In 1963, the intensive continuous development of diesel
engine technology resulted in the construction of an 18-cylin-
der two-stroke diesel engine with 2,250 HP. Alongside engine
development, AVL began to produce engine testing devices
and started series production of quartz pressure transducers,
gravimetric fuel consumption measurement equipment, flue
gas measurement devices, and complete engine indication
systems. Helmut List joined AVL in 1966, his initial role was to
lead the production department for electronic and precision
measuring instruments. In the same year, two further engine
testbeds were built, including a system for acoustic inspec-
tions. These boasted an interior design that was revolutionary
at the time, with anechoic furnishings for walls, ceiling, and
floor to exclude all external interference.
Since the company had already gained experience with
measurement devices and displayed a degree of afÏnity with
medical devices, AVL started to develop innovative medical
The 1960s
measurement devices. University professor Dr. Karl Harnon-
court’s research results in the field of medical technology were
significant here. The electronics in those first models were
first developed by AVL with the Institute for Electromedicine
at Graz University of Technology, and the AVL electronics
department soon assumed responsibility for development as
a whole.
In 1967, Helmut List completed his mechanical engineering
studies at Graz University of Technology as a graduate
engineer. In 1968, the son of the AVL founder added project
lead responsibility for the medical measurement device Gas
Check 935 to his role as head of production. The delivery of
the first green devices to customers in 1969 heralded a period
of intensive development, which generated regular product
improvements. The first digital testbed was also installed at
headquarters during this time.
1962
Foundation of AVL Test Systems, Inc.
AVL Test Systems, Inc. was established in
Plymouth, Michigan (USA) in 1962. The subsidiary has con tinued
to grow ever since and has remained at the same location. It
now offers a comprehensive portfolio that encompasses equip-
ment for entire battery labs, component tests, and solutions for
all e-mobility projects. The company’s ADAS/AD solutions are
ensuring the advent of a secure, autonomous mobile future.
Austrian physician and university professor Dr. Karl Harnoncourt’s
achievements include blood gas analyzers, which AVL manufactured
in the 1960s based on his research findings.
In 1951, the company now known as “Anstalt für
Verbrennungs kraftmaschinen List” (AVL for short) was for-
mally established in Graz. Supported by investment from the
Marshall Plan, the central test site was opened at Kleiststrasse
48 in 1952, boasting its own testbeds and a workshop. This
enabled AVL to take on more orders for engine development,
for example, for Jenbacher Werke, Steyr-Daimler-Puch, and
numerous foreign companies. The corporate headquarters are
still at this location today, alongside the head ofÏce for central
research and development tasks.
The 1950s
In 1955, AVL made the decision to develop engines for com-
mercial vehicles. Market analysis determined a need for small
diesel trucks with a load capacity of 800 to 1000 kg, and for
light equipment carriers for smaller agricultural enterprises.
AVL quickly came to an agreement with the steel industry in
Rottenmann to construct and manufacture diesel-powered
delivery vehicles. In 1958, AVL introduced the first four-stroke
diesel engines with direct injection for trucks equipped with
swirl ducts. These replaced the two-stroke engines and four-
stroke prechamber engines.
First expansion of AVL in 1952
Further expansion in 1958
75 YEARS AND BEYOND
8 | 9
SPECIAL EDITION