A timeline of some significant events in KGK’s history can be found below.
Knut-Göran (KG) Knutsson establishes the engineering firm KG Knutsson AB with five employees. This forms the foundation of the KGK Group.
KGK sells a German 2-stroke engine produced by Karl Schmidt (now the company Kolbenschmidt) with great success to the Swedish bicycle manufacturer Nymanbolagen.
The partnership between KGK and ZF is formed. A relationship between KGK and Hella (then Westfälische Metall Industrie GmbH) is also formed.
KGK signs its first contract with VDO Tachometerwerke Adolf Schindling GmbH.
KGK develops the sumlog, a speed gauge for recreational boats, that is later launched through VDO. The sumlog enjoys sales success that lasts for over 30 years.
Sweden switches to right-hand traffic. All cars must have their headlights replaced. Together with Hella, KGK is the first in the Swedish market to offer headlights for right-hand traffic.
KGK helps to introduce Webasto to the Swedish market.
Håkan Knutsson takes over from his father and becomes President of KG Knutsson AB. Håkan is still active as CEO of the KGK Group.
KGK moves from Bromma to Sollentuna. Headquarters, logistics and workshops are built in premises spanning 20,000 square meters. The company gradually expands the product range with a number of brands like Kamasa Tools, NGK and Knutsson Bilstereo (now replaced with Blaupunkt and Clarion).
KGK takes over as general agent for Suzuki motorcycles, outboard motors, and four wheelers. The operations are split off into a separate company under the name KGK Motor AB.
KGK takes over Semel OY in the early 1990s. Semel develops and delivers mobile business system solutions, with its main emphasis on the taxi industry and its customers.
KGK is established in Finland in 1992 through the takeover of OY Kaha. Shortly thereafter, the company expands into Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Tachographs become a legal requirement in Sweden. Together with VDO Kienzle, KGK takes the majority of the market share.
KGK takes over the company Malmö Autotillbehör AB, thereby supplementing KGK’s accessories range with spare parts for the automotive industry. Today, spare parts are one of KGK’s biggest business areas.
The Autoexperten concept is introduced. Autoexperten is a retail and workshop concept with local wholesalers throughout Sweden.
Siemens acquires VDO and forms SiemensVDO Automotive. SiemensVDO chooses KGK to be its regional representative in Sweden.
KGK takes over ZF’s subsidiary in Norway.
KGK becomes the main distributor of Dräger ignition interlocks and breathalyzers.
KGK opens its 33,000 square-meter logistics center in Enköping. The semiautomated logistics center is an important pillar in KGK’s operations. Parts of the previous warehouse space at the headquarters in Sollentuna are converted into a conference wing, training facilities, office space, a dining room, and a gym.
KGK becomes the exclusive distributor of Calix car heater systems in Sweden and Norway.
Johan Regefalk takes over as the first employed CEO of KG Knutsson AB, which remains wholly owned by the Knutsson family.
The Autoexperten concept comprises 60 jointly owned or affiliated stores / local grocery stores, with 410 affiliated workshops