The long-standing Mercedes-Benz tuner, Carlsson Fahrzeugtechnik, has ceased operations as its Korean owner, Sambo Motors, decides to discontinue the venture.
Carlsson Fahrzeugtechnik, once a prominent tuner, ends its operations.
The shift in focus to the Peninsula brand might have distanced Carlsson from its Mercedes-Benz roots.
Sambo Motors retains naming rights, though discussions with potential buyers have begun.
Carlsson Fahrzeugtechnik, a renowned tuner with a storied history, has announced its closure, paccording to German based Mercedes-Benz automotive forum Mercedes-Fans.de. The company, which once specialized in tuning Mercedes-Benz models, has faced challenges in recent years that have culminated in this decision. Sambo Motors, a Korean automotive supplier, took ownership of Carlsson in 2015 amidst insolvency proceedings.
Carlsson Aigner CK65 | Photo : Carlsson
However, over the years, they’ve chosen to steer the company away from its traditional focus on Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Instead, they introduced the Peninsula brand, which was centered around optimizing sports and luxury vehicles, notably from Hyundai and Kia. The establishment of Peninsula as a sub-brand made sense on some levels, especially considering that Sambo Motors has business ties with Hyundai and Kia as an automotive supplier.
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The operations in Saarlouis have now concluded. Recent weeks saw the final components, including rims and aeroparts, being sold off. Even the vehicles from the erstwhile showroom, which housed gems like the Carlsson C25, have found new owners. As for the future of the Carlsson brand, its trademark and naming rights remain, for now, with Sambo Motors.
Carlsson S-Klasse | Photo : Carlsson
There are whispers about ongoing negotiations with potential buyers. The legacy and future of the Carlsson brand hang in the balance, leaving many wondering if and how it might see a resurgence in the automotive world.
