Autogerma celebrates its 50th anniversary with the city of Verona
A weekend of big celebrations coming up, on 5 and 6 June. The anniversary is an important one: Autogerma turns 50 and is celebrating this fantastic milestone with all its employees and with the city of Verona, which has welcomed it since the 1960s (in 1965 the spare parts warehouse and since 1974 the office building), never failing to provide the conditions for effective collaboration.
Founded in 1954 in Bologna thanks to Gerhard Richard Gumpert, who came to Italy in 1940 as legation secretary of the German Embassy, after its first decisive development in Bologna, Autogerma grew and consolidated in Verona, following the city's development at the same pace and involving the people of Verona in its expansion. This close and important relationship has given rise to the desire to share the 50th anniversary celebration, which will therefore have several highlights. Activities are scheduled both at Autogerma's headquarters and in the heart of the city, Piazza Bra and the Arena, in the streets of Verona and in another symbolic place like the Roman Theatre.
Between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 June, Autogerma's headquarters will become a space open to everyone. The continuous projection of a film on the history of the company and guided tours of the spare parts warehouse - an example of organization and efficiency that supplies many markets in south-eastern Europe - will provide an insight into the Company’s reality. Next to the warehouse, in a large area, there will be Automuseum, an exhibition tracing the history of the car, animated by 50 historical cars, details and objects of the past. 350 vintage Beetles will gather for the occasion, and in the afternoon will drive through the streets of the city: an ideal embrace of Autogerma in Verona. On arrival in Piazza Bra, a jury will award prizes to the 20 best models.
In Verona's most famous square, a stage will host the ‘Autogerma 50th Show’, which will be performed continuously over the two days. In addition, in the fascinating atmosphere of the archways of the Arena, the Roman amphitheater that is the symbol of the city of Verona, it will be possible to visit the Museum exhibition, a journey through Autogerma's history that sees the company inserted into the different social contexts that have characterized Italy over the last half-century. This exhibition will undoubtedly also please those who wish to visit the Arena: they will in fact be guests of Autogerma, which has obtained free admission for all visitors for the celebration weekend.
The highlight is scheduled for Saturday evening at the Roman Theatre: the jazz singer Cassandra Wilson’s concert, reserved for the Autogerma ‘family’ of employees, retirees and people very close to the company - including Volkswagen Group President Bernd Pischetsrieder and the mayor of Wolfsburg (who will enter into a friendship pact with the mayor of Verona on Saturday afternoon).