Hercules: Nürnbergs letzter Motorradhersteller — wie die stärkste Marke der Stadt als letzte fiel

Hercules Werke AG — founded in Nuremberg in 1886 by Carl Marschütz as a bicycle manufacturer, became a motorcycle manufacturer in 1903, was acquired by Fichtel & Sachs in 1958, took over Zweirad-Union in 1966, saw the world premiere of the first Wankel-engined production motorcycle in 1974, was acquired by Mannesmann in 1983, sold to Swedish owners in 1987, and ceased motorcycle production in 1993. This documentary tells the complete story: From Carl Marschütz and the first motorized bicycle in 1903. From Kurt Kleinhans and the economic miracle. From the Hercules Prima — the moped that mobilized a generation. From the W2000, the world's only Wankel-engined production motorcycle. From Guido Menghi, the engineer who was forced out. From Lars Eriksson, the auditor from Stockholm who never rode a motorcycle. And from the end — not through competition, but through indifference. The story of Nuremberg's last motorcycle manufacturer. Sources include: Museum of Industrial Culture Nuremberg, Nuremberg City Archives, "Hercules – 100 Years of Two-Wheelers" (company history), Motorcycle Archive 1964–1993, German Two-Wheeler Museum Neckarsulm. Hercules Motorcycle, Hercules Works Nuremberg