100 years of ORTEN Fahrzeugbau – innovation based on tradition

The celebration focused on looking back on the company's eventful and consistently innovative history, paying tribute to the people who have shaped ORTEN, and taking an optimistic look at the international future.

Celebration with guests from politics and business
The guests included numerous representatives from politics and business, including state parliament representative Karina Wächter, mayor Leo Wächter, mayor Roman Bastgen, and Kevin Gläser, head of start-ups and business development at the Trier Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

“100 years are not an end point – but a colon”
In his speech, long-time managing partner Robert Erich Orten, who led the company for 48 years, took the guests on a journey through time: "Looking back on 100 years, you realize how much the world has changed – and how much our company has helped shape this change: from a blacksmith's shop to an innovative vehicle manufacturer. 100 years are not an end point, but a colon: we look back with gratitude and forward with optimism."

During the celebration, Robert Orten symbolically handed over the management of the company to his successor, Tarkeswhar Rao, who will lead the company together with the management team from October 1, 2025. Robert Orten will remain associated with the company as a strategic advisor.

Outlook: Tomorrow's mobility
With strong partners and a strong management team, and a clear focus on sustainable mobility solutions, ORTEN intends to further expand its role as an innovation leader in vehicle construction.
“We will continue to do what we do best: offer reliable and forward-looking vehicle and body technology and help shape the mobility of tomorrow,” emphasized the new managing director, Tarkeswhar Rao.

Thanks to employees, partners, and new owners
In his speech, Robert Orten paid tribute to the workforce: “Without the commitment of our employees, there would be no 100 years of ORTEN – no quality, no innovation. I would like to express my special thanks to them.”
The takeover by the Indian TRENTAR Mobility Group in May 2025 opens up new international perspectives for ORTEN, while the company remains firmly rooted in Bernkastel-Kues with its heart and headquarters.

Subodh Menon, founder and managing director of TRENTAR Mobility, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “I am very moved to see how this company has been built up and the trust that the Orten family has placed in us. We will continue the family tradition, place great value on local employment, and want to develop the company from Bernkastel into a successful global enterprise. That is our vision.”