If there is one thing Germany is known for it is its commendable achievements in science and technology, where significant research and development efforts have had a profound effect on the country’s economy.  From engineering, mathematics to scientific disciplines such as physics and chemistry Germany has been home to some prominent researchers, so much so that during the 20^th century Germany had more Nobel Prizes in the sciences than any other nation.  One legendary aspect of German manufacturing is its cars; here are some places where you can go to appreciate Germany’s panache for production.
 
Mercedes-Benz Museum - Stuttgart
 
With a plethora of German car manufacturers and automobile production being something you immediately associate with the Germans then it comes as no surprise that there are many auto-museums.  As home of Mercedes-Benz, Stuttgart is the apt home of its museum, and allows you to take a journey through 125 years of automotive history.  This is the only place in the world which offers an unbroken history of the automobile from its very beginning.  You will be transported back to 1886, where the ingenuity of Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz led to the invention of what we have come to know as the car today.
 
The building itself is a supreme example German manufacturing and architecture and exudes classic German efficiency thanks to the buildings height of 34 metres and double helix interior, which sees three overlapping circles with the centre removed to create a triangle atrium.  With a floor space of 16,500 over 9 levels the museum houses 160 vehicles and 1500 exhibits.
 
Porsche Museum - Stuttgart
 
Similar to the Mercedes-Benz Museum the architecture of the building is a site to behold in itself.  The design, by Vienna’s Delugan Meissl Associated Architects really catches the eye.  The museum has come to be known as a ‘rolling museum’ which features rotating exhibits of 300 restored cars.  The bold dynamic architecture is symbolic of the Porsche philosophy and smoothly guides visitors from basement level into the superstructure.
 
Around 80 vehicles and many small exhibits are on display at the new Porsche Museum set within a unique ambience.  Of course the legendary and iconic vehicles such as the 356, 550, 911, and 917 are on display while other exhibits include some of the outstanding technical achievements of Professor Ferdinand Porsche from the early 20th century.  From the lobby, visitors ascend a spectacular ramp to the entrance of the spacious exhibition area, where they can gain an initial overview of the impressive collection.  The visitor is free to choose whether to start chronologically with the company history before 1948, or to head directly into the main area of the exhibition, which contains a chronological history of Porsche products and thematic islands. 
 
Volkswagen Factory – Wolfsburg
 
The synonymous brand of Germany is of course Volkswagen, instantly recognisable they have gained notoriety around the world for propelling the classic travel component - the campervan.  Volkswagen headquarters are located in Wolfsburg, roughly an hour away from Berlin (you might recognise the Bundesliga team, Wolfsburg, who are sponsored by the manufacturer).   Volkswagen value their cars so highly that they have built a whole city devoted to them.  Their £270m ‘Autostadt’ (City of Cars) was opened in 2000, adjacent to Volkswagen HQ in Wolfsburg.  When you visit this stunning 250,000sq m complex, which features lakes and parks, marketplaces and streets and even its own train station, you embark on a fascinating voyage of discovery.  You can also enjoy various types of entertainment, world restaurants, and a unique events centre.   
 
The Group Forum inside explains how the company meet the needs of customers worldwide.  While the Marque Pavilions showcase the many faces of Volkswagen: famous brands like Audi, Seat, Skoda, Lamborghini and Bentley, each displayed in its individual setting.  While in the Volkswagen Automuseum you can admire vintage Volkswagens and other landmark models and learn about the history of motorcars.
 
BMW Welt - Munich
 
The fortunate ones get to come here and pick up their brand new BMW, as BMW Welt is first and foremost a car pick up centre.  Explore the BMW Welt and witness production processes at the BMW Plant and a new display of both tradition and future trends at the BMW Museum.  A very dynamic attraction, it has welcomed two million visitors every year since its opening in 2007.  The delivery centre sees as many as 100 new customers pick up their cars every day, while there are also interactive exhibits showcasing the operations in research and development as well as design and production.
 
The neighbouring BMW Museum covers 90 years of BMW history through a total of 120 original exhibits that are laid out on a virtual roadway across 25 exhibition areas.  The museum is located just across from the corporate headquarters, which means the history of BMW is never far behind from the present.  All brands of the groups – MINI, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, BMW i, BMW M and the BMW Group itself – are now presented in the BMW Welt.

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