Liqui Moly: A Legacy of German Engineering in Lubricants and Additives
Founded in 1957 in Ulm, Germany, Liqui Moly GmbH has established itself as a global leader in the automotive service industry. Specializing in high-performance motor oils, lubricants, and additives, the company is renowned for its commitment to quality and technical innovation. Today, as part of the Würth Group, Liqui Moly continues to expand its reach, bringing German engineering excellence to drivers and workshops in 120 countries.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1957 in Ulm, Germany.
- Ownership: Fully owned by the Würth Group since January 1, 2018.
- Core Product: Specializes in molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) based lubricants.
- Global Reach: Products are sold in 120 countries.
- Revenue: 917 million Euro (as of December 2023).
- Workforce: 1,104 employees (as of December 2023).
The Science of Success: The Founding of Liqui Moly
The origins of Liqui Moly are rooted in a specific chemical breakthrough: the production of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). This substance, a solid lubricant, was discovered in US Army shops in post-war Germany, where it was sold in cans under the name "Liqui Moly." The company was founded to leverage this additive, which provides critical emergency running characteristics—the ability of an engine to continue operating briefly even during a sudden loss of oil.
This property was not new to aviation; World War I fighter pilots had previously added MoS2 to their aircraft engines to ensure they could land safely even if their oil tanks were punctured during combat. Liqui Moly brought this high-stakes reliability to the commercial automotive market.
Product Portfolio and Technical Applications
While the company began with a focus on MoS2, it has evolved into a comprehensive provider of automotive care. Molybdenum disulfide enhances lubrication quality and ensures stability under harsh operating conditions. It is versatile enough to be used in motor oils as well as non-motor lubricants, such as gear oil, transmission oil, and differential oils.
Today, Liqui Moly offers a massive range of over 4,000 products, including:
- Engine and gear oils.
- Performance additives for end-users.
- Vehicle care products.
- Professional workshop equipment and service products.
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Corporate Evolution and Leadership
For many years, the company was led by CEO Ernst Prost. On January 1, 2018, the Würth Group acquired the remaining shares from Prost, fully integrating Liqui Moly into its corporate structure. Following a period of dual leadership with Günter Hiermaier, Prost retired in February 2022. By the start of 2023, the management team transitioned to include Günter Hiermaier and Uli Weller, the company's long-time commercial director, as managing directors.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Ulm, Germany |
| Parent Company | Würth Group |
| Annual Revenue | 917 Million Euro |
| Employee Count | 1,104 |
| Market Presence | 120 Countries |
A Global Presence in Sports and Motorsports
Liqui Moly leverages high-performance sports to demonstrate the efficacy of its products. In the world of motorsports, the company sponsors Engstler Motorsport and FCP Euro in the TCR touring car series, and has partnered with the Intact GP motorcycle team in the Moto2 class. The brand also competed in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the 24 Hours of Daytona.
One of the company's most prestigious partnerships began in July 2020, when Liqui Moly became an official sponsor of Formula 1. This partnership, which started at the Styrian Grand Prix, was extended through the 2023 season.
Diversification into Mainstream Sports
Beyond the racetrack, Liqui Moly maintains a diverse sponsorship portfolio:
- Basketball: Official sponsor of the NBA's Chicago Bulls since September 2018.
- Ice Hockey: Sponsor of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings since 2017 and the Men's Ice Hockey World Championships.
- Handball: Title sponsor of the Handball-Bundesliga (Germany) and Starligue (France).
- Football: Past sponsorships include TSV 1860 Munich and FK Željezničar Sarajevo.
- Community: Official sponsor of SSV Ulm since 2024.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)?
Molybdenum disulfide is a solid lubricant used as an additive in oils. It enhances lubrication quality and provides emergency running characteristics, allowing engines to function briefly even if oil levels drop suddenly.
Who owns Liqui Moly?
Liqui Moly is a private company owned by the Würth Group, which acquired full ownership on January 1, 2018.
Where is Liqui Moly based?
The company is headquartered in Ulm, Germany, located on the river Danube.
How many products does Liqui Moly offer?
The company has developed a comprehensive range of over 4,000 products, spanning engine oils, additives, care products, and workshop equipment.
In which sports is Liqui Moly involved?
Liqui Moly is heavily involved in motorsports (Formula 1, TCR, Moto2) and mainstream sports including the NBA (Chicago Bulls), NHL (Los Angeles Kings), and European professional handball leagues.