The history of the Novo Mesto–based Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Company (Industrija motornih vozil – IMV) dates to 1954, when the factory began assembling delivery and personal vehicles by agreement with the West German company DKW. In 1958, it began making its own delivery vehicles and, later, caravans, which were initially intended for export to the Swedish market. In 1972, after the factory’s work with the British company Austin ended, IMV signed a contract with the French company Renault, which raised its production of personal motor vehicles to a European level. IMV eventually developed into three large and successful factories: Revoz d. d. Novo Mesto, which today produces more than 200,000 cars each year; Adria Mobil, which specializes in caravans, motor homes, and mobile houses; and TPV d. d., which develops and manufactures major automotive parts.
Along with its display of personal and delivery vehicles, caravans, and motor homes – many of which were discovered in poor condition far from Novo Mesto and have been beautifully restored – the exhibition also presents their technical documentation and models. It testifies to more than half a century in the design of motor vehicles and logos for IMV, Adria Mobil, TPV, and Revoz. Also included are ephemeral but important advertising and marketing products, such as catalogues, brochures, posters, technical instructions, and in-house newsletters – in short, the visual identities of IMV and its successor companies, which point to changes in the prevailing aesthetic norms and social values between 1954 and 2012.
Opening Hours: June-September: Saturdays: 10:00-12:00; September onwards: every first Saturday of the month: 10:00-12:00; Group Visits by Appointment