94): Water motor vehicle

And with the Luftwaffe its service includes such configurations as:

Motor Vehicle 303/20 (Kfz 303/26): Radiosonde motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 343 (Kfz 343): Fire tank-wagon
Motor Vehicle 344 (Kfz 344): Hose tender
Motor Vehicle 345 (Kfz 345): Fire engine

By the close of December 1939 more than 5,000 vehicles of this type had been delivered to the Heer and to the Luftwaffe and chassis manufacture was continuing for the production of specialist vehicles.

(Hansa-Lloyd Merkur Medium Cargo Truck)

The Hansa-Lloyd Merkur Medium Cargo Truck was a standard commercial vehicle adopted by the Luftwaffe and the Heer for employment in second-line roles where cross-country mobility was not a prime requirement. With the Luftwaffe its service includes such configurations as:

Motor Vehicle 301/5 (Kfz 301/5): Telex relaying station motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 301/10 (Kfz 301/10): Amplifier motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 301/11 (Kfz 301/11): Cable measuring motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 301/15 (Kfz 301/15): Wireless broadcast motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 301/32 (Kfz 301/32): Beacon light motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle 301/74 (Kfz 301/74): Office motor vehicle

By the close of December 1939 more than 4,200 vehicles of this type had been delivered to the Heer and to the Luftwaffe and production was continuing.

(Ford V2000 Light Supply Truck)

The Ford V2000 Light Supply Truck was a militarised variant of the standard Ford Model BB V8-51 commercial cargo truck adopted by the Heer for second- and third-echelon supply tasks where cross-country operating ability was not required. Some 2,750 vehicles of this type were procured from Ford Werke AG of Köln-Niehl between 1936 and 1938, when the type went out of production.

The principal configuration of the V2000 was Motor Vehicle (Kraftfahrzeug) 85: Supply Truck

(Ford V3000 Medium Supply Truck)

The Ford V3000 Medium Supply Truck is a militarised variant of the standard Ford Model G917 commercial cargo truck adopted by the Heer for second- and third-echelon supply tasks where cross-country operating ability is not required. Procurement of this vehicle began in 1939 with the Ford Werke AG of Köln-Niehl delivering vehicles at the rate of 100 units per month to meet Heer requirements.

By the close of December 1939 more than 1,200 vehicles of this type had been delivered to the Heer and production was continuing.


The principal configuration of the V3000 is Motor Vehicle (Kraftfahrzeug) 85: Supply Truck

(Opel 6700 Medium All-Wheel-Drive Truck)

The Opel 6700 Medium All-Wheel-Drive Truck was developed by Adam Opel AG to meet Heer requirements for an all-wheel drive cargo truck sharing chassis commonality with ordinary commercial cargo vehicles to avoid over specialisation. It is the first of the L3000 class vehicles to enter service with the Heer, and is also provided to the Luftwaffe and to the Kriegsmarine to meet their requirements. Production is undertaken at a new factory built by Opel at Brandenburg-Havel with Government assistance, which is capable of producing up to seventy-five vehicles per day.

The Opel 6700 Medium All-Wheel-Drive Truck is used by the Heer in many configurations, including:

Motor Vehicle 40 (Kraftfahrzeug 40): General cargo truck, fitted with towing pintle
Motor Vehicle 41 (Kfz 41): Troop transport vehicle
Motor Vehicle 42 (Kfz 42): Equipment vehicle for Pioniere (engineers)
Motor Vehicle 44 (Kfz 44): Standard box van for special employment
Motor Vehicle 48 [Kfz 48]: Petrol supply vehicle (fuel bowser)
Motor Vehicle 49 (Ktz 49): Water supply vehicle (water bowser)

By the close of December 1939 more than 6,840 vehicles of this type had been delivered to the Heer and production is continuing.

(Opel 3200 Light Cargo Truck)

The Opel 3200 Light Cargo Truck was a standard commercial vehicle adopted by the Heer for employment in second-line roles where cross-country mobility was not a prime requirement. With the Heer its service includes such configurations as:

Motor Vehicle (Kraftfahrzeug) 84: Ambulance
Motor Vehicle (Kfz) 85: Supply truck
Motor Vehicle (Kfz) 86/1: Telephone motor vehicle
Motor Vehicle (Kfz) 86/2: Telephone line construction motor vehicle

Approximately 4,000 examples of the Opel 3200 Light Cargo Truck were acquired by the Heer between 1935 and 1938, when the type went out of production. Far larger quantities were sold to the private sector or exported abroad.

(Steyr 270 Light All-Wheel-Drive Truck)

The Steyr 270 Light All-Wheel-Drive Truck was developed to meet Heer requirements for an all-wheel drive cargo truck sharing chassis commonality with ordinary commercial cargo vehicles to avoid over specialisation. It was the first of the L1500 class vehicles to enter service with the Heer, and was also provided to the Luftwaffe and to the Kriegsmarine to meet their requirements.

The Steyr 270 Light All-Wheel-Drive Truck is used by the Heer in many configurations, including:

Motor Vehicle 30 (Kraftfahrzeug 30): General cargo truck, fitted with towing pintle
Motor Vehicle 31 (Kfz 31): Troop transport vehicle
Motor Vehicle 32 (Kfz 32): Equipment vehicle for Pioniere (engineers)
Motor Vehicle 39 (Ktz 39): Water supply vehicle (water bowser)


By the close of December 1939 more than 2,700 vehicles of this type had been delivered to the Heer and production is continuing.

(Mercedes Benz LGF Medium All-Wheel-Drive Truck)

The Mercedes Benz LGF design entered production for the Heer in 1940.

(Mercedes Benz LF Light All-Wheel-Drive Truck)

The Mercedes Benz LF design entered production for the Heer in 1940.