Making its first motorcycle in 1916 and then known as DKW, MZ is the world’s oldest motorcycle manufacturer, and at one time (1929) was also the largest. The history of the MZ marque is fascinating; the link below will take you through all its name changes and incarnations, through political strife and the rise and fall of communism and eventually the fall of MZ itself in private hands.
Two strokes, four strokes, World Championships, Six Day Trials successes, MZ has had it all. For example, did you know that the 4 rings on the Audi motor car logo were first used on a motorcycle? No? Then read on...
Rather than regurgitate the whole history here, Wikipedia has already done it in a most comprehensive and reasonably accurate and interesting format. You can read it by clicking here. It may not be 100% accurate but it’s excellent and I am not going to knock the writer. A potted version is on the Club’s leaflet